GonnaBHotMama

I am extremely nervous about not getting approved. I just posted an update on my blog about some time issues with my non medical WL proof. If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay overall? I am thinking that if I get denied in both the initial decision and the appeals, then I'll just pay out of pocket, but i know it aint cheap! lol Dr. Merriman charges over 14 thou and I think that is just his portion, but I am not sure, Ill need to ask. If not then that might not be to bad if that is all inclusive to everything, including the hospital. Insurance only covers at 50 % with no cap anyway. I guess it all depends. All I know is that this ordeal is teaching me that I can be very impatient! lol I am so glad you are doing well!! Yeah, I never could get over the idea about the lap band being a foreign object. And the idea of my intestines being moved around wasnt appealing either, so the sleeve sounded perfect! Cheers to WL!

An update to my journey. In December, I worked hard and fast to get my required paperwork together for the insurance company. The coordinator at the surgeon's office said that she would get it sent off before the year ended since two of my 6 months of non medical WL proof was in 2009 and all the proof needs to be within 24 months. Unfortunately she did not get it sent off. We discussed it and she called the insurance company about the problem, since I felt that I did not want to wait another 3 months to get the proof I already had. I was majorly peeved that my information was not sent off in time. I am going to complete a month with my NUT and then send off what we have. I am hoping that I get someone who is in a very good mood and approves me despite the time issues with my non medical proof. Something is telling me to go ahead and that if they deny, then appeal. I am sending in additional info, like my high cholesteral numbers and any new info from my Rheumatologist visit the 16th of January. We are sending everything off Feb.6th, so hopefully I am approved. I will be bugging the heck outta the insurance company in the hopes that they approve and approve quickly. I am thinking about adding a doctor's note to my submission since he saw me for a physical and we discussed my losing weight, which did not work. I hope that can add to the non medical proof as well. I am anxious to get all of this going and can only pray that the outcome will be what is meant to be.

I am with the others and wish you a speedy recovery!! I also am curious about all the complications as kuntry is. I havent been able to look up the different possibilities yet and yours sound pretty complicated. I am so glad you are getting better. Good Luck and cheers to a better future!

Thx! I adore this site and love the idea of having a group for those that are close together. I saw that you just had your surgery. How are you doing?? I havent gotten approved yet, which I am nervous about, but I am planning on having the surgery sometime in the beginning of March. I am using Dr. Merriman here in shreveport and was curious who you used as your surgeon. I look forward to getting to know you! Good Luck!!!

That's awesome! Congrats!!

Good luck to you both and Happy Losing!!

I hope it gets better for you sooner rather than later then! I'll be thinking of you! Do you think your doc might have a trick to help with this?

When I have surgery, my awesome mom said she would take off a week and help me with the kids and hubby will take off two or three days. I am extremely happy for the help because I know the first week will be like this. I have two kiddos, so I know having my mom here to help will be a great thing! I am absorbing all of this info so I can hope that when it happens to me, I'll know things to do to make it better. I hope you feel better soon and I cant wait to hear about your progress. Good luck with your recovery!!

LOL! Had to agree on this one! I agree! I already have issues like this, the stomach rumbling that sounds like farts. And let me tell ya, that is more embarrasing than burping lol. Having ppl look at ya like you past gas from the southern region. But I get what you mean. Having to go from almost no burping to uncontrollable burping does seem like a pain in the butt, but as you lose the weight and the burping get better, this will seem completely worth it. Or so I can imagine. I too, would rather have an increase in my burping than have all this weight. I doubt that those that actually matter to you will care that you are burping. Especially if you are a hottie while doing it! lol Hope it gets better for you soon. Hakuna Matata

There is an over the counter med called Azo. It helps with the symptoms of UTI. You could try that till you can get your prescription from your doc. If you can, I am not sure what you can or cant take since I havent had the surgery yet. I am not looking forward to this aspect of after surgery. I hope you feel better soon!!

Congrats! You look great! So gorgeous!

I was reading a few posts and noticed that BC/BS seems to be a toughie insurance company. I have BCBS-Texas and was curious how the experiences went with them. Thx yall!

Found out today that my insurance coverage is only at 50% with no cap off and my $750 deductible. How much did some spend on their surgeries with these kinds of coverage? I have heard some say there is a cheaper route with using a surgical center? I think is what Ive read, but I would love some advice about this. I have hit a few speed bumps in my process and Im kinda bummed out. I know that I'll get there, but dang...what a bummer. Thx for the help yall!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! I can not wait till I am doing the same! lol

Hey there and Congrats! I havent had my surgery yet, but from what I have read on fluid intake, it's usually baby sips over time. I dont think there is any set amount you have to drink at one sitting, just make sure they are small sips and that you get that fluid in! Good Luck and I hope you have awesome results!

Whoo Hoo! Looking awesome!!

I am so glad I found you! lol I was having a tough time feeling confident without anyone to chat with about him. If you dont mind me asking, did you have insurance? And if you did, which and how much was your end? I am having a heck of a time with my insurance company and trying to figure out what I would be responsible for. Id also love to hear details about your surgery and how you are doing! I would appreciate it greatly!

Thx! I'd love that! That way I can write down some different areas up for charge and find out more info beforehand. I know it depends on how they bill stuff too. I hope I can figure all this out! Otherwise, they can bill me and they can hope I can afford it! lol

I agree!! Whatever happened to flat rates and all that? lol We gotta worry about the surgeon and the hospital and the anesthesia.....sigh. Not very helpful for those that have to pay upfront. lol

Found out today that my insurance has a special coverage for bariatric surgery. There is the 750 copay and then they cover at 50% with no cap! I am discouraged by this and all sorts of pricing is going through my head currently. Anybody else have to deal with something like this?

Hey yall! I am not choosing to do lap band, but I am doing WLS and would like to know more about this Dr. I am a member of the sister site, vertical sleeve, and I have looked up his name, but havent seen it. I have heard a mixture of info regarding this dr. and feel like I am lacking in my knowledge to make a good educational decision regarding him as a surgeon for my sleeve. If yall could give me some advice I would appreciate it. Also, if you would like to chime in on other surgeons, that would be fine too! Thanks yall!

My 14 yr old neice said I looked like a grandma the other day. lol I was wearing the ONLY thing that barely fit with a black cardigan like jacket over it and black flats. (since my legs swell and I cant wear boots) It was funny, I gotta admit, but I cant wait to shop and get stylish clothes!! I agree with the money jar idea that I read. For every NSV, put some money in it for when we reach goal and need to purchase our new wardrobe!

I started doing this today. Told my hubby that enough was enough and some things just gotta go! lol I am also gonna start organizing the house and keeping it that way. I think that the idea to lighten up in every way is a great one!!