Holly M.
2004,
I've battled my weight since elementary school. Up and Down Up and Down, never able to keep it off. I dont think my doctor takes my weight seriously. I asked her about surgery and she kinda laughed. I'm very frustrated. Im having health problems. My body hurts and I cannot do many things I enjoy.
Also I've been very discouraged. In doing research on weight loss surgery I have found that very few surgeons are willing to except my state insurance. Molina Healthy Options.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: It turns out that Molina does not cover wls surgery nor do any of the HMO's that Medicaid contracts through. The only way to be approved is by using your medical 'cnp' coupon. Your coupon must say cnp or the procedure will not be covered. Its called a fee for service. If you are on WA Medicaid and are interested in this procedure call the number on the back of your coupon have your PCP's fax number on hand and request that they fax your doctor the information and requirements for wls.)
2-21-2006
Well its been a long time since I've posted.
Yeah, like two years!!
I am on OH a lot, so much there is no excuse but anyway.
I was denied in June of 04. My insurance said this was a dangerous and unproven surgery and that it has not been scientifically proven to improve any of the co-morbidities from which I suffer. We we all know that that is a load of crap. But I went on with my life. I was very bummed and gained another 30lbs.
After a few months I decided to jump back on the bandwagon. I called my insurance. They told me that the policy had changed as of 1-05 and that it was now a bit easier to be approved.
I contacted my surg. Dr. Laughter right away and got an appt. After the appointement I waited and waited and waited to hear back. Well three months later I called up the surg. and asked for a status check. They had not even sent out the paperwork!!! What the????? Anyway, they sent it in the next day and one month later I recieved my approval for the new six month diet which is called stage 2.
06
I switched surgeons. I will now have surgery at OHSU and Dr. O'Rourke will be my surgeon. I am much happier with the staff at OHSU.
I am 3 months into my diet and if all goes well I will be on the loosing side by July. Of course this process has been and continues to be much more complicated than this post lets on but I will spare you the details. The important thing is that I am almost there!!!! I have jumped through 80% of the hoops and the goal is in my sights.
I'm hoping for stage 3 (surgery) in late June or early July.
06
Anyone who has WA Medicaid and wants this procedure better prepare for the most frustrating process of their lives! It seems that I do all the work and they just stand by and watch waiting for me to screw up. I have done everything they required and now they are stalling. They keep pending my approval for lack of information. My surgeons office has assured me that they have sent in everything, and I have even faxed information directly to DSHS and they turn around and say that they don't have it. Well I call the DSHS medical office at least 3 times a week and find out what I can do to help the process along. I do everything they say and the next time I call its always something else they want. This was supposed to be a 15 day decision and it has been 6 weeks. When will the nightmare end???
7/14/06
I have a date!!! Aug 1st 2006. That's only 2 1/2 weeks! I'm scared but ready.
Well tomorrow is the big day. I am so nervous. I just want to get it over with. I have been doing really well on my pre-op diet so my chances of having it lap are very good. I just hope everything goes well.
My mom is driving in tonight. She will stay with me for a couple of weeks. I will need her help especially with my 5 year old. I am very lucky to have a wonderful family. They are skeptical about the surgery but have remained supportive of me throughout the process.
I will update as soon as I can.
8/6/06
I'm home. My surgery went very well. No complications thus far. I have been very blessed. I'm still on pain meds. so this post is breif. I will post more detail when I get off the meds.
Hugs,
~Holly
9/15/2006
Well its been two weeks and the journey has not been easy. I ended up in the ER twice. I had high fevers, profuse sweating, and exahustion. My surg. thinks I may have had a internal infection that is healing or has healed itself. I am hoping that is the case because if I have another fever I have to have an MRI and who knows what might follow. But things are looking up and the odds are I wont have to worry about that. I have been feeling better the past couple of days. They say that I have turned a corner. I say "thank you lord" because I a few days ago I was wishing someone would just put me out of my misery.
I am doing much better now. I have lost 23lbs since surgery. That makes a total of 57lbs lost including my pre-op diet. The only problem that I continue to have is dizziness, which has improved greatly. I have a hard time getting in my protien and pills but its getting easier.
11/11/2006
Everything is going smooth at this point. I'm feeling much better these days. A couple of weeks ago I started riding my exercise bike 5 miles per day. The exercise has really ramped up my energy level. Since beginning the exercise I have not lost any wt. I hope it's only because I have gained some muscle. I have lost a total of 81 pounds so far. I still struggle with getting all my protein and staying away from the junk food. But, I am doing wonderful otherwise and I am so thankful for this journey.
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Hospital Reviews
Member Interests:
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Robert O'Rourke
I had my pre-op appointment today. I met Dr. O'Rourke and his team. They were all wonderful. They were attentive and seemed to genuinely care about me and my health. It was apparent that they had read my records and were aware of my medical issues. They take this very seriously and made sure I knew all of the risk and outcome possibilities. I feel very confident in his surgical abilities. At this point I would give Dr. O'Rourke and his team a 10 of 10. I will update after surgery.
Insurer Info:
WA Medicaid, CNP Coupon
They are very difficult to work with. The process is long and drawn out. Persistence is key.
