Recent Posts

Avalon5
on 4/21/09 12:23 am
Topic: Newbie, approved and thanks!
I have only posted once or twice, but have been reading here for a few weeks. My paperwork for the RNY was submitted at 2 pm yesterday and approved this morning! My surgery date will be May 26. I am in disbelief that this has all happened so quickly, but very excited as well.

I actually came to the decision to have Bariatric surgery to correct my 25 year history of severe reflux. I already had 1 Reflux operation in 2000 that has since failed and my new surgeon, who does both RNY's and the Reflux surgery has assured me that my reflux and weight issues will both be controlled after the RNY. My weight has always been a major factor in the severity of my reflux symptoms, so I am looking forward to living pain free.

I work in the hospital where the surgery will be done, and a good friend is the APRN for the practice, so I am feeling confident that things will go as smoothly as possible.

I thank you all for the great advice, hints and support that I have seen here. I have learned invaluable things from the members that have helped me to feel more prepared for this journey. i look forward to getting to the "losers" side soon!
Kathy K.
on 4/20/09 7:57 pm - Waterford, CT
RNY on 10/18/04 with
Topic: RE: Looking for a workout buddy in Southeastern CT
Hi

I do not know where in SouthEastern  you live but I go to Gabrieles Karate Kickbox  class in Waterford, ct three times a week and go SUBASE MWR building 169 in Groton,ct. where I am working there five times a week for 30 min cardio.

Good Luck!

Kathy
didim62
on 4/20/09 12:20 pm - Kensington, CT
Topic: RE: Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Ok...Jl ............I just reread your post and I misunderstood the transitional forms. I guess that is what we should all do asap if your paperwork has already been sent in for approval. I'm sorry I misunderstood and spoke up.   What about if your paperwork has not been sent into bcbs yet. Will the transitional still apply?   This has got me so riled I can't think. Seems every time I shoot for something positive with this weight, something negative comes up that makes it all a catch 22.
Didi ..... Sleeved and living my NEW LIFE!!!!
    
Highest WT 381   Surgery WT (367.8)    Current WT 236
didim62
on 4/20/09 12:00 pm - Kensington, CT
Topic: RE: Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Hi and thanks for the replies. I have spoken with Dr. Aranows office and they seem to think it is not going to happen, however they did tell me that he is trying to get accredited to another hospital so I don't think he's as hopeful as they are putting out or he's just being practive incase. 

I also called BCBS and each person I spoke with said they knew nothing about it but did say that Dr. Aranow would still be in network which would mean just the hospital costs would be at 20% which in my case is still way too much at this time.

I guess we will see in 11 days.I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying they come to terms. I am sooooo ready to have this surgery.  I am going to wait and see what happens before I call for the transitional forms.  If we all start doing that before the end of the month it will give BCBS the immpression that it is OK. 

Didi ..... Sleeved and living my NEW LIFE!!!!
    
Highest WT 381   Surgery WT (367.8)    Current WT 236
JLOBrien
on 4/20/09 8:47 am - CT
RNY on 05/18/09 with
Topic: RE: Blue Cross Blue Shield?
 Hi Didi,

I just got my approval letter today from Anthem. I am finding myself in the same situation you are...the end of the road and not sure where to go. I have spoken to a few people and I am not sure if this helps, but quite a few people think that it won't continue. Middlesex will lose too much money, and Anthem also (having to shell out for more tests that people will have to take when they switch doctors.) I also spoke with the nutritionist when I had my last appointment and that seems to be the general consensus around there also.

But just in case....

I called Anthem and had them send me a Transitional Care Form. You and the doctor fill it out and they use it to decide to proceed with surgery at Middlesex, even if they can't come to a contract negotiation.

And last, keep calling Anthem and complaining. I talked to the HR department where I work and they said that if enough people voice their concern...it may "help" sway the decision.

I hope this helped.

Jessie


Paula Hep
on 4/20/09 8:19 am - Windsor, CT
RNY on 09/28/05 with
Topic: RE: Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Hi,
I didn't know this...but, with it being a bariatric center of excellence, BCBS should be accepted by a major hospital in CT.

Have you talked to BCBS and Dr Aranow's office about this?  I would check it all out.  Why are they NOT an "in network" hospital anyway?

Paula



Paula
330+/230/200  (originally got down to 200, but gained 30 back) :-(
 
"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels....." (unknown)

 

didim62
on 4/19/09 2:55 pm - Kensington, CT
Topic: Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Has anyone heard any news as to whether or not Middlesex Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield has come to an agreement. Last news out was that they had not and Middlesex would now be out of network causing many of us to have to pay 20% of total cost.  I'm at my last of tests and appointments and would have to have to start over having to go to another Hospital and find another surgeon. I am not too sure I am comfortable with that as I totally convinced Dr. Aranow is definitely the one.   Getting Very Nervous!
Didi ..... Sleeved and living my NEW LIFE!!!!
    
Highest WT 381   Surgery WT (367.8)    Current WT 236
didim62
on 4/18/09 1:25 am - Kensington, CT
Topic: RE: anybody interested in joining LA fitness /need workout buddy
Hi Allison,

The registration is 149.00 and monthly is 49.00 .  I know its steep but I think ever so worth it if you use it. Right now (till 4/30/09) you can join for free registration if you put it on automatic pay with first and last paid up front. 

I know cardio express is about 15.00 a month now which is much less but just walking in the pool is so much better resistance than regular walking.

I would definitely be interested in walking . I need to get my endurance up though.  What surgery did you have?  I am going to have rny.  Let me know if your interested.
Didi 
Didi ..... Sleeved and living my NEW LIFE!!!!
    
Highest WT 381   Surgery WT (367.8)    Current WT 236
Allison B.
on 4/18/09 12:57 am - Rocky Hill, CT
Topic: RE: anybody interested in joining LA fitness /need workout buddy
Hi Didi!

I live in Rocky Hill but I belong to CardioExpress on the Silas Deane Hwy.  What are the fees for joining L.A. Fitness?  I can get out of my contract anytime--I think!  I'm always looking for someone to workout with!  If you are interested, would you like to walk on nice days?  Let me know! 

Allison

P.S.  This smiley has the coolest hairdo.  LOLOLOL!!!
didim62
on 4/16/09 11:20 pm - Kensington, CT
Topic: anybody interested in joining LA fitness /need workout buddy
I am looking into joining LA fitness . They have that great pool. Aquatic exercising is great!! Fun with someone as time passes. I also need someone to do strength training with .  I am in Berlin and would like to join LA fitness on the Berlin Turnpike. Give me shout if interested. Thanks! 
Didi ..... Sleeved and living my NEW LIFE!!!!
    
Highest WT 381   Surgery WT (367.8)    Current WT 236
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