just starting this roller coaster ride!

I have the paperwork filled out for Solutions for Life...Next seminar is the 5th so I plan to be there. I went to my pcp last wednesday and he agrees with me. My ins requires pre treatment so my pcp wants me to take Phentermine, however, ins wont pay. They did say I could appeal their decision if I am on a program. Can anyone tell me the ins and outs of Solutions for Life. Do they help you get all of the paperwork turned in and then guide you thru the process over the next several months to help get you approved?

Well, the program all in all is awesome. To me it was pricey, but since they don't give you any options around here you just have to go with the flow. They will help you with all the processes for insurance approval. Lots of steps to go through... Would rather not get into specifics on this board, but feel free to email me with any questions at [email protected].

Donna

I used Solutions for Life, and everything went great. I think that you have to be very vested in the process regardless of where you go. The more you know the better it goes. Solutions for Life does the best that they can, and will work very hard to help you throught the pathway. I think that part of the process is to make sure that you are comitted to making this work. If you hit a bump and just quit, then maybe your don't want it enough. If this is what you want and are willing to do what ever it takes to make it happen, it will and you will be very succesful. Remember if you have questions, just ask, people are willing to help. Never give up, the other side is so very worth it. Good luck with the journey.  Best wishes, mike

If you don't mind me asking...what insurance do you have?  Alot of them require a 6 month or better medically supervised diet before they will even consider approval.  I found this to be true with my insurance when I started my journey.  At first it was discouraging, just the thought of having to wait six months....but the time goes by faster than you would think.  Actually when it was all said and done, I was grateful to have the time.  It seemed as though there were so many appointments, etc. to take care of during that six months.   I'm not trying to give medical advice here, but be careful that your doctor isn't considering just the use of Phentermine as your weight loss program.  I know for a fact that some insurances will not accept that alone as enough for approval.  They want to know what type of diet, exercise, behavior modifications, etc., ALONG with prescriptions if used.  I have a form that I took to my doctor every month, a progress note so to speak....that she filled out.  When Kate Jantz saw these, she was very impressed with the information on it...even asked if she could have a copy of it.  She stated that sometimes they have trouble with the doctors not giving enough information in their notes and then insurance denies because of this.  With these progress notes from my doctor, along with all the info from solutions for life....I got approval for surgery within one week.  Unfortunately for me, Via Christi is out of network.  If you would like a copy of the form...simply email me privately and I would be happy to send it to you. As for solutions for life....I think it's a good program, but I think they are cashing in on being the only providers in the area for bariatric surgery.  Just do your homework.  And watch out for the hidden costs.

I agree with Jeanne on this subject.  The more you know about yourself and have your records together it is better for  you.    The most important thing is to make monthly weigh in's with your PCP even if you are doing weekly weigh in's at Solutions.   Your PCP needs to make sure that when you weigh in they document they talked to you about your weight, what you are doing to change it and what items you have taken to make the changes.    Solutions is a good program and yes they are the only program in this area so you are in a round about way stuck with whay they want and do unless you want to travel.  The physicians here are very good as well and highly trained but not everyone wants to deal with Solutions program.    I am having surgery June 18 and I thought at first that the program was a pain but after attending all the items I had to attend, I would do it over again.   I learned so much that I don't know how you could not do the program and then have surgery.   The information and materials that you are supplied with are worth it.     Any questions, please PM me.  KD