Need to vent!!

Ok, I had an appointment with the surgeon, Dr Horigan 6/29/09, and I do not like this man!! He was rude as hell if you ask me. First off, yes my letter of denial for VSG was very confusing but after calling them several times for clarification I was told that WLS is a covered benefit but VSG is not one of the type of surgeries that is covered. So I am strongly against Lap Band so my surgeon gets upset and walks out because I told him I don't want lap band and says well I don't do RNY. I asked well when I first came here I was told you do or I would not have wasted my time, so he says well I don't do it on people like you and I only save it for the really sick. So the lady (don't remember her name because I was trying not to be ghetto), was like well let us handle your appeal for VSG and do the IMR 2nd appeal. That would be fine and well but I do not like the surgeon!!! Well anyone in their good mind would say well just go elsewhere......

Well, I called my insurance because I want to go see another surgeon but I am told per my HMO I may not go elsewhere because a WLS program is offered with my current Managed Care group. So I guess I am weighing giving up on the surgery (not an option), going thru the hassle of changing my PCP to go to another hospital, taking the offer of Lap Band, or just doing a second appeal for VSG. I see I am going to have to remove the goal of having surgery before I am 30!!

Don't give up.  I hope you are able to get your appeal approved for the VSG.  If not, Lap-Band isn't so bad.

That sucks.  I went to two consults with surgeons before my WLS and the first one I talked to was a jackazz.  I had friends who went with him but I didn't like his behind at all.  The surgeon I did work with was great and this whole process is so stressful, I couldn't imagine adding to that by not liking the mofo you gotta trust your life and this process to.

Good luck - I really hope everything works out for you.  Keep us posted!

Find someone you like and trust. I know it's hard but at least get what you want. I can't see letting someone cu on me that I don't like. Do what you have to do for you and be comfortable with your decision.

That stinks... theres nothing like a rude doctor!!! I wish you the best, in the end it's going to all work out  in your behalf

Thank you all for responding. I just notified the surgeon's office that I didn't want to use them. I tried to be as professional as possible but the ghetto in me almost came out! Today is a new day and I am going to make a few phone calls to try to change surgeons.

 for you!!!!!  this is too big a decision to have ANY reservations.

Keep us posted!

This is a long journey and not one to be taken lightly with someone that you are not comfortable with.  It sounds like you have done your research and only you know what adjustments to your life you can make.  If you are not comfortable with the band don't settle for it, you will only be frustrated at having to settle for a tool that really was not your choice.

Good luck.

that sucks.... keep trying my surgeon told me if i pick him we will be  family, cuz i will see him in my life forever... i'm having the band, so keep that n mind... good luck

California has one of the best appeal processes for WLS. Go to the insurance board for more insight and change surgeons. DO NOT just settle for what they're trying to give you.