Waiting for approval &Feeling fustrated

Hi Susan !! God had a little mercy on me and it was 2 days late !!! Aren't you getting ready to have something done? I thought I read that somewhere on here. I have been a little out of it with these back to back surgeries since December. Dana

Lanette, This is my first post as well, though I've been "lurking and stalking" the boards since September 2006 when I had my first consultation with Dr. Anez - so I guess it's about time that I started becoming 'active'. I, too, was denied the first time around. My insurance apparently has the "physician supervised diet/exercies" requirement so I'm working through that in the hopes that my next insurance request will be approved. I visit my PCP on Thursday for month 6 - which I'm hoping will meet the insurance requirements. I've already done the nutritional and psych evals, no sleep study needed - so at least that's behind me. I've honestly not done too well in this 6 month period, but am hoping to get 'better' each day. This last month's been better than most, so I'm hopeful...just a little movement on the scale would make me dance! I'm in Centreville (moved from Reston a few years ago) - who knows - maybe the timing will be such that we go through this with similar timing I've learned so much from all of you *****gularly post on the site. I am so thankful for all of you who are willing to share your experiences - I personally don't know anyone who's been through this, and I feel like I can log in here and "talk" to friends who've "been there"! I can't thank you enough. I hope every dayfor the inner strength to wait my turn, make the life changes necessary and do what I need to do to start a new chapter in my life. Thanks! Chele PS - guess I better start building a profile, in the hopes that I get good news this year!

Hi Chele, You sound Just like me I have been lurking the site for about 3 months and reading up on everyone story. Finally got the courage to post. I am not sure why It took me so long but i am sure glad I did. I as well have learned so much. Your situation sounds so similar to mine but my requirement for supervised diet/exercise was for a 12 month period. I have finished that as of Jan. Got my psych evaluation done, my sleep study was done in Aug. ( I have severe sleep apnea) and all my Dr.'s have submitted letters to back up and question's the insurance company may come up with. It would be great if we were going Thur it all together. Look forward to chatting with you. Keep in touch. Lanette

Hello Chel, Welcome to you too. Best wishes on a speedy process for you. The waiting game is a tough one. I was lucky enough to be approved in a few days. But my insurance did not cover all of it. I had to pay about 4 grand out of pocket. But it was worth every penny. And like you, I did not know anyone either. And did not have support from those around me. I to relied on the knowledge form the Va Board. I have met many good people from here. I just spent the weekend with 12 of them. Love them all. Stick around. We would love to see more of you. Susan

Hi Chele - glad that you decided to post at last lol!! I never understand why many people have to go through the 6 month diet - do the insurance companies really think that we will miraculously lose our weight in that time and then not apply for surgery?? I did not have to do the diet but even if I had to - I would not have lost much - there is not a diet out there I haven't tried!! And I am sure most of us are the same! And you can still build that profile prior to surgery - I did and so did a lot of people - lets us know who you are and we can watch and enjoy your progress. Good luck!! Jackie

Susan & Jackie, Thanks so much for the warm welcomes! After lurking so long, it's nice to be "out and about"! I know why the insurance companies make you wait - they figure if they make you delay, you might think about it, reconsider, and make a different (read cheaper) decision. I'm not saying this to be bitter, or do I agree that it's the right approach - but I work for a major insurance carrier and that's generally the deal with us. They also want to make sure that you've put enough thought and preparation into your decision - not every surgeon is as thorough in pre-work, and emotional evals as others - and that's an important factor, too. I believe that things happen for a reason and hope that good things will happen for me. This morning I completed my 6 month required supervised diet - so I've called the surgeon to get the process rolling again. I've got my fingers crossed that things will go smoothly and result in an approval. At least I've taken off another 7 lbs this month, so that progress in the right direction. And I'm told that every pound off, makes surgery and recovery easier - so I'll keep plugging away. Thanks again to you both, and the rest of the posters - I can't imagine going through this process without this kind of support. Have a great day! Chele

Hi Chele - I know whay they do that too but they add the requirements on when they are not doctors - I know of people who have died waiting for this surgery which could have made such a difference to their lives. It gets me pretty mad at them! Good luck getting your approval. You are in good hands with Dr Anez and company - they are very thorough and their after care program is excellent. Keep us posted on your progress.... Jackie

Welcome Lanette, I cannot add anything the others have not just said. Only thing I can say is just Hang in there. I know its hard. But keep trying. Don't be afraid to post. There are no dumb questions here. We all just come for support and friendship. Susan

Lanette and Chele, I want to welcome you to this board! Glad to see you posting. We are all here for encouragement but get so much more from this group. Jen

Hi Lanette - welcome to the board!! Believe me we all have experienced some kind of frustrations regarding approvals and requirements. It would seem the insurance companies want to make it tough to make sure we all want the surgery. You can call Dr Anez's office for a status - it won't do any harm and they will tell you what has been happening - and if they did not submit ther paperwork you can give them a not so gentle nudge Things fall through the cracks at the doctor's office and at the insurance company too. Don't be afraid to ask the insurance company for an update either... and never give up - that is what they want you to do but if you do everything that is required of you, they will eventually approve you - some insurance companies have a policy of denying until the 3rd attempt so never give up! And we are all here to answer any questions you may have.... Jackie