I'm new here

Today is 1/6/04; we got a surgery date for Feb 9th (blue cross/blue shield is our ins company)....TODAY i also find out the employer is changing insurance companies on Feb 1st!!!........(they are goingwith .United)..........9 days short of surgery!!!........questsons: 1. Can it still be done with BCBS since it is scheduled? 2. However do i proceed if its not? Thanks for any help....this surgery is for my daughter!!

I would talk to the person in HR where you have your insurance policy immediately. Tell them this is already scheduled and approved. If they decline to answer about it, ask if the United Healthcare policy has an exclusion for wls. I have united and they are pretty specific about not covering if it is an exclusion on your employer's policy. I am waiting for my labs to be stable before I am submitted for my surgery. I understand that United can take up to 30 business days to make a decision. I will keep you family in my thoughts as you face the change in insurance. Hugs and Prayers, Theresa

Hi Ashley, You can keep your BCBS ins by paying for it yourself until after surgery......One thing to think about ....Going to your new Ins company, will or can they say this is a pre-existing condition and won't cover the surgery until XX days/Months? Do you know the Exclusions with the New Ins company?...They may not cover weight Lost Surgery. Good luck to You and your Daughter. Pat C

I have United HealthCare and they pretty much follow the same procedures, etc. as other companies. Since all the testing has been done and surgery is already scheduled I'd try to stay with BCBS if possible. I don't know how your employer does things, like if you don't take it when it's offered, how long before you can sign up for it again. You definitely need to talk to your HR people. United HealthCare has 15 business days after they receive your information from your surgeon to make a decision. I had my decision in 10 days, so they are fairly quick about it. It also depends on what type of policy you get. I have the UHC POS Select, which is supposed to be one of the best policies. Check on it as soon as you can.

I would go to your HR rep. too. I would also call both insurance companies to see what they say. I will keep you in my prayers! Good Luck! Bobbie Tate

Joanne, May 1 - I have a massage therapist - that does ion treatments - that cleanses your body June 5 - my nutritionist July - we don't have a meeting... August - my surgeon or a chiropractor - my surgeon said he would talk about care afterwards....chiro would talk about what the weight does to your body September - surgeon or chiro I still have my psychiatrist that did my evaulation willing to speak, physical trainer, and the lady at splenda wraps....that is the body wrap place. I hate to do all the speakers at once then not have anything for next year...but I guess I can always invite them back.....and most important when am i suppose to talk..just joking.... Lea Lewis

I'm looking for help and support. I have gained about 20 pounds and find my carb craving is out of control. I need suggestions on getting back on program. I been looking at other sites and see that people suggest protein shakes - haven't tried those yet, so do you have any suggestions for flavorful (good tasting, preferable chocolate!) drinks? (and afordable) I've also read posts talking about detoxing, what is that? I don't seem to get any responses for the OSSG site. they seem to have a lot of folks who are long-time friends and they don't ever respond to questions from new people like me. oops, I take that back, 1 person did respond to me. TIA - Caja

I buy mine at Costco. I am 2.5 years out from surgery and this is one of the best tasting ones that I have found. I have only tried the vanilla, because I wanted to be able to add fruit and other stuff to it. It comes in a 6 lb. bag and is about $26. The package contains 78 servings per bag. That makes it 33¢ per serving! I have also tried Unjury, and it is pretty good, but I think it is sweetened with splenda, and I don't care for the after taste. Here are the links: www.unjury.com and http://www.wellements.com/prorated.asp Good luck!

I think protein drinks may help. The cost is definately an issue. They're not cheap. You might find other ways to get protein a little cheaper i.e. cottage cheese, eggs, etc. I know it sounds boring but it's a lot cheaper than the protein drinks. Melody

Caja, I just ran across a very good protein drink. It was recommended on the OFF site so I ordered it online to try it and love it. I am very picky about how my protein tastes plus I can't do drinks with artificial sweetners because they make me sick. This one has stevia in it and is high in protein grams- 24 per scoop..- no hormones . Very natural and great tasting. They have chocolate, strawberry, and pina colada. You can go to JayRobb.com or call 1-877-Jay-robb. Hope that helps. Sharon