Dr. Michael Trahan - Online Support Group

[Bjc1227 64]

I had my appt. with PCP on Friday Dr. Trahan's office sent him a letter with all the required test he needed to do on me, and detailed information on what he needs to include in his notes for the insurance to cover the surgery. I. Go Tuesday for a blood test testing everything He also needs to do a EKG and I needed to have a mammogram. I have appt. with Rita Smith the nutritionist for the first viisit and Christy for metal health evaluation on June 14th. Also Dr. Trahan's nurse said I need to keep detailed records of what I eat on myfitnesspal.com and try not to go over 1400 calories a day and exercise at least 30 min. 3 to 5 times a week. I have to print that off from myfitnesspal every time I go to PCP and give it to him to put in his records.

Do you have specific requirements you have to do in this year you had to wait for surgery?

Beckysue, sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Anthem's requirements for my year were to join a weight loss program for a year. I choose Weight Watchers online. I only have to show the invoice where I paid to join. (I get half that back from the insurance.) I have to talk to the Life Coach counselor twice a month for a year. I'm thru the first 6 months. It's gone faster then I thought it would.

I'm going to wait till January to finish up my lab work and EKG for Trehan. I've done everything else. My mammogram is in 2 weeks.

I hope things are going smoothly there.

[Beckysue 3]

Hello it's been a while I finished my six months and all the required tests. All has been turned over to Dr. Trahans office. And Lillian(the nurse at Trahans. Office) has contacted the insurance and I'm just waiting to hear if I am approved.. I hope things are going well for you I'm sure your anxious for your year to be over. I know six months almost drove me crazy.

[Bjc1227 64]

Hello it's been a while <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> I finished my six months and all the required tests. All has been turned over to Dr. Trahans office. And Lillian(the nurse at Trahans. Office) has contacted the insurance and I'm just waiting to hear if I am approved.. I hope things are going well for you I'm sure your anxious for your year to be over. I know six months almost drove me crazy.

Becky,

It's good to hear from you. I hope the insurance gives you a speedy "Yes," and all goes well. I have faith in Dr. Trahan's skill as a surgeon. I'll be thinking of you.

My year before surgery is going quickly. I never thought I would be able to say that. There are people I've spoken with recently who are as far along in their year as I am and still not sure. I can't say that I had one moment of doubt about going forward with the surgery. I get all my tests completed the first week of January. I'll be very busy with the holidays and traveling until then, so it will fly by.

Keep me posted on your progress when you can. I'm excited for you.

Bonnie

[Beckysue 3]

Hi Bonnie

Just wanted to drop you a note. The insurance denied me

doctor's office heard from Aetna. I can't understand why I am 5'3" 215 pounds, pre diabetic, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol . I did the six months and only lost a few pounds ( but didn't gain) and was denied. We are waiting for the letter to find out why so we can appeal it. I am heart broken and have been so upset since I heard. Dr. Trahans nurse told me not to give up hope so I'm trying not to.

Hope things are going well on your journey. I'll let you know if we get the appeal.

Becky

[Roses4me 10]

I am so sorry BeckySue! I love Dr M Trahan. I understand insurance companies are denying lapband surgeries due to failure rate. I don't know if that is 100% true. Roses

[Bjc1227 64]

Hi Bonnie

Just wanted to drop you a note. The insurance denied me <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

doctor's office heard from Aetna. I can't understand why I am 5'3" 215 pounds' date=' pre diabetic, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol . I did the six months and only lost a few pounds ( but didn't gain) and was denied. We are waiting for the letter to find out why so we can appeal it. I am heart broken and have been so upset since I heard. Dr. Trahans nurse told me not to give up hope so I'm trying not to.

Hope things are going well on your journey. I'll let you know if we get the appeal.

Becky[/quote']

Becky,

I'm sorry to hear they denied you. The woman that I work with who had surgery last year in October. She was also denied and had to send a letter of appeal. That seems to be fairly common. I asked Lillian about it and she said not to worry. Still, I am a worrier.

Don't get discouraged. The insurance company just wants to save money. If you give up, they are ahead for a little, until you start having other health issues.

The woman I work with has 10 more pounds to go. She started at 234 @ 5'1". She looks so good in her size 10 pants. We can do it too. February 1 can't come fast enough for me.

Good luck. I'm rooting for you.

Bonnie

[Bjc1227 64]

I am so sorry BeckySue! I love Dr M Trahan. I understand insurance companies are denying lapband surgeries due to failure rate. I don't know if that is 100% true. Roses

Roses, I can't say I trust insurance companies. They no doubt think they might save some money by denying surgeries. Our health is not high on their list of priorities. lol. Just me spouting off.

I also like Dr. Trahan and Lillian. I hope to put my future in their hands shortly.

Everyone, have a great Thanksgiving.

Bonnie

[Bjc1227 64]

I spoke with Lillian today. She called Trigon BC/BS on Friday and they approved surgery. I'm scheduled for surgery on February 25, 2013. Finally. I thought that year would never end.

BeckySue, I hope things finally worked out for you.