1st Dr. Appt. Scheduled

Good morning, I have my first dr. appointment scheduled with Dr. Rutledge on 9/27.  (Well, first appointment this go-round with trying to get surgery.)  I'm excited! I also found out that my employer has put an exclusion in place for the WLS.  But after speaking with my HR gals and explaining that my doctors have recommended this surgery for medical reasons, they said I could appeal it and they would help out in any way they could.  I remain hopeful.  I work for a great company - they reimburse all tuition expenses, adoption expenses, expenses related to charity work you perform.  They even offer 100% free college classes on-site towards your A.S. or B.S. degree.  100% free - no strings attached.  I find it hard to believe that they've excluded WLS as we have several obese folks working within this facility.  But with that said and judging on how good they treat their employees, I also hope that I can appeal to their sense of reason (and compassion) and get this surgery approved. I know in speaking with a few folks and also reading up on approvals, I've seen a handful of people approved when it should have been denied, either because they didn't meet criteria or clerical errors (i.e., the surgery is not covered but was somehow approved).  I'd even settle for someone coming into work, hungover, and approving me, first shot.  Hey, I'll take an approval however I can get it.  Life's been a bit buys here, so my apologies for not posting more often in the past few days.  I wish everyone the best in your WL journey, wherever you may be on your path now. 

Congrats Bela!  If you get approved by the hung over person, tell them to look my file up also!  Hang in there, it will happen!   

I love Dr. Rutledge. He's one of my heros..twice over. I pray all goes well with your journey. Beth B. in Chattanooga

Hi Bela!  Oooh, I hate those exculsion policies.  But it sounds like you work for a good company, so maybe they will work with you.  I am hopeful that they will find a way for you to be approved.  Be patient, be pro-active, and in the meantime...I'll be praying that you get approved.  Have a good weekend! -Alyssa

Thanks, guys!  I appreciate your support. And Scott, I'll be sure to send him your way, if I get the drunkard who approves my surgery. 

When was the last time that you check your policy.  They change every 3 mos.  also check with your insurance company, mine won't pay for Lapband, but will pay for RNY.  Have them break it down. Good luck sweetie, hope this helps ya. Barb

Hi Barb, Thanks for the heads up.  I'll be sure to look into that!  Last time I called, they didn't have any different exclusions, just for all bariatric surgery.  Perhaps by the time I submit my paperwork, the policy will have changed in my favor.