Question:
Eligible for Insurance Nov 1 2005

Yes, I cannot believe it. My husband actually found a job that has insurance that might actually pay for the surgery. I am wondering though: since we will be required to change pcp to be in network (I also have not been to the doctor for years with anything related to diet or weightloss), and it is almost the end of the calander year, would it be in my best interest to just get established with a doctor and not worry about the weightloss or surgery til after the new calander year. Like I stated before it has been yrs since I have even talked to a dr about weightloss, and the dr I was seeing never set me up with any special diet or anything. She did order a lot of tests for various things, blood, sleep,x-rays,etc. I believe she did this just to shut me up about surgery because she was getting ready to leave the practice and move to another city. I don't believe she really cared. Maybe I'll find one now that actually does.    — rosee (posted on October 22, 2005)

October 22, 2005
If your concern about calendar year is related to your deductible, I can understand why you may want to wait. However, if you are going for an evaluation, I would not wait, the sooner the better (IMHO). Your new PCP will need to refer you to the network Surgeon (if you are going to be on an HMO), so I would suggest getting an appointment with her/him as soon as your health plan becomes effective. Also, if you know which Company is managing your health plan, their website will likely have the ploicy for WLS and you will be more prepared. Best of luck, and keep us posted.
   — nursenut

October 22, 2005
It wouldn't hurt to go ahead and get established with a PCP, discuss your concerns about weight loss and have him/her recommend a diet program for you to begin and tell him/her you want to come in monthly and discuss your progress and weight loss. That way, you can *start* your 6-month dr supervised diet that most insurances do require these days. Get that started now. Make sure (by asking) your PCP is writing in your chart/clinical notes that you are on a diet they recommended and what your progress on it is. If you are physically unable to exercise (as I was) have that noted there as well. Every month, read what the doctor wrote and if you feel he/she didn't include something important, ask them to please note it in your chart. I was morbidly obese (BMI of 50+) and I have osteoarthritis in my hip and lower back. There was no physical way I could exercise to the degree I needed to be a successful weight loss candidate the traditional way. If you have physical reasons that you can't exercise strenously, MAKE SURE they are noted in your medical chart every visit. I'm able to exercise now, but I had to lose a lot of weight so my weight bearing joints could handle the stress. Good luck.
   — Shayna T.

October 23, 2005
If you have no insurance currently, then beware. They might call it pre existing and force you to wait, perhaps for years:(
   — bob-haller

October 23, 2005
I believe in being very proactive concerning health care. I suggest you read the literature your husband's workplace provides to see exactly how your insurance works. Do they have a grace period befor coverage kicks in? Do they have bans on treating a pre-existing condition? If they do, you should wait to see the doctor. What are their clinical plicies exactly? Many insurance companies have swebsites where you can find out. Check out the terms of your new insurance fully before you do anything!!!
   — Novashannon