Ab1986

You look amazing!!!

So I have done almost a year of Nutritionist visits. I have lost 26lbs. I went Wed for my psych bariatric eval and passed. Then yesterday I went for orientation and my consultation with the surgeon. Everything went well, they said I should be able to be approved. They gave me a checklist of things that both the doctor and possibly my insurance would require. Nutritionist eval and documentation 6-12 months ^done Psych bariatric evaluation and recommendation ^done Letter from me outlining why I want surgery and what I am suffering from ^done Cardio clearance- EKG, stress test Gall bladder Ultrasound Blood work Endoscopy sleep study and pulmonolgy clearance ^need referral and scripts for the above from PCP My surgeon is in Ocala, my PCP is in Clermont and I live in Orlando. I decided to stop in my PCP office on my way back to grab the referrals and scripts (he works in a walk in clinic) and he asked that I get written documentation from my INS company of what they wanted to have submitted for approval of surgery before he sends me for clearances to have the surgery. Called insurance company and NO one will give me written info because the procedure is only done in times of medical necessity and each case is decided on a case by case basis. I go back in with the PCP and he says he will not give me any referrals or scripts for tests until I am approved for the surgery through my INS company. INS company verbally said I had to have "6-12 months diet documentation from a nutritionist/physician, Comprehensive pre/post op plan with a Bariatric program, clearance from Cardiologist, Gastroenterologist, Documentation of No Endocrine issues that could be causing the morbid obesity and a BMI of over 40, documentation of any co-morbidities". They said if all the appropriate documentation is not submitted it is an AUTOMATIC Denial. I told the doctor this. I showed him the emails between me and a supervisor at my INS company with telling me that "There is no written procedure to follow for a MAGICAL approval". I have the option of changing my INS plan with a good enough reason. Should I just change it, find a new PCP and INS? I already checked with my surgeon and they take all of the other insurance options I have to switch to. Ugh I am so frustrated. I feel like no one wants to help me. :-(

I hope I have a result as good as yours. I'm 5'1 an 300lbs. In the beginning process and go Friday for orientation and my consult. You look amazing.

You created a monster DLCoggin! Would you mind emailing it to me too! Thank you! Elliebelle0911@yahoo.com

Can I join? I'm hoping to have surgery soon just not sure if it will be in December. Elliebelle0911@yahoo.com

Thank you ladies. I am trying to get all my ducks in a row to avoid wasting time. That way I don't have to be denied and appeal my insurance company. I'm praying I can have this done right around Xmas or near the beginning of the year.

So my insurance company says I need a psych eval. What do they ask? How long is it and can you fail it?!? Help I am nervous they will flunk me and I really need this! Thanks.

Hi Christi, I actually have a Medicaid PSN. I pay a low monthly rate due to my daughter being disabled and not being able to work in order to care for her. I miss working and having adult interaction. Unfortunately if I work we make too much for her to have her healthcare and if we pay out of pocket it is $2500 per month plus copayment for every doctor, specialist and therapy appt. she goes to 2 therapy appt a week. I would also have to pay for a specialized daycare because she is medically complex and normal centers won't care for her (she has seizures and has a Gtube to eat and drink). It's nice to find someone similar. I am hoping that my insurance will accept the 9 months of nutritionist visits in leu of a PCP supervised plan. They said I had to see a nutritionist as well. Clearance from a Gastro, endocrinologist, cardiologist and psychologist.

I look forward to being able to carry my daughter without my ankles giving out. She has CP and cannot walk. I have fallen with her in my arms 3 times due to my ankles or a knee giving out. Thankfully she has never been hurt. She is only 34lbs and I worry about what I will do when she gets older and heavier. And all of the above that everyone else wrote. Oh and not looking weird in lingerie with thigh high hose!!!

My name is A and I am 26 years old. I am married and am the mom of 2 beautiful girls. My oldest is 3 and my youngest will be 1 year old on the 28th of November. I currently reside in Orlando, Florida and I am a stay at home mom. I have been married for almost 8 years. I have always been overweight. I have struggled with food and weight since I was younger. At my thinnest I was 170lbs and 5'1. I am currently close to 300lbs. My heaviest weight was 330lbs in February of this year. I started working with a nutritionist in Feb and trying to lose weight. I currently walk 2-3 miles 4-6x's a week. I have been trying everything to lose the weight but nothing is helping. I finally decided to ask my PCP for a referral to see a Bariatric surgeon. My PCP has only been seeing me for 4 months. Before that I didn't have a PCP just my OBGYN. I am praying that I will be approved for RnY. I am pretty healthy beside my BMI being 57 and I think I have sleep apnea. I wake up in the middle of the night having panic attacks and gasping for breath. I also keep dreaming I am drowning. My ankles and knees give out on my at times and my hips ache. I have not been diagnosed with any co-morbidities though. :-( I am hoping to have this surgery to get myself healthier. I have an extensive family history of morbid obesity (both sides), heart disease (both sides), type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure and hypertension (both paternal and maternal). My oldest daughter is special needs and will never be able to take care of herself. She will always need someone to carry her, lift her, change her,etc as she will never walk or talk due to a brain injury during birth. I am going to see the Surgeon for orientation on the 30th and for a consult. I am praying they can help me. I look forward to meeting new people who are in similar situations. God bless, A