I posted this on the insurance thread, but I guess I really want encouragement and support.

I’ve been dealing with insurance for months now. First they told me that I wasn’t elegible to get a lap band because they didn’t have office notes from my doctor. Then it was because they didn’t have a psychological evaluation. Then it was because they didn’t have five years proof that I’d tried other weight loss methods. (Or maybe the weight loss thing was first.)

Anyway, my doctor sent office notes, I wrote a letter explaining why I couldn’t show proof that I’ve been trying to lose weight, not just for five years, but for over twenty. Oh, my insurance company also wanted to send me a very long distance from where I live. I don’t drive, I use public transportation, and I explained that it wouldn’t be good for a post operative patient to travel such a long distance.

So I’ve been denied, and I’m so depressed I just want to crawl in to a hole, or in to bed, and stay there, eating myself to death, because that’s the one way I know I won’t feel anything.

But I am feeling, because I’m upset. I think, Well, maybe I just don’t want the band, but then why the hell am I fighting, and why am I so upset? Answer: Because some part of me does want it.

I will probably feel better tomorrow, and hopefully I’ll find the strength to do what needs to be done. I guess I just need some encouragement, support, or a good talking to?

But be gentle, please?!

Edited October 3, 200817 yr by serenity55

Michee, thank you for the encouragement. I’m going to try everything I can. I’d thought about self pay, but that’s just not an option for me, or at least, I didn’t think so. I believe my insurance will pay for it, and if they don’t they’re going to give me a good reason why.

Skinipete, as you live in Florida, you have no idea how bad the transportation is, nor how difficult it might be for me, because I am blind and don’t drive. I don’t use my blindness to get pity; I’m simply stating a fact. Even if I were to get to a doctor closer to me I’d still have to travel for whatever classes or groups that were required, not to mention post operative appointments. I wouldn’t ask any of my sighted friends to drive me that far, not with the price of gas, and the time it would take. When I said it was an hour away, that’s in a car, directly from my house to the doctor’s office, not sharing a ride with others, which is what I’d be doing.

Yes, I want to get a lap band, and I want it badly, and I also know that my insurance company has sent people to doctors closer to home. All I’m asking is that they do the same for me. I think that’s my right.

I know how you feel. I was denied because my nutritionist did not give enough follow-up notes. Unbelievable.

However, I am appealing through The Obesity Law & Advocacy Center- they due Lap Band Appeals and it is no cost to you or the doctor's office. Their phone number is 619-656-5251 (California). My doctor faxed all my records to them last week. Please try and appeal. I don't know how long it takes, but I, too, am so devestated that I have to do something. As my doctor's office said, it seems the insurance companies are in the process of denying.

Let me know.

Hi Bev,

It’s nice to know I’m not alone. Thank you for your post.

I did contact obesity law because I’ve heard positive things about them, but I wasn’t sure if I should have my doctor appeal or just let them do it. I asked for an opinion about that, and am still waiting. But I’m thinking I’ll just let them help me.

My physicians group told me they were denying me because I didn’t have six months’ proof of weight loss, and before that it was other things

Let me know what happens with you. How long ago did your doctor’s office fax everything?

Good luck, and thanks again!.

Edited October 8, 200817 yr by serenity55