It's happening!!

mel22 · February 11, 2004

Hi Al,

I just thought I'd share my experience with you. I think I will be the most patient person on earth by the time I get my band!

After waiting 9 months for my initial consultation, I did my pre-op tests in November, and the my stuff was sent to my insurance in early December. I got my approval and was scheduled for surgery on December 23rd. My pcp than talked with my surgeon and decided that I needed to see an endocrinologist for some tests. Endo said that everything looked good, but he wanted to test my cortisol levels "just in case". Sure enough, I got the results back the Friday before my surgery, and my cortisol levels were high. So my surgery was cancelled until I had more tests. Fast forward to last week- after more tests, it turns out that I have high cortisol levels because I'm obese, slightly depressed, stressed and taking birth control pills.

So, now I'm waiting for the letter from my endo to get to the surgeon so that I can reschedule my surgery.

Lots of wasted time and money! However, I feel much more prepared and less stressed this time around. I have had time to do more research, talk to more people and I am more convinced than ever that the lap-band is for me.

Anyway, I really wish you luck and hope that everything works out and you don't have to delay your surgery. Keep us posted!

Good Luck,

Melissa

Big AL · February 16, 2004

Thanks to everyone for your help and support thus far!!!

Well, everything finally made it ti the surgeons office and my info was sent to the ins company late Thursday.

But, I have another question. My surgeons office said I shouldn't call the ins company because they had a person do this and it resulted in someone at the ins company to open another claim or something. Anyway I guess this resulted in this person being denied. I have heard of the paperwork being sent to the wrong fax number or the ins company not receiving the fax of info. So should I call and at least make sure they have the stuff? Patients is not something that comes easy to me....:phanvan

I'm probably going to call. I'll tred lightly but I at least need to know they have the info....

Man, I hope I get approved after all of this...

Thanks again to everyone for everything!!

GeezerSue · February 16, 2004

Your psych exam was likely the MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) which asks you to agree or disagree with such statements as "I don't cry when I notice that chipmunks are always watching me," and "It doesn't bother me that all the igloos are melting."

My friend's PCP "came to her rescue" when her surgeon wanted the (delayed) Psych Eval. He wrote, "This patient is as unburdened by emotional issues as a 375 pound 5'1" woman can be." She and the PCP chuckled, but the surgeon was delighted.

Go figure.

Big AL · February 20, 2004

AAARRGGGHHH!!!!

My ins company hasn't decided either way if I will be covered or not so I had to postpone my surgery date. I was scheduled for next Friday but I needed to postpone it because of work issues.

Oh well, at least they didn't deny my surgery. I'll post when I know more....

Thanks a million to everyone for your help and support. This site has be an awesome tool in learning about the band and everything that happens afterward.

Chickadee · February 20, 2004

Al,

I'm going through the same agony you are. I've been waiting almost six weeks now for approval. I have UHC too. My surgeon won't set a date until I get the insurance approval, so I'm slowly losing my mind! I've called once and guess I'll call again today, but this is driving me absolutely nuts. UHC, give me an answer!

Hang in there!

Becky

Big AL · February 21, 2004

Becky,

Sorry to hear you are having the same problem as I am. It is good to know I'm not the only one though. Please let me know when you hear from UHC.... I really hope we hear a "yes your approved" from them..... and soon!!!

Chickadee · March 5, 2004

Hey Al,

I just wanted to know if you've heard anything from UHC yet? Do you have a date or (hope against hope) you're already banded? Post if you can. I'm still waiting, not patiently and it sounds like I'll have to continue waiting based on my call to them this morning.

Inquiring minds want to know!

Becky

Big AL · March 6, 2004

I'm still waiting.... and waiting..... and waiting.

I have called a few times and they said that the person who is reviewing my records has the accessed the files so they think I should know something this coming week. I have a feeling I won't know any more then than I do know. I hate to sound negative but what's the friggin hold up?

I'm sure there is more to it on their end than I know but I am NOT a patient person so this is really hard.

Hope we both hear something SOON!!!