Starting the Process
After years of contemplation, I finally made the comittment a couple weeks ago to proceed with WLS. While I'm glad that I waited, now that I've made the decision I want it all to happen now. There aren't any other people like me out there, right?
I had an appointment with my PCP last monday, seminar with Dr. Kirk at Bailey Bariatric that evening, and my initial consult with Dr. Kirk last Wednesday. I had my initial lab drawn yesterday morning. And now I have nothing to do but wait for them to call me with my next appointments. I did give up Diet Dr. Pepper and had my last one yesterday. That is a BIGGIE for me. But my doc wanted me to start taking small steps towards my new way of life now, instead of all after the surgery.
The two biggest things on my mind now are:
Six month diet - I don't have to have a six month supervised diet but do have to show documentation of six months of dieting in the last 24 months (BCBS OK). I stared WW a little over a year ago, which my PCP will write a letter about, and I started working out at the Y starting in January and I have those receipts. I'm hoping that will work for what they need. I would rather not wait six months.
How directive do I need to be to move things along? I know the squeakiest wheel gets the oil, but it is sometimes the first one to get replaced. How involved were you all with moving things along with your surgeon's office and insurance company?
I'm so glad this resource is here. Thanks all!
-Danny
I had an appointment with my PCP last monday, seminar with Dr. Kirk at Bailey Bariatric that evening, and my initial consult with Dr. Kirk last Wednesday. I had my initial lab drawn yesterday morning. And now I have nothing to do but wait for them to call me with my next appointments. I did give up Diet Dr. Pepper and had my last one yesterday. That is a BIGGIE for me. But my doc wanted me to start taking small steps towards my new way of life now, instead of all after the surgery.
The two biggest things on my mind now are:
Six month diet - I don't have to have a six month supervised diet but do have to show documentation of six months of dieting in the last 24 months (BCBS OK). I stared WW a little over a year ago, which my PCP will write a letter about, and I started working out at the Y starting in January and I have those receipts. I'm hoping that will work for what they need. I would rather not wait six months.
How directive do I need to be to move things along? I know the squeakiest wheel gets the oil, but it is sometimes the first one to get replaced. How involved were you all with moving things along with your surgeon's office and insurance company?
I'm so glad this resource is here. Thanks all!
-Danny
Hey Danny!
I'm right along with you. I have been contemplating the surgery since 2009. And I've decided that this year is my year! And just like you, now I want it done right away! I've already had a doctor that was taking too long to put the referral to the surgeon in so I switched doctors (I was only with that doctor for a week). Now I'm waiting for my surgeon referral from my new doctor. I will hopefully have it by tomorrow.
From the people I met, it's the people that are more proactive that get things moving quickly. You can do things like if your appointment is too far out (for your liking), you can call the office once or twice a week to see if there were any cancellations. I'm all about being proactive.
Welcome to the board. I look forward to following your journey.
I'm right along with you. I have been contemplating the surgery since 2009. And I've decided that this year is my year! And just like you, now I want it done right away! I've already had a doctor that was taking too long to put the referral to the surgeon in so I switched doctors (I was only with that doctor for a week). Now I'm waiting for my surgeon referral from my new doctor. I will hopefully have it by tomorrow.
From the people I met, it's the people that are more proactive that get things moving quickly. You can do things like if your appointment is too far out (for your liking), you can call the office once or twice a week to see if there were any cancellations. I'm all about being proactive.
Welcome to the board. I look forward to following your journey.
- Shaw
Danny, my insurance journey was horrible because they kept pulling out more and more requirements. Just when I thought I was ready to submit my request I heard, "oh but now you need to...." over and over again.
So...be sure to get a COMPREHENSIVE list of requirements from your doctor and your insurance company and start setting things up now to avoid delays.
You might need to think about a psychological evaluation, test for h pylori bacteria (and subsequent antibiotic treatment and possible GI. Specialist visit if you test positive), sleep study (and minimum time period needed on a c pap machine if you have sleep apnea), cardiac evaluation and stress test, etc.
Also ask if the surgeon expects to see a minimum amount of weight loss pre op.
I think that my insurance company truly wanted me to give up, so mine is probably an unusual case. From first consult to approval was 18 months for me.
So...be sure to get a COMPREHENSIVE list of requirements from your doctor and your insurance company and start setting things up now to avoid delays.
You might need to think about a psychological evaluation, test for h pylori bacteria (and subsequent antibiotic treatment and possible GI. Specialist visit if you test positive), sleep study (and minimum time period needed on a c pap machine if you have sleep apnea), cardiac evaluation and stress test, etc.
Also ask if the surgeon expects to see a minimum amount of weight loss pre op.
I think that my insurance company truly wanted me to give up, so mine is probably an unusual case. From first consult to approval was 18 months for me.
Being proactive is great, calling to make sure stuff is submitted and what not. Biggest thing is to make sure you meet your insurance's and your surgeon's requirements. My particular process has gone pretty smooth (got insurance approval yesterday) and Surgey on the 9th of May. I started with my seminar in the last week of September 2010 and just jumped the hoops from there. Goes quicker than you might think!
Wow...18 months at the longest. That's a long time! After a lifetime of waiting, I'm willing to do what it takes. I sure hope my experience is somewhat easier. I'll keep you all updated though. And I'll take your advice and use it!
I'm somewhat optimistic since the insurance coordinator at the surgeons office was very surprised at how good my coverage is. It's 100%, with only a $250 copay for the hospital stay. And during my calls with the insurance company, they've been very forthcoming about what is needed...so far...knocking on wood.
Thanks again all, and thanks for the warm welcome.
-Danny
I'm somewhat optimistic since the insurance coordinator at the surgeons office was very surprised at how good my coverage is. It's 100%, with only a $250 copay for the hospital stay. And during my calls with the insurance company, they've been very forthcoming about what is needed...so far...knocking on wood.
Thanks again all, and thanks for the warm welcome.
-Danny
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