Have my first appointment w/ Dr. Leitman on July 19!--Questions!!

Hello everyone! I am a newbie, I started this wls journey at the end on May 2005, when I finally realized that fad diets don't work. I have been at every size, and right now I am at my biggest. I am 294 lbs at 5'7". I contacted my insurance GHI, and they connected me to the coordinators that deal with certifications. I was told that all I need is a letter from a psychiatrists, a 6 months supervised diet and a letter from a nutritionist. My question(s) are if I have enough documents to provide for my insurance. I currently already have the following documents: -A letter from a psych who says I am good for surgery (she also lists depression, and other co morbs) -a letter from my PCP which states that I have been overweight since I was 13, and that I suffer from high cholestorol, shortness of breath, lower extremities neuropathy, and depression -A letter from a MD that states I have been on a supervised diet since March 30th, 2005, which lists my weight history since then. -A letter from my employer stating how my morbid obesity affects my work -A letter that I put together stating why I need the surgery (plea?) -I plan on seeing a nutritionist that the surgeon recommends to me on the 19th. Will I be approved for GB? Do I have enough info? HELP!!!!

Mikey, First off let me say welcome to the board...~hugs~ This is a great place! I have GHI also and the biggest thing is that 6 month weight loss program, if the letter has all the dates (each month without missing one) and the weight you were then it should be fine. All the other letters your surgeon should direct you what you will need. Many require visits to specialist and then the letter to the surgeon (also Ins I guess). Then the surgeon's office sends it all in for you and track it. Do you have your surgeon yet? Well welcome to the journey, it is a roller coaster of emotions and feeling but it is awesome. Take care and keep us posted! Debra P

Mikey, OK If I only read it again I see you have your surgeon and appt.... Sorry hun.... Debra P

Well the thing is, I have my Surgeon, my pcp is on my side, I have a psych who is also rolling with me (no pun intended). I also have letters from my gym (Gold's) which I was a member of for 13 months, and the letter states that I was unable to do the physical workouts because it was too difficult for me, I have a proof from Weigh****chers, NutriSystem, LA Weight Loss. The 6 months supervised thing is the only iffy. My first weight in with a doctor who was supervising my diet, was on March 30. Since that is not a complete 6 months, will i be turned down by GHI? I just found out that I have the beginning stages of diabetes. I don't know what to do. I am so scared GHI will deny me. Help! Thanks for being so welcoming =)

Mikey, I am not sure how and what your Dr can add to your letters but I know they are so strict with that stupid weight loss thing that I had to wait 6 months while I wated the nutrionist and my Dr's time weighing in every month and after the 6 months I only lost 10 lbs. That was frustrating! My surgeon said te only way around it was to get a lawyer but who wanted to pay that, a know. So I did the weight loss thing for 6 months. ~rolling eyes~ I wish I would tell you for sure hun but I really do not know, the only thing I know is how strict they are with that 6 months. If you have March, April, May, June and July weigh in's that could help then you might only need 1 -2 months more. Is that the way you weighed in? or was it just that March 30 time? Hun the Ins Comp's make it hard on us to have this done, hang in there and do what you have to do to get the surgery....~hugs~ Debra P

Thanks so much Debra. I appreciate your help. Do you thing it also depends on my employer? My company is a City agency and we have a lot of employees that are under GHI, plus I am an HR Manager. Does that change anything?

Mikey, I know that different employers have different policys but I am not sure if that will help with the 6 month thing, ask your surgeon office. They might be able to help you with that. I just wish you the best every hun, I know this can get frustrating and I believe these Ins Comp like that since many drop out without a fight. My hubby is from Canada so I have different views on our health care here. Well take care hun and keep me posted...~hugs~ Debra P

Will do! Thanks again. Best, Mikey

Hey Mikey welcome to the Board. You will find this Website to be extremely helpful to you. All the members and all more then willing to help out. Im not sure what your Surgeon is going to require. Fror example Ihad to see the following Gastro Dr. (had to have an Upper Endoscopy) Cardiologist (Stress test and Angiogram) Pulmonologist(Sleep test and Breathing Test) Blood Lab for work up Not sure I would call the Surgeon to find out so if you have to see these Dr's you can start making Appt Louis

Thanks! I'm going to call the Dr's office right now. I'm so frustrated! Why does insurance have to be so annoying. The whole world complains about how "90% -?" of our country is obese...and that we need to put a stop to this since it is an avoidable way of dying...so if that's the case...why wouldnt the insurance co's be more supportive. Its just so moronic.