Surgeon Consult Coming Up...Nervous

[kimclow 1]

Hello all,

I haven't posted before, but I have read A LOT! What a great supportive bunch!

Anyway, I am in the very beginning of my banding journey. I have had my seminar, and am meeting with my surgeon on Feb. 3rd. I am really nervous!

I'm not nervous at all about the meeting, but nervous about insurance. In 2008, I started this same process - when I went to meet with the surgeon, someone in insurance called me in to tell me that my insurance calls my weight a pre-existing condition, and I would have to wait six months and try again. I was so discouraged that I didn't return until Jan. 14 of THIS YEAR.

So, much has changed since then, now. I'm type 2 diabetic and have high blood pressure. I didn't have either of those at the time of my failed consult. :smile2:

I am just scared that Sagamore (my insurer) is going to find another reason to block this for me. Do any of you have Sagamore? What was their process like?

Also, what can I expect at the consult?

Thanks for letting me vent my frustration!

Kim

[jen36 1]

I don't have your insurance but I would imagine with the co-morbidities that you have now your would have a better chance of getting approved. I know if your under 40bmi you have to have underlying problems for them to even think of approving you. Why don't you call your insurance and see what the exact requirments are before starting again. That is where I started. Good luck!!!!

[kimclow 1]

Somebody upstairs must have been listening to my worries today. About an hour after I posted, the doctor's office called me.

She told me that they spoke with insurance and they said they'll pay - after I meet the usual requirements... six month medically supervised diet (which my Drs office does anyway) and five years of recorded weight in medical records. So I should be fine!

BTW, my BMI is 44.

[jen36 1]

That is great news!!!!!! Good luck with everything and keep me updated on how your doing...

[Lady Lap Band 71]

if you have waited the 6 months like they said and you have diabetes than that is a co morbititiy and as long as your BMI is over 40 I dont see how they could deny you!!! You should be all set, hope it all goes smoothly for you!!!

[Lady Lap Band 71]

Oh and at the consult all the doc is gonna answer any questions you have and tell you about the procedure and just pretty go over everything from start to finish.