Got the letter

What a blessing to open mail today and see an approval letter from United Healthcare, as they've decided to cover my band surgery. The frustrating part is waiting for the surgery date.  Unfortunately, some of my pre-testing wasn't ideal, so Dr. Gornichec is having me see a cardiologist prior to my surgery.  Of course cardiology is booked a month out, so my wait will be extended. I'm so ready for this.  I wanted to have it done this month, but now it looks like it may be October or later if the cardiologist is going to order additional testing. ***sigh***

Cathy

Congratulations.  You may have to wait-but the end is in sight!

Is there any way to see if you can get on their "wait" list?  Maybe someone will cancel and you can be moved up.  Or, maybe you can tell them that you got an approval for the band and see if that will prompt them to move you up. Of course, October isn't a bad month to have it done - you get your band and you skip the halloween candy.  Can you believe that I didn't have one piece of halloween candy after having my band - and that was while going through 'Bandster Hell" too.  But hey - it is so well worth it - that you will be willing to give up whatever is necessary. Congrats on the letter - that is awesome news! Will you be able to make the 3rd Tuesday of the month Support Group meeting this month?  It would be great to meet! Tonja

Tonja, I tried that with the cardiologist.  Get this, though...he books 3 deep for all of his appointments.  He does that so he doesn't have to deal with cancellations, and if he does get one, it just  means he's not so busy for the day.  It's the screwiest practice I've ever heard, not to mention, how much it's going to stink to be sitting for an hour or two waiting for my appointment because that's how he schedules.  Anyway, my appointment is Tuesday, so depending on what he wants to do with me after, hopefully things will move along easier. Halloween candy has never been an issue for me.  The rule at our house is for the kids to load up on as much as they can eat that night...it's their night.  Usually they're so tired, they don't overdo...too much.  Anything that's left over goes to my workplace and it's set out for the rest of the office.  I'm not that gung-ho on sweets (unless it's cheesecake or coconut cream pie), so I'll be able to manage the candy. I hope to make it to the support group.  3rd Tuesday will be Aug 21, right?  Please remind me, as I have a tendency to forget things like this.  It's awesome, as I learned that two of my co-workers are also having Dr. Gornichec do their surgery this month.  One has a date already.  The other is still working on her pre-surgical testing.  I'm not sure if they're on OH, but I'm going to let them know about it tomorrow. Looking forward to putting a face with the friendly messages. Cathy

I hope that it all moves quickly for you.  I know for me - I saw Dr. G on July 28th  (I believe that was the date) for my consult.  I had my surgery October 12.  It was so stressful waiting.  I also gained 10 pounds from stress eating (which I had to take off prior to surgery).  But, the great thing is - i'm no longer a stress eater.  It's gone and it's so freaking cool.  Rather than starving - my band tightens up while I am stressed and I can't over eat.  It's a nice added benefit. I love cheesecake and other types of pie too.  I have them every so often - it's nice.  I usually have to share them with someone else. Looking forward to hearing that you have the go ahead with everything! Tonja

WOOOOHOO! YOU GOT APPROVED!!!!!