geccofoxx

I began my journey over six months ago, researched doctors, insurance etc. finally chose NYU. empire and my doctor told me I would need 6 months of medically supervised visits. so I began going each month. I am now in month 6, and had a meeting with my sureons office last week. I gave them what ppwk I had ( sleep apnea test, bloodwork, etc, and said that my letter from my PCP would be ready in a week or two, aafter I officially completed my 6 months of weight loss visits. well, my surgeon sent in everything they had (minus the letter) and I was approved!!!!!!! the insurance companies explaination was that with my BMI and sleep apnea, I was concidered an automatic approval. I DIDNT NEED THE 6 MONTHS MEDICALLY SUPERVISED DIET AFTERALL!. I dont know whether to be pissed for waiting :angry, or estatic for getting approved :clap2:. I am supposed to pick up the letter on monday, and I am going to get it anyway just in case, but bottom line is Im approved for my surgery November 8th!!!!!!!

all I can say is documentation, documentation, documentation.....I am using my iunsurance as out of network, so they will only cover 80%, but NYU will actually accept 80% of usual and customary in my case. so I wont have to worry about the other 20 %. just keep plugging, and be persistent. if you dont get the answer you want, ask for a supervisor...if they dont give you the answer you want, ask for their supervisor. you have to be pleasant, but stearn. write down all your conversations (I have an entire notebook!) and remember, the insurance companies have this liitle clasue thats recorded before each call that says basically no matter what they say, they basiucally can still change their mind. but be persistent and you should be fine. the hoops they make you jusmpthrough are basically so that you will give up...JUST DONT GIVE UP. even if you get denied, allow yourself 5 minutes to be upset, then get pissed, and keep going. if you really do medically need the surgery, you will get it approved.

thanks....I tell you, these insurance companies can make you crazy. to think I could have had the surgery 6 months ago and be half way to goal by now, but alls well that ends well....right now I am this odd combination of nervous and excited.

I am scheduled for my surgery on Novemebr 8th. Im am a bit OCD, so I researched this like a madman. everything I read and everyone I spoke to basically kept bringing me back to fielding and Ren. they are the best. nothing against other doctors, but from what i understand, they are Number 1 and 2 in the world.

Hey guys...stupid question but here goes: Im working with NYU, and it looks like I will be getting banded sometime in October. I did the seminar, psych eval, and have an appt for the nutritionist in sept. Im putting together a list of things I want to do (or will be able to do) when I lose the weight, kind of as motivation for the tough days. anyway, does anyone know if I will be able to go on a roller coaster after getting banded? I used to love rollercoasters, and I can't wait to go on one again(Im a kid at heart). I can just inmagine the band slipping or something .

tell me about it. I used to LOVE them. My wife and I went to disney for our honeymon, and I was able to go on a lot of the rides, as they were very accomodating, Universal studios, another story, rude to say the least. anyway, that was 5 years ago, and I can't wait to get back on!

First off, congrats to everyone on here who is doing so well. I too am from Long island, and have decided to go with dr fielding/ren at NYU. I have an appointment on friday with doctor Huberman and was wondering if you guys could give me an idea of what kinds of things he will be asking, and what he is looking for. any insights and things you remember from the conversation would be appreciated.

I am considering going for the lap band, and am doing a ton of research before May first appointment on May 8th. I have been reading post on this board for over 3 months now, and I must say it's been unbelievably helpful. Here's the question. I am an avid softball player. Even for a Big guy (350 lbs) I get around pretty well. Im worried that If I have the surgery I wont be able to play softball for a long period of time, or for ever for that matter. my worry stems form the Port. I worry that if I get hit with a line drive, it will damage the port somehow. Any help on this would be great