Paperwork submitted - thyroid not a problem

I just wanted to update everyone who was so helpful and encouraging last week when I got kind of down at a bump in the road.  It turns out that there must have been a lab error, because my TSH, and T4 levels came back in the normal range (albeit low end, but normal all the same).

I met with my surgeon today, and he said he should be done with my paperwork today, and then the clinic should be submitting for insurance by Friday!  The down side is that they said Medica is taking 2-3 weeks to approve people.

There is still a chance that I can get my surgery before my March 20th cut off (don't want to interfere with daughter's birthday), and Dr. Laguna said he would let the office know there is a bit of a time crunch - especially since he is going on vacation for a week in March.

The goal is in sight, now it's just a waiting game.  How long did everyone have to wait that have Medica to get approved?

Thanks again for all your support,

Nicole

Hey there good thing about thyroid...............  I had Medica and I knew within a week I think......................  I waited 4 days then called to get em on it....... Good luck and keep us posted

Nicole that is SO awesome.. So glad to hear things are going your way finally.

Quick question on Medica - what were the criteria for being approved?  My brother is looking at possibly having the surgery after seeing it working for me and he has Medica.

He has a BMI of probably 50 and high blood pressure - so 2 co-morbidities off the bat that we know of..

I appreciate your input ladies...

Steph

p.s. Hi Marsha!

Thanks Steph,

It's great to go to an appointment and not hit another road block.

As for Medica, because I originally didn't have any co-morbidity's, and only a BMI over 40, I had to do a three month supervised diet.

Once I had one of Medica's 3 recognized co-morbidity's (Medicated for high blood pressure, medicated for high cholesterol, or mine, Sleep Apnea), the three month diet was waived.  I still had to lose the weight they wanted, and follow the dietitian's rules, but no more diet.

My paperwork will be submitted this week, but no one foresees any difficulties in getting approval.

I hope this helps,

Nicole

P.S.  I hope to see you at tomorrow's support group!

Congrats to your next step.

I have Medica too and they did say to have a monitored 3 month diet and exercises plan for me too if there are none of there recognized Co-Morbidity issues.  How was that diet? was it tough to lose.  and it looks like they did make you lose some weight uh? SO it looks like not before 3 months for me.  I was really hoping to have it done before my Son's graduation this summer. :(

They set some easy goals for me at first.  Remove the snacks from my desk, walk 10-15 minutes a day 3-4 times a week, cut out caffeine.

Then I discovered that it wasn't that hard to do 20-25 minutes 5-6 times a week.  I stopped snacking all together, and cut out all coffee, pop (even diet) and carbonated beverages.  I started drinking water and Crystal light, always trying to get at least 75 oz a day in.

I started having protein bars with my lunch (soup, a few crackers, and a Luna bar).  This helped me stay full until dinner.

I think my motivation to lose as much as possible is what helped.  It's not like the dietitians are going to tell you what to eat, how much to eat, unless you ask of course.  My dietitian told me that the weight you need to lose is for the surgeon, but changing your eating habits is what they're concerned about.

The bonus is that while you're trying to lose your weight, you continue moving through the approval process.  You see your psychologist and get tested, you do your blood work.  That way, when you finish your diet, you can see your surgeon and send in your paperwork for approval.  You don't have to wait until you've lost your weight or finished your three months to get all the other stuff done.

I hope this helps,

Nicole

Congrats Nicole on making the next step.

You are on your way girl!

Hope to see you soon at coffee again.

Ranae

Great news! Crossing fingers for a quick approval for you.

GREAT news Nicole!!    You're big day will be here before you know it & I'll be scootin' over ot make room for you on the losers bench VERY soon!!   

I'm super excited that we'll be sharing in this journey in the very near future!! 

Nicole,

Whooo Hooo !!!  I will keep my fingers crossed for a quick approval process!  I too have Medica and it was about a week for my approval in November.  I did call the 800# at Medica around day 5 to check in.  You're in the home stretch, now the fun starts!

Kristy