So close... Yet so far away

So... I went to go see my new doctor yesterday and I was soooo apprehensive about bringing up the surgery so early. But she was great! I mean, I had brought a few sheets on the surgery that I wanted her to read but she already knew everything that was on the papers, she wasn't all negative about it either (which is so what I need!). She approved me, but the insurance wants me on another 6- month low-fat high fiber supervised diet and I have to take all the 'tests' which she says takes 6-months anyways. Plus both Bariatric surgeons there (Metrohealth) just left! So that means I am going to have to wait 6-10 months for a surgery date... I wish things could go faster, but owell. Atleast I got it started now. Luv, Faith

Faith, I'm soooo happy for you that the Doctor is receptive to your plans. You might inquire and see if a 3 month multi-disciplinary plan like they offer at OSU might be acceptable to your insurance. If nothing else, you'll have all of your tests, evals and all done while you are doing the weight loss thing and before you know it, you'll be approved. Just make sure that you have all of the components that the insurance co wants. Specifically are they going to want documented dietitian and exercise as well? It's best to find out exactly now, so you don't get surprised. -Anne

Thanks for the advice... my dr.'s office is calling me with all my referrals. And shes pretty much leading the way (as far as it goes with the other dr.'s) So everythings going ok... slow but ok!

Isn't there another place that you can go to get the process started? I mean if your not in a hurry then thats fine, it will give you more time to research the surgery but on the other hand, depending on how fast you want it done, there are places that don't take that long to do the tests. I had my tests scheduled within 2 weeks through my surgeons. Just a suggestion. Good luck and best wishes, Sametta

Hey, I wi**** could go quicker. But I have waited to bring it up after researching it for a few years and my insurance has alot of requirements, so im kind of stuck. Byebye, Faith

Faith, Don't give up, get in all your appointment, and make sure YOU know what your insurance company wants be fore you forge ahead on your own. Alot of people I have noticed go through ehat their dr's want then get mad because it wasnt enought to satifify the insurance company..... good luck on your venture. hugs Lori

Faith Do exactily what your inssurance policy requires. You may run into snags alone the process put remain strong. Keep and request for any treatments records and Doctors notes, so you have a hard copy of everything. Did your doctor give u a referial to a surgeon yet. Once you have one {I highly recommend Dr. Curry of Deaconess Hospital} They are helping me to meat my goals to get approved. Make points to meet with the surgeons inssurance corinateor so that you know that the documandations is beign follow. join any groups in your area on WLS Surgical weight lost. They will support you and guide you. I'm here in Cincinnati and been with the wlsbutterfly network for about 3 months, and they been very helpful to guide me on what and how to do things. It is also very educational. And if you get involve in support groups ask for somthing in writing that you attended it will help you in fight for approvial Our site is www.wlsbutterflynetwork.org I'm just a member there waiting for getting approved put this group has been helpful I Care Daniel