First step...

ToLife
on 5/13/09 3:38 pm
I went to an informational meeting and have set up my first appointment with the clinic for wls.  I am really excited about it- eyes open about the difficulty- but excited.  My insurance is a pain, but I can't be the only one with BCBS to have this done...

I went in thinking I was definitely doing lapband, but left thinking I needed to be open to whatever made the most sense,

anyway, I am going to call tomorrow and try to find an appt with a psychologist for the prerequisite psych gig.  (little nervous about having an mmpi)!

Filled out all the paperwork.  Nice questions, lol :)


    
Anna D.
on 5/13/09 6:51 pm
Awesome!  Soon you'll have your appointments checked off and will be biting your nails off, waiting for a response from insurance.

I was both excited and nervous about taking the MMPI2 test but they must not have found anything drastically wrong because I "passed".  It's not a test you can fail - it just shows areas where you might need to talk about like dealing with change, trust issues, and mental illness.

Where did you go for the seminar?
ToLife
on 5/13/09 9:16 pm
I went to Fairview Southdale.  My first appt is the 27th. 
To be honest, I expected that I would leave thinking-what the heck were you thinking??  But I left knowing this made sense for me...

I have a family member who has had to take the MMPI due to mental health issues...I never thought I'd be taking one, lol!!
Beanzo
on 5/13/09 7:17 pm - Eagan, MN
Congratulations on taking the first step!!  Every journey starts with that single step.  Don't worry about the psych eval or MMPI- the reason they have you take it is to help you know which areas you may need some extra help in during your journey.  Remeber, the surgery is on your body, not your head!
I have BCBS and didn't have any problems with approval once I had met all of the requirements.  Make sure to check your poiicy and call BCBS to get a copy (in writing) of the requirements. 

Welcome and Good Luck!

Reenie
ToLife
on 5/13/09 9:19 pm
BCBS was actually really very helpful.  When I called to verify that I understood our policy, they actually emailed me the policy!  They seem to lay it out very clearly, even including the billing codes.


Thanks for the welcome!  I have a feeling these months will go quickly...I'm actually really looking forward to the first appt, meeting the dietician and taking the steps I need to take to get healthier to prepare myself for surgery, etc.
aprilnicole03
on 5/14/09 6:40 am
On May 14, 2009 at 4:19 AM Pacific Time, ToLife wrote:
BCBS was actually really very helpful.  When I called to verify that I understood our policy, they actually emailed me the policy!  They seem to lay it out very clearly, even including the billing codes.


Thanks for the welcome!  I have a feeling these months will go quickly...I'm actually really looking forward to the first appt, meeting the dietician and taking the steps I need to take to get healthier to prepare myself for surgery, etc.
Do you have BCBS MN?
                  ~*April*~
Started:December 2, 2008
Approval: May 13, 2009
Surgery: June 2, 2009 @ St. Joes






    
ToLife
on 5/14/09 10:46 am
I do.  I'm nervous if that's a good or bad thing!
aprilnicole03
on 5/14/09 11:06 am
LOL I was just wondering I personally think its a good thing but im sure some others might not agree with me. Iv been with them whole life and havnt had any problems with them ever. I got my approval in about 6 business days, just make sure you follow the medical policy and im sure you will be fine.
                  ~*April*~
Started:December 2, 2008
Approval: May 13, 2009
Surgery: June 2, 2009 @ St. Joes






    
Darla S.
on 5/13/09 11:18 pm - Maple Grove, MN
Just wanted to give you my good wishes.  If you came away from the meeting with that feeling that WLS is your right answer, then whatever hoops you have to jump through to GET WLS will be more than worth it in the end!


  Imperfect does not = unsuccessful

Kiba0003
on 5/14/09 2:39 pm - Corcoran, MN
Good luck with whatever surgery you choose! The band is definitely a great choice! This journey is definitely a wild ride!

2019: 11 years out and maintaining a loss of 150lbs.

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