I'm not good waiting, lots of emotions

[pinklyfe]

It's taken 3 weeks to get all my evals and work ups done to be considered for VSG. I'm now waiting for the Bari surgeon to submitt the paper work to the insurance
Today was my last work up. I had a to do a cardiac stress test and echo for clearance.
The cardiologist said I was good to go. the psychologist said I was good to go. The nutritionist said I was good to go.
I'm at a BMI of 39. In order to be approved at my bmi I need to have co morbids of either 1) diabetes( I have pre- diabetes) 2) cardiovascular issues, hypertension 3) obstructive sleep apnea. Which I do have. I also have osteoarthritis of the knees and high cholesterol.

I have already scheduled myself off for 3 weeks in April. I have never used my insurance in the 18 yrs we have had blue cross. It's hard for me to sit and wait and of course I'm thinking the worst what if they don't approve me

[pinklyfe]

Any thoughts, opinions? Does anyone think my insurance will approve me? Or did I spend all this time and money for nothing ?

[pinklyfe]

Hello?

[Deleted]

sorry - I forget to check over here.

I have no idea about insurance since I spent years without it (just got it again at the end of 2012) and was private pay for VSG.

I can't think of anything more annoying than waiting but don't know what else you can do.

did I remember wrong or were you planning on going to Mexico?!

[grdngrl]

Hello!!! I would think you would be approved . . . I don't know what state you are in but BC in CA approved me first time for the VSG with a BMI of 37 I think it was. I have sleep apnea but no diabetes (although my BS was 115) and I have bad knees. I don't know why you are not getting answers, made me laugh with your "Hello?" LOL

It made me nervous too but the surgeons are pretty good at knowing what the insurance companies want - so try to think positively and hang in there . . . so many hoops!!!

[pinklyfe]

Hi everyone! I worked a 16 hr shift yesterday and this is the first chance I've had to respond.

Multiple pet mom, you'd be correct. I was researching and planning to go to Mexico. Then I found out that my insurance does cover WLS and at my BMI I need a co morbid.which I do. OSA. So I decided to investigate and pursue this route as well. Since its in my own backyard with a surgeon who has a sterling reputation and track record for WLS. I get after care for life. It will cost out of my pocket 8900.00 if it doesn't work out I will go to mexico.

Grdngl, you don't know how much I appreciate your answer ( hugs) and how it put me at ease. I do live in CA and have blue cross as my insurance. I will keep positive!
Glad you liked my sense humor. Lol I was feeling a bit alone here

[Deleted]

we don't have enough of us yet so the board keeps moving forward...a critical mass, that's what I was searching for. we don't have that yet.

I do remember to check R&R and the MB usually, but I forget everywhere else.

[grdngrl]

Hopefully there will be more and more of us . . . maybe if we post, they will come (LOL)!!!

[nandmsmom]

I don't know about your specific situation. However, there doesn't seem to be any reason that they won't approve you. As long as your insurance covers the sleeve, you should be good to go. It isn't personal with insurance, it's all about the numbers. You fit the specs, you get the surgery.

[pinklyfe]

I said I was feeling a bit alone because at that time there were like 20 views and no responses :/

Thank you nandmsmom. That's good to know. The DR and his office hasn't given me this much encouragement when I asked what they think.

[glennbarr]

My insurance is Healthnet in California. I jumped through all the hoops you've been going through for approval for VSG, but ultimately got denied (they still call in investigational surgery). I was pissed off, depressed and very sad...for about a day. Then I started researching options in Mexico. I've now saved up my 9K for a VSG by Dr. Alvarez in Mex. this coming June.
I do hope your insurance approves you...but if they don't, then don't give up! Just find a way to get what you want. Dr. Alvarez advertises he has financing sources...maybe you could have that option?
Good Luck!

[Deleted]

there are some advantages to self - pay. course, I would have rather insurance paid and I still had that wad of cash but it was nice not having to jump through any hoops, or wait (decided and scheduled it, easy) and I'll tell you something: not having a "program" you are supposed to follow they way surgeon's here do actually seems like a plus to me.

right from the first I knew thatI was responsible for knowing what to do and keeping track and so on. maybe that's not what's best for everyone but it worked for me.

[ladynitewolf]

If you followed your insurance's guidelines and are having one of their approved surgeries, I think you are more than likely good to go. Fingers crossed for you!

[MontanaGirl]

honestly don't get worked up and keep your mind busy while this process is happening. if they deny you, you can fight it. i wouldn't worry about it till it acutally happens it will drive you nuts! just keep busy and cross your T's and dot your I's it will come.