insurance

Hi I'm new and was wondering does anyone have UHC insurance ? I am still waiting for approval and need this surgery. I would like to have the sleeve procedure and seem to be going nowhere.
newfymomma

I don't have that insurance. But I wanted to welcome you to the Maryland forum and wish you the bvery best in your journey.

Tell us what stage are you now?

Thanks for the welcome. I am getting very nervous about the waiting. I need this surgery for many reasons and I am in alot of pain. OK here it is. I' m 52 and weight 320 and 5'5. I have been this weight for about 20 years. I was always heavy, you know " a big girl" big bones and broad shoulders. I always did heavy manual labor jobs and landscaping, until 1989 when I was seriously injured and became disabled from a work related injury to my back. I was in traction for 11 months and terrible pain. This is what started the downward spiral. I was unable to do anything physical for several years. My injury was quite serious and told it would take 4-5 years for my ligaments and muscles to regain their strength back. SOOOO you all know what happens when we sit, eat and sleep. You got it 40 pounds. Since 2004 I have been struggling with my weight and can't seem to get it off and keep it off. Finally I hit the big 370 and lost 60 pounds. I have gained about 15 back in 3 years bit thats good. Life ha**** me in those 5 years with a seriously broken arm,hand surgery, knee surgery, gall bladder surgery and NOW the past year a very truamatic foot injury that had me in a cast for 5 months and is still healing. Thats not the bad part. I have severe degenerative osteoarthritis in my knees. My left knee is nothing but grinding bones and pain. I can't have surgery until I lose a significant amount of weight. HOW can I lose weight with no exercise.I am trying to locate a place for warm water exercise and swimming.  I love my husband of 33 years more than ever and he has to do so much for me now it hurts to see what I can't do. I hate it. We are going to sell our beautiful custom log home because we have mulitple floors and I just can;t do it anymore. I have had arthritis all my life so I also have other problems in all my joints. I am thankful God let me heal from my accident and do what I can. Please don't feel sorry for me because I have so many things to be grateful for. If i can get the surgery and lose weight my life will improve so very much. My cousin has been a inspiration to me as she just had the lapband done. We are supporting each other. She is having a rough patch but has lost 30 pounds in 2 months.!!!!!! WE WILL DO THIS. Somehow we will get this done. God bless all who are reading this and I hope your new year is a delight and a success !  Peg

I had OneNet but my sister had UHC and was with Dr. G, it took a little longer with UHC but hang in there.  Welcome to the board.
Hugs Kristen

Thanks alot Kristen. I am getting very impatient waiting for them to decide. I truly need this surgery.
Peggy

I had UHC and was approved in like 4-6 days for my RNY but I am not sure about their policies regarding the sleeve. You should check on their website.

As bad as I hate to burst your bubble UHC will not approve the sleeve. You are really wasting your time and they would not tell me that they quit approving it 6 months prior. I went for the band instead and I am happy I did, of course any WLS can fail if you let it but the band has greater longterm success. The sleeve I was told can be like by pass it will stretch out and will start absorbing more fat after about 3 years causing weight gain that is not on the part of the person. So I would set your mind on something else because they won't approve it and they won't tell you that they quit approving it they just want you to go away so they don't have to pay for any procedure. I was denied twice for the sleeve by UHC so not being rude but don't waste your time. I was approved in 3 days when I put in for the band. Good luck if you want to pursue it but even with morbidities they won't approve you for that no matter how many codes the surgeon tries to use.