Question:
Does anyone have mixed feeling after being approved?
I was approved yesterday and I have mixed feelings. It's a relief to be approved but I'm sad I meet the criteria for WLS. Also, I wish there were other Dr.s on my insurance plan because mine don't have much experience - less than 50 surgeries performed. — J. B. (posted on March 19, 2002)
March 19, 2002
Hi...I'm also pre op, but I just had to write....you really need to do the
research on your surgeon. 50 surgeries is not a lot at all. Try to find
other surgeons that are in your insurance plan, even if you have to travel
a bit. Did you ask what the stats are of the patients he's done the
surgery on...any deaths, how many got leaks, how many got infections, etc.
I'm not sure where you are from or who your insurnace company is, but this
site is so helpful in trying to find surgeons in your area.
— Giovanna G.
March 19, 2002
I would love to be able to choose a more experienced surgeon - however -
they are out of network - so no dice with my insurance company.
Dr. has no deaths and complications have been low % - so that's a plus.
Also, he is an experienced general surgeon and others have praise for him.
— J. B.
March 19, 2002
Congratulations on your approval. I got mine friday. I know just what your
talking about, I think it's natural we feel that way. It's almost like,
"Well I have to go through with it now". We now it is best for
our health, I know it is for mine. Besides my schock settled in and now I'm
just excited. Hope this helps. Suzanne
— suzanne S.
March 19, 2002
I agree with the previous poster... it's really important going into this
that you find a surgeon you know is competent. I live and Florida and am
having the DS. I researched lap DS surgeons and am going to California to
have it done. If you're having RNY you shouldn't have to travel nearly as
far to find a well established surgeon. About your question... I kind of
freaked out when I got approved. I mean yeah I was happy... but I was
confused as to why I was. Like "yay I'm sick enough!" I guess
having an insurance company tell you makes it all the more real. But waking
up to reality is a good thing! Many MO are so used to being that way that
they consider it normal and don't think about the health issues. Sometimes
I think "oh I'm not that fat...", but I'm 130 pounds overweight.
That's a lot! Thank you CIGNA for the reality check, lol. Good luck!
— [Deactivated Member]
March 19, 2002
Congrats on the approval. I live in Kansas City and I am traveling to St.
Louis to have my surgery. This is not ideal for me but it will be worth
the 4 hour travel time. If you are not comfortable with the surgeon, find
another one. I am nervous enough about the surgery itself. I find most of
my peace in the fact that my surgeon has done this surgery many many times.
You have to be comfortable with who will be operating on you.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 19, 2002
I think I'll post another topic with the insurance question.
— J. B.
March 19, 2002
Hello there ~ I believe you would have been on the flip side of this
insurance issue, you'd realize how incredibly awesome it is that your
company has agreed to pay for it. Sad about meeting the criteria? Why?
So we're overweight (I'm pre-op too)...9 times out of 10, I truly believe,
is NOT from simply "compulsive overeating" ~ many times we eat a
lot less than the more average in weight person but we still gain at a lot
more rapid pace. I believe it's simply a change in perception that you'll
have to do - don't look at yourself as a failure - look at yourself as you
taking charge of your life and getting your health back in order...no
matter how minor or major the health related issues are. Obesity, morbid
obesity and super obesity causes health risks so you've taken a big
step...congratulations on that and congratulations on getting approved so
quickly. As far as the # of surgery's performed by the surgeon - I
wouldn't use that as a marker at all. I would do research on him and find
out how long he's been a surgeon. How educated he is on the subject of
WLS. Talk with other patients who have gone through his practice. Look at
his eye contact and see how compassionate he seems to be with your quest
for health. Check into the school he went to / ask if you can't find
anything online. Find out if he graduated last in his class. :) A
surgeon has to start somewhere and although it might not be as comforting
as someone who has done in 1000 times or more, it's still a doctor who can
get the job done. Less than 50 is a little, yes but if you feel
comfortable with him, go with it. My doctor is less than 100 and I feel
comfortable with him....he's loss one patient on top of that but after
going to his seminar and meeting with a few doctors in this field - I chose
him and he was the right one for me. Good luck in getting some peace with
all of this.
— Lisa J.
March 19, 2002
Hi, I completly understand the mixed feelings. When my PCP introduced the
idea of surgery to me I went home and cried. When my insurance approved
everything with out question, I was melancholy. Now at 6 months post op
and down 160 lbs with 80 to go I am ecstatic, altho I still am apprehensive
to reveal to people I HOW I lost the weight and am embarrassed to tell thin
people how much I've lost because their eyes always bug out of their heads,
they have no concept of weight. I know my life is better now and I am
healthy and I am ecstatic for my success, but am also embarrassed that I
let myself get to 418 pounds. Your feelings are understandable, but please
don't let them keep you from a healthy future.
— Danielle M.
March 19, 2002
I love this message board and all of the various opinions and viewpoints.
Thanks so much everyone who has contributed!
You've given me more to think about and actions to take.
— J. B.
March 19, 2002
Yes, I was bummed after approval. For me it was more breaking thru the
denial. I was 100 pounds overweight with multiple weight related problems.
I thought someone should say, "you're not that bad" lol. Once
I accepted I was "that bad" I was releived it went thru, but
this did take me 3 - 4 weeks to work thru the denial part. Do be sure
though, before you do it. You can always postpone a month if you haven't
gotten thru it yet.
— Brenda F.
Click Here to Return