Playing the Game

Hello all!  I of course am new here and looking for some people in the area who have gone through this process.

I live in Dubuque and have an HMO for insurance and on paper they have told me that I qualify for the surgery, but I have to complete their weight loss program first.  That program begins at the end of the month and lasts for 8 weeks.  Assuming everything goes as planned ('cause it always does right?) I should be able to schedule a consultation appointment for sometime in March/April.  Is it realistic to think that if everything goes smoothly I can expect to have a surgery in June?

Thanks for all input!

Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Wish I could tell you the answer to your question, but I'm pretty new here too.  I just wanted to say that I live west of you about 15 miles so I am in the area!  I have BCBS insurance but initially had HMO (Med. Assoc) and they did that same thing to me.  Problem with their program is that you have to pay out of pocket for it and just because you do their program, there is no guarantee they'll give you the referral for surgery.  I speak from experience on that one!!  As blessings go, my husband's company switched insurance carriers to BCBS and things have gone so smoothly for me since that happened in September.

I am waiting to hear from Debi at UIHC regarding my surgery date because I have had my consulation appointment (10-17-08) and was approved by my insurance on 12-24-08.  Given that information, you could potentially have your surgery in June or July if everything goes to your plans.  

I wish you the best and more because I know how frustrating this is when you get told to hurry up and wait while you continue to gain weight and have more health problems because of that!

Let me know how you do with their program and everything.

Carolia

Michelle-

Welcome!  The insurance portion of surgery is the biggest pain in the neck you will encounter!  If I was you I would try not to focus on a specific month for surgery.  When I started the process I was focused on having the surgery on July--and I didn't have it until Nov. 12th and that was with me absolutely fighting insurance to get everything in place.  Fight as much as you have to fight, but don't get super focused on a goal month for surgery as you might get disappointed!  Good luck!