ready2smile

I'm beyond nervous and totally on the edge. Not sure I can take much more of this but I'm trying to stay positive. My pre-op appointment is little more than a week away and my surgery is scheduled for Jan.10th. I still haven't heard back from the surgery coordinator if she's gotten a response from my insurance approving the change from sleeve to RNY, (I was approved for the sleeve on 11/27, and then I decided to change to RNY because of hernia and gerd issues and they had to resubmit). This was two weeks ago. I talked to her on the 18th or 19th and she said she'd call them and get back to me the next day. It's now close to a week later and I haven't heard from her and I've tried calling her-NOTHING. I know they're dealing with end of the year stuff and I'm trying to be patient, but to be honest, I think they are the most disorganized office I've ever dealt with. Has anyone else ever had trouble dealing with their coordinators? Not sure if I should call my insurance myself, go down to my surgeons office or what... I don't want to show up at my pre-op and learn AGAIN, it's been denied-that already happened to me in May.

Super excited for you all getting your dates! :] I'm getting a bit nervous, and I have not prepared AT ALL. It's hard to trust after the last go-round when my surgery was cancelled the day of my pre-op (May 2012). This pre-op is little more than a week away, surgery scheduled for Jan.10th and still haven't heard back from the surgery coordinator if she's gotten a response from my insurance approving the change from sleeve to RNY. To be honest, I think they are the most disorganized office I've ever dealt with. Has anyone else ever had trouble dealing with their coordinators?

Curious and hoping the post op pros can help me. Wondering when you returned to work after surgery, how did you felt; did you have to argue/bargain with your doctor if you went back before 6 weeks? Was your work reasonable or did they make you feel guilty? Oh, and was it a desk or physical job and how did you adjust the changes to your routine? Thanks!

I'm sorry, I think I read too many comments and a few bled together. Hopefully your approval from the old insurance will help the new one decide in your favor. Sucks that they make you wait like that.

Sorry you're having so much trouble. Seems like there are so many of us that have had to almost beg our insurance companies to pay out the benefits we pay into. Not sure where you live or why you were denied before, but I can say from experience that they will deny you (on my plan in CA) if you are lower than 40 BMI with co-morbs. My plan is BSNV (or BC), which is very similar to Anthem BC/BS and when I met the magical BMI number, it was approved. Am in the process of changing surgeries; sleeve to RNY, so I'm still waiting for that to go through...bleh. My surgeons office isn't the most organized, so I have to keep on them-which is no bueno. Hope you get very good news very soon!!!

Only 1 person knows about my surgery because I refuse to engage in the almost guaranteed negativity, jealousy, and ignorance surrounding the procedure and its use as a medical tool for weight loss-not an easy way out. My family, co-workers, friends, etc. would not/do not get it. Aside from work, people will only know (after the fact) I had a hernia repaired, which will happen at the same time. I'm sure I may get questions later, but if so I'll deal with that when the time comes and respond with an honest, "I'm eating less and healthier".

This is scary! My surgeons office submitted my original request for the lapband back in May thinking I'd have a better chance of approval with my lower BMI (I'd requested RNY). I was denied, looking back, perhaps that was a blessing because I have gerd and a sliding hiatal hernia-this could have happened to me. I kept jumping through the insurances hoops and qualified in Nov. I requested the sleeve thinking since my gerd hadn't acted up in a while I'd be ok-got a date for 2 weeks later then had to reschedule for Jan. because of work. Lo and behold, 1 week later, BIG gerd/hernia flare up. Had to call the surgeons office to tell them this time I'd changed my mind about the actual type of surgery. I was scared to get the sleeve. They had to resubmit to insurance but kept my date for Jan-I hope RNY is approved and I get to keep it! If not they said they'd do the band, I'm thinking for sure NOT now. Thank you for sharing-praying insurance approves the change, I should know tomorrow.

Only my husband knows. I'm taking time from work, but I'm having a hernia repaired at the same time so no one knows about the WLS part. Family, haha. My hubby had it, did great but his mom was upset. They thought it was risky and extreme. Although most of my family is overweight-I doubt they'd be very understanding. My sister and mother would be more jealous than anything at me losing weight. Sister would probably comment (to others) that I couldn't do it on my own even though she's never been thin herself and struggles with WL, and mom would gripe because she wants but can't have the surgery because of health issues; both would tell everyone and their brother... It would be great to have more support but it is what it is.

Welcome. I'm also waiting on approval (after a denial). Wishing you good news fast!