APPROVED!!!

You did not throw away your $250! I know at first I was feeling a little nickel and dimed and so unsure if it was going to be worth it and end up being unapproved. BUT, the education I got during the group nutrition class was great. I already knew alot of the information from my research, but there were some nuances that I didn't know or needed to be reminded of. The second nutrition appt. was fairly basic, but heck...if that's what my ins. co. needed I was willing to do it. The exercise program is what I had a difficult time with (did NOT like my guy's attitude). BUT, again...I knew I had to do it for a fair shot at approval. Thanks for your congrats! Sally been's great with me. I realize she's super busy so I tried to be fairly self-reliant and trust that the process was moving forward. She was great about calling me when she needed something. I did call her at each step (end of each month of the exercise program) and ask for next steps. Once I had all the pre-approval steps done she immediately processesed my paperwork and sent it in. They took about 3-4 weeks to approve (which Sally said was normal). One thing I've learned on these boards is that everyone has different experiences. Some people get approved without doing as much as we have to go through and some have to go through appeal after appeal! I would just tell you to work the process and see where it leads you. Sally and the office deal with our insurance companies every day...so I trusted that they knew what they were looking for more than I did. Be patient and follow the process.....who knows...in just a bit you could be where I am celebrating your approval! Best of luck to you!

Hi I wanted to comment on the $250 fee for the nutritionist.....WHEN you get approved (Approval vibes coming your way) the information they teach you is priceless...I have seen this first hand. I know a woman who had the same surgeon you do, and she convinced them that Kaiser could fulfill her nutritionist consult.....wrong...they had no real clue what they were talking about. But she didnt want to pay the $250, and ended up only loosing 100lbs. Only 100lbs you say?? I think she had more like 200 to loose, cause we started at the same high weight, and she is shorter than I, so I think I am safe in saying that she needed to loose as much as I did.....so, this is not the area in which to cut corners in the process....I was a little sticker shocked when I had to fork it over (Same nutritionist, different DR) but I KNEW I needed it, so I didnt complain too much. It has helped me get ALMOST to my personal goal, although my surgeon is happy with where I landed on the chart......I have 20lbs to go....still!! Good luck with your approval process, and just say *WHEN I GET APPROVED, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT* The power of the positive word..... Dianna 344/314/160/144

Christina! Congratulations! That's awesome! You have a most interesting wild ride ahead of you. Your husband will too. Be sure to take time to savor every moment of it. Be sure to write a journal if you are so inclined. Write a letter to yourself describing your life now and then read it a year from your surgery date. Write a list of things you want to do and then write down the day you are able to do them. Include simple things too. Be sure to take measurements and pictures every month. Seeing your progress in pictures and numbers other than the scale keeps you sane. Let us know when you get a surgery date! We'll count down the days to your new life with you. Best wishes, Kathy

Thank you to everyone who has sent their well wishes! I'm still really excited! As for a date....I will probably wait until July because of moving into our new condo and having my family (including all my nieces!) out for a week. Sally said that I'd probably be better to wait until after the move since I won't be able to lift more than 15 pounds for awhile nor bend at the waist for a bit. I also want to be able to hold my nieces and run and play with them during their first trip to the DC area. SO....probably mid-July...when I nail down a specific, I'll update. Thanks again!!! Christina S

Congrats Christina. Remember during the whirlwind to sit back and enjoy the ride. Courtney

WOOHOO!!! I am so happy to hear of your approval!! Good luck, and let us know when there is a date Dianna

Christina...That is WONDERFUL!!!!!! I know how excited I was when I got the approval. I can't believe the major change in my life since surgery...my life has made a complete 360 degree turn around. God has been such a blessing in my life and I thank Him everyday that I have so many wonderful friends on this board. Good luck, and you are beautiful now... Hugs, Betsy

Hey Christina, I am so happy for you and the wonderful news of your approval. I am hoping for mine before the week is out. The waiting is the worst part of this and my wait has been almost a year now..........but enough about me. You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life forever. Congratulations and best wishes from me to you. If you ever need an ear to listen, I am here for you. Can't wait to hear the news of when your date is. Soon and very soon....I hope and I know you do. Lots of Love Kathy

Christina, Congrats!

I'm so thrilled with your news. Soon I'll be jumping up and down with you. Isn't it so exciting !