The doc's office called back today (update)

FInally! Only after a call a day all week. Since I had a new insurance, today I faxed over a copy of my card. So she called back and told me since I already had my pcp's office rolling on the new referral/preapproval letter two weeks ago, she was able to submit my file to the new ins. co. already!!!! Wow! I am floored. hate to be so sarcastic, but I am so surprised something was done without me using a cattle prod!! So yippee, I am already about a week ahead of where I thought I was. She also said that I may hear from the insurance company before she does and to let her know when I do. Yeah, like I am not going to waste a second once I get the word!!!! They WILL be hearing from me alright! Well, it isn't an approval....yet, but it is at least SOMETHING. At this point and ray of sunshine, no matter how small will do. Prayers and positive thoughts! Kristey

When you get that approvel you don't waste anytime. Get your butt into that hospital and get that WLS. That's what I did. Got my approval letter on 11/26 and had my surgery on 12/09. No, man, woman, child or job was going to stop me from getting my WLS Donna

Donna, Were you working at the time? How much time did you have to give them in advance if you were? Did you take a vacation or Family Medical Leave Act? Thanks, in advance! Cindy A.

I'm real fortune that I have a full time position with a large retail store. I had already warned everyone in that store that I was trying to get WLS way over a year before I got approved for my surgery. I got my approval letter the day after Thanksgiving. Made my surgery date within the next couple of days and let my job know I was having WLS within two weeks. I took off 6 weeks with short term disability. I explained to them that I needed this surgery for my health and that my insurance was going to change on 01/01/04 so I had to have my WLS NOW!! My surgery benefited my job as I now have so much more energy and I won't be out of work because of my medical problems. Before the surgery I was missing a lot of work due to my legs. Donna

Donna - that is AWESOME!!! We don't have disbility benefits at my job, but since I have been there for over a year, I can try for the Family Medical Leave Act. I will be able to use up what little sick time, personal time and vacation time I have and then I won't get any income at all for the remainder of the time I am gone, BUT I should have a job though. I won't even have enough for a full week's pay, but almost. You know, I really don't care though - I am so overjoyed at the thought of getting a second chance at a healthy life. Thanks for your input and have a GREAT evening!!! Cindy

I can share your joy. I told my husband that NOTHING is going to stop me from having my WLS, not even my job. I don't make a lot of money but I stick with my job right now as I like the 401K program plus a get two weeks vacation and 5 personal days so basically I get 3 weeks a year. Donna