I'm Thanking God

Hello all you Hoosier Losers! I am new to posting, but not new to this Board. I have read virtually every message for over a year now. My daughter and I both started out at the same time researching WLS surgery. Her insurance company approved her, basically with no questions asked and she had her surgery 2/21/06. She has lost about 120 pounds and looks and feels great. She has had several complications: a stricture (4/06), bowel obstruction (5/06) and another bowel obstruction (10/06), but she still says it was worth it and she would do it again. I was denied, appealed and denied again. I was told I needed a more current physician-supervised diet and exercise program. So, I did six months of going to the doctor every other week for weigh-ins, meeting with the dietician once a month, joined Curves, and continued going to the St. Francis monthly support group meetings. My paperwork was again submitted in November, only to be told that I could not submit a claim for the same procedure more than once every 12 months. So, on January 10, my paperwork was submitted, AGAIN. I received word yesterday that I HAVE BEEN APPROVED!!!!! I am so excited and so looking forward for this chance to become a healthier me. I have learned so much from all of you and I feel like I already know many of you through your posts. I look forward to getting to know you even better. Since I know you always ask, my surgeon is Dr. Jon Mandelbaum (I chose him because I have a history with him - he removed my gall bladder in 2000 and removed a skin cancer from my shoulder in 2005) and my surgery will be at St. Francis. I don't have a date yet, but I do go to an RNY class on February 1. I can't believe its finally become a reality for me. Blessings, Donna

Donna- I have been looking for this post for the last few weeks!!!! That is so awesome!!! I called my Mom and told her as soon as I saw this, because she always asks me if you have been approved yet!!! She was so excited for you. I am doing a happy dance for you. Sorry to have missed so may support group meetings; it has just been busy.... I did start seeing the new CSW at the clinic and think the world of her. Thanks for that tip! I have a PS consult today and am very excited and nervous! I have been munching all morning?? What is up with that??? LOL I guess the stress still gets to me. I am glad that you have finally posted, and with such great news!!!!! Hi to Jamie! Blessings, Carmen

Carmen, Thanks for the good wishes. I'll tell Jaime you said, "Hi." I hope you are muching healthy food. Carmen, you have done amazing! I look forward to hearing how your appointment with the plastic surgeon goes. Good luck. Best, Donna

Congratulations Donna! You did EVERYTHING right. You played the insurance game perfectly...I think that's a good sign you're going to do very well. ken

Congratulations Donna!! You are on your way!!! WOOHOO!!! Blessings, Betsy

I met you and your daughter at one of the support group meetings. You are correct your daughter looks amazing. I am so happy you were approved!!! It is definately your turn!! Question, how long from the approval did St. Francis schedule your nutritionist meeting? I am curious how long the process is after you are approved to actually having the surgery.

Amy, I just got my approval yesterday. I don't think the meeting I'm going to on February 1 is a meeting with the nutritionist, but I might be wrong. Nancy said it was an RNY class. She said she would get back to me after she talked to Mandelbaum's office with other dates. Be sure to mention to me at the next support group meeting that you are Amy so I can put your name with your face. It's hard for me to get there at 5:30 because I don't get off wor****il 5:00, but I'll be there as soon as I am able. Donna

Donna, Congratulations!! You waited a long time. I am in the middle of my 6mos dr supervised diet and it never occured to me that at the end, they may still say NO!. I had never heard anyone say that they could only apply once in a 12 month period. What isurance do you have?? Linda

Congrats Donna! Sounds like your daughter is going to be a great support for you since she has been leading the way! Good luck on a quick scheduling! Belle