samiott

I just heard from St. Mary's and they said that UHC is going over their 2010 benefits and I should hear something by next week.

I read an article once that said that losing muscle helps to cause the loose skin and lots of exercise, drinking Water, and TIME will help to bring the skin back. It said the skin needed time to recover just like any other organ. It may mean that some people's skin just takes more time to heal than others. It also mentioned that there was still fat deposits left inside the skin and that's why more exercise is needed. I don't remember where I read it but I remembered that part of it. I think the link was once posted here on the forum.

If I get approved for surgery then it will be at St. Marys and Elizabeth hospital. How late in the day was your surgery? Anyone who was the last one of the day? Also, I'm in college and have some very HEAVY books. I will have a roller bag but I live on the second floor with only a flight of stairs to get up and down. How soon were you able to lift heavy things like a heavy book bag (also in and out of the car)? Thanks, Sandy

Thanks for all the replies. It gives me some ideas how to manage my life around the surgery :smile2:

I at first posted this in the pre-banded area... If I get approved for surgery then it will be at St. Marys and Elizabeth hospital. How late in the day was your surgery? Anyone who was the last one of the day? Also, I'm in college and have some very HEAVY books. I will have a roller bag but I live on the second floor with only a flight of stairs to get up and down. How soon were you able to lift heavy things like a heavy book bag (also in and out of the car)? Thanks, Sandy

Ok thank you for your quick responses :biggrin:. I guess maybe I will have to split my books into separate bags and make more than one trip to my car or have a friend help me carry them for a couple weeks.

I just called St Mary's and they said that UHC is now "IN NETWORK"!!!!!! So I won't have to pay the $4k up front and I don't have to bother my husband with it! :thumbup:

Right now, I just sent my packet into St. Mary's. I haven't seen the Dr yet. I went to the seminar a couple months ago and have been waiting for "In Network" status. I called them the other day and they said they were "In Network" on Dec. 1st. Now I just need to find out what this means payment wise. I have been going to a nutritionist since Sept or Oct but I'm not sure if UHC will require it yet.

I'm just hoping there is little out of pocket expense. My husband is paying for my surgery and it was tough getting him to agree to let me get it done. He's seen me struggle with my weight but he is naturally slim and a regular jogger so it's hard for him to understand my weight struggle. He's one of those guys that thinks he has all the answers to my problems. So the less I have to bother him about the surgery the better.

Has anyone had their surgery @ St. Marys and Elizabeth hospital after Dec. 1st, 2009? I called the other day and they said they are now considered "in network" with UHC. I'm not sure if I am understanding this right. I wonder if since they are "in network" if you would have to pay the $4000 up front before the surgery? I'm going to call them on Monday again to ask.

Hmmm...so if the insurance is "in network" now (UHC just became "in network" on Dec. 1, 2009 at St. Marys and Elizabeth)... then maybe now I won't have to pay upfront?... I guess I will have to call and ask them on Monday...

Did they require you to pay the $4000 upfront or did they send it to the insurance first?

When I went to the seminar a couple months ago the surgeon group was considered out of network but they weretrying to get put as in network thru UHC. I called the surgeon group the other day and they said they were now "in network" as of Dec. 1st.

I called them but they said they can't tell me anything until my Dr sends in my paperwork. I'm sticking it in the mail to my Dr tomorrow morning. They said at first that it was not covered but then I asked about medical necessity and then they said my Dr had to send in a letter for the medical necessity which shouldn't be a problem. I have HBP, Cholesterol, BMI of 40 and I'm on Diabetic meds. My Dr needs to look over my paperwork and let me know if he will do my surgery, then he sends my information off to UHC. btw, I have UHC Choice plus also, did you have any problems getting it approved?

Thanks! I do have Choice Plus.

Does UHC pay the bulk of the bills for a LAP-BAND®? How much could I expect to pay out of pocket? I'm sorry I'm new on my search for knowledge and I just want to make sure I take all the correct steps. :tongue: