MrsPiggleWiggle

Thanks everyone. I know there is no way my hubby would agree to self pay, so this is my only option. I'm really hoping the appeal will work.

I meet the requirements for UHC - current BMI is 40 - but not the 'extended' requirements you only find out about after you start the process, where I guess you have to have had a BMI 40 or higher for the last 5 years, or 35 w/ co-morbidities. In the last 5 years, my BMI has fluxuated between 39 and 41, and no co-morbidities. I just found out over the summer I am pre-diabetic, which counts as a co-morbidity, which is what led me to surgery. So, my WLS dr. is going to file the appeal. Anyone had this situation and then get approved? I'm scared! Anyone able to share advice/wisdom/anything??!!

Yes, thank you! Just got the call today I am denied for the same reason. How crazy is this - if I just weighed 15 more pounds during the last 5 years, I'd be covered! Damn me for not eating that 4th piece of cake! ha ha! Called the dr, waiting for chart notes to be sent over, showing that I had a high fasting blood sugar (let's hope it's high enough!) and high blood pressure at some point. I really hope the WLS dr. can help me out. They told me today they take care of the appeal, I don't have to. *fingers crossed!*

THANK YOU!!!! I'm teary right now after reading this. I'm waiting for the call from the dr. to go ahead and schedule surgery, and cannot wait. Sometimes I get a little nervous, and think about how people will judge me when they hear I've had the surgery, But you know what, reading this reminds me why I'm doing this, and how much my kids will benefit. I would do anything for them, and you helped put that back in perspective. Thank you.

So glad you posted this! I've been spending the morning reading your blog, and WOW!!!!! Thank you!!

First topic post, yay! How long were you in the hospital, and how long were you out of work? I'm done w/ all my pre-surgery appointments and ready to schedule surgery. I'm a teacher, and our holiday break seems like my best option, since it will give me a full 2 weeks to have the surgery and heal. But...our last day of school is 12/22, which means the first day for surgery would be 12/24. Not sure they would do that, and if they even did, I don't want to be away from my family for Xmas. So now I'm thinking of bumping it back a week and taking a few days before the break for the surgery, and then using the break for healing. But then I think, "well, maybe I won't need a full 2 weeks off, and if that's the case, I could do it over T-day weekend." I'm young-ish (40 in a few months) but heal fast. I'd love it if you could share your experience with me, to help me decide the timing. Thanks!

Good news about the surgery going well!

You will be so HAPPY once it is out!!!! I got mine out a few years ago (and got mini dumping syndrome in exchange) and life is much, much better!

I've been wondering this too. I just found out at my NUT appt. that my dr. does a 2 week liquid diet before surgery, and I can't help but think of everything I've read and how drs. are all over the place w/ what they require. One week, two weeks, a month, a few days, ack! I wish I knew exactly what my own liver needs, so I can say "okay, it's this, and nothing else."

I'm so glad you asked this, I've been all over the place w/ what I am thinking as well!

Thank you so much for all the information!