Heyher

I'm 5'5" (5'6" on a good day) and when I was 160 i was in size 8 dress pants and a large top. I'm pretty top heavy, and straight from the ribs down when I lose weight. Right now I'm in 18 pants and 2x top. Can't wait to get my old clothes out. They were CUTE!!

Fear of change is normal. Fear of the unknown is getting to me too. But my fight or flight has kicked in, and I am fighting. LoL!! Who did you book in Mexico? I'm staying local. That's what's in my comfort level. I know I'll be paying more, but if something happens with my MS, then I'm close to home. I have much respect to those who go to Mexico. Traveling that far from home has to be scary!!

Questions about reflux, insurance approval, things like that. Then I posted that even if insurance denies me, my employer allows 401k medical hardship withdraws so I can get surgery. And that it will be in jan or feb next year. I don't think I'll back out. I have been contemplating WLS surgery for several years. Now that I made my mind up, no turning back. :-) Why do you think you'll back out? Is it the surgery itself or life post op that makes you nervous?

Sorry, but I get the vibe of if you're not friend with the cool people on here, then you don't get too much support. I have posted questions or about getting my surgery figured out. Few posted words of encouragement. Thought this was VST, not high school cafeteria. You try to help others and then you post your good news, and blah. Nada. I am thankful for those who congratulated me. But really, why help these people when nothing really in return? Some of the people come across as "I'm skinny, you're still fat. So I know more, but I won't help because then you might succeed too." It's not everyone. But kind of hurtful when you try to help others, and nothing in return. I have found I am the thread killer. I post, and that's the last post. Like I said when I was attacked by a certain member because I didn't agree with them when they said I was wrong about insurance. This forum is not near the support group it was. Maybe I'll post after the new year, but not expecting much in the way of responses.

Thank you!!!! I was really discouraged at the end of November. But it's going to be done. I am going to be healthy enough to have kids in a few years!! OMG I will be able to be a mommy!!! Never thought I wanted that. But I met my fiancé two years ago and now I have baby fever. Two more years and it will happen!!!

So I posted in the insurance forum, but I just can't believe that I am having surgery one way or another end of Jan or beginning of Feb. even if insurance gives the final no, I am able to use 401(k). I didn't know if my work offered it, but they allow hardship withdraws. And I spoke to my accountant about how to work it so I'm not paying the 10% penalty on top of taxes. Just need to find out exactly how much and wait to hear from insurance. Then with they pay or I pay. But the main fact is IM GETTING SLEEVED!!!!

So I just realized that late Jan or early Feb surgery is happening!!! It would be awesome if insurance would pay. But even if they don't, my 401(k) will! Found a surgeon who has a self pay that I can afford. OMG IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN FOR ME!!!!!

I found a doc in my area. His name is Dr Thomas Brown. He has great reviews and this is the right decision for me. I did contact dr Alverez office. They were very nice. Just going to someone here in CO seems to be my resolve.

Good luck too!!! My despair is no more!!! I didn't think my work offered hardship withdraws. But yes they do and I'm gunna have surgery one way or another!!! OMG!!!

I'm wondering if length post op plays a part in it. When someone is still fresh from surgery (3-4 months) they advise against it because NSAIDS can cause ulcers. And if there is a nice fresh cut down the stomach the risk is too high to advise taking it. But for those 6+ months out the stomach is more or less healed and the risk is slightly diminished.

I have been doing the insurance dance since September. The external review is my last hope for insurance to pay. If not then ill pay. But not getting the surgery is not an option for me either. But knowing ill be getting sleeved in a month or so regardless of who pays is scary. But in a good way.

Insurance has until 1/19/13 to make a final determination. If external is denied, medical hardship from 401(k) and surgery soon after that. So Jan or Feb I will have surgery one way or another.

I actually got a big benefit from the sleep study. For a few years I had bad migraines and my body was always hurting. I have ms, so I just chalked it up to that. After the sleep study the found out I have moderate sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. Got me in anti inflammatory meds for the fibro and stated using a cpap. Not one headache in almost three months.

Search three week stall here. You will see its very common. Also on those posts people have listed what they tried and what worked to break the dreaded three week stall. Congrats on 30 lbs down!! Over a lb a day!!!

Medicaid will pay portions or all depending where you are to the national poverty limit. If your DH is a certain percentage above the poverty limit, then that is how they pay. Lots of info here. Worth a look. http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/medicaid/med_info.html

Look into your states Medicaid. They cover the sleeve. There are hoops and diet. But that may be an option as well.

I would say just keep saving and do cash pay. You are over half way to Dr Alverez cash payment. Or see if your hubby has 401k where you can take a loan to make up the difference. That way you are paying yourself back plus interest. Or there is also the medical hardship withdraw from 401k.

Every plan has a time limit. If its past what your plan allows, you are well within reason to file a complaint. Even if it has been escalated, if its the first submission most plans have 30-45 days max when all info has been submitted.

Still waiting for approval. Did you do go through insurance or self pay?

As anyone taken a medical hardship withdraw from 401k to pay for surgery in Mexico? I have paperwork from my surgeon in America saying I need surgery. But if insurance won't pay, I have 401k and was just wondering if they have requirements on where you can have surgery.

Also your notes didn't say a specific time frame for BMI. If its over 40, and you are following the plan, then I'm not sure why they would deny.

Being one that has been denied, keep believing that it can, no, WILL happen for you. Not sure about your company, but if they submit and you are denied appeal to HR for an exception. Try peer to peer. Appeal every level. Go to external review. If your docs and surgeon think this is needed, then they will help you fight. I'm waiting for my external appeal decision. If they say no I'm pulling from my 401k and heading south of the boarder. Lindstrom can help with appeals. Check your states medicade program to see if you qualify. Look into grants to help fund the surgery. Call your insurance and ask what comorbidities qualify. Above all FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!! Don't give up!

I don't have BCBS. I have UHC. I'm starting to believe that stands for undeniably hellish company. :-/ My plan doesn't consider comorbidities. Only 5 years at 40+ BMI or no dice. Oh and I learned it has to be consecutive. So I have been playing the appeal game and finally went to external review. Now I pray the IRO agrees with me. I will keep my fingers crossed that you get quick approval. :-)

I posted this in the MX board, just wondering if anyone post op can answer. As anyone taken a medical hardship withdraw from 401k to pay for surgery in Mexico? I have paperwork from my surgeon in America saying I need surgery. But if insurance won't pay, I have 401k and was just wondering if there are rules against it.

I just want to know.... It's driving me nuts!!! I'm to the point of calling every other day. I know the external review has until January, but I just want so bad to hear approved.... Will be deviatated if they say no. But I just want to know...