jencys

I worked in the prior authorization department about 10 years ago. One day someone called in to check the authorization on an out of state surgery. Well I read through the notes, saw it stated it was approved and told the nurse over the phone. The next day I was called into my boss' office because I had given out the incorrect information and the surgery has already been performed. Yup almost lost my job, yup they had to pay for my error... So don't get stressed about it, you have a letter from them with the approval. They can't go back now

Thanks FF... surgery consult is on the 21st and I'm hoping the surgery is done relatively soon after that date :thumbdown:

Hi FF I don't have a surgery date, I just started the process. I am using Dr McKinley through Rocky Mountain Physicians group at St Marks. My consult is on the 21st and I'm hoping the surgery is not too much longer after that.

Then can refer you to a psychologist for the eval, most insurances won't pay for it. Luckily I've been seeing one for the past couple of years and she's completely behind my decision, so she sent it right over

sleep apnea can contribute to a range of other complications including cardiovascular disease, hypoxia (low oxygen levels) high blood pressure, etc. If left untreated it can eventually lead to death. So although your BMI may not be 40, the weight you have is contributing to the diagnosis of sleep apnea. I believe the more they learn about sleep apnea the more they understand how important the weight loss aspect is to the treatment. I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, mine is severe so I've searched the internet for as much information as I can find. I had no idea how serious this condition is. I've decided to get the lap band because of this condition and I'm turning in my paperwork in a few days. Hopefully everything goes well and the insurance approves and I can schedule the procedure before chickening out! Ha!

Hi Mustlose.. the test you took was an overnight pulse oximetry test. It will show if your Oxygen levels go down at the same time your heart rate increases. This generally shows you have sleep apnea. One of the treatments listed for sleep apnea is to lose weight, most patients would not have sleep apnea if they were at a healthy weight. It has nothing to do with being approved for a surgery. So I believe showing that you have sleep apnea is just another indicator to show that the surgery is medically necessary. Hope this helps!

The sleep study involves attaching electrodes to you along with other devices that will measure your brain activity, breathing, heart rate, oxygen saturation.... Sleep apnea is diagnosed by having an obstruction that prevents you from breathing, which then causes your brain to wake you up to breath. Because your not getting restful sleep you are tired all the time due to lack of REM cycles. The best way to prepare for the test is to not sleep that day. Get up an hour or two earlier then you usually do and take no naps that day. It's not going to be something you can fake, since they look at your brain waves to see what stage of sleep you are in when the apnea occurs. If your awake and just stop breathing that will just look odd.

Today i started thinking about getting the lapband surgery, and then stumbled upon this website. Puddin... we are just too much alike, right down to being a Gemini!! I can totally understand where you are coming from. So many things you have said I have heard myself thinking or saying. It's so overwhelming! I don't know if you have seen this movie ( I tried to email this to you) But it stuck such a cord with me and how I tend to let men use me, waiting for them to decide if we are going to be in a relationship, etc. But go rent "Holiday" and find your gumption. I live up in Sandy so if you need someone close by to lean on let me know