New Member

Erin R.
on 7/16/08 7:02 am - Roseville, MI

Hey Everyone:

I'm new to the group and wanted to say hello.  I am really excited about this site and hearing everyone's success stories.  My mom had this surgery almost 2 years ago and has made an amzing transformation--which makes me even more excited for mine!

I am in the early stages of the process and was hoping to get some information and tips from fellow messageborders.  I am planning on having my surgery at Henry Ford hospital in Detroit and it will be with Dr. Genaw.  I am going to my 4 hour long orientation September 9th and am SO excited about it! 

I have BCBS PPO and was wondering if anyone can give me some insite into their approval process.  I know in general of the process because of my mom, but I'm not sure if things have changed much in the last 2 years.  My BMI is 50.1 and I have been under many different supervised programs--including one through the hospital.

Any infor or words of wisdom would be appreciated!  I'm really excited about this and can't wait! 

lisa S.
on 7/16/08 9:34 am - MI
Sorry I can't help you out w/your process but I just wanted to say hi & welcome!! Have you decided which surgery you're getting?

  

    
Erin R.
on 7/16/08 10:02 pm - Roseville, MI
Thank you for the warm welcome!  I'm hoping to get the RNY surgery done through laparoscopic procedures.  But I won't know for sure until I actually meet with the surgeon.  I have some scarring from an adominal trauma that happened about 7 years ago, so I may need to be cut open.  Guess I'll have to wait and see! 
Christina K.
on 7/16/08 9:51 am - Saginaw, MI
Hello there... I am also going to HF in detroit, but I will be seeing Dr. Carlin on July 30th for my first surgical consultation.  The 4 hour for me was actually more like 5 1/2 hours, really.  We got their at 9 am and we left at 2:45, I suggest you get their earlier than you are supposed to, because when you check in, they write a number next to your name, that is when you are called back after the meeting is over to make your appt with the surgeon.  The earlier you get there, the sooner you will be called back and that way you can have a sooner surgical consult... (if I am confusing you I am sorry :)  --I feel like I am confusing myself.  You will need to buy the book "finding the thin person inside you" If you buy it from them its $25, but I went to amazon.com and bought it there from the author and it is a signed copy and it was a little cheaper...

Is there a reason you chose dr. Genaw over Carlin?  We were told of their difference but it didn't matter to me, they are both very capable....

I do not have BCBS so I can't help ya in that areana... sorry... But I hope to get to know ya better and best to you and your upcoming appts. :)


Christina
Eli Mathius arrived June 19, 2011
Conner Ryan    8-2-2010 
An Angel in the book of life wrote down my baby's birth, then whispered as she closed the book "Too Beautiful For Earth" -- Love you sweet boy...

Lilypie - (1WuT)

Daisypath - (JXAL)
 
        
Erin R.
on 7/16/08 10:12 pm - Roseville, MI
Thank you so much for the tips!  How long after the orientation did it take to get your consult with the surgeon?  I am trying to be as proactive as possible right now.  Checking into everything that I can with work and insurance coverage.  I just picked the book up from my mom's house last night because its the same one she had to read too.  I started reading it last night and am very excited to read more of it this evening.

The main reason I chose Dr. Genaw is because he is the surgeon that my mom had.  I was able to see first hand with her transformation what he can do.  But your right, they are both very capable surgeons and noted for this procedure.

Thanks so much!  I'm sure I will be on this site quite alot in the coming months.  It seems like an amazing source of information and support.  Good luck on the 30th!
smidgen21
on 7/16/08 10:39 am, edited 7/16/08 10:40 am - Central, MI
Hi and welcome!  BCBS PPO does not require any preauthorization or documentated weight loss attempts for patients with BMI greater than 50.  If you want a copy of their guidelines (copied straight from my surgeons BCBS manual) PM me.  I can fax it to you or mail it.

Good luck!

edited to add:  BCBS no longer requires preauthorization for WLS.  They do however require documentation of 6 months of weight loss attempts (supervised by phsycian) for patients with BMI less than 50.

~Shawn~    
Revision to VSG from Lap Band due to slipped band
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you have imagined.  
~ Henry David Thoreau ~

tunafish88
on 7/16/08 10:49 am - Chelsea, MI
Hi-jack...I just wanted to tell you that I love the Thoreau quote.  It's one of my most favorites.  Tina


 

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.  ~e.e. cummings
Brenda M.
on 7/16/08 12:53 pm - Westland, MI
Hi!  Welcome to the looney bin!  LOL
I have BCBS PPO as well.....approval was fast and easy.
Good Luck to you.

 

justjudy
on 7/16/08 10:48 pm - Canton, MI
Hi, Erin.  I can't help with your insurance questions but wanted to welcome you to OH and wish you a fast process with approval.

Judy
            

kevphill
on 7/17/08 12:18 am - MI
-Any infor or words of wisdom would be appreciated!  I'm really excited about this and can't wait!

Tread lightly. You will get many views and opinions and some will not be in your best interest.
Start practicing the change now. Try samples of stuff. Map out a walking routine and do it. Start drinking water. Take suplements now to get used to it. Count your protein grams. Eat like a diabetic.
Good luck.

kp

"Go sell crazy somewhere else; we're all stocked up here."
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