VSGers in NC? Advice needed

Hi all - I'm in a dilemma.  I spoke to the surgeon's office today and they said I was approved at 70%....for gastric bypass.  I don't want gastric bypass, I want the VSG.  So, she said that the insurance company requires that I jump through all the hoops first (the nutritionist appts, the psychology assessment, the $250 consult with the surgeon, all my diet history gathering, etc.  That's about $500 or more out of my pocket.

I have United Healthcare North Carolina.

My question - what do you think the odds are that they will allow me to appeal and approve the VSG?  Because if I spend all of this money with copays and surgeon consult, and then get denied for VSG anyway, I've lost my down payment for Dr. Joya, and it will be several months before I can make enough again (that IF I can get a medical loan for most of it).

I just feel like I'm at an impasse here.  Either I pay out all this money and risk being denied by insurance, or I just forget about it and start trying to get a medical loan to go see Dr. Joya.  If I pay out all the money and get denied, it'll be many months before I'll be able to afford to go to Dr. Joya.

OY.

Thanks in advance for any advice or experience
(I crossposted this on the VSG board, but want to know if any North Carolinians have had any luck with the VSG and United Healthcare)

Hi Kris!
I am a sleever but I have BCBSNC. I spoke with the insurance lady at my doctors office the first time I went and told her if she didn't think I could get approved to tell me then because, like you, it was already costing me over $4000 out of pocket.  She felt sure I would get approved so I went for it.
Maybe you can call the doctor's office and ask them what kind of chance you have? They can probably tell you better than anyone. Sorry for your dilemma!  Things can be so difficult sometimes!

Good luck to you whichever way you have to go. I'm sure you will get the results you want either way and you will be extremely pleased!

HUGS
Pam