A journey of 1000 miles...
..starts with a single step.
Hey all! I'm Andi. My mother had the Open Roux-en y procedure on August 2nd 2007, and is coming home from the hospital on the 4th. I'm terribly excited for her and commend her for her bravery, she inspired me to try and have WLS too.
I'm 25 years old, 5'11" and 370. I just started my new job May 14th 2007, insurance due to start coverage Sept. 1st 2007 (Anthem BC/BS of VA) and my very first appointment with Dr. Halmi on Sept 6th 2007. I have no co-morbities and have not had a single day of Dr. Supervised dieting, but have tried everything available -- much like everyone else.
I'm a terrible worrier by nature, and facing this has made my worrying kick into overdrive. Am I too young? Am I too new to the insurance? am I too this or too that? It makes my head spin to think about it.
A customer service manager by profession and a people person by nature, I know how to talk to people to get the desired outcome that I want, but even I know that insurance companies are immoveable rocks. I know that now is the time to get this over with, I'm no longer carrying around baby fat that will eventually 'go away'.
At the risk of rambling, does anyone have any words of wisom? I've been told to be the insurance company's worst nightmare, call call call call day and night.
I hope to hear from anyone that has anything to add.
Andi
Hi Andi,
I had BCBS Fed on the 8th of Jan and got approved for surgery on the 11th so no you are not too new to the insurance. My advice would be to call the insurance company and ask if they cover WLS and what the conditions are for approval. That will let you know in advance what you need to do. If you need 6 months of supervised diets like some require you can get to your doctor and start it now - that way you are already a couple of months into it by your consult. Also Dr Halmi's office is very good at guiding you through the whole process with your insurance - they did everything for me - I did not have to do anything at all with the insurance.
This is a big decision and you do need to think about it carefully. For me it was one of the best things I ever did for myself and has changed my life - I am sure you will not regret it but may have to jump through a few hoops to get there.
So before you become your insurance company's worst nightmare lol - make sure they cover everything you need in advance of all of this - you may not even need to harass them...... but if you do - there are lots of people on this board who will be able to give you advice on how to get through to them.
Good luck and we are all here to help you!
Jackie
Hi, Andi Welcome to the OH world! You'll find a lot of comfort in getting answers to your questions. Even if you find the answers disconcerting, you'll be able to weigh the pros and cons to arrive at your decision. According to the insurance information provided by my surgeon's office, BC/BS of Virginia doesn't require anything above what my surgeon required, which was their own educational programs, a psych and nutrition consult, and a BMI of 40 (35 if there were co-morbidities). So, Dr. Halmi's requirements might be the only ones you need to meet!
Best of luck and let us know how it goes for you!
Hi andi ... well i cant tell you much on the insurance part of it because i did not have the same insurance as you but i can tell you ..... your not to young im only 21 wll 22 in a couple days and i had this lap rny gastric bypass on the 30 on july so last monday and im came home the next day because the doctor felt i was doing really well had my surgery done at fairoaks hospital.....im still a little sore but i definitly do not regret anything i have already lost 10 pounds in less than a week so im very happy right now. But you do what is right for you make sure you ask alot of questions and i will keep ya in my prayers.... good luck to you and let us know the outcome.
Tiffany :)
My vacation was fun! Our au pair bought my son a lizard as a present so we now have a new pet. Of course it came in a little plastic container and we ended up going to the pet shop today and getting about $200 worth of environment to keep it in! So that is what we have been spending all afternoon doing lol!! Our cats were thrilled to see it lol! Now it is in a big aquarium so they can't get to it.
It is sad when pureed food is a treat lol! But it is all in stages and each stage passes and a better one arrives.
You sound like you are doing well! I am proud of you for your great attitude!
Jackie
hello again jackie,,,, i apologize for breaking up your trend so much andi lol...... but im glad your vacation went well and thats alot of money to spend on an environment for a lizard.. did you all build a lizard mansion? lol just kidding nice to see you had a good time.... im thinking about going on that cruise next year for wls.........
and i never thought i would be praying for the day i can have pureed foods but thats what he came down to i have lost 10 pounds in 6 days so im just really thrilled and that has made me even more eager to stay on the right path..
have a good day if you i dont talk to you sooner.
thanks,
tiffany
Hi Tifany,
My husband is still whining about the cost, especially as he saw lizards like ours for $7.99!! But we had to buy it a tank, then lighting, then a stand for the tank, them heating, bedding, rocks, plants etc etc - it just all added up.
I did look at that cruise and I am thinking about it but I have never heard of the, and if you go on on an OH one or one of the others like Monica Gantz's etc at least you know what you are getting - this one - for me anyway - is an unknown........ but I haven't ruled it out entirely.
Staying on the right path will pay dividends believe me!
Have a great evening!
Jackie
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