Question:
Do you think I am procratinating because I am afraid of denial?

Ok, my surgeon told me to come back after I get my BMI to 40. He did not require any other tests. I did, however, get a sleep study-just in case I had sleep apnea-it was negative-which is good and bad-I am sure you know what I mean. I now have a BMI of 40, but am afaid to weigh in with him. I was going to wait until I get the official result of the sleep study which will be about a week then go-that was before I knew I did not have it. I am wondering if you all think I should just go weigh in and have the paperwork submitted to the insurance? I am totally uncomfortable-my body just hurts all over esp. more now that I have gain the few extra pounds. I almost think that I am procratinating weighing in and having the papers submitted. I know if I get a denial letter I will just be devastated- I think I will be so depressed that I will have a hard time coming out of it.Guess I need a little encouragement- I don't know- I am getting very stressed out and I have not even submitted papers to insurance. Sorry this is so long!    — Jan S. (posted on January 22, 2003)

January 22, 2003
The real question is are you ready for the surgery? There will always be a bit of nervousness, self doubt (is it really the right choice etc...), and fear. It is MAJOR Surgery after all. Write down your pros and cons and do a balancing sheet if you are in doubt. <p>For me it was time... I'm mid 30 and not getting any younger. I'm capable of losing weight (100 lbs) on my own but have a problem keeping it off. My back is in chronic pain. I have sleep apnea. I don't fit in to seats/booths etc... etc.. so it's time. Once you make the decision keep with you all the reasons why you are doing it as a shield against the self-doubt that will probably arise later as you approach your surgery date. <p>Take Care, Be Well, and Be Happy!
   — John T.

January 22, 2003
It's sad, but true that people are denied all the time. The question is, are you serious enough about this, to appeal as many times as needed, or whatever else it might take to get approval? Just remember that a first denial doesn't mean it's over. You have to be in a fighting mood, don't let an insurance company get the best of you! Heck, you might be worrying about this for nothing! But, if you don't take the chance, you'll never know. Is it worth the risk??? :)
   — Diana L.

January 22, 2003
Jan, I know how you feel. My BMI is exactly 40. I have to wait 4 months before I can even HAVE my initial consultation with my surgeon. You can bet that I am going to be at least 3 lbs. more than exactly 40, just for weight "insurance". I feel the same way. I know for sure that I want this surgery, but can not help but think about how it will affect me if I am denied. This is the first glimmer of hope that I have had in YEARS, I don't want that hope to be taken from me. I think you are going through the same thing. However, we can't stand still, so why not move forward? You have a good chance of getting approval. Your surgeon said, "Come back when your BMI is 40" Jan,...your BMI is 40! Try not to over analyze the "what if's" You will cross that bridge if you get to that. For now, think positively, and make it happen Girl! Feel free to e-mail me, we can go through these feelings together.
   — Michele B.

January 22, 2003
Jan, If you know you want this surgery, and you know your insurance will cover it as long as you are approved, go for it! I proscrastinated myself right out of insurance coverage last year. I was initially denied, and while I was gathering more information the insurance company asked for, I kept putting things off because I would rather hear nothing as to hear 'no'. When I finally had everything together (medical records, failed diet attempts, etc.) and my surgeon's office was getting ready to send in my appeal, we got a letter stating that effective January 1, 2003 weight loss surgery was no longer covered by our policy. Now my only option, besides waiting until all insurance companies are required by law to pay for this life-saving surgery, is to pay for it myself. It won't be easy, but I'm proceeding as a self-pay, and my surgery is scheduled for March 4. Good luck to you. Ginger
   — Ginger N.

January 23, 2003
I totally understand how you feel. I researched myself half to death for over a year until finally it took being on blood pressure medication again to move forward with WLS. I was pumped up, quit smoking and daily cafferine fixes. Finally selected a surgeon, completed all the other consults necessary for approval when I was told my insurance would expire at the end of January 2003 because my husband was laid off. I was out of my mind struggling in a race against the clock for final approval. I felt it was my procratination that put my back against the wall but in my heart I know I needed that time to get myself ready for this journey. Iam my Lap Rny is scheduled for 1/27. You are in my prayers and in my heart.
   — Charisse F.

January 23, 2003
If you're not ready to start the insurance process, denial probably isn't what's stopping you--your fears, expectations, etc. are. My surgery was delayed months due to issues with my original surgeon. It nearly drove me insane not knowing when I would have surgery, and not having any control over the decision. If your surgeon doesn't work with a therapist, you need to find one. Mine was a life-saver while I waited, and through working with him I knew my decision to have surgery was a good one. Make sure other issues aren't keeping you from starting the process....
   — Barbara V.

July 25, 2009
I would have to play devils advocate, what if the answer is yes? then what? then you will have to follow through and make a life altering change. are you really ready for the commitment. I dwaddled around for years and finally just 'did it'. from the time I asked for a referral from my PCP until surgery was 90 days. it has taken me 38 months and I am still learning how to eat to live instead of living to eat. take your clothes off, stand in front of a mirror and say, are you ready to take the next step, or are you happy the way you are. only you will know the answer.
   — Katherine A.