Discouraged

Well where do I start.... of course you know that I am in the mandatory program at my employer.... it lasts 12 wks. If I do not finish, I have to pay BC back $1500-$1800 back.... the purpose is to prepare people for bariatric surgery so that they will know what to expect - pros, cons, etc. and "succeed" with their surgery. I have 4 weeks left. Blue Cross said that even though I am not out of the program, my doctor can put in for a predetermination (or preauth). I am having problems getting the dr's office to do it.... so I am checking into another dr's office. I am hearing that the people who graduated from the previous and even the one previous to that, no one has been approved for surgery. BC is making it very difficult. I don't know if I have all the stuff it takes (documentation) for my procedure to be ok'd.l I don't have 3 comorbs but I am over 40 BMI. I have health problems caused from obesity but not life threatening although I am at a greater than 50% chance of getting diabetes. I have PCOS, insulin resistance (aka glucose intolerance), amennorrhea, hirsutism, depression, osteoarthritis in my left ankle, pain in my shoulders which has required ongoing medication (anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections), PMDD (severe PMS) associated with hormone problems, my legs, ankles, knees and hips hurt all the time as well as my back and I have been to a chiropractor for a number of years. And because I take anti-depressants, I am even at a greater risk for developing diabetes as recent studies have shown... I guess I am just frustrated and afraid that I will not be approved.

Melinda, Try not to get discouraged. I know this is not an easy thing to do. This is the most wonderful thing that has happened to me in a long time. I had about the same co morbities that you do & I had no trouble at all getting approved. I wish you the best of luck in your quest. Sara.

Do not be discouraged-things wil come together! I live in Hendersonville and had surgry one year ago-I feel Great-sticl to what they want you to do--hand in there. Email if you want to talk. PJ

Hi Melinda! I know you're very frustrated and afraid... been there and done that. I suggest you wait until you've completed your program that way BC has no reason to say no. If you have a BMI over 40 you don't need any co-morbidities however it is "good" that you have them.... for insurance purposes. With my specific policy through BC I had to have 5 consecutive years worth of medical records indicating my weight proving my obesity, letter of medical necessity from my primary doc, 6 month dr. supervised diet, and psych evaluation. I also had high blood pressure...I was only 23 at the time. I was about to pull my hair out with all these requirements. The hardest for me was getting the 5 years worth of medical records becaused I moved around so much. The waiting will get to everyone.... they say patience is a virtue I recommend you do something fun for yourself focusing on something other than insurance, surgery, etc. I wish I did. Good luck! April

Hi Melinda, did I read correctly that you are discouraged, sounds like a girls day out is called for. Call a friend, have lunch with, get your hair done, or nails. Do something silly just for the fun of it. This is not an easy procedure and it's not an easy way out to lose the weight. Don't let anyone say you took the easy way out. As April said, you will need to still do all those things before having surgery. I can keep you on my prayer list, and will check back on Monday. Hang in there. You will do fine. Kathy