APPROVED!!!!

Just wanted to post and let everyone know that I'm APPROVED!!! I received a denial from United Healthcare based on a policy exclusion and had to get my corporate HR dept involved since I knew for sure that my policy covers this procedure. Once my HR rep called UHC and asked them why this happened, it took less than one hour for UHC to call my surgeon's office with an approval. I'm so excited. Dr. Gibbs will be doing my surgery at St. Vincent. I wanted to have the surgery lap, but they are only doing open surgeries at St. Vincent. Does anyone know why? I have to use that hospital since it is the one on my insurance network.

I'm very excited for you. I'm not sure why they aren't doing Lap there. Remeber this is a tool there giving you and it is up to you on how it works. So go in to surgery thinking positive. When you are able get up and Walk! It will hurt some at first but it will really pay off in the long run. Remember to sip not gulp. At first it will be about 1 oz every 10 min. Oh ya Hope you got a belt you will need it to hold up those britches. Hugs Debbie Moya Dr. Baker 9/22/03 354/154/147

Sheila, good for you! Congratulations! This is the beginning of a wonderful journey into weight loss BUT you have to be ready to do exactly like you are told. I am 3 months out and have lost 64 pounds. I did have mine lap and had absolutely no problems. Remember to get up as soon as they will let you and walk, and walk, and walk. Sip your water and don't expect to eat for a few days. For one thing, you don't want it and get off the pain meds as soon as you can stand it. I was very lucky and they took me off the morphine pump the next day and I never took a pain shot or meds after that. Just do exactly as you are told. Best of luck. Glenn Gay Lap RNY 5/26/04 64 pounds