roadblocks

I attended the Tampa general obesity forum in October 2004. I was told that you would need at least 6 months of medically supervised weight loss attempts. I contacted my provider(av-med) I was told that it wasn't a requirement. I was told I just had to meet the requirements to have the surgery i.e. morbidly obese, sleep apnea, diabetes, and any weight related health issues.. I asked 3 different times. My question is, when I am ready to submit my claim to my insurance(avmed) is it possible that the info that was given to me was incorrect and I will be set back? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANY AV MED PEOPLE, OR ANYONE WHO COULD GIVE ME ANY INFO ON WHAT EXACTLY THEY ARE LOOKING FOR WHEN ONE IS SEEKING APPROVAL. Thanks!!! P.S Ijust need help. I am so ready for this, but I need a push..If anyone understands what I am talking about, I would love to hear from you. Reach me here or at [email protected]. God bless everyone!

Mario, We have heard horror stories of someone being told the wrong information regarding WLS. You said you asked three times, was it three different representatives or the same person three times? Every insurance company has different requirements, some require the diet guidelines, some require psych clearance, etc. There are also some employers who add an exclusion so even though WLS is covered by the insurance company, the employers will not allow WLS. I would suggest you call the insurance company one more time for confirmation and also double check with your employer to make sure there arent any exclusions. Unfortunately, there have been friends on here who had hit a roadblock because they weren't aware of some loop holes and/or specifics. Good luck to you and continue to be persistent and vigilant in your WLS journey, it will pay off in the end. Amy -161lb.

Speaking as one with experience with WLS surgery roadblocks, I offer you the following advice: the next time someone gives you information on your policy and WLS, ask what section/page that info is on. And verify it!! Get it ALL in writing!! Kristen

I too was in the same situation 2 years ago. However, I was told a yr of documentation. I had a family tragedy close to the end and I gave up. Just recently, I met a woman who had a different WLD and she told me it only took her 30 days! So, I reseached the doctor, called he got me in, in 2 days and a week later I have had all my testings! Now, we are waiting on my insurance company for approval, who I have spoken with and as long as my bmi is over 35 and it is, I am approved ! I have been truely blessed, I will let you know if there are any more rodad blocks. Boy, I wish I had this 2 years ago!!!!!!! Phew.... Kim in Jax