new to posting

I have been reading your posts for a while now and have not posted yet as I felt I really had nothing to report. However yesterday I went to the 2nd hospital and feel like I am on my way. I did not have a regular physician to refer me so when I checked the program at Mercy in Mason City I ran into that block I then checked and my insurance listed the Baratric Center at Avera in Sioux Falls I called there got an appt. and saw Dr. Filler yesterday. Now I go back on Oct. 15 for psych, nutrition and the surgeon consult then they will send in to my insurance. My insurance told me they need a letter from the surgeon stating need and me to have been obese for at least 5 years no problem there I already got my medical records what little there was from the clinic I go to. My only stumbling block is if they are wanting proof of being under doctors care for weight loss but the insurance rep did not seem like that was a major thing. I have some references in my medical records of discussions of weight so I hope that will work. I have been under medical supervision but that was years like 30 ago and in California could probably never find those records. Well I finally feel like I am on my way and thought I should post now.

I am having my surgery at Avera McKennan on Monday, Oct 6th. I did not see Dr. Filler myself but my surgeon there is Dr. Frederick Harris and my nutritionist is Kristen Sousek --- both great people. Each of them have a half day seminar (at diffrent times) which I attended and then I also had a private consult with Dr. Harris and his nurse at a different appointment also. But, all 3 dates were done within 3 weeks so I think I lucked out on it all. I started my appts on July 15th so it took about 3 months to complete everything and get the insurance approval done. The thing that took the longest was getting the doctors office to fax over my insurance paperwork to BC/BS to get the approval, otherwise it all went smoothly. Hope everything works out great and we can keep each other posted. Good Luck! Wendy Van Briesen George, IA

Welcome Ann! I'm glad you are finally on your way to a sucessful WLS Journey! It feels good to know your finally doing it doesnt it? I remember how happy I was once I made the decision! If you have any questions or just want to whine or vent like we all do at one time or another...just take it out on us here on the iowa board.. we can take it! ~~Dawn Phillips

Glad you are with us Anne and on your journey to better health! I hope your preapproval goes smoothly and you will soon be posting your surgery date!