Waiting, waiting, waiting...

At the end of last year, my WLS journey was halted. I had completed all the qualifying steps , Dr. Nadzam's office submitted for insurance approval and was told of the exclusion. Not if medically necessary. Just NO. I even contacted Atty. Viscio and he basically felt that fighting was a waste of time and money. For a couple of months I just trudged through my days feeling so hopeless and down. But, warmer weather brought new hope in the way of proposed Gastric Bypass legislation. I took a day off from work, went to testify at the Public Hearings in Hartford... but as you all recall, the proposed bills went no where. So, what next? My honey and I started saving and planning to pay for the surgery w/o insurance. My family has been dead-set against it and terrified that complications would financially cripple me. Hmm... crushed under mounds of debt or fat? No choice there imo. ( :- p ) But... new hope of another kind came in June! My employer changed to HealthNet and my surgery was submitted for approval on 8/3/06. It's been nearly 2 weeks now and I'm on PINS and NEEDLES! The surgeon's office has not heard anything yet and I'm so anxious to know if this will be approved, or if I need to re-submit w/ 6 months Dr. supervised. (I've been working on this since June when I found out about the insurance change... seeing my doctor at least once a month to build that paper trail.) I have no idea if the length of time is a good or a bad sign, but I'm trying to stay positive. Enough rambling... I guess I'm asking for positive thoughts and prayers from you all. I'm a frequent lurker on OH and follow your stories through these boards. I know you each must recall your own anticipation and be able to empathize with where I am today. I'm so eager to join you all on the 'losing side' and hopefully that will be soon!! Thanks all! ~Tracy

Hi Tracy, Keep up hope! It's just as easy thinking positivly as negativly. Will send positive thoughts and Prayers your way! Take care and God Bless, Julio

Tracy, I hope that you hear something very soon. Maybe by mid week, if you haven't heard, call the office and check. I know last year at this time, I was chomping at the bit wanting my date and approval! It's tough, I know. I wish you only the best of outcomes! You've waited far too long already. And, did you know there are medical loans available if you need to "self pay"? Paula

I will keep you in my prayers and hope you will have positive and great news ahead. Keep Faith! Kathy k

Hey Tracy, Your in my prayers sweetie, stay focused and positive and god willing this will be all over and you will be on your journey soon. Good Luck and God Bless. I am praying for you. Hugs KimC

Tracy - I'm crossing my fingers and saying prayers for you - Hoping for the best for you! Warm Regards, Tammy

Thanks for all the encouraging words, thoughts and prayers. I appreciate them more than you know. Paula - I have seen some info about medical loans and we were considering that route if we were unable to simply pay it ourselves. Thanks for the suggestion tho! Unfortunately, it looks like we may have to pursue this as self-pay after all. *sighs* Gloria @ Dr. N's office left me a voice mail this morning that it was denied. I'm waiting to hear back from Gloria with specifics. This HealthNet policy was new through my employer on 8/1/06, and we are all still waiting on the complete policy in the mail. I don't know if it's an exclusion, or something else... I have yet to recieve a denial letter. Once I hear from Gloria, I'll know more and whether it's something that can be fought, or if I need to just move on.