IMSKINNY

Hey, guys, guess what? I was driving today (July 3) when my surgeon's office called and said I AM APPROVED for surgery!! OMG! I am so surprised! I had already made plans to go to MX after I spoke with the insurance company last week and they were soooo negative! I am still in shock!! Thanks to all of you for your advice and well wishes! And to everyone waiting on the insurance to respond, stay positive! It will happen!

Hey, that sounds great! Let us know how things are going! Thanks for the encouraging words!

The cost is 8700 if you're having the sleeve. 1000 deposit and the balance due when you arrive. My surgeon's self pay price is 14,000.

I felt like telling the nurse if you don't pay for the surgery, you will be paying for knee replacement surgery in the not too distant future! One way or another, you will pay!

Paperwork was submitted to the insurer a week ago. I called this AM to check the status. I was told in a very condescending voice by the reviewing nurse that this process would take 'a very long time.' She said that she was waiting on a call from the medical examiner because she wanted to discuss with him what to ask my surgeon's office about other weightloss programs that I have tried. I said well, next week is a holiday week and I just wanted an update before people went on vacations, etc. She said oh, you won't hear anything next week! This process takes a very long time. WTH?! Do these people sound like they are looking for a reason not to approve me or what? I began this process in February! Because I anticipated this foolishness, I contacted Dr. Alvarez in Mexico! Susan, his coordinator, said by the time those folks at the insurance company figure out what's going on, you'll be halfway to your goal weight! I paid my deposit...

Mine has been sent to the doctor for review too. Have you heard anything yet? How long has it taken? I'm calling tomorrow!!

Hey, I called the insurance company today after waiting a week to call and was told that the nurse reviewed the info and submitted it to the medical examiner for review. I asked how long the review would take and she said that the nurse had contacted the reviewer today to see if more clinical info was needed, but had not received a return call. What do you guys think about that? Is that good or bad?

Great letter!!

I think if you do a search of the website, you will find an appeal letter. Keep fighting!

Talking to each surgeon is a good idea. I did a video conference with Dr. Alvarez. Also speak with previous patients and ask their opinion. I decided to use Dr. Alvarez, if I am denied by my insurance.

And the same to you, helleva! The second time will be the charm!

Sending positive vibes your way... We are at the same place in the process.

Gosh, just think! You're about to get this done! Some of us are still waiting on insurance or other things! But, you're about to be done with this! I wish I were in your shoes!

Good point! I am now on a 'first name' basis with the intake person at the insurance company. She's been the only person that has consistently called me back through this process. She said I should know something by Tuesday. So, I'll give until then, but after that all bets are off!

Well, the patient advocate emailed me and said that the information has been forwarded to the insurance company. I called the insurer and they indicated that they have received the documents. Now, we wait again... They said to call back Tuesday. Let's just pray and be hopeful. Thanks for the good advice!

I really have not appreciated the way my surgeon's office has responded to me. I've called as everyone has suggested and they simply don't answer the phone! WTH? I feel like such a whiner! OMG! The insurance company has been more responsive! I have called them and left a message and they have promptly returned my call. I've beginning to think I chose the wrong local surgeons!

When was your surgery and how much have you lost?