DON'T UNDERSTAND

Hi Everyone, I am new to OH as I have not had the surgery yet. I am a ptient of Dr. Aranow, and have done just about everything. I had and still have a mindset of having the surgery (Bypass) no later than the end of Feb. I have one more appointment with Elina and Dr. Wirth (psych). I called the office to see if a letter had been sent to my insurance (United Health Care) and I keep being told that the office doesn't submit the letter until all results of the "check off list" are complete. This is very frustrating for me. It seems like forever. I'm being told that the insurance co's need all info from all other dr's & tests. How much longer do I have to wait for this? My 2nd appt with Elina is 02-15 and 2nd appt with the psych is 02-04. I would love for my countdown to begin!!!! Thanks in advance for listening/reading......

once your appointments are all complete, the ball will be really rolling then! Be patient, I know its tough... but you want to be sure everything is in order... Hang in there! Beckie

Hi Stacy, Follow up and make sure your test results are all in your chart. Elina is right there, so her's gets done pretty quickly. You can call and ask for Stacy or Lois and they will check your chart for you and tell you what is still missing, etc. Ask Dr Wirth how long it will take her to get her report done and to Dr A...tell her you have a time frame for surgery. My chart got stuck on Dr A's desk for 2 weeks because they were waiting on a report from my tests for my endoscopy. When I finally had it faxed over, the file then was signed off by Dr A and went to Lois. She then submitted to Ins and I was (fortunately) approved in one day. After she got approval, we set the surgery day for two weeks away...so, it does go quickly once your file is complete. I know you're chomping at the bit to get this done...be patient, your day will come. I was, as we all are, anxious to get it over with. Until then, focus on losing weight, walking a lot, eating a high protein diet to prepare your body for surgery and shrink your liver, and keep well. It's cold and flu season and I was just at Dr A's office today and he had to cancel a patient's surgery for the third time because of a recurring bacterial infection/cold. Be persistant with his office (be kind to them tho!) and keep track of your chart...that's what I did and they were very nice to me about it... After you get your date, be sure to ask Lois to sign you up for the pre op class at the hospital. They have them every other Wed at the hospital and it is very informative. Hang in there... paula

Stacy, I know it seems like it takes for ever but hang in there and before you know it you will be done. I am in the same boat I have all my appt. done just waiting to see my surgeon. Best of luck to you and your journey. JEN

The waiting game is so hard -- if it makes you feel any better, I have UHC and it took them 2 weeks to the day to approve me for lapband surgery, which I understand is usually harder to get approval for than RNY. So once they have everything together, you should hear back quickly. Then, once approved, I got my surgery date almost immediately. Good luck!! Hang in there! kristin J

Hang in there Stacy, once all the appointments are done and the testing is done you will get your date. Listen to everyone here on the board they have all been through this. You will get there sweetie, it just takes time. Hang in there. Hugs Kim

The others are right- Lois can't submit until everything is done. Once you have your 2nd appointment with Elina- she will be able to tell you if you are cleared for surgery by her- if so then it's off to Dr A's desk for approval then Lois submits it to Insurance. - Dr Wirth usually has everything within 10 days faxed over to Dr A's office- let her know when you are seeing Elina- so she'll be sure it gets over there by then. When you see Elina on the 15th ask her to check to make sure Dr Wirth's report is in there. I had a problem with mine gettting lost in fax-land. So make sure it is in there!!! After you are cleared by Elina, give Lois and Dr A a few days, then call to see its all been submitted- I know it seems to take forever but believe me it is worth the wait!