Newbie With Questions

Hello All,

      My name is Tiana and I am just starting out on this journey. I have already attended the seminar with Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond. My first appt is next month. I am supposed to take a letter stating why I would like to have the surgery. This letter will also be sent to my insurance(Anthem Healthkeepers Plus). I would appreciate any tips that would gauruntee an approval. Thanks!

Hi Tiana! First let me say hi and welcome to the greatest board. Everyone here is super friendly and full of great knowledge and even better advice. We laugh, vent, rant and rave and we wouldn't have it any other way.

I had Dr Bautista at Commonwealth Surgeons perform my lap RNY on April 30. Tomorrow, July 24, I go for my 3 month check up with Jeannine. It's hard to believe it has been that long! You could not be in any better hands and if you haven't already picked a surgeon, may I recommend Dr Bautista. He is nothing short of TOP NOTCH.

As far as guaranting approval. I would say to make sure you meet all their qualifications and that you meet all their requirements. Hilary, in the office, knows her stuff. She will do all she can, and then some to get you approved.

When I wrote my letter of stating why, I just typed it as I would have said it. I spoke from the heart, detailing the life of an obese child, growing into an even obeser teen and then adult. I also spoke of how being obese lead to illnesses that I may not have had if I hadn't been obese and how being obese made other problems worse. I closed the letter by explaining how I had tried everything else and this was a last chance and how, if I was able to have the surgery, it would impact my life and the life of my son and how much better we would both be because of this medical procedure. Just tell it like it is.

I hope I have been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me. Again, welcome to our board, congratulations on taking charge of your health and beginning this journey. Good luck!

Thank you for the response. I do meet the requirements. BMI is 48. I'm really excited and praying I won't have a problem with the insurance!

Good am Tiana,

WELCOME to the VA Board! Lots of great folks and information here for you to help you along in your journey. The letter you speak of is truly a from the heart shoot from the hip real deal WHY you want to have WLS. I put my family history, my restrictions (can barely walk without getting out of breath, have Thyroid issues, severe Sleep Apnea, Asthma etc) and I also listed my BMI, what that meant and I also put all of the things I have trouble dealing with such as social situations, familial gatherings etc. Keep a positive attitude and keep us posted on your journey.

All best!

Hi Tiana,
I too want to welcome you to the best board on OH!

I agree with the other posters on what to write. You may also want to say about your committment to following your doctors plan to reach your goal of a healthier life.

Hi Tiana & Welcome!!!!  Sounds like you have some great advice for that letter.  Put your soul into it and just be honest.

Hello, Tiana and Welcome!  Commonwealth Surgeons is awesome.  i had Dr. Hutcher, and yes, Hilary really does know her stuff.  She is Dr. Hutcher's daughter!  They both really believe in this surgery and the benefits from having it done.  As for the letter, speak from the heart.  Tell them what problems you have, both personal and health, what you can not do and what you want to do.  Tell them that you know (and I assume that you do know) that this is a life change, not a quick and easy fix.  Don't sugar coat anything or be embarressed.  Just be honest.  PM me if you want.  I happen to work for Anthem during the day.  There is no guaranteed approval, but you can make it easier on yourself by having all of your ducks in a row.  Good luck!  which surgeon and procedure have you chosen?

Tammy

Welcome Tiana!!  This is a great group of people and very supportive. Good luck on your journey.

Thank you everyone for the replies.

Tam......I would like to get the Lap Band, so Dr. Bautista would be my surgeon. He's the one that did the seminar as well.

He is a great doctor.  He did my check up when I was first post op one of the days and I have seen him for a consult when I was in the er with kidney stones.  He is wonderful!

Tammy