That's IT!!!

Martha, I just had to respond, I know how you feel about not getting sick. I did end up getting sick, and then hid it from the my surgeon, because I was so desperate to have my surgery. Needless to say, I ended up with pnuemonia after my surgery. I have had a cold all week, the kids and my hubby have been sick too, anyway, when I found out a couple of months ago that the kids couldn't get flu shots(the shortage) their pediatrician told me to give the chewable Vitamin C tabs. I got a big bottle of them at GNC for 4.99. The reason that I am telling you this, is because it seems to really be helping the kids, and me as well! Maybe you could take them as a preventative measure? Just a thought. Good luck on the 17th!!!! Cathy Martin

Thanks Cathy for the info. I will give it a try. Martha

Martha, also start taking oderless garlic tablets. It kills bacteria, germs, viruses. It's the only thing that has helped my sinus infections and no side effects. Two weeks I went with a sinus headache. NOTHING helped! When I learned about the garlic I took 1000 mg at dinner and another 1000mg at bed time. Next morning NO headache. For the next two weeks I would do that 3 or 4 times a day. Now I only take it if I feel any congestion. Knock wood this is the first fall I've enjoyed in many years.

Shree definitely call your surgeon. Many of them are willing to work with you in those kinds of situations. Mine offerred when I thought I would be facing the same situation. As for BCBS, I can tell you from experience of working there that if your employer chooses NOT to take the extra inclusion for Bariatrics then that is what is set up. BCBS simply honors what the employer chooses for their employees. It is not a situation of them denying you coverage for the surgery instead it is a coverage that doesn't exist. Employers have the freedom to pick and choose the benefits for their employees. Unfortunately many companies are beginning to decide to exclude this benefit because of cost. I would be screaming at my employer!

DON'T give up !! Call your surgeon and tell them what's going on . We will all pray that you get approved and the doctor will take you in Dec. Judy

Shree: I also have BCBS/Ga and when I called and asked them about the coverage ending at the end of the year, (because my records are still in Medical Review since 11/03). They told me as long as I got the approval before the end of the year I could still have the surgery into the New Year. They told me typically the authorization they give is good for one year. I would call them back and talk to them again, because they have told one of us the wrong information. I had also called my doctors office and they confirmed that as long as I get the authorization before the end of the year I can still have the surgery into the New Year. DO NOT GIVE UP!!!! Kelly S

this might prove interesting to you http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/messageboard/postdetail/892495.html?vc=0

Shree, Don't give up. My heart goes out to you. God can do all things. I will keep you in my prayers. Serita Dr. Burrowes Open RNY July 12,2004 -106

Shree, I am soo sorry to hear about what is going on with you. I too have a similar situation but was denied because of an exclusion to my policy. I know how you feel. I have had two months to get used to my denial and still feel sick when I think about it!! I can say that everyone here is right ..YOU CAN NOT GIVE UP!!! I know in my heart that there is a reason that my surgery didn't happen yet.. NOTE I said YET!! Maybe next year something better will come along. We will never know why things happen. I know that this is the last thing that you want to here but believe you me this is the only way that I have been able to deal with the disappointment. The year isnt over yet and to borrow from an old and possibly an inappropriate cliché.. "It aint over till the Fat Lady sings!!" Things may still turn around for you. Go do something nice for yourself! I have decided that since I didnt have enough cash money for the surgery I was going to buy myself a hot tub!! Sounds odd I know. I should be saving and saving but... I think a Hot tub is just what I need right now!! Now if I could just teach my husband how to rub my back!! LOL Hang in there and if you want to vent email me and I will give you my number.

Thank you EVERYONE for your support and advice....I feel much better today *lol*. It is hard not to expect the worse case scenerio I guess. My co-worker got her date of the 17th of this month so I guess all hope IS NOT lost. I am going to have a talk with Dr. Burrowes tomorrow at the support group meeting (I hope, if he will stop and listen to me) and let him know the situation and PRAY that he will work some magic. I haven't gotten my approval YET, but the head of the pre-approval dept said that I should know something Monday. I have no doubt that I will get approved so I am going to go ahead and push the issue a little with Dr. Burrowes. Thank God I found this group or I probably would have said "forget it (well, maybe another F word)" and just continued on. I want y'all to know that even though I haven't met most of you...you all have a special place in my heart and if any of you EVER needs a friend I am here for you. I look forward to meeting some of you tomorrow night and the rest another time. May God bless and keep each of you safe!!! Thank you again from the bottom of my heart Shree