Appeal Hearing Over

Okay..so I haven't posted anything for fear of jinxing things, but I'll take a chance. Everything went pretty well yesterday except when my throat completely closed up on me half way through my presentation. I mean, I drank water and everything an it just wasn't going to allow me to talk AT ALL. I made my husband continue reading my letter so as not to hold everyone up (they only give you 20 minutes) and we had a good laugh afterwards, because he got the worst part of the presentation talking about intimacy, body functions and periods. He said.. "I can't believe you made me say period".. tee hee hee. Anyway.. My voice returned and I was able to finish. There were 8 people in the room, 3 voting members of HAP, 3 non voting, The person who first denied my request and a doctor. My husband said he was extremely impressed with me.. the 20 minutes ended up being an hour with all their questions. One of the voting members was under the impression that the 12 month supervised diet through Henry Ford was stating "you are approved, you just need to complete this".. we set her straight on that. The Doctor in the room said that Dr. Genaw and Dr. Carter, after a consultation, usually require the 6 months of the Henry Ford supervised diet (WOW program) before surgery.. I told him that was not the case as far as I've heard, although I know it is not uncommon for the Surgeons to ask you to lose SOME weight to make the operation easier. I also explained that I could not even get a consultation with either Dr. until I had complete approval for the surgery. They seemed surprised to hear this. They tested my knowledge on aftercare, complications, diet history.. a few family questions... and stuff like that. They were very kind, but of course they tell you nothing and we had no way of reading them. I did point out in my presentation that HAP has an extremely poor reputation for giving approval for this procedure and that instead of being a helpful insurance provider they make their members feel like the bottom line is the most important thing to them and they work very hard at making the member give up. Anyway.. they were going to continue deliberation after I left and they said they would have a response to me within 72 hours. That would be sometime Monday I guess.. There is absolutely nothing more I could do. I was so nervous when I went in there and I told them that I was supposed to be picturing them in their underwear, they weren't supposed to have pictures of ME in MY underwear! ( I had sent pctures in with my appeal stuff... didn't know I was gonna meet the people face to face!)... I also told them that if the surgery was approved, and I had a consultation with Dr. Carter or Dr. Genaw and THEY told me that I needed 6 months of the WOW program before they could do the surgery, then that would be different. But to NOT have any guarantee of surgery, and to make me go on a diet for another year was insulting. They were very easy to talk to and seemed to listen very well. They asked very good questions, and luckily I has good and accurate answers for all of them..even the medical ones. I'll let you know what I hear when I hear it... I'm going to keep praying until then!

Kim, Sounds like everything went well... I'll pray that you get approved. Claudia

Sounds like you did everything right! I will keep my fingers crossed for you bigtime! Hugs, Theresa

Sounds like it went well, Kim. I'll pray that they realize how stupid denying this surgery is based on diet alone and approve your request for referral. I agree, its one thing to have the surgeon say to you, "I need you to lose X amount before we can schedule surgery." and something entirely different to demand a patient who has struggled for years to go an additional 12 months before they will consider allowing surgery. Keeping you in my prayers! Colleen J.

Kim, All I can say is that I am very proud of you. It sounds like you did a great job. It sounds like you have a great DH too. I will keep you in prayer for a positive response! But hey with such a great presentation how could they trun you down! God Bless--toni

I bet you are so glad you went. I am keeping my fingers crossed, let me know when you hear anything or if theres anything i can do for you. Hugs Linda

Thank you Everyone, for all your help and support. If it wasn't for all of you I wouldn't have been half as informed or prepared for this hearing. I just hope it helped my cause and I hope that they come back with an approval. Blessings!

I will keep my fingers crossed! Good Luck, Mary

Jeez, you are a tough chick. That sounded brutal and tell your husband to clam up damn it. I had to buy things last month for whatshername so he doesn't have anything on me. I couldn't decide between wings and flaps and zippers and crap. I looked so confused some gal I've never seen before came to my rescue and helped me find the right junk. Them things are too complicated. Anyway, positive vibes for you. kp @ goal

PLEASE tell me you had to buy them in your Teletubby outfit....that image would just make my week!!!!