Hi everyone

Hello everyone, I am a newbie at this board, but I have been a lurker for a few days now. I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself because I can see that you all will be a very important part of my journey. ...what an amazing and supportive group you are! I finally made the call....I have checked and it seems like Dr. De La Torre will be my best option assuming the insurance nightmare dosen't slam a door in my face. I am far more worried about the insurance fight that I think is ahead of me, than the prospect of surgery. I am just getting started with this process, they are mailing me the big packet...is there any advice or pointers you can give me? I know I have my PCP and several other specialists on board with me, but are we all big enough to fight the insurance company?? Anyway, thanks for letting a stranger join in, what a wonderful support!! I look forward to getting to know all of you!

Hi Amy, Welcome to our family!!! Just take one day at a time. I found out I could finally have the surgery in Sept. 06. Got to a seminar in Nov, had my consult in Jan and now my surgery for RNY is April 2nd. Some people it takes less time and some more. Just don't get discouraged.You are on the right road and we are here everyday. So just fire away with questions, answers or just frustrations.You can talk about anything that is bothering you or making you happy. Julia

Welcome Amy, you are at a good place to be, just keep the faith and everything will work out, you will be there before you know it....Vesta

Hi Amy, May I ask what type of surgery are you opting for and what ins? Without knowing your co-morbidies I don't have any answers to the insurance thingy. But I will tell you that I am having the RNY and was approved due to GERD and Osteoarthritis. That is what got me approved. My sister is having the Sleeve, and they approved her quicker only because they did not go in the direction of obesity but SLEEP APNEA. That is all I know LOL Hope that helps some. Any way, we are glad you are here. Charlotte kid4ever

Well, I am hoping for the RNY, I am going to be able to use HTN, PCOS, Pre-Diabetes/metabolic syndrome, venous insuffencey, depression and GERD for comorbidities. I am doing my sleep study on my own so I have that info to provide the surgons office. Another thing that I am not sure if will help me or hurt me was the fact I starved off 75 lbs several years ago and found a plastic surgon who did a tummy tuck on me, now I really am at high risk for major hernia issues since I have gained back the 75 lbs plus....so I don't know where that leaves me. My ins is Anthem Blue Preferred HMO. There is an exclusion, but it is really not worded like it is black and white, so I don't know! How sad is it to hope for sleep apena?? Thanks so much for the warm welcome! Amy

Hi Amy Welcome-we love our newbies-and we ALL remember being newbies too-I have been a part of other boards were a lot of people were active until after their surgery, but our board isnt like that.... So, are you going to see your surgeon at Missouri Bariatrics in Columbia? I went there, but I had Dr. Fearing, one of my friends had Dr. Scott, one had Dr. Ramashwamy-and they have ALL been wonderful....wouldnt change a thing about them....If you are going there-they are REALLY good about filing the insurance AND taking care of all the hassles for you. One in particular-her name is Leslie-and she is an angel-thats for sure. As long as your insurance doesnt list this as an exclusion, they will do all the other work for you. My only real big suggestion is to have ANY and ALL documentations from your PCP and ANY specialists...I went and got all my records PRIOR to my consult and took it ALL with me for their review and to put in my chart. It came in handy. So, do you know when you get to attend the seminar? Do you know which one you will be attending? Or have you attended it already? Anyway....we are a supportive group here, like family I like to say and we really look forward to all our newbies too....so make sure and come back and keep us posted. Jan usually posts a WHATS HAPPENING each day-and a lot of us post on that just to stay updated with each other....you are more than welcome to join us daily there as well....Good luck to you and am glad your here......Love, Janet

Hi Amy, I am new as well. I am going to see Dr Scott on 4-4-07. What kind of insurance do you have? Where are from, I am in Columbia. Depending on Insurance I have I have found out, it can be "fun"?! Mine United Health care requires proof of a medically supervised weight loss program of some sort 6months during last 2 years, among several other things!! Good luck to you--Julie=)

Hi Amy welcome to the Missouri Board. we really are glad you are here. take a deep breath and relax, this is a great and wonderful ride you are going on. Takes a lot of determination at times but the results are all worth it. My surgery was in August of last year but if i had to do it every august i would. It makes a big difference in your life. My sister, Sugar is in the hospital right now she had surgery yesterday with Dr. DeLaTorre. Jan

Hi Amy, I am new also. Just started posting and chatting this week. Everyone here has been so great. Lots of knowledge and kindness. I also felt it was inportant for me to be part of a support group of some kind. I think it will help me stay focused and on the right track. I started looking into WLS in 05 and had so many hoops to jump. I would get through what I thought was the end and then another one would be added. i was a single mom at the time and didnt have the "extra" money for what they wanted me to do but would not pay for. I put it on the back burner until the fall of 06. By this time I was ready to take it on again. This time with another insurance company, I had gotten married in 06 and was now under my husbands insurance. Within 2 weeks I was approved. NO HOOPS!.Floored me. God works in ways we dont always understand. I think the first time was not my time. The support was not there both finanually, emotionaly and physically. Now I have been blessed with the most supportive husband who is also my best friend. With him and God by my side I will reach my goal of a healthy and active life. Just stay with it and it will happen when its your time. Good Luck and keep in touch SHawn

Hi Amy Welcome, this is a great family to belong to. I sometimes still lurk. I am a fulltime student and don't always have time to sit and write but love to see what is going on. Columbia Bariatric is a great place to go. I went to the seminar in Nov and Dr. De La Torre spoke to the group. He is very informative and just by talking to him you will know you are in good hands. I actually have Dr. Scott and went for my first visit yesterday. I have never seen a friendlier place. Every person that worked there had a smile or something positive to say. Even the patients in the waiting room were great. We all sat out there and talked and laughed and laughed and again laughed. I don't think I have laughed so much in a very long time. The patients who already had surgery had things to share. It was just a great experience. I think you have made a great choice. The only advice I can give at this point is if you don't live in Columbia try to get as much of your testing done as you can at home. If you ever have questions or need suppport this is the BEST place to come. Again welcome!!!!! Michelle