JazzyJ

So the saga continues...I got a call from the insurance coordinator today saying that I need to go to my PCP to get a separate letter than the doctor at the other center wrote providing medical clearance. My PCP is saying that he doesn't see me enough to give medical clearance. His office did my physical a year ago (my insurance only pays for a physical every two years), but other than carrying about 150 extra pounds, I am relatively healthy or see a specialist. I am SO frustrated-I had fought for insurance clearance and got it from the other surgeon's office. I was finally allowing myself to hope a little that it was going to go through this time and I was going to be able to start my new life. I have an appointment on the 19th to see the PCP and hopefully walk away with the letter. I have everything set to go for October 9-my mom is coming out to help me, I have time off from work, and I was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I am usually optimistic but in this case I am having a hard time being optimistic.

I am counting down-30 days from today. I fell down some stairs last weekend and wrecked my knee-just another sign that I need to get this weight off. I am on crutches and am not able to exercise. I was starting to get in more exercise so that would be one less change I needed to make.

I have the same fear. Along with the fear of complications...I love the snowblower analogy!

So I finally told my husband about the surgery (my date is Oct. 8). After I explained it, his response was "so they take OUT your stomach but leave the fat? That makes no sense at all!". When I stopped laughing I explained it again...

My husband has named mine "Tim the Tapeworm". He says he is going to tell people I got a tapeworm when he is asked about my weightloss. My husband has a unique sense of humor... . I don't even get sleeved until October 9.

I am October 9. So excited but a little scared. But I have o do the surgery-I fell this morning down some stairs and feel like my knee is completely blown out. So frustrated and afraid that I won't be able to lose the pre-op weight without exercise.

The only thing that scares me is the thought that it won't work. Or the thought that I won't lose enough weight pre-op and the surgery will be post-poned. I see the nut next Tuesday and my date is October 9. I am trying to get everything ready. I found a couple of super inexpensive but cute baggy dresses today for post-op. Trying to gradually get things ready... One more thing that scares me-no coffee! I don't drink soda often, but definitely need a coffee kick in the morning!

My date is October 9. I'm 43, married without children ( unless we count the 4 legged variety!) and live in Massachusetts.

I am pre-op, but from the Boston area. I started at the MGH Weight Management Center, then recently switched to Brigham and Women's. My surgery date is Oct. 8.

I have a surgery date-October 8th!

Congrats!

I need to change the heading to "second surgeon says yes". I went to see Dr. Shikora at Brigham & Women's today and he actually thinks the surgery will help alleviate some of the other issues I have! So excited-now I just have to figure out how to tell my husband!

I have an appointment with Dr. Shikora on the 23rd. Funny that the earliest I could get in to discuss options was the 2nd week of September with the other dr. Thanks for all of the input!

I live in Massachusetts. There are lots of good hospital options up here, so now I have to decide who to go to for the second opinion. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Thanks-I am going to get another opinion but am not very hopeful. My surgeon teaches at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital already, which is a major teaching hospital. I had an intestinal blockage that had to be resolved through surgery 9 years ago.

I also ride. I am pre-op and can't wait to be lighter and not have to worry if I am hurting my mares back! How many weeks post-op did you have to wait before you could ride?

I got a call from my doctor's office-they received the approval from Cigna!! But-now I have an endoscopy scheduled next week, the surgeon can't get me in for an appointment after that until Sept. 5th, and then maybe I can get a surgery date. Right now, he is booking in mid October...

I was denied-again. We sent in the medical clearance, but they said it did not provide "unqualified clearance" for the surgery. I don't have the letter so I don't know exactly what it said, but one would think the doctor would know how to write the medical clearance letter to get it approved. We now have to do the peer to peer review. My paperwork was originally submitted in May...very frustrated with Cigna, with my doctor's office and the entire process.

I am with you. I got an initial rejection, sent in one additional piece of information, which they then said they didn't get. Resent it this morning, called to confirm receipt this afternoon. I think I am going to make a pest of myself and call every day until they tell me "approved"!!

But thanks to you guys, I expected it and didn't panic. They denied on the basis of needing a separate medical evaluation, which I have and was included in the information that was already sent. They are asking that we split it out and resend it. Once that is done, I should know in 5 days. It has been a long haul because the surgeon didn't originally want to do the surgery because of prior medical history-it has been over 2 years since my first visit there! Ready to get the show on the road already!

I had an intestinal blockage requiring surgery and some complications almost 10 years ago.