Just getting started

Hi, Gang! I'm a newbie here--what a blessing finding this site has been. I'm just getting started in this process--have my first visit with Dr. Hart in a couple of weeks. I have BCBS of Ga--PPO. I understand they are not going to pay for any WLS in 2005 effective your renewal date. I have until July 1st for this to be even a remote possibility. I'm hopeful-but nervous about getting it pushed thru. I have no idea what my odds are--but I'm going to do everything in my power to make this happen. Keep your fingers crossed for me!! Happy Camper (who would be a REALLY H. C. if I can get approval!!!)

Welcome to the board! I wish you much success in your quest for surgery. There is some "hoop jumping" involved(or at least there was for me), but it's definitely worth it. James

Welcome HC. So glad to see a new member. We will be here to help you in any way we can. If you need anything, just yell and someone should be able to help if at all possible. Keep us up to datre on your progress. Hugs, Debra =^..^=

Happy, We seem to be in the same boat. The only worry I have is a pre-existing clause on my insurance and I am afraid they will say my obesity is pre-existing. When are you going to see Dr. Hart, my appt is the 17th at 10am? You and I have everything in common as far as insurance and doctors and everything...how funny? D'Lynn

Hi D'Lynn!! How funny is this...my appt. with Dr. Hart is also the 17th at 10am!! We must be in the same group that they told me meets before you see the Dr. I am looking forward to meeting you... it'll be nice to have a buddy to go down this road with!! H.C. (Michelle)

That is too funny..I am so glad I will have someone to relate to. Is anyone coming with you? My very best friend is coming with me. She is alittle apprehensive about me having the surgery...so she wants to go and see what it is all about. D'Lynn

You'll love Dr. Hart. He is a wonderful surgeon. Initially, he comes across kind of shy, but he has a great sense of humor. Listen to him! He KNOWS what he is talking about. Make sure you get your appointments set up with Rachel, his on-staff nutritionist, too. Good luck!

Welcome! I just wanted to encourage you about BCBS PPO. I have them as well, and was worried that they would not cover me in 2005. At least you have 6 months. I'm sure you can pu**** through. You just have to get going as quickly as you can setting up appointments for your tests, etc., as soon as you know what you have to do. I went to my first WLS seminar 11/16, and went through all my tests, and got exams/clearances from pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychologist, and dietician in 3 weeks. I just got my approval Dec. 27, and have surgery scheduled Jan. 26th, just 2 1/2 months after the seminar. If you really want it, you can do it! Be prepared for BCBS to take about 3 weeks to review everything before you are approved. And if July 1st is your deadline, that means you need to have the surgery done before that date, not just approved. (At least that was what I was told.) So if you want surgery by the end of June, you want to be approved by the 1st of June, and want to be able to submit all your paperwork by about the first of May. Lots of time... Don't get discouraged! If I can do it, you can do it! Happy New Year, Happy Camper! Cheryl P.

Thanks, everyone! I'm so excited to be starting this journey. I hope everything with ins. works out--that's my biggest worry right now. I have a supportive family (okay-maybe they're a little nervous, but they're trying to be as supportive as they can), a brother-in-law who has been thru this surgery (Love ya, Mike!) and the desire to get it done. I am ready to start over in my life and think this surgery can be that new start for me. I've started a daily vitamin (tend to have low iron-so trying to get it up and stable) and am investigating protein drinks. Ugh! I figure I've got a while to learn to love 'em. ha! I tried a couple of low carb ones-and the smell alone is horrible. I just haven't hit the right one, yet. Any suggestions on a brand would be appreciated....do those of you drinking them drink the ones with splenda? I have a lot to do....going to sit down next week and get some medical records info written (when WAS the gall bladder surgery, etc...) and some diet history going. That will be tough--I know I need dates and my kazillion times at weigh****chers is hard to date. I do have some medically documented tries--so that will help. Anyway--bunches to think about for me. Thanks for being here, though!!! Happy Camper