Very down today, need some friends!!!

Hi all. I haven't posted in a while, but I "lurk" almost everyday. Been very busy at work. Anyway, as you can see on my most recent profile post, I am still waiting for approval from Aetna. I was supposed to call today, for possibly, a verbal approval, so needless to say, was kinda excited. Well, I called and was told they (the powers that be) just posted that they received (today) my most recent paperwork from my dr. Now, mind you, it was sent in AGAIN 09/26/06, (said they didn't get it the first time almost 2 weeks before), and when I called last week (28th) she told me that she (CS person) personally sent it to whoever needed it for approval, and that I should call today. I am so frustrated, and feel like my dream will never happen. I am trying to remember that everything will happen in God's time, and there are other issues in my life that are making me gloomy too, but this is crazy! I more than qualify, and have done everything they want me to do. Today, I was told to call on Tuesday afternoon, so once again I am waiting. I know there are others that have waited longer, and have had many difficulties, but I just want to cry, and needed some shoulders to cry on. I really love this site, and have learned so much from you all. I want to get to know you all better, and I want to be a loser too!!! Please say a prayer for me, to give me courage and strength. Thanks for listening and for caring. Mel

Mel, everything will work out the way it should. I also have Aetna and they said one day and it was about 3 weeks till I really got the approval. Isnt the person in your Doc. office calling and checking up on it also. I know that with Dr. C. I would have never gotten approval so fast (almost a month) if is wasn't for Tracy, she is the insurance guru. Anyway, keep your spirits up. Pam 314/130

Mel, Don't give up, Aetna is pretty straightforward once you complete your requirements with them. Good luck, Dr. C

Thanks, Pam and Dr. C! I will not give up, this has just been a very bad week, and I was so hoping for some sunshine here at the end of it. Dr. C, If I had chosen the band, you would be the doc for me. I have researched for 2 years, and did consider it, but feel R-n-y is for me. I am going to Dr Derric Martin, who is very qualified in this surgery, so I am very confident that all will go well. I do have a friend who I think went to you. She is doing great. Thank you for responding to me, with encouragement. It really shows that you do truly care about people. Your patients are very fortunate!! Mel

mel;i'm a day late-as usual-but wanted to say that it's ok to come here and vent or whine or cry--the insurance part of wls is the absolute hardest-the waiting and the checking and double checking--and it DOES feel like forever no matter how long you wait!! you are added to my prayer list!

Margo, I have to agree with you about the agony of waiting for that approval letter.. It took me 2 and a half years of mountains of paperwork and hoop jumping. But I never gave up on my dream. I figured every road block gave me a little more time to make 150% sure that the WLS was right for me. And once that approval came the surgery happened relatively quick, and I went into it fearlessly and wanting it so badly. I am 16 months and have no regrets about any part of it. Mel, We are here for you and if you ever need to talk look me up on Aol messenger as lauralove41 and Yahoo messenger as i_am_laura43723 Dont give up and just know that this will all be worth it someday SOON!!!! Is there any chance that you can make it to the OH conference in Columbus in November. It would be so encouraging for you to be there among people who are/and have gone through the same things as you have. I am going just to get a boost and get myself inspired to get these last 30 pounds off. Big Hugs Miss Laura

Margo, and Miss Laura, Thank you so much for all you said! I will not give up, and I am feeling better today. I am supposed to call Aetna tomorrow afternoon, so send some prayers that I get a positive answer. At this point, if/when I get approved tomorrow, I will have to schedule surgery for the end of November, for work reasons, but that's ok. As long as I have a date and it is before the end of the year, I will be happy. Thanks, again, Mel