I am ready to give up!

I am ready to give up the fight to have surgery! Is there anything I haven't done to get the insurance company to approve me? I went throught the MMPC weight loss program and failed. I only lost 35 pounds and was faithfull to the program. I tried to get approved for surgery after that and was declined because my BMI wasn't at that time high enough. Thanks to the 35 pounds! Then I appealed (I thought) and waited six months to hear from them. I finally called and found out that my Doctor never appealed the denial. So I went to the sleep clinic and found out I have sleep apnea. I stop breathing 78 times a hour. I have very high cholestrol- controlled by medication. I have joint pain -back -shoulder. But I was told that most people my age have sleep apnea and it was not a co-morbiditly at my age 54 (by my doctor). The Priority Health paper stated-My BMI is equal to or greater than 45, but with no obsesity-related co-morbidities such as significant pulmonary disease, cardiac disease, hypertension or diabetes. Also I have not participated in a weight program in six months. Because I was waiting for the appeal! Yes I have considered changing doctors. I am just ready to give up and die like my Aunt and both Grandmothers of either complications from diabetes or heart disease. I am tired of fighting for a normal life.

Nancy--i can see how you are frustrated......but change doctors taking all of your documentation to a new one.........or insist that your pcp immediately step up to the palte and do the job he/she should have done associated with the appeal.........dont stop---it all works out, just not always in our time line. This is the most wonderful way to improve life after all other things have failed. Dont give up.......just hang in there but either put the pressure on your pcp------or get all of your chart materials from the dr and go to someone new............its worth the fight! hug rae

Thanks hun ! I needed to hear that. I am going to face my doctor ( my doctor who is obese herself but against the surgery) and have her continue to help me fight for this!If she won't help me then I am changing doctors. thanks Nan

I'm no expert but it sounds like your Doc has dropped the ball . I was told that sleep apnea is a serious problem and is a co-morbiditly. I would think of changing your Doc or make your current Doc submit your appeal. Good luck in resolving this issue. Let us know how you make out. Dennis

i banged my head against the wall with lying doctors and stupid insurance companies for three years until i found a doctor who herself had gone through WLS, next thing i knew, it was less than 3 months before i was having it done to me, completely paid for by the insurance. STICK WITH IT. DON'T GIVE UP. Insurance companies WILL kill you (by letting you die rather than helping you) if you let them. They care about money, not people. Fight them for all it's worth.

I didn't have to fight with doctors and insurance companies over my wls but I know that most people do. It seems to be the norm to have to struggle with them to get wls. I think it's due to ignorance about the surgery on the doctors part and of course money with the insurance company. Just don't let them get you down. I have had to fight with my insurance company over other things and what they want most is for you to give up. So don't do it! It's like a game to them and whoever can hold out the longest wins. I know you feel like quitting the fight but you can't afford to let them win this. Your health and your life are at risk. Just hang in there and come here for support and we will get you through this. Holly W

Nancy, rather than fight with a doctor who obviously doesn't have your best interests at heart and doesn't have a clue about the health benefits of weight loss surgery, find a doctor that will stand behind you. You need to have someone as your advocate. We fight enough with our weight without having to fight with our doctors, too. You deserve this surgery, you deserve good health, you are entitled to proper health care. Do not give up. Find someone who supports your choice and go from there. You will find the road a lot smoother. Unfortunately, many doctors feel that they can be anti-WLS and make the decision for you. That is not their choice. It is yours. Find a different doc who supports your decision and things will move along quickly. Good luck!