72 hrs of agony are O.V.E.R

[StacyS 20]

OMG, the wait is finally over! I have been APPROVED for surgery!! It's been a long journey, but the day has finally arrived and the wait for insurance is over!!

My story:

I began my journey to get the Band back in Oct'10 when I switched insurances so I could get it covered! I sought out a doctor that was in-network and had a Center of Excellence. At my first appt in Jan, it took literally 4 hours. Seminar, nutritionist, then consultation with the doctor. During this appt they told me I would have to pay $600 out of pocket for a "program fee" as well as $200 for the pysch eval. OMG, WTF? Why? My insurance pays for all diagnostic testing and 100% of the procedure! I was totally pissed!! (I have Fed-BCBS)

Well, I stayed with this doctor because I didnt want to start the process all over again and have to wait for an appt. I did my psych eval, and they submitted to insurance for approval. I had a 3 month supervised diet with a "diet doctor" about a year back so I thought that would be sufficient for the 3 month supervised diet. I called everyday to insurance to see if I was approved. By day 3 insurance told me that they have been trying to get in contact with the doctor's office for 2 days w/out a response because the 3 month diet is too old! OMG, I was devistated! I called the doctor's office with no luck either! I called again the next morning and was only put on hold!! OMG, my blood is BOILING now! These people never took my phone call and never called me back!! (I hadnt paid the $600 yet!)

Luckily I had a co-worker who actually had the sleeve done and she referred me to her doctor and told me to contact them and see if they could investigate this 3 month diet thing for me... I did and OMG, what a breath of fresh air this office was!! I wasnt even their patient and they are calling all over to see why I wasnt approved!! How awesome! So, she found out the 3 month supervised diet must be 3 months PRIOR to requesting surgery and must be with the surgeon's nutritionist!

WTF??? I have to start all over and now have to wait 3 flippin months for the Band??? OMG, this fat is killing me!! Literally!!

I took this oppertunity to do some research and discovered this site. I read ALL the posts about the revision from Band to Sleeve and read Tiffykins story, as well as others, and realized that maybe this 3 month postponement was actually a blessing!!! It actually saved me from having the Band installed!!! They say everything happens for a reason?! Well, this was my reason!! To decide on the Sleeve, a surgery that would actually be best for ME!

Anyway, to conclude my long a$$ story, I switched doctors (obviously!) and completed all my requirements, submitted to insurance on 11April and waited in agony for 3 days, hoping I wouldnt get another set back from insurance!! Well, I got word yesterday that I have been approved!!! I am so relieved and happy and excited! I am scheduled to transform my life on the 26 of April!!!!

Cheers to all...

[KellyL 173]

Congrats!!! So happy it all worked out for the best for you!!

[leeblewb 9]

Congratulations. Waiting for insurance approval can be very nerve wracking. It does sound like the original denial was a blessing. You just never know how things will work out. I hope everything go swimmingly from here on out.

[MINI-Me 196]

Awesome ... we have room for you on the Loser's Bench!

[StacyS 20]

Make room Mini-Me..... Cuz here I come!!! Monday, 25 April 2011 is my date!