The Waiting Unite

[sleevehopefull27 29]

I had United Healthcare and they held up my surgery for three months. Here is the deal' date=' you have to have a co-morbidity and you have to have a doctor that is pretty high standing in this community. I gave up and my doctor's office pushed it through by getting in touch with the right people at UH. Honestly, they were happy that I had the surgery, because they are saving money on not having to buy me diabetic supplies. It is up to your doctor's office to push it through.[/quote']

Yeah I don't have any co-morbiditys...yet! I should be able to get it approved the beginning of the year. I was going to go to mx and forget the ins but my mom really wants me to stay here. But if it doesn't get approved this time I am on the first plane to mx!!

[mommymar 34]

I don't understand how the same insurance company can have so many different responses to the same surgery. I too used United Healthcare. I had to do one visit with psych, with nut and exercise therapist. Then had it submitted to insurance. One week later I had approval in my hand. I will say, we learned a year earlier when my husband had gastric bypass who to talk to. We talked to my husbands HR rep at his office. She called the insurance and requested an approval specialist with United. So United actually called my Dr office and told them everything they wanted to see. And he oversaw my case from beginning to end. There is help there. Good luck for those still waiting!

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

I've been waiting for 36 months now! United healthcare wouldn't accept 3 of my 5 weights! Come hell or high Water I WILL be sleeved this next year!!

WTH! How can they "not accept" a weight?

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

Keeping my mouth shut :-x. I have heard only good things about approvals from my insurance. Had my first consultation June 26 and hope to be sleeved by end of Sept. but anything can change at any moment with insurance companies.

In 3 months??! That does not count as "waiting".

[sleevehopefull27 29]

WTH! How can they "not accept" a weight?

Because my BMI was just shy of 40. They require 5 years of 40+ BMI.

[Cresteds Mom 9]

My psych eval was just conversing with LSW not even a psychiatrist. Asked about things that happened 20 years ago. Seemed a waste of time but required.

[Cresteds Mom 9]

My psych eval was just conversing with LSW not even a psychiatrist. Asked about things that happened 20 years ago. Seemed a waste of time but required.

[NDN_RN 527]

In 3 months??! That does not count as "waiting".

Really? I am waiting and thought I could talk to others waiting. Far from "wacko". Thanks.

[NDN_RN 527]

Reported the comment quoted abve

[disneyteach 68]

I don't understand how the same insurance company can have so many different responses to the same surgery. I too used United Healthcare. I had to do one visit with psych' date=' with nut and exercise therapist. Then had it submitted to insurance. One week later I had approval in my hand. I will say, we learned a year earlier when my husband had gastric bypass who to talk to. We talked to my husbands HR rep at his office. She called the insurance and requested an approval specialist with United. So United actually called my Dr office and told them everything they wanted to see. And he oversaw my case from beginning to end. There is help there. Good luck for those still waiting![/quote']

The reason I heard is that insurance companies are putting out a lot of money to save money. For every unsuccessful person, the restrictions get harder. Right now, the success rate is 80% with this surgery. My insurance company has only had to pay for two doctor visits in the past two months compared to metaforman pills, diabetic supplies and sleep apnea extras plus doctor visits. Blue Cross Blue Shield is having a huge success that they drop the 3 month diet, whereas others are having problems with post ops. I think it is the lap band messing things up, but that is just from hearing so many people who are unsuccessful. I try to keep in mind, when I am successful, I help others become healthy.

[disneyteach 68]

My psych eval was just conversing with LSW not even a psychiatrist. Asked about things that happened 20 years ago. Seemed a waste of time but required.

I had a psych eval, but it was a 500 question test. You can read about it on my blog and I have pictures of it. I laughed so hard, it took me two hours to finish the test.

[LeaveItToSleever 80]

Really? I am waiting and thought I could talk to others waiting. Far from "wacko". Thanks.

I hope you don't think I was being snarky or saying this is wacko, because I was not. I would never do that, I was making an analogy. SORRY to have offended you; it was not my intent.

I won't comment again.

[NDN_RN 527]

I hope you don't think I was being snarky or saying this is wacko' date=' because I was not. I would never do that, I was making an analogy. SORRY to have offended you; it was not my intent.

I won't comment again.[/quote']

I am glad you clarified this. I was confused by the comment. Don't stop posting. All is well

[Ready4success 380]

What was your psyche eval like. Did you have to answer a long questionaire or just converse with the psychiatrist?

My psych eval was really easy going. They ask about previous attempts at weightloss, do you exercise, attempts at changing your life style, etc. Probably the most importat thing to say is that you understand that this surgery is a "tool" to help you lose weight. Good Luck!

[612belly 32]

It's totally the insurance company. I was approved overnight. No diets no hoops. Only surgeons hoops and they clear you through in two four hour appoinents. Hang in there folks!