APPROVED APPROVED APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kenziesmommy
on 6/24/04 2:36 pm - Riverside, RI
I called Dr. Phol's office today to find out how long it would take before I would hear from my insurance company and she came back on to tell me that I was approved. I don't even think it took a week. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I have been on edge about this for a while. Since I met with Dr. Phol I kept thinking I was going to be denied. I thought, I made it this far and watch them tell me no. I am in shock and I am so happy. I alsp got a call from the doctor who will preform the scope. I go there on the 16th of July. I will be calling Dr. Phol's tomorrow to let them know. Then I go back to see him and get my date. I can't wait. I am so excited. Shannon
ShelliR
on 6/24/04 7:09 pm - West Kingston, RI
CONGRATULATIONS!!! That's excellent news. I hope I'm so lucky. I've been doing some reading and found that Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthmate isn't approving any Lap Band surgeries.....only RNY's. Can you give me some pointers on what to do? And what kind of insurance and surgery you're wanting to have? Thank you........and congrats again!! We're all very happy for you. Shelli
DivaRN71
on 6/24/04 8:50 pm - RI
Shelli, Blue Cross Healthmate does approve lap band surgeries for the same criteria as someone having RNY. I know for tow reasons, one because I just had lap band surgery and because I have Healthmate !!! It takes about 48 - 72 hours from the time they receive the paperwork. Good luck to both of you and congratulations Shannon!!! Stephanie
ShelliR
on 6/25/04 10:37 pm - West Kingston, RI
Hi Stephanie: Sometimes I think you were put here "just for me". But alas, I must share you. Everytime I post, you have the right answer...to everything. I want the lap band surgery and have been doing alot of reading, and as stated, found information that BCBS of RI Heathmate Coast to Coast wasn't approving the Lap Band...just RNY. I really don't think I have enough information yet to make my FINAL decision, but I think that Lap Band is the way to go. We also have the same insurance, which gave me tremendous relief that yours went through without a hitch. Now I'm in the area of finding out EVERYTHING I can about the preop process, such as all the testing that I can expect...any pain or discomfort?...(like I wouldn't let Wylie Coyote and his heavy anvil fall on my head just to have this surgery)...but still curious. I'm just wondering how you feel after 4 weeks....nausea, vomiting, pain? How is it going for you? I hope you're well and all is working out as planned. Any plans for a get together for some of the RI and MA people? Would love to meet you all!! Again, CONGRATULATIONS to Shannon and a HEALTHY, WONDERFUL RECOVERY AND NEW WAY OF LIFE to Stephanie!!! Good luck girls!!
DivaRN71
on 6/26/04 5:47 am - RI
Hey Michelle, Anytime !!!!!! Thank you for your compliments. I personally feel great. I went through all the exact same testing as an RNY patient does, so although it seems like a whole lot at times, it's really very thorough. Post op I did not feel bad at all. It kind of felt like I did a lot of situps that kind of soreness, then about 4 - 5 days afterwards I was pretty much painfree. I only stayed in the hospital for 24 hours and I could not have received the best care anywhere, everyone was absolutely wonderful at RWMC, and I am not exaggerating. I asked for a private room though, which I got no problem (I can be a little high maintenance like that!) I never had any nausea or vomiting, the biggest problem was gas bubbles which I think anyone having lap surgery has anyway. When they tell you to walk, do it !!! But those subsided in about 3 days and I stopped sounding like a weapon of mass destruction. My incisions are closed of course. The weight does come off slower than with RNY. I would say on an average I've had a loss of 1 -2 pounds a week, which is good. At this point I am eating softer foods that mush well ie: eggs, tuna salad, soft veggies. I ate bread once, I will never do it again because although I chewed it alot it blew up like a sponge in my esophagus, and that's not fun. But you learn these things along the way what you can tolerate and what you can't. My complexion looks great for some reason, probably because I haven't filled myself with 'junk'. I look at what I eat now and what I tolerate (a very small bowl, or a desert plate portion) and I can't believe the amounts I used to eat. So it's a great tool. I chose the lap band because for me, I have a hectic lifestyle and needed to be up and at em asap. Now, I think that RNY is a great procedure too, don't get me wrong it's a life saving measure for many people, but for me, I knew my track record with taking vitamins, remembering to get x amt of meals at certain times etc. People who have RNY are my heroes because they do make a lot of sacrifices (that are worth it of course). One of my dear friends recently had it done, and had lost 100 lbs in a 6 month period, for me that would have been too drastic. It's all on your preference and what you feel the most comfortable with. There is a lap band forum if you go to communities section there are all different areas in there. All of the folks on there have either had the procedure done or are pre op or are considering it. Many of the lap banders have had such great successes, and it's a good community as far as lending support and advice. I'm here anytime. I know I should be attending Dr Pohl's seminar at RWMC, I've been a bad girl though. Best wishes to the both of you for the best of health and happiness always, Stephanie
kenziesmommy
on 6/25/04 2:09 pm - Riverside, RI
Thank you. I am having RNY. I have Blue Chip. I didn't have to do anything. Once he sent them the letter I was approved with no questions asked. I was a little suprised because I had called them last year and at first the lady told me they didn't cover it. 10 minutes later she called back and told me she continued to read on and it mentioned that if it medically necessary and if the doctor uses the proper codes then they cover it. I really didn't know what was going to happen. I am just glad something finally went my way. Shannon
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