Waiting to have papers sent in...

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else has to see the psychologist 6 times before surgery? That seems like alot to me, but they said that is how the program is there for everyone, so it is not just me...thank goodness!!   I have two more times to see her, then she is sending in my papers to the insurance company for approval.  I hope I get approved. Does anyone else have United Healthcare?  If so did it take them a long time to approve you? The psychologist also said she cannot send in my paperwor****il I quit smoking!! I know I should quit anyways for my health, but it is hard!  I have actually been out of them since the end of last week and not bought anymore, but it is soooo hard!!

Hi! I have never heard of seeing the psychologist 6 times. Where are you having your surgery? As far as smoking I haven't done that either. I do know that if you smoke then it makes it harder to heal. I know it is hard to quit though as my brother has tryed to stop more than 3 times. He has liver cancer and has been trying to quit.   I will pray that you quit soon with little problems doing it!   Good luck with everything! Michelle

I have united healthcare but each policy is different so that the wording and benefits are different for each company they serve.  In other words we cannot compare our policies even tho we both have united healthcare unless we both work for the same employer.  It is not necessarily unusual to see the psychatrist 6 or more times, depending on you as an individual or surgeon requirements.  The therapist will want to make sure that you are not depressed or your depression is under control, that you have a good support system, that you understand surgery is only a tool, and any former mental health issues have been worked out before he signs off on your paperwork.  You absolutly must quit smoking ask for a prescription of chantix it has been helpful for lots of people I know.  I quit smoking last August after smoking for 30 years so I understand how difficult it is.  My surgeon Dr Mandelbaum requires six weeks smoke free before he will do surgery.  My paperwork was submitted to United Healthcare last Tuesday so I am waiting for approval, when I called I was told 15 days for review and 30 days for written approval.  Waiting feels like torture !!!!    Jeannie

Hello, I also have United Heathcare.  It took them alittle less than two weeks to get my verbal approval.  It took about 5 more days to get it in writting.  But I agree with the other post, it does depend on the employer.  This is with the railroad, don't know what yours is though.  I hope this helps, and good luck!

My Dr would not have done the surgery IF I had still been smoking... Yes it is hard to quit... that is one of the reasons I will never start again because I dont know if I would have the strength to quit again.. I PROMISE you my addictive sister quit with Chantix... it was hard to convince her she had really quit and get her off the chantix after about 3 months, (she was scared if she quit taking it she would start again) and I quit with the patch.. I sucked on Halls Mento.. felt like inhaleing a menthal...ya gotta do what you gotta do... You can do all things with... who gives you the strength... and believe me a support group at the hospital will help you quit too.. Depends if you are ready... I believe when it is your time to quit... you will... like mine and my sisters...Best wishes... and I am not being judgemental... Goodness I KNOW hard... beeen there done that...Linda Kay

Thank you everyone for all your replies!!  I know for my health it will be better for me to quit smoking, and I haven't had one since last week.  I think for me smoking is just a mental thing honestly, there are times I go all day then I stop and think, hmm I have only had one ciggarette today, if I keep busy I don't even think about them.  Everytime I get on the phone is when I think I need one, or if I have company over, that is the hard times for me, so this week I haven't been talking on the phone more than I have to. I am hopefully having my surgery with Dr. Steven Clark at community south.  And he won't do surgery until I am 6 weeks smoke free.  I am going on one week now, hopefully it does not take my insurance long to approve.  I hope they approve!! I have found this site very helpful, I read posts all the time, I just don't usually post much. I love looking at the before and after pictures!! One big thing I am afraid of with this surgery is having extra skin.  Most of my weight now is in my stomach, like I am pregnant, so I worry about having all the extra skin on my stomach!  My goal is not to look like a supermodel, but to be comfortable in a bathing suit in front of people!! I really don't want to have to have plastic surgery!!