Tomorrow's Surgery Postponed - Arggggggggghhh

After months of waiting, being denied by BCBS twice and finally being given a surgery date of Dec. 12th -- I got a call from Dr. Fuzz' nurse this morning informing me that the Dr. is SICK! He's really sick, running a high temp, etc. and I feel bad for him, yet I can't help feeling a little sorry for myself, too. I was so ready to get this surgery over with tomorrow and be on the road to better health and wellness! But, I am also a firm believer in God's perfect timing - so, maybe tomorrow just wasn't my time! I did get a call back later this evening and they're rescheduling me for Friday - so I only have a few more days to wait. Please remember my doctor (and me, too) in your prayers!

How frustrating! And nerve-wracking! But, like you said, I'm sure it's for the best in the big picture. Good luck to you on Friday...

What a bummer for you! I am just beginning this long process and since I am not a patient person by any stretch of the imagination, I can totally imagine how you must feel! Just hang in there - Friday will be here before you know it and besides, a healthier surgeon is much better than a sick one, right??? Good luck and God bless you! Keep us posted! Donna

Hey Patti, I will definately be praying for you on Friday. I to am hoping to have Dr. Fuzz do my surgery if my insurance approves it. I am changing insurance to Empire BCBS on January 1st and I'm just waiting on the new policy to kick in so I can see what they cover. Susan seems to think they will be easier than working with Medcost. In the mean time I am doing everything I need to do to get ready. I am 240 with comorbides and I'm praying that I to will beable to have the surgery by this spring. Be thankful that he stayed home because you surely didn't need him sick during your surgery. I to have a miniature schnauzer name Chloe Grace and I just love her to death. Keep us posted on how things go! I'm praying for you! Cathy

HI Patti, Im so sorry to hear about you being postponed, I understand how you feel believe me, I have also been denied twice by bsbc and waited months and months to hear from them. It took them a month just to send me the denial letter. I sent in an appeal and they denied me again so about 3 weeks ago my surgeons office sent them another appeal but I havent heard a thing back from anyone. It is so frustrating to say the least. I dont know what to do next if Im denied again. What did you do to finally get approved? They told me I had to have 6 consecutive months of diet and history. I had 6 months of weights watchers for last year and gave them 8 yrs of medical history and co morbides, but they still werent happy with that. I cant understand what in the world they want from us when you give them all you have to give and they still deny you. At least you know you will finally get your surgery and thats great news! I will be praying for you and your dr that all goes well and you will be on your way to a better life. Good Luck to you and let me know how your doing. Dee

Hey Im sorry to hear that things were postponed but the one thing that keeps me going is that things happen for a reason. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. If you dont mind me asking, why did BCBS deny you twice? Im still in the work-up phase and I havent submitted for approval. Thanks! Anya

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement! Regarding BCBS and my denials - the first denial came within 2 days of receipt of my paperwork. I have weighed around 260 for the past several years. Back in 2003 I went to Beverly Hills Weight Loss and lost down to 223 lbs. It happened to be during that lower weight that I had my annual physical and doctor-recorded weight for the year - so, BCBS didn't like the fact that my BMI was under 40 that ONE time out of 5 years! I probably wouldn't have been denied the second time, had I taken more time with my appeal. I hurriedly wrote a letter and explained my time at Bev Hills - thinking BCBS would be understanding, believe me and that would be that! Not so! So, when I received the 2nd denial, I was quite devasted. I spent about 3 good weeks getting all my "ducks in a row". I called Bev Hills and requested copies of my intial chart with my 260+ beginning weight and also copies of all my weigh-ins. I also had my PCP write a letter detailing all my comorbites and how he felt WLS would benefit me. I also sent in the same type letters from my GYN and my Rheumatologist. Lastly, I wrote a very sincere letter and just explained all my aches, pains and miseries and how I truly desired to have a better quality of life, not just for myself, but for my husband and my 8 year old granddaughter that we are raising. I really believe BCBS is the best for approving this surgery. I hate to say my problem was I didn't weigh enough - but I really think that's it! The bigger you are (or the longer you've been big) - the better in this case. Best of luck to all who await approval. Spend the time wisely - go to all the support group meetings you can, read all you can, talk to as many post-ops as possible!

Hi Patti I'm seeing Dr. Fuzz Jan 12 and have seen Dr Smith already and will have seen Mary Martha by then....so I hope to be on my way to approval soon. Just want to say that I Wish you good health and speedy recovery after your surgery tomorrow. Rebecca