Group Health Cooperative

I have Group Health Cooperative. GHC. A friend of mine had her WLS done through them, and is pretty successfull and liked the health care she received. After 3 yrs of researching WLS, I finally decided to go for it. I was not surprised when I was denied right off the bat. I was told I probably would be denied since I am not a "walking dead" person. Meaning...I am pretty healthy for a super obese person. If you know what I mean? I worked on a good appeal letter as well as had my MD and counselor write letters of recommendation (is that what you would call it for this?? Sounds weird)  Again...denied. Why? Because my insurance does not cover anything that relates to weight issues. It seems my work...the State of Washington...cut corners and didn't buy that part of the plan. Talk about depressed!!!! I put everything away and tried to get on with my life as a fat person.  One day I was just plain pissed off (excuse the language) at the fact that I can be here and work my tail off and pay a lot for benefits, and this one is not covered. So I wrote my Senator, Insurance Commsioner, and many, many others. I got quite the response and very quickly!  I did find out...YIPPEEE....that as of 01/01/07, my insurance will cover the WLS!!!  I just have to jump through the hoops again and start all over. So...I suppose this is a....to be continued.... Susan in Washington =0)

Hi Susan, I also have GHC, and also medicare.. I swore I would never do surgery, until recently when I found out I have DJD (degenerative joint disease) after complaining for years about pain and it getting worse... I was wondering if you could tell me what the requirements are for WLS at GHC? And if you can give me ANY tips, info, etc.. I have never looked into this before, I know 2 people who have had it done and learned a lot about it from them. (they are not with GHC). You are welcome to contact me privately as well.. Thanks, Karla In Spanaway, Wa