Crystal_C
***JANUARY 9, 2007***
Today was my first initial appointment with PSSC to learn about the Lap Band and how it works. I did a lot of research and went to a couple of appointments before this “intake appointment” so I really didn’t have too many questions for them besides whether or not they had dealt with my particular insurance company in the past. I wanted to get an idea if I even stood a chance at getting approved through insurance. All in all everything went well and the office staff seems very friendly.
***January 15, 2007***
My physical and meeting with my new primary care doctor was today to get a letter of recommendation for surgery. I haven’t had a primary care doctor in a few years due to the fact that I didn’t have insurance for a long time. As it turns out, this doctor is Banded and her surgeon works in the same office with the surgeon I’m seeing!!!! She had nothing but great things to say about them and her experience and even told me a little about her personal weight loss journey. It made me feel really good that not only did I have a new very nice doctor but she also understands what it’s like to live a life of obesity and supports my choice in surgery. I learned that a lot of doctors are all about “just exercise and eat right” but that just isn’t always a permanent solution for everyone.
***January 23, 2007***
Psych Evaluation and meeting with the Nutritionist were today. I’ll start with the psych assessment. I have never seen a therapist before so to me this was a whole new experience. My surgical office has patients do this before they’ll submit the insurance company paperwork for approval to make sure the person is mentally capable of going through such a change. ( I think most WLS centers require this) I have to say I was just a little intimidated with all the questions and nervous because I know I’ve suffered through depression from being overweight. I had a lot of things running through my mind like “are they going to think that I’m too depressed for surgery”, “are they going to think I can’t handle it”. I was glad to find out that, even though I though it was bad, I only have mild depression and with the goals that I have set for myself, my therapist thinks I’m a great candidate and would do very well after surgery.
Now for the nutrition appointment. Meeting with my nutritionist was GREAT!! She is very friendly, sweet and genuine. She was very helpful in explaining the post-op diet and how eating habits will change. In every class, meeting, and appointment I’ve had so far, it is made very clear that this band is only a tool and it’s up to the patient to get the desired results. I have absolutely no problem with this at all. I look forward to working with her if I’m approved by insurance for surgery =)
***January 30, 2007***
My first meeting with Dr. Landerholm was today. First I met with his Nursing assistant (I think that’s what her title was) She was really awesome. Found out that her and I will become “best friends” if I get the surgery because she will be the one giving me fills and checking in on me during the first year post-op, along with Dr. Landerholm. When the doctor came in, my first impression was a great one. His presence is one that makes a person feel comfortable which I really liked. He was very informative and even showed me exactly where on my body the incisions would be and about how big. This appointment was my last step before the paperwork is sent in for review to the insurance company. I’m praying they approve it cause I can’t afford this on my own.
Insurance coordinator is sending recommendation to insurance company today… Keep the fingers crossed!!!!!
***February 9, 2007***
I’M APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my goodness… I’m overcome with emotion. I don’t really know how to react to hearing the news that my insurance company is going to pay for this surgery. I have been wanting this for about 2 years now and tried to finance it in August 2006 when my company’s insurance company had a written exclusion on WLS. I found out that I only qualified for about a ¼ of the amount it would cost because of my car loan and was crushed =( At the end of October 2006, I found out that our company was changing to a different insurance company due to being acquired by a much larger company. I started doing my research and discovered that it would be a covered benefit if it was deemed medically necessary by insurance standards. January 1st, 2007 when the new policy went into effect, I started making my appointments. (Well January 2nd anyway since everyone was closed to observe the new year lol)
My paperwork was sent into the insurance company January 30th. Here it is, 9 days later and it’s official. I called Blue Cross today to see if they had even gotten the paperwork and was told they had just received it and it was in review. That was at 2:45pm. The surgeon’s office called me at 5pm to inform me I had been approved and to set a date!!!
I was at work, turning off my computer to go home for the day when I got the call. I think I may have scared the people still in the office cause all I could say was “oh my gosh are you serious, this isn’t a joke?”
I am scheduled for March 12th, 2007 and VERY excited!!! I have a couple more appointments to do and a nutrition class to start before surgery but I’ll be back with an update later =)
*** March 12, 2007***
I got banded today!!!!!!! I'm very sore and very tired but other than that I feel ok. My muscles hurt and I can't get up from a sitting or laying position on my own. Other than the soreness I am very happy that I chose to do this and only look forward to the future now. I will keep ya'll updated on weight loss!!!
