Support Group Meetings - ThinnerTimes

Shakiki · 03-19-2006, 01:00 PM

Just curious, for all of you that have gone thru surgery, and for those going thru the insurance authorization process... How many support group meetings have you gone to before surgery?

Going to a meeting(s) is part of the requirements for my insurance (Empire BlueCross BlueShield), but the hospital where my surgery would take place (including other local hospitals here in my area) only hold them once a month at odd times like 4 or 5pm on a weekday. I dont get off work in time... but since its a requirement, I'm gonna have to take some of my vacation time

to go to one held in April. (I've already used a heap of vacation time for all my pre-surg stuff which is completed, so this is the best I can do)

Did any of you guys insurance put a requirement on the # of meetings you had to go to?

Zenomia · 03-19-2006, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakiki

Just curious, for all of you that have gone thru surgery, and for those going thru the insurance authorization process... How many support group meetings have you gone to before surgery?

Going to a meeting(s) is part of the requirements for my insurance (Empire BlueCross BlueShield), but the hospital where my surgery would take place (including other local hospitals here in my area) only hold them once a month at odd times like 4 or 5pm on a weekday. I dont get off work in time... but since its a requirement, I'm gonna have to take some of my vacation time

to go to one held in April. (I've already used a heap of vacation time for all my pre-surg stuff which is completed, so this is the best I can do)

Did any of you guys insurance put a requirement on the # of meetings you had to go to?

It all depends on your insurance and Surgery group requirements. My Insurance doesn't require it, but my Surgeon highly reccomends it. (Meaning: it's not required..but you will most likely get that face from the nurse staff if you don't attend at least one pre-op.

) Like you, they have them once a month, though at night. I have Chem. Lab/Class those nights, so I won't be able to attend either...and they don't mind as long as I make a point of going post-op. Support is VERY important to WLS..anything you read or research will tell you that there is a higher percentage of success for patients to attend support meetings regularly, than those who don't.
Maybe talk to your group about setting the time to something in the evenings? Good luck!

Ryn · 03-19-2006, 04:03 PM

I was not required. They do not even hold them in my city anymore.

Mavisavis · 03-20-2006, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakiki

Just curious, for all of you that have gone thru surgery, and for those going thru the insurance authorization process... How many support group meetings have you gone to before surgery?

Going to a meeting(s) is part of the requirements for my insurance (Empire BlueCross BlueShield), but the hospital where my surgery would take place (including other local hospitals here in my area) only hold them once a month at odd times like 4 or 5pm on a weekday. I dont get off work in time... but since its a requirement, I'm gonna have to take some of my vacation time

to go to one held in April. (I've already used a heap of vacation time for all my pre-surg stuff which is completed, so this is the best I can do)

Did any of you guys insurance put a requirement on the # of meetings you had to go to?

The center I went to has listings of other local groups....maybe you could do that?

Mz_Desz · 03-20-2006, 08:07 PM

No my insurance doesn't require it, but its highly recommended by my surgeons to attend them.

Like Mavisavis said maybe you can find one in your area that is held at a later time. You shouldn't be required to attend just the one at your hospital. If you do go to another one just ask for proof of attendence.

JJ Girl · 03-21-2006, 09:58 AM

Shakiki,

If you do not have any support groups in your area, maybe they would count this forum as an online support group. Or, maybe you could have a telephone "sponsor"? As a final resort, they may approve Weight Watchers, a hospital weightloss program or Overeaters Anonymous as a support group.