How do I keep up the good fight?

beachgirl · May 26, 2006

As from my last few posts everyone probably remembers me. I'm the one whose insurance is suppose to cover but then I find out will probably have to go on a 6 month diet first. Here's the thing. My physician referred me 2 weeks ago to Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tn. They sent in all of my files and two weeks have went by and nothing. They still haven't called my doctor back yet with an appointment. I know how many months all of the preop stuff can take and I can't even seem to get a leg in the front door. It's making me very emotional and wanting to give up but I can't do that, this can change my life. Then I get to thinking about it took years to get fat and give it years to loose. Then I get to thinking, even if they're going to pay, (and I'm not a real patient person) should I just go to Mexico, then I read where if you do that there's no follow up. What do I do? I just can't seem to get anywhere and feel I'm just going in circles.

Thanks everyone,

Sherri:help:

Iulizbug · May 26, 2006

Hi Sherri,

I know how difficult this part can be. I went through the same thing myself, only I found out my insurance needed a year and a half of documented weight loss attempts and that was just too much for me. At the rate that I was gaining weight, I didnt' want to wait another year and a half to start on this journey. I was just too depressed and miserable. However, if I knew I would be approved and only had to wait 6 months I think I would try to wait it out. I wasn't even sure that my insurance would approve me, unless I gained another 30 lbs or so in that time period which I refused to do. I was already fat enough in my opinion but my BMI was 37 with no comorbities so my insurance co. didn't think so.

I ended up going to Mexico b/c I was ready to lose the weight NOW and get on wtih my life happy and healthy. It really is up to you. I know that 6 mos seems like forever but you would be saving ALOT of money by using your insurance. I think I would wait 6 mos. If you do decide to go to Mexcico make sure that you pick a competent surgeon--I recommend Ortiz b/c that's who did mine but Rumbaut and Kuri are just as good too. You can find out what aftercare providers will take Mexican patients from the bariatric coordinators for these doctors. But be forewarned the fills aren't cheap. I pay $400 a fill but my surgeon is excellent and feel it is worth it. You also have the cheaper option of FillCentersUSA where it is $150 a fill (after your initial $300 for the first one..) but you have a Nurse Practicioner doing your fills and oftentimes they aren't the best and you are risking the care of your band. Not worth it to me.

Hang in there and try to remain positive. Your surgery will be here before you know it!

~Liz~

banded 03/10/06

Dr.Ortiz

241 highest/237 surgery/204 now/150

5'7''

beachgirl · May 26, 2006

Thanks for your help. I know I should probably wait but why won't they call my physician back with an appointment. Can it possibly take 2 weeks to go over my files and schedule me? Did you know we are close to the same weight and are the same height. I'm 41. Just thought that was pretty cool. Thanks again for your help.

Sherri

MarianneTN · May 26, 2006

My experience with Vandy is you have to stay on top of them. I'm on another board with several Vandy patients and you have to call and check the progress. "Did you get my file?" "When are you going to call my doctor?" "What's the plan?"

shackdog · May 26, 2006

Hang in there and dont give up, Yes I aggree that you need to stay on top of the issue, its like the squeaky wheel gets the greese........

piperbaby · May 26, 2006

You just have to. I rebeled with the whole 6 month diet too for over a year until I realized it was not going to happen unless I did it. So I just did it. Did I lose any weight? Not really but the whole point was that I did what the ins company required for me to do and I got approval. You can do it! It sucks to have to wait but in the long scheme of things it's only 6 months and it passes really quickly.

beachgirl · May 26, 2006

Marianne, did you have yours done there. I just emailed them and ask them what I could do to possibly get an appointment. I emailed the Vandy Biatric Group. Is that the right thing to do and do you have any more suggestions. If you had yours there what was there pre op stuff.

Thank you very much for your help, everyone.