Haven't been back to this board in a while. I'm still awaiting my insurance approval. My PCP sent in my referral request to my ins. companyn 2 weeks ago Friday. They said that the hospital of my "network" does their own referrals so they sent my request there. I finally got a hold of the nurse in managed care at that hospital and she was very nice, but said that since my referral was submitted, the insurance company decided to start doing the referrals again. UGH. So she called my insurance company that day to remind them about my referral which they responded with, "We know, it's still under review" That was last Friday. This coming Friday will be 3 weeks since my referral was requested. After making me wait this long, they better not deny me. I expected them to deny me right away, then I'd start the appeal process which I know takes up to 45 days for them to reply. I've had my grievance letter ready since before my referral was requested. If they deny me, that's 3 weeks they have wasted that I could have had my grievance letter submitted. I know....I'm just venting...

I am so glad there is an area for RN's. I have not told the people I work with yet. Our secretary had WLS done and they commented about it for a long time. Most of them did not think that it was a healthy thing to do. They are all thin though. I work as an Occupational Health Nurse in an industrial setting. I do hands on in one of my jobs, and only case management and wellness in another. I have had some say that I am hypocritical teaching health because I am overweight. It is good to see RN's with good results and positive comments!

Hi Kathy, I am new to the RN board as well, but I was so excited to find it. I guess we are all too busy trying to nurse the world, that we cannot find time to visit here. Like you, I am my own worst critic. The hospital where I work performs LAP-BANDs on a surprising number of people considering the size community we have. So, the hospital as a whole is extremely open, though I think secretly they are trying to make it the least overweight hospital in Texas! Several nurses that I know have had this procedure done and are experiencing giant "losses". I am currently pending insurance approval, so I should know something in a week or so. Kristen

Personally I have been blessed with support for my decision. Friends family and coworkers all. The only negative response was from my MIL and that is typical of her. After knowing her since 1975 I have come to expect it.My best friend since 3rd grade was alittle freaked out. Just afraid for me but not negative. Hold onto your dream for you. I am so happy I was waiting to die at one point I just felt so sick and hopeless. Now I have a goal and I am happy. Laurie

Kristen, Good luck on your journey. I had my surgery at a "sister" hospital in our corporation. I also involved our HR VP and the CEO of my facility. I thought since we are scheduled for JCAHO survey in April they would help me expedite the process (the was back in November 2003). I wanted to be finished with my FMLA as soon as possible. However, they decided that I needed to follow the insurance guidelines (they are the administrators over the insurance) of six month wait, supervised diet, etc. I had my surgery on 1-26-04 and plan to take off wor****il at least early March. Now, they are very anxious for me to return to work to help prepare for JCAHO. (I manage an OB unit). However, I plan to take care of ME............ Hope everything works wonderful for you. Good Luck again, Sandy