DrummerDude
Vertical Sleeve Denied, on to Plan B!
May 22, 2008
Hello There!
Yes, a couple weeks ago I found out BCBS of Michigan denied my request for the Vertical Sleeve.
Why? Because they changed their criteria a few months ago and now your BMI has to be 50 or above. Makes no sense to me, but It's not going to stop me. I was immediately approved for the RNY. 
So, yes my surgery date is June 2nd. Don't have a surgery time yet.
Last Friday I went to MMPC and met with the nutritionist and surgical assistant, and picked up my food for the two week pre-surgery diet.
Today I had another visit at MMPC, meeting a doctor who went over my current meds with me and made sure everything was in order prior to my surgery. She said she thinks I will do well with the surgery and my weight loss will be rapid. Since starting the pre-surgery diet I have lost 9.2 lbs as of today.
Last Friday the band was setting up for our gig Saturday, and I told them about my surgery, gave them a bit of history about my weight loss tribulations, and actually got a bit emotional because this means so much to me. They support my decision which means everything to me.
I told them that once I'm skinney there will be more room on stage for me to buy more drum accessories.
On a side note, the band has started playing the Wild Cherry "Play That Funky Music White Boy" song, and let me tell you, it's a hit! I knew it would be. The dance floor was packed! We played it the at beginning of the third set and it was requested again early in the forth set. Again, the floor was packed!
Anyway, it will be so good being a skinney, healthy drummer.
Yes, a couple weeks ago I found out BCBS of Michigan denied my request for the Vertical Sleeve.
Why? Because they changed their criteria a few months ago and now your BMI has to be 50 or above. Makes no sense to me, but It's not going to stop me. I was immediately approved for the RNY. So, yes my surgery date is June 2nd. Don't have a surgery time yet.
Last Friday I went to MMPC and met with the nutritionist and surgical assistant, and picked up my food for the two week pre-surgery diet.
Today I had another visit at MMPC, meeting a doctor who went over my current meds with me and made sure everything was in order prior to my surgery. She said she thinks I will do well with the surgery and my weight loss will be rapid. Since starting the pre-surgery diet I have lost 9.2 lbs as of today.
Last Friday the band was setting up for our gig Saturday, and I told them about my surgery, gave them a bit of history about my weight loss tribulations, and actually got a bit emotional because this means so much to me. They support my decision which means everything to me.
I told them that once I'm skinney there will be more room on stage for me to buy more drum accessories.
On a side note, the band has started playing the Wild Cherry "Play That Funky Music White Boy" song, and let me tell you, it's a hit! I knew it would be. The dance floor was packed! We played it the at beginning of the third set and it was requested again early in the forth set. Again, the floor was packed!
Anyway, it will be so good being a skinney, healthy drummer.
Second visit to MMPC, Grand Rapids Michigan
Feb 28, 2008
Hello All,
Yesterday I had an appointment at MMPC. I had visited them in May 2007 . At that time I was interested in the lapband but was told I didn't meet BCBS requirements. My visit yesterday was a different story. I was told that I meet the requirements, but that I wouldn't be able to have the vertical sleeve because my BMI needed to be at least 50. Needless to say I was quite disappointed.
However, on the way home Amy (aka 1vamp) called BCBS, gave them the diagnosis and procedure codes and was told that under my policy the sleeve is covered! The doctor I met with must have been thinking of some other insurance provider.
So, on March 7th I have two appointments at MMPC and hope to leave there with a date!
Yesterday I had an appointment at MMPC. I had visited them in May 2007 . At that time I was interested in the lapband but was told I didn't meet BCBS requirements. My visit yesterday was a different story. I was told that I meet the requirements, but that I wouldn't be able to have the vertical sleeve because my BMI needed to be at least 50. Needless to say I was quite disappointed.
However, on the way home Amy (aka 1vamp) called BCBS, gave them the diagnosis and procedure codes and was told that under my policy the sleeve is covered! The doctor I met with must have been thinking of some other insurance provider.
So, on March 7th I have two appointments at MMPC and hope to leave there with a date!
About Me
Location
38.0
BMI
Surgery
06/02/2008
Surgery Date
Feb 16, 2008
Member Since
