A little advice, please

I seem to be having  a big problem with my patience here lately. Dr Baker's office went ahead and scheduled my surgery for April 9 even though I didn't get an approval yet. (She said that I met all of the criteria, which wasn't a lot...thank the Lord!) This was on Tuesday and I still haven't heard from them. I've called my insurance company, UHC, 3 times yesterday...to no avail. My insurance runs out April 30, unless I keep it through Cobra (which I really can't afford!), and my other insurance company won't cover the surgery or anything related to it. So, I'm on a slim time line! Also, I want to have Lap-Band and the fills won't be covered by my other insurance company later, so I'm worrying about all of that, too. I really need patience and any advice I can get! Thanks. Karen

Karen~   Bless your heart! I posted about a lapband mtg in Edmond,OK on the 1st. I am also wanting to get the band. I am going through a doctor in Tulsa. I am scheduled for my intake on the the 11th. Anyway, sorry, getting off track. Something I wanted to share with you in my research. Not everyone requires  lots of fills. It's all about how you can work your own band and learn how to tweek it. Some people don't need a second fill for months. I've read where some people only take a couple until they find what they call the "sweet spot". Where they have just enough restriction. I know here the fills are pricey where I am going (I have insurance though and they do an x-ray before the fill which equals more dinero) BUT some only charge 100bucks. I know that can still be alot. We are a single income family with our first child who gets more expensive every day:) I try to rationalize spending the money on fills by saving money on food, doctor visits (if you have many comorbities), medicine, etc. Keep your chin up girl! It will all work out. Just continue staying on top of things, and you have a little bit of time still to get your duckies in a row. If you need another pep talk, feel free to look me up. Hugs~ Joni

Thanks so much, Joni! It helps me a lot to know that the fills might only be $100! I can handle that...just not the $300 each time! It helps me to know that I'm not in this boat alone. I've tried to get wls for 6 years now.  I've had 5 insurance companies and no one has approved me, yet! I don't understand it. I have made up my mind to be self-pay if this doesn't work out. But I pray that it does because I'll have to borrow all of the money and who knows how much it will end up costing!!! We're a single income family, too and we have four children (a seven year old little boy, a five year old little girl, and twin girls that are two and a half!!!) Believe me... I know about pinching pennies!!! I just appreciate the advice so much! Thanks.

Hey Karen! BREATHE.....BREATHE.....BREATHE......Just take a minute.....It will all work out. Have you not heard from the insurance company or have you not heard from Dr. Baker's office? I know that sometimes the doctor's become swamped so maybe that is the problem there. If it is the insurance company, then I'm afraid I don't have any help for you. I was self pay for my Lap-Band. My insurance company (Blue Cross/Blue Shield for Public School Employees) flat out refused to pay for my surgery so I never had to deal with the insurance company. I imagine it is very frustrating!  As far as fills go, everyone requires a different number of fills. I used Dr. Wellborn in Little Rock for my surgery. He has a great deal where you get the first 18 months of fills free...no matter how many times you have to go back. I really like that part especially since I am self pay and do not have insurance that will cover the fills. Also, after the first 18 months run out, each fill and office visit costs a flat $100. I know that seems like a lot but so far I have been really lucky with fills. I had my surgery last June so it has not quite been a year....and I have only been back for four fills. That is a really small number of fills. Matter of fact, they said something last time about how I got lucky and found that "sweet spot" really quickly. A lot of people struggle and require a lot more fills than that. I know of one patient who has been back like once a month for fills and that equals up to like 12 visits. Its ok now since the first 18 months are free but the price will add up if she needs that many after the 18 months. Hopefully I will continue on this path and will not have to go back very frequently!  SORRY!! I tend to ramble. Anyway, I hope somewhere in all that rambling you got some bit of help! If you have any more questions or need anything, please feel free to let me know. I hope to meet you if you are at the April support group meeting!! Take care!!   Karen

Hi Karen (that sounds funny)! No, I haven't heard from either place. I called UHC twice today and they haven't made a decision. I even sent in more documentation of my hiatal hernia today to help them make a good decision! I'm so glad to know that with your dr, you have fills for free for 18 months. Now that you mention it, it seems like l remember Dr. Baker saying the same thing at the seminar. It's been a year, so I have forgotten some of what he said. I just pray that this insurance company doesn't turn me down...I've been turned down too many times in the past  6 years! After I get the approval, I'll start praying that they find my "sweet spot" quickly, as they did with yours.

It's okay if you ramble...my sister tells me that I do, too! : )

Karen