:flypig: :flypig: :flypig:

Hello Friends and Loved Ones...

As many of you know, I have been trying to get pre-approval from my beloved insurance company for an Adjustable Gastric Band procedure... :confused:

From September thru December, I was denied, appealed and was denied again. Blue Cross determined that I was too fat for Lap Band surgery for weight loss... (!) :mad:

I researched, wrote fabulous arguements and sent it all to the State of California for an Independent Medical Review. I waited, and waited and waited some more. :rolleyes

I got a letter in the mail the night before last - addressed to me, from the Center for Health Dispute Resolution in Rancho Cordova, CA. :nervous

You can imagine my excitement - I was finally going to get The Answer.

I ripped open the envelope to find a letter addressed to some guy named Bruce!!! ARRRRGH!!! :faint:

So, I scurried in to work yesterday, and called. I thought that if I had Bruce's letter, maybe he had mine. Logical, right? WRONG. :tired

The gal who called me back told me that they were waiting for the last document from someone, somewhere, and it was due in that very day. She told me she would call. I waited for the rest of the day... no call. I called again and left a message. :help:

By last night, I was about ready to explode into thousands of tiny fat particles... But, I managed to survive the night and this morning, I got a call from the CHDR.

AT LAST, I am rewarded for my good karma, patience and ability to craft an arguement. The State of CA has determined that the Adjustable Gastric Band procedure is Medically Necessary - and I will be receiving a letter from them, and from my insurance company, to acknowledge this, soon.

:Banane10: :eyebrows: :confused: :Banane41: :Banane52: :not_ripe:

:Banane09: :Banane17: :Banane06: :Banane48: :Banane04: :Banane47: :) :Banane44: :Banane10: :Banane21: :Banane10: :Banane42:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Now, I may have to have some of the medical test re-done, since a great deal of time has passed since the first one - but now I know that the Delightful Folks at Blue Cross will be forced to pay - whether they want to or not.

Life is Good.

Thanks to ALL who wished well, crossed fingers, said prayers, stuck pins in dolls and thought good thoughts.

I am Stupid Dog Happy right now. If I had a tail, it'd be wagging.

:]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Froma one Mega DIva To another!!! It won't be long now!! I am so happy for you!!!! You really inspire us all!

You go girl! You did it! I'm dumbfounded and so totally impresssed. You ROCK!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Those of you that were (and are) being patient enough to battle insurance companies deserve an award. Good job, Bean! It will all pay off in the end. You'll be banded here in the states, right at home, with aftercare readily available. Damn proud of you!

I am so happy for you!!!!:clap2: You fought the good fight, and WON

I only pray that my battle will turn out like yours. Let us know when you have a surgery date!!!!!

I'm just so happy for you !!! *giggle*

Hot Damm girl. I'm thrilled for you. I too wrangled with my insurance company (BC/BS of New Jersey) for about 8 months. I felt like jumping up on my desk & yelling when I finally recieved the letter telling me that yep, the surgery was medically necessary. I know I was hyperventilating!

This is WONDERFUL NEWS!

Hey Guys -

I feel like a rock star... You are all so sweet.

Just an update: My surgeon's office called me yesterday because they already had a letter from Blue Cross stating I was approved... I have my pre-op consultation scheduled for the 24th. (I would have gone sooner - but I am going to be in my New York office next week.)

It is looking good for surgery in February!! I am so excited!!

Thanks, again.

Irene