SueRN

Thanks Sue for all your encouragement. I really appreciate your friendship. Here's wishing you the best that life has to offer. I hope remain TT friends 4 life.

Thanks for everything Sue, I talked to the scheduling secretary and found out papers will be sent this week. Im really counting on them going out next week. I have to give a 30 day family leave request once I have the date. The surgeon will only be at the hospital 1 day in February. He travel between 2 hospitals and that date is February 11th. It is always on a Wednesday. So the next available dates fall in March. He will be here every Wednesday in March. Im hoping to get March 25th as my date, That way my 2 weeks will fall into our Spring Break which is the second week in April and if I have to stay out longer, I can. You have answered so many questions for me. Thanks for everything. Im nervous but I know that this is something I need to do for me. Let's stay in touch. Thank you so much.

Hi Sue, I see where you were employed by BCBSNC. My papers are being submitted this week for prior approval for GBS. My question: If everything is in order, how long normally does it take insurance to give their recomendation. Once approval have been given, how long can you wait before having the surgery. I work in the school system and am trying to decide if I need to have the surgery once I am approved or should I wait until spring break when the children are out of school. Ive been told that I will probably be out anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks. I know, that I would like to have everything done before our fiscal year ends in June. What do you think.

Thanks for any advice

Sue, I hope that you can offer me some advice. I am 5'3" & weigh 240lbs. I have GERD & hypothyroidism/controlled with meds. No sleep apnea, but there was something weird about sesation of breathing and extreme body movement during REM sleep. The dr. recommended immediate weight loss. I've been morbidly obese for 10 years; my weight has gone up and down-180 as recently as 2006, I have bladder control issues, my knees ache. So, I wonder if you think that I should go forward in the approval process for gastric bypass surgery? I had an upper GI (signs of very mild gastroparesis- I don't have ANY symptoms of the condition. I think that it was a fluke. My test showed fatty liver disease which my dr. noted was a direct result of my weight and would be corrected with weight loss) pulmonary, blood work. I have BCBSNC Smart Choice Plus State 1st and Tricare North Standard as 2nd. Thanks

Hi Sue, I just wanted to say that you are such a wonderful person to share your experience to so many people with WLS questions. It's comforting to read your posts and see how much your knowledge about the insurance has helped so many people.

Sue,

I got a question in my group that I could not really answer so I directed the person to you. Their question is about a refusal for gastric bypass based on the fact that she has reumatoid arthritis. The user name is ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass and Lap Band® Forum - View Profile: PATOFEO I hope you don't mind, and thanks for the help.

Jon

haaa sue that was true! i'm so glad it wasnt my floor. hahaaa! nope i didnt keep a sample but a sample is NOT a problem i can "stir" more up on demand darn near. i have a 9month post op check on thursday and will be in that office until he fixes me thanks so much

Hello Sue,
I am 43 y.o with a BMI of 42 since 2004, in 2003 it was 39.4. I have BCBS of RI, which does cover WLS. My question is do you think they will approve me?
I have no other comorbids, have done the 6 month diet, psych, pulmon. PCP and letter of need done. My paperwork was submitted today and I am going nuts!! I have been obese for so long and I am just tired of not being in control of my weight. I can loose it, but it always comes back, plus extra.
Any tips, ideas will be appreciated.

Thank you so much Sue, and I will let you know if I have anymore. My initial consult is on Tues so we will see from then.

Thank you so much for been such a great help, in answering my question.

Becky