Quick Questions for a newbie...

Okay all you experts out there.....I wrote my letter! Sent it to BCBS of Illinois(HMO)...one to my Health Group and to my doc(just for my files)...Anyone out there can you recomend a Psych for me for my evailuation....? I really appreciate it! Also..Before you were 'approved' for the surgery, when you began this LONG HARD battle with your insurance co, did you get a referal for a surgeon first? or after you were approved? Is this something I need to do ahead of time, or do I wait until I get the stamp of approval? Have a good weekend! Its going to be a blizzard out here! xoxoxojenn

Jennifer, Welcome! I actually chose my surgeon first -- went to the initial meeting, then they put me in touch with all the specialists I needed (including Dr. Crane -- yeah, like Frasier -- our psychologist). I see you're in Romeoville.. what hospital are you going to? Have you got an idea of who your surgeon will be? Where are you in the process? Stef Lap RNY 11/12/04 390 -> 335 -> 175

I am just starting the process w/my PCP. She is out of Edwards in Naperville, but according to her - Edwards isn't doing those anylonger and now its changed to Central DuPage. I haven't even picked one yet...I didn't know if that is something I do after I get 'accepted' or if my PCP gives me the ones I can go to...Its a huge puzzle to me! So far the referal coordinator spoke to my group and the group told her that BCBS says you have to be on a doc monitored diet for 2-3 years. My PCP told me to do WW in 2002...so I did...for 2 years! Now I find out that that doesn't count!!!! Anyway....so I wrote my letters to everyone. Now I am waiting to see the next step.... Does that explain anything????

FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD THAT IF YOUR DOCTOR PUT YOU ON THE DIET EVEN IF IT WAS WW AND YOU WERE STILL SEEING YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IT THEN IT WOULD COUNT AS A MEDICAL MONITORED DR I WOULD ASK .

Jenn, Just wanted to let you know sometimes insurance companies are pretty quick. I was with State Farm Group Medical (before the change to BC/BS) and I started planning in Aug, was approved in September and had my surgery in October. Best decision I ever made, currently down over 75 pounds now and my blood work and health are great! Hope things go well for you. Mike