GrizGirl

I'm a project account for a large Construction company.. I just came off a 2 year+ seismic retrofit job in Seattle. The job I'm currently working on is a 150 million dollar mixed use project in Bellevue Washington. Also mom to a 3+year old redheaded terror named Sophie--Hubby was laid off last year (longshoreman)and went back to school to get a teaching certificate.

Hi All- I met with the surgeon last Friday--We've set my surgery date: June 9, 2005. When does the panic set in!?

All of my posting, whining and complaining has been done on this forum. I am happy to report that I will be posting, whining and complaining on other forums now because I've recieved my approval from BC/BS yesterday.. and my surgery has been scheduled (tenatively--the Dr's office is double checking OR availability) for June 2. Thanks to all for the information and support--past and future

Hey all--Believe you me, I've no intention of leaving LBT--I'll need you all more now than ever!

Does perserverance really pay off? I guess I will know soon enough. I have been wrangling with Horizon BC/BS of New Jersey since October 2004 trying to get approval. I received a call from our company's benefits broker today. I had to involve our benefits broker because I was getting nowhere trying to deal with BC/BS directly. The last contact I had from BC/BS was January 27. At that time they requested two minor pieces of information that were forwarded by my surgeons office. I called BC/BS March 4 to see if any determination had been made. They said they had received the information requested January 27 and my case had gone back to utilization review, and it would be another 6-8 weeks before I heard anthing. I didn't sweat that too much because I knew that if I received approval, there would be a time frame of 30-45 days imposed, and I had a vacation scheduled for Mid-April and month end at work is hell. When I got back from vacation I phoned my surgeons office (april 20). They hadn't heard anything from BC/BS--the lap band coordinator phoned them that day--BC/BS went on to request the same information that they requested in the letter of January 27. She kindly forwarded that on in addition to other information and results from some tests and procedures I had in the mean time. Fast forward to today. I got a call from the benefits broker saying I was approved and a letter was mailed out yesterday, the only rub being was that my time frame for surgery had expired. My benefits broker is now dealing with this. Is this great or what?? What a roller coaster.

Hi La madam-- I wanted you to know that I've made you into my "poster child". When I first started lurking around this site (last fall) I took mental note of the "stats" you'd posted--If memory serves, I think I am about at the same height & weight now as you were when you began your journey. It's been nice to see your progress. I know if I can do half as well as you have and maintain such a healthy outlook and attitude as you I will have succeeded. Sal

Nothing to do with artificial sweetner, but being from Seattle I had to chime in about the coffee talk. My all time favorite is Peets Italian Roast with half and half. I've never understood how folks could put nonfat milk in coffee!--turns it kind of bluish-gray-ech

Hello All- Quick question: I had an EGD yesterday morning--Procedure itself wasn't so bad. While all looked well, they did find the beginning of a hiatal hernia--Will I be able to have a band placed with this condition? Has anybody had one and had the band placed? S.

Holy Smokes-- I had my initial consultation with the surgeon yesterday. Today--I have 4 different appointments/consultations scheduled. 1. Appointment with a cardiologist--I have an irregular heartbeat. I knew about it and it hasn't been an issue or concern with my PCP. 2. Appointment for a EGD--I've only had acid reflux 2 or 3 times, one time after a taco bell feeding frenzy when I was about 8 months pregnant. 3. Appointment for a abdominal ultrasound. 4. sleep Study-- According to a 9 question quiz, I may have sleep apnea--My husband has only complained about my snoring a few times. Snoring seems to happen when I'm sick. I do wake up about once a night--I have a 3 year old who likes to have company when she goes potty in the middle of the night. I feel a little caught up in a whirlwind--My insurance company hasn't even approved the surgery yet, and I seem to be on the fast path. The cardiologist appointment I can understand, the other tests, particularly the sleep study and the gastric endoscopy seem a little premature and unnecessary. I know my insurance will cover the EGD and the cardiologist appointment--I'm not sure about the ultrasound because I need to have that for the surgery (surgery that I'm not approved for). They will not pay for any sort of sleep study. I feel I'm close to being approved for surgery, BC/BS just requested a psych evaluation (done) and other info the surgeon is supplying to them via a letter. Should I back off a little on the aggressive scheduling of all these tests, or should I do them and then if I'm approved for surgery all this stuff will be out of the way? Perplexed to say the least

I'm getting closer.--Almost there I received a letter from Horizon BC/BS of New Jersey yesterday. They need a couple of additional items of information from my Doctor. First is psych evaluation and clearance--that is done. They also require "Enrollment in a multidisciplinary integrated program to provide guidance on diet, physical activity, and behavorial and social support prior to and after the surgery". The clinic that I have chosen for the surgery provides all of these programs--they even have a gym in their office!. I hate to be premature, but I think I'm getting close to bandland!

From reading other posts, it seems that Gas-x works as well as Mylicon drops works well for gas pains. If you can, I would check with your doc or nursing staff to see what they recommend. BTW Kate, I grew up in the Shoreline Area! Good luck and have a safe trip home

The latest and most definitely not the greatest!- I called Horizon BC/BS of NJ today to check the status of my referral/authorization. I had previously called and was assured that they had received my letter of Medical Necessity and was then given a case number. Silly me, I think having a case number will expedite things. Long story short, The first comment I hear after being on hold for about five minutes, is "Please don't be mad but"...Gotta love that. Apparently my letter didn't sprout legs and walk itself to the appropriate department--they will get that darn letter there pronto..... Crap like this, along with the extra weight keeps that blood pressure up!! I was assured (?!) that I should have an answer in 15 days, or by the end of the month. I hope she meant the end of this month.

Okay--Here's one for you. I requested a copy of my emloyers medical policy. The response I received from my HR department was interesting. Apparently, we do not have a medical policy--(nothing in writing anyway) yet. Our company moved to BC/BS of NJ nearly one year ago. Any thoughts as to whether this work to my advantage (or not)? I don't have any severe co-morbidities (yet) other than high blood pressure and some knee-joint/arthritis issues. My BMI is 39-40 depending on whose height measurement you use. I guess I wouldn't be considered obese If I was 8 feet tall. Happy Holidays!

You look so much younger!! Being a tall gal like yourself (5'10") I've always had a good "base" (big feet). How exciting to here that they may shrink! Sal

Hi-I'm in Edmonds. Waiting for insurance approval!

You crack me up--I just Laughed out Loud--Got some funny looks from the other office folk.

Yep--been all over the company website--no info there--I was directed by our local HR Department to contact our Benefits Broker--I haven't done that. I may just wait to see how the initial letter my PCP wrote goes over with BC/BS. S.

Hello All: Need all your good thoughts and wishes--My pre-determination letter has been sent to my insurance company (BC/BS of New Jersey) today. THINK APPROVAL THINK APPROVAL THINK APPROVAL!

Hi Alex- I've been lurker until recently--Finally got brave enough to post. I've read a great deal of your posts, and I must say I've been impressed with not only your depth of knowledge but your willingness to share that knowledge with others!! I live in the Seattle area and work for a large Swedish owned construction company whose US office is located in Parsippany NJ--Wonder if that's got anything to do with the Insurance??!! I'll be sure to post when I hear anything--I'm wondering what kind of turnaround time to expect?

Hello All Need a little help-How do I change by user name? Not having any luck with editing my profile...Any ideas?

Thanks for the speedy reply--I also think that re-regestering may be the only way...Who is Alex--do you have an email address for her/him?