IMSKINNY

Hey, Shannon! How much time did you take off from work, if you don't mind me asking?

Thanks, Shannon!

Does anybody who saw Dr. Chu remember if she did a cardiac clearance? And, if so, was it done in her office?

I wasn't really scared of it all. I just thought I can lose on my own! After all, I had done it before, right?! I have lost 70 + lbs on my own. But, it all came back and then some. Finally, at 45 with menopause knocking at my door, the weight will not move. I finally have realized that I need help! I'm excited now! Do what we all did! Take the first step and go to the info session. Once I educated myself on the process, I felt so much more confident about my decision. I started this process in February. I was just approved for surgery on July 3.

Dr. Lavin is a part of the group of doctors that I decided to go with. I know several people that have used him. I have heard nothing but positive things about him.

Has anyone had experience with Cannon Cochran Verity Healthnet? I am a government employee. I have been to the first meeting with the surgeon's office and the dietician. I was told that I have to do the 3 month medically supervised diet and psych eval for the sleeve. I have a 48 BMI with hypertension. I also have chronic joint pain and arthritis. After the first visit, I was excited and began the one meal replacement diet. Then, I saw my PCP's nurse when I went to go pick up medical records and she said not to try too hard to lose during the diet or I might be denied! WTH? I'm now really confused! Any advice about the ins company and/or the diet? Thanks ahead of time!

I wanted to post in this forum that I was approved by my insurance company because when I was looking for information on my insurer in Louisiana, I couldn't find any information on this site. I am a parish/state employee and we are self funded. The insurer or third party administrator is CCMSI or Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. I hope that if anyone starts searching in the future for information, they will find this post and know that it can be done!

Paperwork was submitted to the insurer a week ago. I called this AM to check the status. I was told in a very condescending voice by the reviewing nurse that this process would take 'a very long time.' She said that she was waiting on a call from the medical examiner because she wanted to discuss with him what to ask my surgeon's office about other weightloss programs that I have tried. I said well, next week is a holiday week and I just wanted an update before people went on vacations, etc. She said oh, you won't hear anything next week! This process takes a very long time. WTH?! Do these people sound like they are looking for a reason not to approve me or what? I began this process in February! Because I anticipated this foolishness, I contacted Dr. Alvarez in Mexico! Susan, his coordinator, said by the time those folks at the insurance company figure out what's going on, you'll be halfway to your goal weight! I paid my deposit...

Has anyone in Louisiana had VSG? If so, which insurance company approved you?

Hey, Shannon, how much weight have you lost, if you don't mind me asking?

I'm no quite sure, but I do know at the time that I called, his office was offering a discounted price.

I wanted to post in this forum that I was approved by my insurance company because when I was looking for information on my insurer in Louisiana, I couldn't find any information on this site. I am a parish/state employee and we are self funded. The insurer or third party administrator is CCMSI or Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. I hope that if anyone starts searching in the future for information, they will find this post and know that it can be done!

Hey, guys! I just discovered this thread and I have been on this site since February! I have been through all of the insurance hurdles and finally got approved. My surgeon is Dr. Chu in Lafayette. I meet with her to sign consents on July 25! I am so excited! Cheers to everyone!

My surgeon is Dr. Chu in Lafayette. I'm glad to know that the people who used her were very satisfied!

Thanks for asking, Amostthere34! You're right! It is a good problem to have! But, in all honesty, I will only pay 900 out of pocket now that the procedure is covered. Even though my surgeon is out of my network, she has agreed to waive any difference in what the insurer pays and her fee. I can save the 8700 that I would self pay in MX for clothes and plastic surgery! But, believe me, if this hadn't worked out, I was going to MX! ...in a NY minute!!

Thanks, helleva! You just got approved too, didn't you? Do you have a surgery date yet?

I wanted to post in this forum that I was approved by my insurance company because when I was looking for information on my insurer in Louisiana, I couldn't find any information on this site. I am a parish/state employee and we are self funded. The insurer or third party administrator is CCMSI or Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc. I hope that if anyone starts searching in the future for information, they will find this post and know that it can be done!

Hey, guys, guess what? I was driving today (July 3) when my surgeon's office called and said I AM APPROVED for surgery!! OMG! I am so surprised! I had already made plans to go to MX after I spoke with the insurance company last week and they were soooo negative! I am still in shock!! Thanks to all of you for your advice and well wishes! And to everyone waiting on the insurance to respond, stay positive! It will happen!