Insurance approved!

I got word from Dr. Halmi's office I am approved. I got the message today on my cell, I was suprised they didn't leave a message at home or work since I didn't get teh cell phone message until two days after they called. So, Tuesday, I will call Tina and get more info. I don't know why but I just felt so overwhelmed and relieved at the same time and then busted out in tears (unlike me). It's like, finally, there is light at the end of this tunnel and I can escape my lard prison. So one more step closer. I can't wait until it really happens. I have to have a sleep study because I may have sleep apnea, but after that I hope they can schedule me! WhooooooHOOOOOO!!!!

Holiday Hugs, Lois

Wooooohoooo glad to hear it!!! Just a word of warning though. Not all sleep centers are the same but I will give you my experiance just so you will have the info. I will be praying that it goes much faster for you. I found out the insurance approved me the by the second day. My surgeons office waited 3 weeks before scheduling my appointments and the sleep center couldn't get me in for another 3 weeks. Then I had to wait 2 more weeks for them to schedule me for a follow-up and I have very very mild sleep apnea with no cpap needed. Even though the sleep doc told my surgeons office that they wouldn't give me a date until after the followup which was on the 21 and I am still waiting for the date. This is with me calling everyone constantly. I am hoping to get my date next week. They had originally told me I would go in Jan. When I talked to them they said oh well I think he is booked for Jan so now hoping for a early Feb. I really really am praying that you do not have to jump through all these hoops just wanted you to be aware. I though it would be really soon after my consult since I was approved so quickly. Best of luck to you and praying it goes much smoother for you!!! Anna

I am hoping I can get sleep study completed soon, and that is good to know that they will need time to schedule everything. My husband will be out of town on business the middle of January so I expect that I won't be scheduled until the end of January or the 1st week of Feb. I got money for x-mas so I am going to buy some "goal" clothes with it. I had to buy a large size shirt to go with a holiday outfit at Catherines and the lady behind the counter asked if I wanted to join and save so much off my purchase and I told her "I am having surgery, so no insult intended, but I hope I never have to shop in here again! So I don't want a credit card and I'd rather pay the extra 10 percent." So I want to buy a pair of size 10 WHITE jeans for my goal pants. I am so psyched and have been in such a good mood! Thanks everyone for all the support so far. Can't wait to be a loser!

Hi Jacqueline - please be assured that you are in great hands with Dr Halmi and his office - and they will usually work with you to get all of your appointments completed on time. Congratulations on getting approved by your insurance - that is the real hard part! Now you are on your way to the losing side! Merry Christmas! Jackie

Thanks Jackie. New year, new journey. Ths time last year I had hired a personal trainer for a lot of money and for three months five days a week this former NFL player gave me the NFL work out. I lost 20 lbs in three months of killing myself and 3K gone. This year, I'm not spending anywhere near the dough, but I'm willing to bet I'll get better results. So, I was impressed with Dr. Halmi, I grilled him about the procedure and after discussing it with him and my husband the lap band rather than the RNY is a better choice for me. Seems Tina went to high school with my younger sister. She recognized my last name. Any way, Merry Christmas to you and everyone here too. I made my family's favorite fudge for the holidays and then advised them, sorry, this is the last year, you want it, here's the recipe, make it yourself. I'm done.

Congratulations! I'm new to OH, and I just had my consultation with Dr. Tran. Which insurance company do you have? I was so happy before and immediately after my consultation, but now I'm getting depressed thinking that I won't be approved. I have no rational reason for thinking this, but until I get THAT call, I don't know if I will believe it. Congrats again! :-)

Hey Constance good to hear from you. To answer your question, I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Athem, Federal Government. I work for FEMA. Anyway, even before I went to my first appointment, I called BC/BS and asked if the lap band was covered and they said as of Jan 1, 2007. So I pretty much knew that I would be approved because of my history anyway. 18 years ago BC/BS covered my Optifast treatment, where I lost abotu 120 lbs then got pregnant and gained most of it back. I didn't eat solid food for seven whole months. So I know I can do this. I just can't wait to get going. So I am prepping now. I am reading everything I can get my hands on, using the knowledgeble sources on this forum, and making new friends online who have been through it. These lovely folks, know what I am feeling and thinking because they've been there. I will go for the pre-op stuff this week in preperation for my February 9th surgery. So good luck and good losing!