champagne301

Just got my date today, and I'm not very far behind you all, January 19th @@Fallinstar Good Luck today!

Just wanted everyone to know....I just received a call from my insurance...and I was APPROVED for surgery! I'm so excited, and relieved now I don't have a date yet, since the scheduler is out until Monday, but at least I know there will be one coming soon!

Ok...so I think I feel a little bit better now? I believe my surgeon's office is going to send them a letter stating this for me. I called them again today (waiting for a return call) to see if that is all that is really needed. I stopped my patch on Friday to begin to rid my system of any lingering nicotene just in case I need a blood test. I can hope still, right?

I have Health Partners of Philadelphia/ Medicaid. Starting January 1st they are dividing Medicaid up into two categories. Healthy and Healthy-Plus...they put me into the Healthy category which is supposed to see the most cuts. They have not released what exactly is being cut yet...or if they did, I can't find it.

Wouldn't this test detect the nicotene in my patch though? They didn't say patch free. I'm still waiting to see what they are going to say about what they are going to use to determine this. We'll see.

Thank you both! I'm trying to remain patient and positive. I was never a normal "smoker", I was an occasional smoker...maybe a pack a week. I smoked because I felt like it, I could have quit LONG ago, but was never given a reason to. I was told by my surgeon that I can't smoke once I start my 2 week pre-op, and if course, after surgery...but never said it was imperative for insurance approval, otherwise I would have quit when needed. That is what bugs me. I started the patch 4 weeks ago because I didn't want any cravings, like a just in case. They even started me on the lowest patch since I barely smoke. And I don't know how they would check to see exactly how long I've been smoke free, you would think being on the patch would be proof, but I don't know. We'll see how it goes. Thanks again

My surgeon's office called a couple of minutes ago and gave me the news. The reason given was that in some of my Dr notes, it says I'm still smoking. They want me smoke-free for 6 weeks (which is not stated in their requirements). However, I've already been on the patch for 4 weeks now, so their office is sending a letter to appeal because of that. I'm bummed, right before Christmas too. Also, I am afraid that there may be changes made to my coverage come the new year. PA is supposed to make some cuts in Medicaid, but I can't find any info if wls will be one of them. I don't know...this is depressing.

Yes, that is how I feel, like someone dropped the ball, and nobody wants to take the fault! I am also pretty sure it goes through different departments too, but man, it's driving me nuts here, lol! I'm trying to focus, as you said, at least they have it now right? The surgeon's office told me my plan normally doesn't take longer than 2 weeks, which is why I'm so antsy about it I guess.The inability to plan this out accordingly is difficult for me, especially since this is the holidays with my 4 girls and all. I at least want a date already, ya know? Thanks so much for the encouragement!

WOW! Congrats on the amazing loss!

I had wanted RNY also, but since I have had anemia for the past 3 years off and on, they told me Sleeve or nothing. I've since warmed up to it, and am feeling 100% better about the change, and looking forward to it. Give it some time, and research it

...and FRUSTRATED! It's been over two weeks, and I am worried. I called my Insurance twice last week, and they told me they still didn't recieve anything. I then called my surgeon's office to see what exactly was going on, and they told me it was sent in on Dec. 2nd, so they don't see an issue, just maybe they haven't updated their system or something. I called my Insurance company again today and they told me they just received it YESTERDAY, and it is pending still...yesterday? I am ready to lose it here...what is the hold up, and how much longer do I suffer here? LOL Anyway, anyone else submit around Dec 2 and still waiting like I am? Anyone go through something like this with things being received late? (BTW, I have Health Partners of Philadelphia)

Just so you know, ymmv...and it depends on not just your surgeon, but the anesthesiologist and their team as well. For sure, all metal pieces that are removable must come out, but with some of my surgeries in the past I've kept in plastic retainers and others, I was asked to even remove the plastic ones too. Usually a nose piercing, if healed for at least 6 months, can go a few hours, but even the inside will begin to close, so you may have to immediately work it back in once in recovery...and it may hurt a little, but you should be able to do it. Hey, you'll already be on pain meds anyway Good luck!

Congrats on your approval and upcoming date! I'm still waiting to hear...it's been 2 weeks already and it feels like FOREVER! Hopefully, I won't be too far behind ya though

Congrats! I am waiting on my approval now as well. December 30th is my birthday, so it's a winner for sure

I'm waiting for a decision here too...Good luck and keep us posted!

I have not lost weight on my 6 month program. I gained 7lbs in the last month of it, since they decided to put me on birth control pills and the patch so I could quit smoking prior to surgery. My insurance doesn't say I HAVE to lose weight, so we'll see very shortly what they say.

I think I will go insane if they make me wait until February for my surgery. I was done my 6 month insurance required weight management program right before Thanksgiving. They sent everything to my insurance company December 2nd, and told me the approval may take 2 full weeks. I was really hoping to have this surgery this year, but I see so many people scheduling for like a month and a half away, and I am so done waiting! I hope it's not much longer.

That's my Birthday, so it's bound to be a wonderful day for you ladies!!!