Ok . . .What's next?

Thursday I got the call telling me I am approved! Although it didn't start out that way.

I got a call from Hurley telling me that I needed to recheck with my insurance about bariatric surgery because they were told bariatric surgery was an exclusion in our insurance contract/policy. Despite the fact we called several times over to our insurance and teamsters to double, triple, quadruple check and more (they were getting sick of me actually, LOL).

I then got off the phone with J from HBC and called the insurance, and they again reaffirmed that bariatric surgery was covered as long as I met the requirements and critiria. I then took down her name and number and called J back at HBC and gave it to her and she kindly called them and spoke with them.

They finally worked everything out and it turned out that the paper work was missent or something and the miscommunication was not that bariatrics wasn't covered but post-bariatric surgery wasn't cover - ie Tummy Tucks, and things of that nature. Not something I am worried about right now. Let's get me thin first, LOL

So as she was telling me this she told me that the one who schedules the surgeries will be calling me on Friday. I was shocked and asked - "So I am approved?"
"Yes."
"Are you serious? I am approved? For the VSG? I met all of the requirements for approval?"
"Well it's a certain criteria and yes you fulfilled themand you are approved and fully covered for the surgery and hospital stay. You don't have any out of pocket costs."
"Well except the COBRA payments, right?"
"Right. Just be sure to keep that up to date. We're trying to get you in as fast as possible and can possibly get you in as early as April 1st."
"Seriously, April 1st?!"
"Well, the coordinater will call you tomorrow to set that up."
"Can I do that now?"
little laugh "No, she's gone home for the day, but she WILL call you tomorrow and schedule the surgery date."
"okay. Thanks."

Then I realized I was not going to be home from 1p-5p because of a birthday party. Then I called J back and made sure they had my cell phone number on file. She took it down and also checked the file and made a note in it that I would be out.

So now I will be anxiously awaiting for THE phone call today for THE DATE!!

So now, once I have this date I assume other appointments will be scheduled too, right? Pre-op, blood tests, nutritionist?!

I have apx 3-4 weeks before my surgery, what all will I have to do in that time?
Saturday I am self starting a liquid diet.

Congrats on your approval.The next thing you will do is go for your pre-op evaulation with Dr. M at Hurley.If everything goes good there you are good to go for the surgery.You will start your diet 15 days before your surgery.They check you the morning of your surgery so don't cheat.