Kaiser - Reversal of their denial! I just got it :)

I just received a reversal of Kaisers denial from an outside independent review organization. Yeah.... So I am approved to get the surgery and I just have to figure out how to go about getting a surgery date. I am so so so excited. I have been fighting this for over a year. If anyone needs info about how to get around Kaiser and their whole assanin requirements let me know I would be happy to share.

Heather: Which kaiser hospital are you going to have your surgery thru? It took me 18 months to jump thru all of their hoops. I am almost 9 months out, They make you go thru their 12 week freedom from diets class, then you have several appts with Julie the medical social worker, Brenda the dietician, and Mary Lou Greenwood the bariatric social worker, before they think you are ready to meet the surgeon. Feel free to e-mail me anytime, Good luck, Peggy

Congratulations Heather. I bet you are very excited. Where are you thinking of having your surgery? What surgery do you think you want to have? I am very happy for you. Julia

Interestingly enough there was a potential lap bander who posted yesterday that Kaiser is no longer covering WLS of ANY type if you weren't already on "the list" 12 months before. I don't know if that is just in her area or what. I've also heard that Kaiser only approves RNY in California. I can't figure out exactly what they're doing. Maybe they're re-evaluating their policies (and you got caught up in it and that's why they denied you, in part, the first time). Anyway, great news for you! Congrats! Lori

Hi Heather, I have just gone to my PCP, gotten a referral from my doctor, and immediately got a denial letter - why - well I have no out of control comorbities and my BMI is 49. So my only thought is to gain 8 lbs and reapply - I don't have any thing else and I really want the surgery. I would love some feedback from you. I don't care how long it takes me I am committed - 53 years old I don't have a lot of time before they turn me down because of my age. Andrea