Barb R.
Post -op diet and feelings
Oct 01, 2010
Feelings sure do run from one extreme to the other. First it is the excitement! Then all of a sudden it switches to the whole mortality issue. The biggest one for me is the people you leave behind and how upset they will be. Then of course there is the worry of future problems such as obstructions and some of the other things that can happen. I know a lot of people worry about all the vitamins but this to me is such a small price to pay to be healthy. I also wonder about how many people out there that have had the DS and never post on this forum and how their doing. Then of course there are the little things that pop up in between all these. Like how much easier it will be just to take a shower. The fact that I will be able to reach my back and my ass with ease. Just little things like this make me giggle like a kid. Being able to get out of a chair without using my arms to help me get up. Clipping my toenails, shaving my legs anything like that that will not cause my stomach to squish together and cause a cramps. Of course there is being able to walk around the grocery store without feeling like you're going to pass out or having sweat poring off your chin and the checkout lady asking if you're o.k. Obesity just plain sucks and I would rather be dead than think I will have to live the rest of my life this way.
So the feelings I think a person has before surgery such as this is perfectly normal. I am truly very excited and can't wait to get this show on the road.
Approved
Sep 17, 2010
The emotions I am feeling are nothing like I have felt in years! After being denied on August the 3rd by Priority Health they overturned the denial and as of today I am approved for my revision to the DS.
On the 12th I had another EGD done by my surgeon and they found a disruption in my staple-line. Instead of going forward with the grievance Priority Health decided to re-open my case and review the new test results. My doctor also sent a copy of My Story as it printed on OH at the same time they faxed the results of the tests. I don’t know if that helped but I guess it didn’t hurt. All I know is it is definitely decided on a case by case bases when it comes to once in a lifetime and medically / clinically necessary bases. I hope this gives other people here that are trying to get approved some hope also!
Okay I think my heart rate is back to normal and the crying is under control. Now it’s time for the Happy Dance!!
Insuance
Jun 27, 2010
Insurance can sure be a pain in the ass. Priority Health has told Dr. Anthone he is not in network. Well it does't really matter according to insurance booklet it says it pays the same for either one. 50% for first 2000.00 and 100% there after. When you call them they insist out of network is only at 70%. This stuff drives me crazy.I sure wish I could get past all the crap and they would just submit. I know I'll get denied but I can't even start appeal process until someone submits or approval. When the time comes I am going to ask husbsnds HR department to back me on surgery. My DH thinks they will.
Answer to lap band message
Jun 12, 2010
Insurance
Jun 07, 2010
Well I just faxed 20 pages of info to Dr. Anthone's office to see if I can get insurance approval. I will call his office later today to make appointment for consult. I know the next few days are going to stressful waiting to hear something. this is just the beginning of a very long fight, I am sure. The only thing missing is the letter from my PCP. I found out he went on vacation without writing it and will not be back in the office until 6-14. I will be calling him to to remind him I need it now not later. 
Start
Jun 02, 2010
Up until now I have been educating myself on the take-down of my VBG and the DS surgery. I also checked into my insurance coverage. I have also started collecting all medical records concerning the VBG and all records of emergency room visits, endoscopy reports and anything else that I thought to be useful to future surgoen or insurance company. I also wanted this information because I realize I am going to have a fight on my hands with my insurance company.
Last week I visited my PCP and GI doctor. I wanted to get medical records and letters of support for a revision. I gave them information on the DS for their files. I did this so they could educate themselves and to keep info on hand for the future.
I have also been doing research on doctors that where closer to the mid-west. I wanted a doctor I could feel very comfortable with but, not a bait and switch doc or one that didn't have experience with revisions. I might have found one by the name of Dr.Antone. I called his office on June 1st and have already reviewed his seminar (sent to me via E-mail). They are sending paperwork to me to fill out and return. I am now waiting patiently again. I know this will all take time and patience but, sometime it is so hard.
