Waiting on VSG approval, but approved for band

Since my insurance doesn't cover VSG, my surgeon has submitted me for approval for banding, and it was immediately approved.  I'm hoping the Medical Review folks at BCBS (my employer) approve my request to cover the sleeve, but either way, in 2 to 3 weeks I'll have some form of WLS.  I would really prefer the sleeve, but I had stomach stapling in '81 that worked really well until the staple line broke down, so I know a restriction like the band can work for me.  Of course, my metabolism was much better back then, but I can make it work.

My surgeon gave me his personal phone numbers to give to the Med Review doctor, so hopefully they'll talk and he can convince him that the sleeve is best for me.

Welcome aboard, Robert. I hope things work out for you to get the V.S.G. done. If not there is another surgery D.S., that is two surgeries in one. But as I have read on the board, you can have the first part done, wait on the second. I believe that insurance companies are covering it as well. Good luck on your journey.

Best wishes for you, and congratulations for having a doctor that cares so much.

I'm appealing to Capital BC, who approved RnY but denied VSG.  I'm appealing but not getting any support from my doctor. 

Hi Teri - I had an uncooperative doctor - he had already been paid in full & I guess didn't care about the appeal process anymore...I am using Obesity Law to fight the denial - they said their is a new ruling from one of the medical boards that makes it look like a good argument to use that it is no longer investigational....check them out - paying them a portion is worth it to get the surgery you want for the right of your life....in my opinion, at least.

If my first appeal doesn't make it, they are the next step.  When I first contacted them, it took a couple weeks for them to get back to me, and I already had most stuff in progress.

Being a BCBS employee, I just thought "what the heck" and sent an e-mail to our company president.  I know that he has contacted the Dr. in Medical Review to discuss it, I just don't know the outcome yet.  Either way, I'll work whatever tool I'm able to get, as I know this is likely my last chance at health.

Would you mind keeping me posted on what happens?  It could be very useful for my case.

Thanks

I will keep my fingers, eyes, legs and ankles crossed that you get approval for the sleeve.  Well, maybe not the ankles

Also THANKS for coming to my defense during the DS wars.  I was the "illiterate dolt" that couldn't spell "you're".  I almost spewed my protein smoothy all over my computer when I read your response.

Yeah, it didn't take them long to remove my response.  She really irritated me, as you could probably tell.  Nothing irks me more than someone who purports to be a scientist and then intentionally distorts a study's results to match their agenda.  Anyhoo, thanks for the well wishes.

Robert, if the wicked witch comes back, perhaps you could use some DS'ers own words to shut her up.  I had no idea...  And I have to admit I can't remember when I laughed this hard.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/3858456/Sharing-the-poo-smell-with-the-neighbors/