Just when I thought I was done. . . . .

I have finally come to the end of all the requirements for Great West and am
ready to turn in paperwork for insurance approval.  I called Dr. Snyder's office
today and ended up speaking to DOLLY,  I usually get to talk to somebody else.
Anyway she now says I need to meet w/ nutritionist before she will turn in
my paperwork.  What exactly is the nutritionist going to tell insurance or me,
"Yes Mrs Bell you do seem to have a problem with food,  let me take up more of
your time before we submit to insurance." 

I DO NOT want to start over but it seems that every time I have to deal with
DOLLY she puts up another brick wall for me to climb my fat a** over.  Has anybody
had this happen to them that has delt with Dr Snyder's office?   By the way,  Dr
Snyder is a wonderful doctor & I really hope to stay with him.

Thanks for listning,
paula

I had my surgery May of 07, and had to have a 6 month medically supervised diet, be cleared by a pych, and a nut.  As soon as that was all completed, I was approved in less than one month from submittal!!  good luck.

Forgot to say that i have Great West Insurance.

Hi Paula!
I'm from Aurora, CO and had my surgery at University Hosp.  My insurance (pacificare) required me to see the nutritionist and have a Psyc eval before they would OK my surgery.  Hang in there, I know it seems like forever to get approved! It took me a total of 12 months before I jumped thru all the stupid hoops, but I wouldn't have changed my decision for all the tea in China!  The Nut will go over what you can eat and  what to expect after surgery.I found it very informative, and didn't realize at the time all the vitamins I would have to take, and how protein is so vital to our food intake.  They are not there to judge you for your past, but to educate you for your new life..  I also suggest if you are required to get a Psyc eval, to go to the Nut. first.  This is because the Psyc will ask you if you are fully informed about your decision, do you have a support system in place, do you understand the importance of nutrition as it relates to your new tummy  etc.  Good luck and keep in touch I would like to know your progress!!
Amy 

I am very pleased with Dr. Snyder.   However, I have that Dolly is pretty rude and not empathetic at all.   I'm still jumping through hoops.   It's always one more thing,,,,.    The Psych. thing is something they all require whether you are paying for surgery or it is an insurance company.   Basically, the Psychiatrist is looking to see whether you have realistic expectations, and to see if you are going through any really stressful events (ie. divorce, death in family, etc.)   other than the fact that you are stressed by the obesity and medical issues.   Hope this was of some help.

Sharon

The Nutritionist is probably something your insurance requires.  I was self pay through Dr. Snyder and did not have to meet the nutritionist, in fact now at 4 mos out I have still never met her.  Not that I didn't get nutrition info but most of what I got was through the classes. 
Good luck to you, the more i's you dot and t's you cross now the better probably for your insurance. 

Hi Paula,

Yes, I too went through the same kind of things with Dolly. It was very frustrating but in the end I was able to get through it all. I needed to get one clearance after another and just when I thought I had done everything another thing would crop up, but determined to get the surgery I just kept doing it and I had my surgery on September 8th of 08.

Vickie E
Billings, MT