Shadow08

I rec'd my first denial from the insurance. Anyone have any input on an appeal? I am not quitting yet!!:tongue:

Way to go!! You should be proud of yourself!

I am so sorry to hear of your loss! Please find comfort knowing that others are sharing your loss and have you in our prayers

What do I do? My main support system states they won't be there for the surgery if my insurance will approve it. I am told that " why do something to your body like that...just watch what you eat in lesser portions. You will have to change what you eat anyway so just do it now instead" I could cry. I have been overweight all my life and for once I would like a tool to help me loose weight and keep it off. I want to be able to bend over without loosing my breath, or walk a mile without my hips hurting........someone help!:thumbup:

An ET is standard proceudre for any surgery that is rather intensive. It is YOUR life support while under anesthesia as that is the only way you are breathing and guarenteed not to inhale any vomit that you may produce. I have put these in in the field (I am an EMT) and if the patient starts to wake up, it is a simple gag reflex. You need to remain calm so that it can be safely removed although you are generally "just about awake" when it is taken out in surgery. I would be more scared if I was told they were NOT going to use an ET!!!

I guess I am looking for a place to vent. I am so frustrated as I am having trouble with my insurance. They are fully funded so I doubt if they will budge for an exception...but I am still trying. TO self pay....no way. I do not have that kind fo income to pay back the loan...if I could get one! With vehicle payments and home bills, it pretty much takes care of my check. I am really sick of being so heavy. I am trying to loose weight on my own, but as we all know, it doesn't work or we wouldn't be here. Thanks for listening.............

I thnk Spring is over....back to the 40's tomorrow and rain all week with a possiblity of snow! I am sooooooooooooo sick of winter already. Oh well, the warm weather will come...sooner or later! LOL

It finally was warm enough to get the bike out yesterday here in Wisconsin....a balmy 58 degrees! It felt great to ride but had to be super careful due to the sand on the roadways that is there to help rid the snow. But it was wonderful .....now only if my insurance would budge so I could get banded....:regular_smile:

Don't give up!! I,too, have been denied. But what I am doing, is getting the documentation ready and an appeal letter done. Most of the time, you will need several medically documented weight loss attempts. These can range from 6 mon-1 yr. I have had both my primary care and gyn wrtie letters stating it is MEDICALLY NECESSARY for me to have this procedure done. My surgeon will also write a letter and then I am writing an appeal letter. We will see what happens. You, too, can do this. Yes it is alot of work, but you are worth it! If all attempts fail, I have been saving money to put towards a self pay. If my insurance will approve, I have a start for a down payment for a crusie! Good Luck

Portland is beautifull! I was there last Feb when a friend flew to Maine Medical Center for specialized surgery. She flew from Wisconsin...I came several days later...right in the middle of a Nor-easter!!!!!!!

I have not had the banding done yet as I am fighting insurance. I will have it done in green Bay with Dr. Kemmerling at St. Vincent's

I am from west of Manitowoc. I am still working with insurance, doctor letters, etc in hopes of being approved soon. Then, I will be a bandster as well!! Can't wait!. I am working with Dr. Kemmerling from Green Bay. He and his staff are great to work with and very understanding.

First of all, smart girl to move to warmer climate. I am from eastern Wisconsin. You will find a ton of info here on the lap band and lots of support as the people are great. Any questions, just ask someone as someone will have an answer for you. Good luck and welcome!

Heck.....it's better today! End of March and 10 inches of snow just south of us by 20 miles! God, I love Wisconsin winters!