Am I missing something?
So I am about a month into my process.
I have been seeing my therapist since november, but we're starting to really get serious about this whole surgery. My normal doctor and my therapist both agree that setting dec/jan for my surgery date goal is do-able.
So....
I am seeing a therapist and her and I are starting a program offically in 3 weeks (when i see her again) using the book, "Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery"
I am seeing my doctor for the whole 5-6 month physcian supervised diet thing.
I have a suregon and have filled out the paperwork and brought it back in.
Am i missing something? because I feel like I am. I feel stupid, but eh... I am doing this on my own and am confused .___,
I have been seeing my therapist since november, but we're starting to really get serious about this whole surgery. My normal doctor and my therapist both agree that setting dec/jan for my surgery date goal is do-able.
So....
I am seeing a therapist and her and I are starting a program offically in 3 weeks (when i see her again) using the book, "Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery"
I am seeing my doctor for the whole 5-6 month physcian supervised diet thing.
I have a suregon and have filled out the paperwork and brought it back in.
Am i missing something? because I feel like I am. I feel stupid, but eh... I am doing this on my own and am confused .___,
(deactivated member)
on 7/22/10 10:25 pm
on 7/22/10 10:25 pm
You don't sound stupid or confused to me. Are you actually paying for the procedure out of your own pocket or do you have insurance? If you have insurance, go ahead and contact them and make sure you have done everything that they require.
One thing I did ahead of time was dropping caffeine. Going off of coke products was a big deal for me. I went through a week of headaches, grouchiness and orneriness.
If I think of anything else, I'll get back to yuo.
My surgery was back in 2002 and at that time, BCBS did not require much at all. I didn't have to have the psych evaulation. My personal physician confirmed that I had tried many weight loss suggestions from pills to gyms. I think I waited a total of 3 months from starting to the actual surgery.
Good luck and come back often to the Alabama Board.
Debbie
One thing I did ahead of time was dropping caffeine. Going off of coke products was a big deal for me. I went through a week of headaches, grouchiness and orneriness.
If I think of anything else, I'll get back to yuo.
My surgery was back in 2002 and at that time, BCBS did not require much at all. I didn't have to have the psych evaulation. My personal physician confirmed that I had tried many weight loss suggestions from pills to gyms. I think I waited a total of 3 months from starting to the actual surgery.
Good luck and come back often to the Alabama Board.
Debbie
Welcome to the AL board! Sounds like you've got it all together--and I agree with Debbie, make sure you follow the insurance guidelines to the letter--you surgeon's office can help with any questions since they will likely be submitting it for approval. I recommend you start exercising now too if you don't already. Start as many new habits before surgery so you don't get overwhelmed after. I gave up Tab 6 months before and have never touched soda again. I also stopped drinking 30 minutes before, during and for 30 minutes after meals and I still do it today.
Best to you! You will get great support on this board!
Kim
Best to you! You will get great support on this board!
Kim
Yes, I am caffeine addict. Especially when it comes to coca-cola. I was going to cut soda completely, but I figured I'd go from regular to diet/caffeine free, and the withdrawl headaches have been a pain for the last week, but I know I can do it. Once I'm over the caffeine withdrawls I'll kick soda completely.
I do have insurance, I have blue cross/blue sheild of Alabama. When I filled out the paperwork for the surgeon, he sent me a packet of what is required by the insurance company. All which I was already doing aside from the supervised diet thing , which is why I started doing that immediatly after words.
I do have insurance, I have blue cross/blue sheild of Alabama. When I filled out the paperwork for the surgeon, he sent me a packet of what is required by the insurance company. All which I was already doing aside from the supervised diet thing , which is why I started doing that immediatly after words.
(deactivated member)
on 7/23/10 2:12 am
on 7/23/10 2:12 am
That's good about the caffeine. Getting over that ahead of time is what I would recommend to anyone.
I called BS/BC on a regular basis once I had sent everything into them. I wanted to make sure they had everything they needed. I was on a first name basis with the benefits coordinator. Once they got the paperwork I called weekly to see if it had been approved. Don't worry about making a pest out of yourself. You are the one who needs the surgery and if you don't stay on top of things, it will take a lot longer.
I called BS/BC on a regular basis once I had sent everything into them. I wanted to make sure they had everything they needed. I was on a first name basis with the benefits coordinator. Once they got the paperwork I called weekly to see if it had been approved. Don't worry about making a pest out of yourself. You are the one who needs the surgery and if you don't stay on top of things, it will take a lot longer.
I was reading over the paperwork that I got from the surgeon and if I am reading it correctly, I do everything I am supposed to do, therapist, physican supervised diet plan, then after the 5-6 months on that I get my appointment with the surgeon who then submits all the stuff to BC/BS is that right?
I was reading stuff online that's always "talk to your surgeon, ask your surgeon"
but... the way I'm reading it I dont even meet him until the very end?
I was reading stuff online that's always "talk to your surgeon, ask your surgeon"
but... the way I'm reading it I dont even meet him until the very end?
(deactivated member)
on 7/23/10 4:13 am
on 7/23/10 4:13 am
You are reading it correctly. It is just so different now than it used to be and takes much longer because of their requirements. Once everything has been completed and paperwork turned in to the surgeon - then start calling BC to see if they have received the paperwork and ask them how long it will take to process. If they haven't received it then call your surgeon back and ask them when it will be mailed or when it was mailed. Stay on top of things. Don't let weeks go by but keep on them.
Hi Brittany,
I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. I started this process in June of this year. I wonder if there are different requirements from different surgeons because I have not been asked to see a therapist. I have had several tests. My first appointment was June 11 with a bariatric counselor. I then saw my surgeon (Dr. Facundus) for the first time on June 17. I had an EGD done on June 23. I have had my first appointment with the nutritionist which was on June 30. I have also had my first appointment with my primary care physician on July 1. I do know that with BCBS of AL, the six months of visits must cover 180 days. I have to get an annual exam and mammogram in August. You have to show three years of documented weights from a physician. If I understand the insurance requirements correctly, I will need to see my primary care physician (PCP) on August 2, September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1, and December 27. I will also need to see my nutritionist on October 1, and December 27. My official start date as far as insurance requirements is June 30. The 180th day is December 27. I have read and read and read the information, so I hope I have this right.
I sincerely wish you the best!
Kim
I also have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. I started this process in June of this year. I wonder if there are different requirements from different surgeons because I have not been asked to see a therapist. I have had several tests. My first appointment was June 11 with a bariatric counselor. I then saw my surgeon (Dr. Facundus) for the first time on June 17. I had an EGD done on June 23. I have had my first appointment with the nutritionist which was on June 30. I have also had my first appointment with my primary care physician on July 1. I do know that with BCBS of AL, the six months of visits must cover 180 days. I have to get an annual exam and mammogram in August. You have to show three years of documented weights from a physician. If I understand the insurance requirements correctly, I will need to see my primary care physician (PCP) on August 2, September 1, October 1, November 1, December 1, and December 27. I will also need to see my nutritionist on October 1, and December 27. My official start date as far as insurance requirements is June 30. The 180th day is December 27. I have read and read and read the information, so I hope I have this right.
I sincerely wish you the best!
Kim
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