Thank you, Lori. I think I will keep trying with the insurance company... at least a time or two yet. Who knows? Maybe it will fall on the "right" person's desk... it happens in movies! 

I would like to have my surgery with Dr. Santiago Horgan in San Diego. He's the doctor who saved me when my lapband almost killed me. I trust him completely and I've contacted him to ask for any advice he can give me.

If that doesn't work out, maybe I'll look into MWBariatric. I appreciate the info very much.

Nicci

Never say never - this is insurance companies ploy.  Call MW Bariatric office and talk to Julie, it sure does not hurt to try no matter what!!!!  It really can pay to check out every option!

I just got off the phone with United Healthcare All Savers Insurance Co. They are my insurance company, as well. It appears that they don't take it on a case by case basis... comorbidities play no part... it seemed as if it would be nonproductive to expect anything from them, unfortunately! The lady I spoke with was very nice but said that they never cover WLS. I asked, "Never, no matter what? It doesn't help to appeal?" And she said, "No, we never cover that."  I don't know... do they always say that, hoping that you WON'T appeal? Or would be wasting our time if we did?

I'm now looking into getting a surgical loan because I am not really sure what else to do.

Thank you everyone for your honest replies!  I am moving forward with MBS. I am working with Lori and Elaine currently. Wednesday is the last day for my 2 week post op diet that my insurance company requires. Down 22#.  I am really hoping for Dr. Georgen to perform the surgery. I have not heard anything negative about him but have about Dr. Wasco.

I am hoping for surgery end of March timeframe. I am very excited about this! I also am glad for all that MBS does offer.  I took a 6 week Life Skills group, am going to start the support groups this week, and am thankful for the personal trainer and the cooking classes.  The fact that they even have a clothing exchange is just awesome!

I have a good feel about this. I am trusting in my higher power and believe MBS is the right decision for me.

Another question: why do you think that MBS and the Dr's don't register on this site?  I wish they would update their website as well.  Just my thoughts though. :)

I had RNY at ThedaClark on December 28, 2006.  Dr. Raymond Georgen was my surgeon.  I too did a lot of research before deciding to go with MBS, as it is a life long and life changing surgery.  I can honestly say that Dr. Georgen saved my life.  I have lost over 200 pounds and most of that was during the first year post op.  I can not say enough about the compassion of the doctors and staff at MBS.  I trusted them with blind faith prior to surgery, but now that I am four years post op I can say that they have earned my trust.  They are wonderful surgeons. 

One of the keys to success is the groups that meet many times monthly.  When I was about 3 weeks out I was basically harassed into going to group.  I can say that I am thankful everyday for going to that first group.  The support at group is amazing, as a "newbie" I was inspired by the people at group that were further out than I was.  I now go to group to both share my triumps and to get support for my struggles.  I look forward to listening, sharing and learning more about myself each month at group.

Having RNY is a life altering decision, I can honestly tell you that when you are willing to put in the work to succeed you will.  You will because they team at MBS is there as your back-up.