State of AZ Employee - Insurance APPROVED!

I just got approved for surgery!!! My initial request for pre-certification was submitted and turned down immediately in May. My appeal went in the first of June, and I've just now been informed I'm approved - nearly three months later. I am a State of Arizona employee with Schaller Anderson insurance and I never thought it would be possible to get approval. This surgery is an exclusion written into our medical insurance by the State. Wow. I was prepared to seek a bariatric surgery specialty attorney's assistance if it was denied again, but now I won't have to. YAY! Tomorrow Dr. Blackstone's office will call me with a surgery date. I'm floating on air right now. It's just such a relief to have this battle behind me When do I get to be a Blackstone Babe?

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! I'm glad you hung in there and appealed. I get depressed over how long this has been taking so it's great to hear that you got yours through!!!! Hugs! Sheryl

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!! I'm so glad you didn't give up. I've been watching the boards for an update from you; I can't tell you how happy I am that you finally received approval. I really do understand what you've been through since my approval process took a long time, too. I hope you get the date you want and that the rest of the trip is a piece of cake. Relax, enjoy the count-down. I'm now 7 weeks post-op and I want you to know that the approval process really was the most difficult. Congratulations again, Dj

Congratulations on your approval! You will love the care you get at Scottsdale Shea - the staff there was great!

Congratulations, I am glad you didn't give up! Best of luck, keep us posted! Cynthia

Pamela--so glad to hear the news! Yippee! I'm glad that you hung in there. Dr. Blackstone's staff is the best. And yes, soon you too, will be a Blackstone Babe. jmf

What is my surgeon is Dr.Kieran? Will I be a Kieran Kutie?

Hey, with your facial features, you're gonnna be a knockout no matter who does the surgery! Can't wait to see what you look like (and more importantly, hear what you feel like!!!), a year from now. Good job hangin' in there! - Stephanie J

Hey, with your facial features, you're gonnna be a knockout no matter who does the surgery! Can't wait to see what you look like (and more importantly, hear what you feel like!!!), a year from now. Good job hangin' in there! - Stephanie J