Hello from Austin, Texas

My name is Caryl and I've been an RN 5 1/2 years. I've been overweight all my life (since I was 7 yo anyway). I had a successful weight loss while in nursing school. I lost 80 lbs but gained all and more back after being hit by a car and having a big knee surgery. I'm now considering RNY. Is there anyone else out there that works for the Seton network? Our insurance excludes bariatric surgery, though there seems like there might be wiggle room in the wording with assistance of an attorney. It is SO hypocritical, as Seton is currently trying to cash in on the bariatric surgery business, promoting itself as a bariatric surgery center. I heard a rumor that a change might be coming, but don't know when. Anyone else dealing with this? Caryl

Howdy down there in Austin. A few years ago before my facility starting doing the WLS it was very hard to get approved, now that we do it, the approval seems to go very well. Hope I didn't just jinx myself, LOL On the other hand you can always check around and see how the coverage is at different facilities in the area, I'm sure it's not hard to change jobs in a bigger city. Good luck

Thanks! That's encouraging to hear. I kind of thought change would happen as we cared for more WLS patients. I also had high hopes with the latest studies showing the resolution of comorbidities and reduction of medications following WLS. I'm becoming impatient as my comorbidities make it harder to exercise and lose weight and as my list of specialists becomes ever longer. I have considered researching what other employers' insurance plans look like. I think I will try to get approval from my employer first as I really like where I work. Who knows? I may help bring about the needed change, benefiting many other people. My doctor has a couple of other patients seeking WLS who work for my employer. Hopefully we will all succeed! Caryl

Hi Caryl, I am in Houston but my husband's company is out of Austin and they also exclude the surgery. We are compiling info to try to get them to change their policy in the future since often there is medical necessity. I have quite a few comorbid conditions and want to get this done also. I hope we can change things. Gail

Hi Gail. Good luck. It's frustrating when you know there is a treatment that will help many of your other problems and insurance won't cover it. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Let me know if you have any breakthroughs. Caryl