E. Parnell
12/9/06
I began back in January of 2006 with a desire to start this new journey. I was hoping to be approved with my old B.C./B.S insurance so that I might get surgery done during the summer, but after doing all that was needed to submit to the insurance (thyroid test, pshych eval. and test etc). .. I was denied in April. I was saddened but knew that their was a reason for it, not knowing what it was. So- I was denied due to the fact that I didn't have enough "diet & excercise" documentation in the last 6 months. Wow- I have done soooo many different diets (Weight watchers TWICE), Richard Simmons, Atkins etc. etc... that I was stunned. Ok- so I stopped weight watchers just last October in realization that I was paying to go and wasn't seeing any more than a loss of 30lbs. I platoed (sp) at a whopping 30lbs lost. It wasn't worth my money... I also had been going to Curves, but saw the same results as weight watchers and realized I should be saving my money instead of waisting it. I would much rather go on walks with my children or take them to the park.
Well, needless to say I ended up going to my pcp and he told me I would need to see him once every month and for the diet part I have had to see the county nutritionist once a WEEK! urrggh... oh, and I had to join Curves again and go at least 3 times a week. That was fine and dandy until the summer was over and I had to start back at work and my girls were back in school (1st grade & pre-school). I work at a school myself, and found that my time was dwindling fast and that I just wanted to go home after work to spend what little time I had in the evenings with my family. But, I kept at it!!! Well, my husbands new insurance (United Health Care) kicked in on October 22nd. Which was also right about the same time that my 6 months was up from when I was denied the first time.
I called Dr. Newhoff's office and talked with Melody (insurance authorization) and she started working on submitting me to the insurance. Well, she called me back only to let me know that Dr. Newhoff (who did my dad's open RNY surgery) was retiring and that I would have to go with a new surgeon. Well, I had already met Dr. Simon because he did the 1st group consultation I went to back in February. So, I decided to go with him because Newhoff turned his practice to him (in faith that he would keep a good name). Then I also had the choice of doing open or lap surgery. So, I went with lap.
Well, to make a long story short- I called and spoke with Melody on Tuesday, Nov. 28th and she called my insurance, who said I was still in review. Melody told me we would try again in about 2 days. So, come Friday I decided to call my insurance myself to see how my situation was doing and I was told that I was approved on 11/29. Wow, just one day shy of calling them the first time. So, I was very excited and then was waiting to set a date and find out what else needed to be done. I was hoping to get a letter of confirmation- in WRITING and still... no letter. Well, I called my insurance again on Monday, Dec. 4th and a different worker told me again, that I was approved on 11/29. Surely this has to mean I was definately approved!!! YEAH!!!! But, I can't get ahold of Melody to see what to do next. Found out that the poor woman has a family emergency come up and now I feel bad that I've been nagging and pestering for myself. Yesterday, 12/8, I talked with Marcia and she went ahead and scheduled me on myfaith that I was definately approved (because their office hasn't been able to confirm it yet). Oh- and no- I still have NO LETTER of approval in the mail- still waiting.
N-E-Ways I will have a one-on-one consult with Dr. Simon on 12/18, take the required pre-class on 12/19, and my surgery is scheduled for JANUARY 3rd at 7:00 a.m. (with the H&P the day before). WOW- what to think.... I'm excited beyond recognition, but at the same time it's like... dang- I'm getting major surgery in just one month (just two day's after my 29th birthday). So yeah, you could say I'm a bit scared and nervous too. I know that I will be o.k. and hope to have a fast recovery and be able to be healthy and to teach my children good eating habits so that they can be healthy with me. I want to be able to raise them and see them get married- and yes, someday I hope to be a grandma!!! :) whoa- scary!!
Well, I'll write more later!
