Hi! I am new at the post...

Hi! I am new at the posting but have been trying to get approval from my insurance company since June 2004. I sent a letter along with all my history of weight loss, a letter from my PCP doctor with all my co-morbidities with reasons surgery should be done,(she is very supportive and can't wait till I get this done), records showing an attempt at diet medication with a doctor, and a long letter with all history I felt they needed to know for a preliminary approval. They denied. I then at the end of June obtained Walter Lindstrom, Jr., Obestiy Law & Advocacy Center, and 8/2/04 they sent a 25 page letter with the reasons this should be approved and on 8/30/04 I received another denial!!! The lawyer was suppose to send another appeal on 8/31/04 and to send something to The Board of Directors. I have not heard anything yet. I have been trying to get ahold of them, which is very hard, to make sure all this has happened, but I have not got ahold of them yet. My insurance is a self insurance and handled by Medical Mutual Super Med Plus. The exclusion states obesity not morbid obesity, and it also states for Cosmetic Purposes it's excluded, which this is not, and they are still denying. I have been reading the message board for the last two weeks. It keeps me going and it is so nice how everyone is so supportive and I like hearing from different people and their different journeys, problems, and successes. I am looking for an angel and all the support I can get. My journey really started in January. I read up and went on the internet researching everything I needed to know on the surgery to make this decision, which I think is the best decision for me. I have also been going to the Support Group on the 1st Monday of every month here in Columbus, which I really enjoy. My support person comes with me, she is not getting the surgery, but enjoys the meetings as well. I have had everything I need done to get the surgery, (stress test, sleep clinic, counseling, & the psyc evaluation) and my appointment for my surgeon, Dr. Marc Miller, is 10/1/04, and hopefully I will be approved by then, but I am getting discouraged! Please pray for me and if anyone has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated. Cindy

Hi Cindy! Welcome! This is the best place to come for support!! Insurance companies make us all crazy I think. Makes you wonder sometimes where they come up with their hairbrained stuff. Keep fighting the good fight. Don't give up. I hope the attourney can help you out. We need to make people see that this isn't cosmetic. I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers as well. We also have a support group at OSU if you are interested. It meets the first and third Wednesday of every month. Let me know if you want more info. The best thing is to surround yourself with support! Take care, Valerie Lap RNY 07/10/2003 268/172/145

Thank you so much Valerie. Yes, I am interested in the Support Group @ OSU. Please advise the location and time. Thanks again for the support. Cindy

Cindy, At least you have an outlet to share with people that have been where you are. Insurance companies have wayyyyyyyyy to much power in our society today. We need to find a way to elect someone who is not afraid to fight them and get this problem under control. In the mean time I agree keep fighting. This is life saving surgery. If you need to vent we are here to listen. Best of luck on your journey.

Thanks Debbie!

Hi Cindy, Yes, these insurance companies can be wicked! Hang in there and keep pounding on the door! Have you talked to your employer about this problem. I read the other day on here that someone had been denied over and over and when he told his employer the employer called the insurance company and got them to approve it. Hope this helps! Blessings, Ruth in Ohio

Thanks Ruth, May have to try that!