Still have recieved nothing in writing from either insurance company.  Called both of them today.   WI Medicare said everything was approved. I asked why I had not recieved anything in writing they said I had to contact the dr. office and they would have to initiate the request. Called Secure Horizons and they can't tell me why it is still pending.  They put me through to the person who "owns the case" and of course the called could not be completed right now call back later and disconnect!!! Anybody got any suggestions?? 

Hi, I am a little over 2 years out and all I can say is hang on because your in for a bumpy ride. They say the "honeymoon' period last about a year and trust me that is correct. So follow all the rules and lose as much as you can because it does stop and then it becomes as hard to lose as before surgery. I remember sitting in my support group listening to the people that were 1,2,3 years out talking about how much they could eat and that all those feelings and bad habits come back and I thought they were nuts. Up until about 8 months out I could hardly eat 2 -3 ounces of food at a time, but trust me things do change.  I lost 115 pounds in 9 months and have put about 15 pounds back on, and its a real struggle to get it back off, but then I am 53 years old which makes a differance. Dont get me wrong Im happy being 100 pounds lighter and facing having to lose 15 pounds is alot better than thinking about losing 100. It came back on so fast after my 1 year, like all in about 3 months. Not that this happens to everyone but go read some post on the grads forum, that will keep you really focused.

Below I'm c&ping my reply to you from the Insurance Update thread.  If I got the name wrong, I apologize.  Also, another suggestion I have is if you have the option to change from Compcare, look into changing asap.  They have very strict guidelines.  We have two choices here: Compcare and Group Health.  I used to have Compcare.  With them I had only one medical group to choose from.  With Group Health I have two.  Actually, on another thread I wrote that the only change from my first and second try at the panniculectomy was a 20 or 30 pound weight loss.  That's incorrect.  You just reminded me.  It was also a change from Compcare to Group Health.  Look at your HMO guidelines very carefully.  It takes 30 days for a change to become effective, so if you do decide to switch you'll want to do it as soon as you can. Good Luck!  Sharon ******************************************************************** Hi!  From what I've seen, approval for concrete medical reasons are usually 30 days.  If you're denied the first time, as many are, make sure you appeal right away.  The process shouldn't take more than 60 - 90 days.  This is me thinking back to 2005, though.  Things could have changed since then.

The most important things to have on your side are a PCP and dietician who will advocate for you.  They are the ones who will be documenting your progress, making referrals, filling out forms, etc.  If you aren't sure they'll back you up if you're denied, take advantage of the Ombuds program.  They helped me in 2001 and they've helped me in other situations since.  

As for me, my hearing is next week.  It's going to be interesting presenting my documentation with a drain sticking out from a surgery just 9 days prior!  Sometimes, though, seeing is believing.  Maybe seeing how far the skin hangs, how awful it looks on someone as short as I am and how it gets in my way will be what it takes to change their minds.

Good luck with getting your approval!  Let me know how it goes.

Feel free to ask me anything and I'll answer if I can. 

Hi!  From what I've seen, approval for concrete medical reasons are usually 30 days.  If you're denied the first time, as many are, make sure you appeal right away.  The process shouldn't take more than 60 - 90 days.  This is me thinking back to 2005, though.  Things could have changed since then. The most important things to have on your side are a PCP and dietician who will advocate for you.  They are the ones who will be documenting your progress, making referrals, filling out forms, etc.  If you aren't sure they'll back you up if you're denied, take advantage of the Ombuds program.  They helped me in 2001 and they've helped me in other situations since.   As for me, my hearing is next week.  It's going to be interesting presenting my documentation with a drain sticking out from a surgery just 9 days prior!  Sometimes, though, seeing is believing.  Maybe seeing how far the skin hangs, how awful it looks on someone as short as I am and how it gets in my way will be what it takes to change their minds. Good luck with getting your approval!  Let me know how it goes. Feel free to ask me anything and I'll answer if I can. 

Hi, I have Medicaid-Badgercare.  Not sure if you know the answer or not, but I am wondering how long they have to decide on approval for WLS.  I have my last nut. appt. June 23, then all info. is being submitted to Meidcaid-Badgercare for a decision.  Any info. you can give me would be appreciated.  Thanks.  How is your approval coming along?  I hope by now you have heard with great news!