For those who had WLS thru HAP HMO!

I have posted her a couple of times, I am beginning my research on WLS! I have HAP HMO and it says, per my contract, I am covered for WLS! ALthough, I am learning, thru this board....that just because it is covered doesn;t mean I am going to get approved....is this true? I have pretty much qualified all of their criteria for surgery......can anyone, who has had the surgery thru this HMO....maybe even through HEnry Ford Hospital (insurance says I have to go there)....give me any advice or tell me of their experiences with this type of insurance? TIA Kelly

Kelly, everyone here who has HAP (or had it, like me), has different experiences - some good, some bad. Mine was not great and I had several denials before it was overturned by the state. Also, I have heard that the requirements had changed for WLS back in January. You have to take it one day at a time. I hope that your PCP is supportive of you having this surgery. That is the most important thing, right after your determination of NOT to get down if you get denied. I myself had Dr. Genaw at Henry Ford; he is no nonsense and will tell you like it is - he will not sugar coat things to make you feel better. Dr. Carlin is also another good doctor. As for tihe time it takes - well, each case is different. From the time I had started to the time I was actually approved was about 6 months. Then it was another 6 months from approval to the surgery date. I might have gotten it done about a month or so sooner, but I wanted to go to a family reunion and my dad didn't want to take me if I was a week or two post-op. The doctor sided with him and I agreed to it. I enjoyed myself, came home and did the pre-op diet and was happy to have the surgery! I am 9 months post op and have lost 86 lbs!