Noobie info needed

First of all, thank you all for responding to my questions. I could start a new thread, and will if directed that way, but meanwhile I'm growing resentful and have all but decided against the surgery. Two of the three surgical coordinators returned my call for info and both said pretty much the same thing: HMSA HMO will cover the surgery but maybe or maybe not on the required pre-op and post-op procedures, all of which are required to occur on Oahu. They also couldn't confirm whether or not RT airfare from Hilo would be covered. I met with my PCP to discuss the bariatric options and received his referrals at that time. I've since been told by HMSA that that visit wasn't covered and I have to pay $85 out of pocket. Aside from that note of fiscal disappointment, I have two big complaints: 1) The surgical coordinators with whom I spoke left me with a sleazy impression of this business. I received positive affirmations from each and was "congratulated" for "taking this big step to a new and healthier me." I could have let it go if it weren't for the poignant pauses and redirection to the sales pitch before the calls ended. Perhaps that type of chicanery works on a person whose self-esteem is eroding, however, if you're anything like me, yours eroded completely a long time ago and you've hit a plateau of resistance to smarmy rhetoric. 2) Does anyone feel the slightest bit of resentment about having to qualify for this surgical procedure beyond morbid obesity and accompanying health problems? I mean, c'mon, if behavior modification worked, we wouldn't be here, right? What's with the diet and exercise requirements? Really, to be fair, perhaps I should admit that I don't wash my hands 20 times a day before I'm granted a flu shot next winter. I don't recall have to sign a pledge that I wouldn't eat fatty foods before my gall bladder was removed. Isn't anyone else outraged?

Hi Tom, Kris here and I had my lap RNY through Dr. Murayama at QMC Comprehensive Weight Management Program on 4/17/06, attended the informational meeting on 9/05. Dr. Murayama does take HMSA and he does have outer island patients (in fact I remember talking to a lady from Kauai when I went to the informational meeting who was having her surgery that week). I'm not sure how they handle the monthly meetings for outer island folks, but here is a number that you can call and talk to one of the office staff (Val or Diane) at 537-7546. Aloha, Kris