Heather Andrew

Hi, I am still waiting on my surgical date but I did want to share in regards to the gallbladder issues. I had mine out in 1993 after a 70lb weight loss. When I had my first gallbladder attack, I thought I was having a heart attack and was in so much pain that I did vomit. Odd thing is that as soon as I did vomit the intense pain was gone with only a dull reminder. Once my gallbladder was removed it was an instant change into how I was feeling, no more burning painful throat, chest pains in my ribcage that wrapped around to my back making me want to die. It was all gone. I hope that you find the gallbladder is what is causing the 'reflux' that the doc is blaming and that in the least that pain is gone just as fast as the surgery to take out your gallbladder will be. Mine was 'scope’, I went home the same day, 4 tiny incisions, no problems afterwards though I will say, I still had to be careful about really fat laden foods (which I cannot eat anymore anyway!) were a problem when I was eating them. I had stomachaches and other unpleasant bathroom visits; I will leave it at that.

I wanted to add information that I was given by the nurse advisor at HMP. They do require 6 months of documented weight loss; however, they may be willing to look at surrounding situations that create a problem for the patient. BMI of 40 or more without comorbidities, under 40 with comorbidities, and all of the other stuff we already know, psych evaluation, referral, letter of medical necessity, and so on. A very awesome thing, it is a 2 week approval process so when everything is ready it will not be a long wait! In my particular case, I showed required weight loss and kept it off before another health issue took over my life and the weight was gained over more than a year’s time. For now, again I am waiting to hear from the nurse advisor for my insurance to see if their approval board will take these extenuating circumstances and allow me to move forward! Either way, I am back to the wl and have 3 months into it so the wait won’t be too long.

Hello! I am in the mid-point, I hope, in my journey toward WLS. I am new to the forums here as well. I have Mclaren Healthy Michigan Plan and I am wondering if anyone has had any experience when dealing with the insurance company on getting approval and their requirements? I started my journey three years ago diagnosed with uterine cancer after 10 months and was told by my oncologist that I had to wait a year before moving on with WLS. That incorrect information has caused a delay and may be a problem for me. I will be calling the insurer Monday but I am wondering if anyone had first-hand experience with them. Thank you in advance and have a great evening!