Dont know what to do

Let me first say...I have truly enjoyed this website.I have only posted a few times but I have constantly read various posts for insight, hope and tips. With that said...I dont know its more of a problem or I'm feeling EXTREMELY hopeless...I am in the process of being approved for surgery...problem is the approval process has been ongoing since OCTOBER!!! I have not been denied....and I do have faith in my surgeon's staff on seeking approval. I have called my insurance company to check on my approval and just to see where I stand...on numerous times I was told their was no preauthorization needed however,my surgeon may have certain requirements so check back at your surgeon. I was given a tentative surgery date for December....which has come and pass. I just don't know what to do. My surgeon's staff tell me to be patient and dont worry but everyday its getting harder and harder to keep faith and be positive.She expressed to me that my insurance co. will send a confirmation or a denial letter for my surgery regardless if preauthorization is required...because it is specially asking for the wls to be preauthorized. I am soooo anxious I cant contain myself. I have read numerous posts about surgery dates, sitting on the losers bench, and protein drinks, shakes and bars and all I can think of when is my turn. sorry about posting a long post...I just have to get some things off my chest.

Hi Rhonda, It's only been three month's. Give it some , time. I understand the wanting to get approval quicky, but It doesn't always work that way. It took me a year to get my approval. There have been a few people here that have waited 2 years for approval. Try to be patient ~I know it's hard. You will get there someday, and the wait will be well worth it. Best wishes. God bless, Annette

You'll get there. Sometimes it's like and ice cream headache - hurts like hell while your have it but man is it great when it's over. Insurance companies aren't likely to hand over 30 grand (unless it's non-profit like MESSA/BCBS - teachers) they'll give you the run around. Keep the faith and you will get there. I think you have a lot of courage for sticking it out with the wait. Positive vibes for you. kp

I went through a similar process... for THREE YEARS! My problem was i never talked to the surgeon's office myself, i trusted that my PHCP was taking care of it, as he told me he was. Turned out he was lying. Anyhow my point was that even though it took me 3 years of ups and downs and disappointments it all finally worked out and it was all well worth it. It will work out for you too. Hang in there and be proud of yourself and consider the time you spend waiting as proof of your commitment to yourself.

You have not waited very long at all. Some people wait years and have been denied numerous times before they get the surgery. On the other hand, if your surgeon's office is stalling you, try going to a different surgeon. I'm sure there's more than one in the Detroit area that specializes in WLS. I know how you feel about wanting the surgery now that you have made up your mind (my date couldn't come fast enough) but sometimes there's a reason to go a bit slower and we just don't know what it is because we have no control over that part of our life.

Although I researched WLS for many years my approval came pretty quick. From my first appointment with Dr Zeni until the day I was approved was approximately 6 weeks. At the time it felt like forever but looking back it wasn't really that long. I was very persistant though. I called the insurance company every day or every other day. I wanted..no I needed to know what was going on and at what stage of the process my paperwork really was. I felt like I was entitled to answers and my health and well-being depended on it. I would start by calling the insurance company. Manke sure you get names and phone numbers of everyone you talked to and document everything they tell you. Get the Ball Rolling. No one can take charge or your life better than you!!! Best Wishes! Stacey B 432.6/349.6/160

Hang in there Rhonda! You can do it! I know the waiting is the worse thing on earth. But you will get approval and then you will be like some people after surgery and wonder what the heck you did and then in two weeks you will know that it was the right thing. We as humans are the most IMPATIENT things aren't we. We all want it yesterday but you will do just fine!!! Take Care!!

Thanks for all the words of wisdom. I completely understand the that everyone aprroval process can vary....I just feel kinda trap....I absolutely have faith in my surgeon and I really do believe he has a awesome staff and I can understand them wanting to make sure my insurance pay for the surgery. However, on the other I am running out of nerves. I am truly ...and I do mean truly trying to be patient....but its just so difficult to do at times. I guess that when they decided to send my paperwork in for approval...things looked very optimistic..I got a tentative surgery date, arrangements for a g/f filter were in the works and I had soooooo much hope. But I do try to look on the bright side...I haven't been refused.......anyway thanks for all the info and words of support.

First off, welcome to the forums!! I hope that you will post more often! Your frustration is understandable!! Some of us have been approved in a wink of an eye, and others have dragged on, like Jay for THREE years!! My journey took a year. I was denied, then approved on passing a psych eval, which I FAILED!! How can you fail a psych exam?? I had to appeal to the state, but it was worth it. A few days after my birthday I got the call I was approved. It was another six months before I had the surgery, but it was more because of scheduling conflicts and a trip to KY than anything else. Keep us posted on what's going on and have fun with us!! Another Rhonda