ready2smile

Sorry you're having so much trouble. Seems like there are so many of us that have had to almost beg our insurance companies to pay out the benefits we pay into. Not sure where you live or why you were denied before, but I can say from experience that they will deny you (on my plan in CA) if you are lower than 40 BMI with co-morbs. My plan is BSNV (or BC), which is very similar to Anthem BC/BS and when I met the magical BMI number, it was approved. Am in the process of changing surgeries; sleeve to RNY, so I'm still waiting for that to go through...bleh. My surgeons office isn't the most organized, so I have to keep on them-which is no bueno. Hope you get very good news very soon!!!

Only 1 person knows about my surgery because I refuse to engage in the almost guaranteed negativity, jealousy, and ignorance surrounding the procedure and its use as a medical tool for weight loss-not an easy way out. My family, co-workers, friends, etc. would not/do not get it. Aside from work, people will only know (after the fact) I had a hernia repaired, which will happen at the same time. I'm sure I may get questions later, but if so I'll deal with that when the time comes and respond with an honest, "I'm eating less and healthier".

This is scary! My surgeons office submitted my original request for the lapband back in May thinking I'd have a better chance of approval with my lower BMI (I'd requested RNY). I was denied, looking back, perhaps that was a blessing because I have gerd and a sliding hiatal hernia-this could have happened to me. I kept jumping through the insurances hoops and qualified in Nov. I requested the sleeve thinking since my gerd hadn't acted up in a while I'd be ok-got a date for 2 weeks later then had to reschedule for Jan. because of work. Lo and behold, 1 week later, BIG gerd/hernia flare up. Had to call the surgeons office to tell them this time I'd changed my mind about the actual type of surgery. I was scared to get the sleeve. They had to resubmit to insurance but kept my date for Jan-I hope RNY is approved and I get to keep it! If not they said they'd do the band, I'm thinking for sure NOT now. Thank you for sharing-praying insurance approves the change, I should know tomorrow.

Only my husband knows. I'm taking time from work, but I'm having a hernia repaired at the same time so no one knows about the WLS part. Family, haha. My hubby had it, did great but his mom was upset. They thought it was risky and extreme. Although most of my family is overweight-I doubt they'd be very understanding. My sister and mother would be more jealous than anything at me losing weight. Sister would probably comment (to others) that I couldn't do it on my own even though she's never been thin herself and struggles with WL, and mom would gripe because she wants but can't have the surgery because of health issues; both would tell everyone and their brother... It would be great to have more support but it is what it is.

Welcome. I'm also waiting on approval (after a denial). Wishing you good news fast!