In memory of Jean Day-NEVER GIVE UP ON THE INSURANCE COMPANY

Today I found out that a friend from our Platteville, WI support group died over the weekend due to a heart attack. All day I have been sitting here thinking of what if this or what if that. I met Jean several months ago and she was denied by her insurance company for WLS. She was frustrated with them but keep pursing the approval. Finally at last months meeting, she was so excited that she had gotten approved and was now waiting for surgery. I think she was scheduled either late October or early November. Then this past weekend she dies from a heart attack. Now I don't know the details, but I believe that if her insurance company would not have jerked her around, she might still be here today and could have had this life saving surgery. It is hard to understand why God would take someone so quickly, but I know that he does have his ways and we have to trust in them. Today is a hard day to understand why. Jean was 50 years young and had several grown children and some grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. For those of you still struggling with your insurance company, please NEVER GIVE UP. The surgery is a life saving tool and I pray that everyone who needs this surgery will be able to have it....before it is truely to late. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

Thanks for sharing this with us. It is a strong reminder to those of us that have had the surgery or are hoping to have the surgery as to WHY we have the surgery. We do this so that we can live quality lives. We do this so that we can be an intergral part of are families lives because we are now able to be active and participate in activities with them and not just be that bystander that doesn't have the energy to do those things anymore. The fact that we look better and can wear smaller clothes is just an added bonus. The one question that I am asked most often is "how do you feel". I can smile and say "wonderful". I couldn't say that a year ago! I'm so sorry your friend and her family had to go through this. They should not have to fight with an insurance company over money so that they can live. Hopefully the trend is changing, just not soon enough. Take care, Laure Lap RNY 9/23/02 349/195

Hello Vicki, I read your message and it was so true what you said! I have been battling with my insurance company since February of this year to obtain coverage for weight loss surgery. Went thru their appeal process to only be denied this life saving surgery twice with them stating it was not medically necessary! After seeking an outside opinion from an Independent Review Organization, they made a binding determination on my insurance company and overturned their denial. I am in the process of getting things set up for surgery. In my own heart I knew that it was incorrect for my insurance company to deny these services, especially with my health history. It's all about money, your insurance wants to keep it... not spend it. I am 54 years old with four grown children and the grandmother of two just both born this year. I look forward to many years of watching them growing up and being healthy once again to enjoy life. Jean died trying to help herself which is a wonderful attribute. I am sure she is looking down on those of us still waiting for surgery and is hoping for all of us to "make it". May God bless her and keep her close....