KABL1975
1/25/07
I went to orientation tonight and I am so excited. I already know that I want to have the BPD/DS. My problem is I can’t schedule any other appointments until after my pre-existing clause on my insurance expires (which is April 21, 2007). I have BC/BS Individual Care Blue PPO of Michigan, which I pay for myself every two months because I do not work.
4/26/07
I went to my first appointment today with the internist (Dr. White). Everything was fine until she asked me what insurance I had. I told her BC/BS PPO. She then asked me where my proof was of my 12 consecutive month diet. I preceded to tell her that I called the insurance company back in January and they told me the only criteria needed was for it to be deemed medically necessary by my doctor. Dr. White then left the room and returned with a printout from the insurance company stating I needed to have a BMI>40 and have completed a 12 consecutive month diet within the last 4 years. I was floored. I was so mad! The only “great” thing was I had done a medically supervised diet in 2003 through Beaumont hospital and so I had my proof. I was still mad though about the insurance company not giving me the right info when I called the first time.
5/10/07
Today I went to see the behaviorist (Scott) and the surgeon (Dr. Foote). Dr. Foote was awesome. He answered all my questions thoroughly and said that the BPD/DS was a good choice for me. The behaviorist appointment went well. I actually learned some good stuff from Scott. I am so excited. All 3 appointments are done. Now just play the waiting game. They said my file was in order, all they needed was their dictation letters to be completed and my file would be submitted to the insurance for approval. The letter to the insurance will hopefully be sent on 5/24/07 if they follow the schedule. I can’t wait!!!!
5/25/07
I am getting a little frustrated with MMPC already. I called them 3 times yesterday to find out if my information was sent to my insurance company for approval. No one could answer my question there. I was transferred to 2 different people and had to leave messages both times because they were not at their desk. I called again this morning only to find out that the insurance people have today off and will not be back in the office until Tuesday May 29, 2007. THIS STINKS!
5/31//07
Ok, so no one called me back on Tuesday May 29, 2007 after leaving 2 messages the week before. So just before they closed I called again. This time they said they would get back to me on Wednesday because Roy-Lynn (MMPC insurance person) was away from her desk. On Wednesday May 30, 2007 Roy-Lynn finally called me back and said my information will be submitted to the insurance company for approval on June 1, 2007. The waiting game begins. 30-45 days for the insurance company to approve or deny the claim. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it is sooner than later.
6/5/07
I called MMPC today to find out if my information was sent to the insurance company and they said yes it was sent today. I said I thought it was suppose to go out last Friday. The lady said she did not know why it was not sent on Friday but that it was sent today. So I will call the insurance company on June 8th to see what is going on.
6/12/07
I am approved!!! I set up my surgery date today for July 10, 2007. I am so excited! 
6/25/07
MMPC just called to ask if they could change my surgery date to July 6, 2007. I said of course we can change it. The sooner the better. So now I really do have to start my pre-op diet.
7/9/07
I had my surgery on 7/6/07. It lasted 5 hours and everything went great. I am home now feeling good. I am a little sore but nothing that I need pain medicine for. I wanted to go shopping to buy a scale (I don't have one) but decided to wait until my first post-op visit later this month. My hospital stay was awesome. The nursing staff was excellent. I was very pleased with everything there. Dr. Foote is awesome, he came to see me everyday. This was a weekend surgery so I figured I would have someone I never met before come check on me; to my surprise I saw everyone I already knew and it was great! It made me realize how much they all cared about me. So thanks to all of them.
7/16/07
Today I put on a pair of shorts and they are already a little loose! I don't have a scale so I am excited to see exactly how much I have lost. My post-op appointment is on 7/23/07 so I will know then. The thing is, I am hungry all the time. Even in the middle of the night I wake up starving. I am still on liquids but have tried a little tuna and a piece of cheese with no problems. I miss my food and can't wait until I get the ok to eat again. Dr. Foote left my stomach a little larger than most others just to ensure I can get all the protein in without too much trouble. I hope this doesn't backfire on me.
8/6/07
Ok I don't have a scale yet so I only know that when I went to the doctors on 7/23 I lost 24 lbs. For two weeks out that is pretty darn good. I am very happy about that. I have been feeling good overall and I try to eat high protein foods but I don't always get in my 90 grams. I tried Unjury unflavored protein powder and it really sucks. I couldn't drink the drink I put it in or the yogurt. I can't stand the smell or the taste so I am on the lookout for something new to try. I need my protein! I need a scale too but it will have to wait a bit longer.
