i am one week post op and i did the whole weighloss program priior to surgery.  Not only did  I loose weight over the 2years but I also gained 22.5pounds.  During the 2 years I ended up w/uterine cancer and also had to have a total knee replacement. A  total hysterectomy cleared up the uc and of course knee replacement fixed the knee.  I finally sat down w/surgeon and said look, I have been here non stop (like 4 missed visits) in 2 years.  I have participated and dropped out when the knee problem becomes too hard to bear and then rested my knees for 3 months and exercised again and went up and down on weight.  He said that PEia is becoming somewhat easier to deal with.  and I said well i want to do my psych eval and just go for it.  i was willing to have to fight an appeal than just set and spin away another year.  i did my psych eval in mid dec. 2010 and had my endoscopy on 12/11/2009.  I got a call on like 1/21/2010 that they had good news at the drs. office.  i called back, thinking that they had submitted me for surgery. 

SURPRISE - not only was a submitted, i was APPROVED on first go round even with a 22 pound weight gain.  My surgery RYN was on 2/10/2010 and i have lost 24.5 pounds.  i have had NO problems with eating and everything stays down w/ no problems.  I even know when i have to go to bathroom and was surprised that there were not frequent overwhelming trips to bathroom - everything feels and acts as before except less food taken in.

First of all, congratulations on taking the first step to a healthy life.  Secondly, my sister had surgery with Dr. Nease.  Once you think all of your information is in (I think it was her flowsheets, psych, dietary class), you should call the office to make sure they received everything. Once they got everything on my sis's, it was submitted within the next 3-5 days, and she heard back about 4 weeks later. She too had her surgery scheduled 6 weeks after being approved.

Yes. PEIA is very difficult to get approved. My best friend is a teacher and is trying to have the surgery and they have tried to make it so hard in hopes that she gives up.  Her policy states she must see her primary doctor 12 consecutive month, must lose 10% of her EBW within that 12 months and CANNOT gain even an ounce within the time or she will be disqualified. I'm not sure about the other requirements, but if you're determined, I believe you can do it.

Congratulations, Melinda!!  138 pounds - wow!!  You should certainly be proud of yourself. Hugs - Pat

Mandy,

I don't have PEIA coverage but I did some research for my sister and remember reading their requirements for surgery.  You may have already visited this site but here it is just in case you haven't.  http://www.westvirginia.com/peia/page.cfm?section=251&storyi d=5366  . 

Good luck with your journey! Janis