ChellNC

Looks like my surgery will be in August. They're supposed to call later this week to schedule it. Eek!

You got this! You already made it through 4 months of the program! Meeting with the surgeon is a big deal. For me it made it this whole thing more real, even though I've been in the program since January. Last Monday I had my visit and my husband had to go along with me. Since that appointment I've had a number of mini panic attacks. I'm excited to have the surgery but then my mind starts swimming and overloads on all the thoughts, worries and fears. Then I remind myself that this is worth it and I need to be excited for the future. Hopefully that helps you see that you aren't alone with the anxiety. Part of my mind is scared and afraid of life after a big weight loss. My entire life I've struggled with my weight. Do I know how to function as a non obese adult? Do you think those things too? I try to keep reminding myself that this is a great thing for my body and my future.

My story to decide to do sx isn't the normal one. I was referred to a surgeon because of my severe reflux. He was the one who suggested bypass instead of the other options. First thing he told me was that I was a complicated case due to my RA, OA and other issues. He said we'd have to coordinate everything with my other doctors, especially my Rheumatologist. During visits with my family dr & Rheumy we discussed their thoughts on proceeding with this procedure and they were both on board. We've discussed what treatment will look like for me in the long run and feel like this is the best plan for me. My main RA meds are injections so we don't think they'll be a big issue down the road. If I need short term steroids those can also be given by injection. In addition to discussing with each of my providers I've done a lot of research and feel like this is the right path for me.

Thanks. That's how the program here works. All patients using insurance have to have approval by insurance before they schedule sx. I'm completely on board with his decision around holding my meds & understand why. I'm looking for others who have done the same and want to see what they experienced. Hopefully my RA is well enough under control right now that I won't have a flare during those 2 months.

You're welcome. Hopefully it won't cause a flare for you. I'm anxiously awaiting my date too.

Thanks. The meds target and prevent inflammation. Since inflammation is part of the healing process the meds would slow down healing and potentially cause issues.

Try both a nurse and maybe a general or prior authorization option. Don't give up! Keep trying until you get what you need.

Thanks!

When you called insurance to check on the approval status what department did you speak with?

Do you have a login for the HIP MHS portal? Try sending a message there to see what you can find out. Finding policies on websites is not usually an easy task, even for providers. They don't have their clinical guidelines online for providers currently so I couldn't find anything at all. If you can't message them via the website call the number on your insurance card. Congratulations on the weight loss so far!

Right now I'm waiting for insurance approval and boy is it driving me nuts! I'm so ready for my surgery date!!! Since I have Rheumatoid Arthritis my date has to be a month after approval so I can come off my RA meds for a month before the procedure. Anyone else have to deal with this? I'll also have to be off of them for a month after surgery. In the long run, I know it will be worth it but I'm wondering what I'm facing being off those meds for 2 months.