Jersrose43

Medicare doesn't require prior auth Medicaid which differs by state is a different conversation http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/ncd-details.aspx?NCDId=57&bc=AgAAgAAAAAAA&ncdver=3

I don't believe in paying anyone up front for anything and your insurance will back you up on this. The deductible is used as you seek services. So if you need an egd, ultrasound visits etc. That can eat it You are billed after Out of pocket coinsurance is same. First claim comes in gets the charges and once you meet the maximum for the year everyone starts getting paid in full. I have a $4500 deductible and $4500 coinsurance. So max out of pocket this year $9k I met the deductible with all the pre-op. Never billed a single dime in advance. The egd ate up a portion of my out of pocket and the hospital for my sleeve got the final $3.000. I am still waiting on that bill and it's been 4 1/2 months. If I had to pay it all up front I'd have gone to Mexico, declared bankruptcy or never have it done

Ashly I would also call your insurance to ask a very important question If I get the lap band - and it is an ineffective tool for me- will you pay for a bypass or sleeve revision in the future? Many companies pay for 1 wls in a lifetime and that is it.

It's medically unethical in addition to violating their hospital admission privilesdges

Was on actigall but couldn't handle it. Disagreed with me very badly. Gave me tons of acid reflux

No because I felt like I didn't know my own body anymore. It was just the camel back or maybe the straw. Who knkws

It was about 4 weeks post op. And I just lost it.

I am raving angry. Since my surgery someone has been getting my mail and I know this because they open it and then put it in my mailbox. Well today really sent me over the flipping edge!! It was my mortgage notice ! And since I paid one day late it showed some not so favorable stuff Does anyone know what I can do about this??

Tmmw am I am doing exactly that. Last week it was my pay stub!

I still have not burped since surgery 6/24 I too was patted on the back once and burped no problem. That made me breakdown like a blubbering idiot. That got to me.

They pumped you full of IV fluids I would just follow directions and it will start to come off.

Helen I'd recommend you add an option to that last question -- none

Lands end you can find inside any Sears store now. They own the brand

I work at home as well and what I have found is we fall into working longer hours because of the benefit of being at home. So I suggest these: 1- call your insurance. See if they have a virtual resource for you to talk to. My employer offers EAP benefit. I can call and talk to a health coach about anything. Currently talk to one weekly to handle stress. It's not a psychologist but it's better than nothing. They will call me anytime from 8am to 8pm 2- working at home is extremely stressful. Studies show that if you schedule a 30 minute break and take it that you are mentally eased and more productive. Do it. 3- i schedule a 15 minute meditation daily. Not the same time every day because it's impossible with other co worker schedules. But I look for 15 minutes 2 days in advance and refuse to cancel it. I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. People think working from home is a vacation but I've been doing it 5 years and am more stressed than I ever was going to an office. That ride home is so needed sometimes

Got stuck on last question twice stating it needed an answer. It had one

Broccoli cheddar may have too much fat for this early stage and cause you problems. The butternut squash may be same - ask them for the fat content. Personally I'd go with the onion soup and not eat the onions.

Also read page 3 of my earlier post of cogna medical policy. You must document the failure of the band. It says nothing about your bmi requirement. Read it carefully. In your appeal use those requirements and answer how you meet that bullet

Yes they are a health promotion machine. Make sure you cram it down their throats

I would document all the issues you have. Including starting weight all those years ago and that by removing the sleeve without another tool will just cause regain. Make sure that you clearly document what issues you have that are weight related - asthma, sleep apnea. Tell them what will be resolved with continued weight loss. You must appeal factually and not with your heart You should include all the health outcomes you can muster as CIGNA is a health services company not an insurance company. Appeal to the healthy goal of theirs. How much more you will cost them if you gain weight. Can never hurt. Further - call Cigna. Is your plan paid for by an employer? Ask if the employer has an aso account. If yes- talk to your hr people and see who at yor company makes insurance decisions Cigna is just the servicing company. Your employer is who is ultimately paying. Hope that makes sense

@pinkbunies. If you read the responses and other like threads you will see that it was NOT the surgery that causes the relationship to be lost. It was the underlying causes -- communication and lack thereof. Relationships that had other undealt with issues, complacency in a relationship, having settled for some I had surgery. My biggest coach /cheerleader/supporter and best friend is my husband of 21 years He lost weight the old fashioned way and is keeping it off. His high weight was 230 and today he's at 170. Took him 5 years. We ate, excercise and did everything the same. I gained 20 pounds in that period. I am his biggest supporter and he is mine

Ira you have to calculate 7% og your adjusted gross income. If medical expense is greater than no early withdrawal pdnalty http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Participant,-Employee/Retirement-Topics---Tax-on-Early-Distributions

That's not exactly correct information You should take a loan from 401k and pay yourself back not a withdrawal. Withdrawal is subject to taxes unless it's a hardship qualifying case In the case of medical expense you can withdraw funds for expenses PREVIOUSLY INCURRED to the WithDrawl Please read irs publication See if you can borrow the amount you withdrew and then pay back the amount you withdrew Any amount withdrawn your employer is required to hold 25% withholding tax as well I believe http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/Plan-Sponsor/401(k)-Resource-Guide---Plan-Sponsors---General-Distribution-Rules

Ok you don't drive - bus? Work out at home - squats, run in place, walk around your apt. My mother does this back and forth and wore a hole in the pocket!

The neighborhood isn't safe drive to one that is!! My mother In law doesn't walk around her house. She drives 3 towns away to a very well lit football /track field and she does 3 miles. She's 67. You can do it too. Find a place to go. Meditate as you drive. Get your walk on.

@chellede. Couldn't agree more. Many folks have commented and sounds like you had a rocky relationship or stressed one already and this was just a catalyst for change. I am very lucky that my hubby is completely supportive and on board. He loves me today and 62 pounds heavier too. Not jealous now or then. Together for 25 years just last week and 21 of those married.