So frustrated....sigh

Hey all. Here is what I am going through right now. I go to school at the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and there is a university health center here. I see the CNP there because it's free for students. However, I also have insurance, an HMO, so I had to pick a PCP. I picked the one that the CNP at the school is affiliated with so that they could communicate. I saw my PCP about the surgery and he said he would be supportive. I saw the CNP at school and she said she was supportive, but neither one knows what's going on. They don't know who should do what. I have my first appointment with Christian at Vanderbilt this Thursday and both offices that I see tell me I don't have my ducks in a row and I shouldn't waste my time going. They say it will take at least a year to get approved by insurance IF AT ALL. No one is positive and they just are not supportive that way. I always tell them how grateful I am for their help everytime I call or go into the office but yesterday one nurse said, "I hope you know how many people are working on this for you. It is very time consuming." CRAZY. I am trying hard to stay positive and proactive. I got my sleep study done last week and have my psych eval tonight all BEFORE my appointment on Thursday so I can be proactive. I just feel hopeless Rachael

Rachael, Everything will work out. If you know what you need from the insurance company, everything will fall into place. If you haven't started, go ahead and start a diet with your PCP which the majority of insurance companies requires. Meet with Christian...even though I haven't met him really, I've heard wonderful things about him and he will definitely get you pointed in the right direction. Unfortunately, unpleasant things will be said from people who basically don't understand the time, frustration, worrying this whole process requires. Don't worry about the negativity some people let run from their mouths. Remember, you're doing this for you. Focus on your goal and do what you need to do to get there. I know this is probably harder for you especially while you're trying to focus on you school work. I attended Western KY University and worked two part-time jobs.... I don't think I could have handled that stress plus the stress of having WLS. You're doing great! April

Hang in there------------ ((hugs)))))))))))

Hi Rachael, I am really sorry that people are being negative regarding you having this surgery. I went thru it for almost 3 years, but when I finally was able to have surgery in January, my parents who were so against it, were my biggest supporters when it came after my having surgery. Once they saw the weight and inches just rolling off me, they became my second biggest supports. First being this board. Rachael I have been in your place, not with the insurance, but 11 denials from different surgeons. God led me to Dr. Colquitt in Maryville just south of Knoxville. He agreed to do my surgery as long as he had a clearance from my Oncologist. I had just found out in July that I have leukemia. I battle with being tired, ing constantly, learning to walk after being in a power chair for over 2 years. I did it for me, and remember YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR YOU AND YOU ONLY. When the time is right all will fall in place for you. I put out the daily quotes, they help to inspire people. Now if I can have surgery with Leukemia, your day will come too. Just be patient, keep your chin up, and trust God to help you. If it weren't for Him, I would never have been able to have surgery, nor would I no longer have to take my high blood pressure pill, or my diabetic pill. I will always be a diabetic, but I just don't have to take the pill anymore. I've lost 57.5 lbs in 9 weeks. Not everyone loses it that fast but the chemo makes me sick to my stomach a lot. Be kind to yourself, if your PCP is against you having the surgery, you will need a different PCP, as you will need a letter of Medical Necessity from him/her for your surgeon and insurance. Feel free to email me, or post any time, anyone on this board can help you. Always here, Kathy