:help:Today i went in for my pre-op stuff since my surgery is on 12/26. Everything went smoothly until the nurse said she would see on my surgery date for gastric by-pass. That would be great except I'm having lapband surgery. So I explained that to her and she said she would call the surgeon's office and straighten it out. This afternoon my official approval letter arrived in the mail. I didn't really give it much thought since the surgeon's office told me I had already been approved. So I opened the letter and right at the bottom is said I was approved for

gastric bypass and said nothing about the band. I called the Surgeon's office right away. This was at 3:30, they close at 4:00. The woman I usually speak with was out so the other woman said she would look into it and call me back. She never called back.

I'm freaking out now because the insurance didn't approve my lapband surgery they approved gastric bypass which I wasn't planning on having. Any thoughts on what I should do? I know that the bypass is a more expensive surgery so I'm not so worried that they won't cover the band I'm just afraid they'll postpone my surgery until they can figure it out. I have been on this dreadful liquid diet for 10 days now and can't imagine starting all over. I welcome any and all of your suggestions.

Thanks,

Jenn

i know this sucks but you need to drive in thier and straighten it out if you do it by phone you wont get no where. things will work out and good luck youll love it when you get it done

Yikes!! I agree, drive in there and talk with them.

Since they don't have weekend hours,I am planning on going in first thing Monday morning. The surgeon's office made the mistake so they're going to have to fix it. Thank you both for responding to me, I appreciate it!

Jenn

I ended up calling our corporate office and talked to the insurance representive in corporate and then she contacted the actual insurance. I am postive I would still be waiting if I had not made that call. Good Luck I know it sucks waiting on insurance.

Just a thought -- what is your BMI -- I understand that some insurance don't approve lapband for BMI > than 50??

But if that was the case I am sure your doctor's office would have discussed it with you.

Good Luck!

Hi, my BMI is 43. I think the Surgeon's office wrote down the wrong procedure when they sent it over to the insurance company. My surgery date is on Wed. and I'm determined to have the lapband surgery. I'm hoping a simple phone call from the surgeon's office to the insurance company will clear up the confusion. I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get this mess fixed. I feel a little secure because at least my insurance co. deemed the surgery medically necessary. With the approval I'm hoping it's a simple change in the code for the actual surgery. I haven't let it upset me this weekend since there's nothing I can do until tomorrow morning. Thanks for your words of support!

Jenn

Good Luck to you Jenn! I'm hoping all is straightened out for you tomorrow! Hang in there!

Thanks Chris! I'm sure it will get figured out one way or another. I'm going to call the office 1st thing in the morning!

Jenn

Just wanted to post an update to my above problem. I spoke with the surgeon's office this morning and they straightened everything out with my insurance co. so I am all set for surgery on Wed. morning. My surgery time got moved up so I'll be going first!! I'm sooooo excited to start my new life.

Happy Holidays!

Jenn

I'm so glad to hear that you got everything straightened out. Good Luck on you surgery.

Merry Christmas -- and Best Wishes!!!

I will keep you in my prayers and hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hugs.

Thank you!!! I'll be getting banded in about 2 1/2 hours and am so exicted! Jenn

YAY!! Glad it all worked out, and I wish you a swift recovery!

Don't forget to keep us updated on how you are doing.

Happy New Year!

Gina