Update: Surgery was postponed

Hi everyone,

I Kind of went into limbo for a few days there after all of the ups and downs but I am back. To make a very long story short, I was denied for a VSG ( didn't find out until 2 weeks before my surgery) but approved for a band by my insurance. After going through all of the testing and dieting (6 month supervised) I felt compelled to do something and opted for the band even though my surgeon wasn't %100 comfortable with that surgery for me at my BMI. Fast forward a few days and I decided that he may have been right in his assesement and went back to his office to ask them to appeal the decision on my VSG with my insurance. Needless to say it may not work at all so I am basically in limbo at the moment as my paperwork goes through the appeal process. My wife has been really awesome with support in regards to my situation and I am basically crossing my fingers and treating the next few weeks as though I were still on the supervised diet. The surgeon assured me that if the VSG was denied again we could always look at a Gastric Bypass so I will start researching this option as an alternate. I want to thank everyone for their support that last few months, I will now shift my support towards my wife because she is slated to go under the knife on Oct 13, 2009. :)

Omar,
I am so sorry to hear about your denial.  Just remember we are all here for you if you need to vent.  Did the insurance say why they will not approve the VSG?  I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I will keep your wife in my prayers.  Which surgery is she getting?

Remember I will have the first support group meeting in the Joliet area October 6th.  I hope to see you and your wife there.  Please let me know if you want to come and I will give you the directions.  This would be great for your wife since she will be undergoing sugery 1 week later.  And it will be great for you for the extra support that you need at this time.

Talk to you soon
Sheri

 Many insurances will not approve the VGS , but will approve the bypass. This may be your better option at this point. The insurance company will deny based on "Experimental' and there really is no appeal to that, just dead end. But they may suggest RNY too. 
Good luck! 

Sorry to hear of your roadblock and feel free to "vent away" here as that is what we come here to do.  We will support you both in any way we can.

Limbo and I have not gotten along well at all.

I just got a call with a new date though.  There is supposed to be an email and fax to my pcp for test as well.  Like I said before it will likely not seem real until I wake up with staples.

New date Oct 8

Omar, this is why it is called a journey. e never know what is going to happen. You will get your surgery. Your wife will be getting hers, and you both will be getting healthier by the day.
I have the band, and am very happy with it. But that was my decision. I personally liked the idea that it could be reversed if there were major problems. But it is up to you to decide.

Good luck, LISA

Sorry to hear about the delay, Omar.     It sounds like you have a good, responsive surgeon to help you.   Your wife's surgery is the day before mine!  Which procedure is she having?   Here's hoping this gets straightened out for you soon !