Nish
Here's my story . . .
I began searching for weight loss surgery options years ago. I began asking my doctor who completely supported me having the surgery. However, my insurance carrier was through my husband's employer and did not cover weight loss surgery at all, for anyone. In April, 2008, we switched to the insurance plan through my employer. At that time, I began to inquire, again, into weight loss surgery. My doctor still supported it for me and referred me to a surgeon who was new to the Green Bay area but, had performed the surgery while he was in Wausau. I saw this doctor, he went through my options and had me do food diary for two weeks so he could decide which surgery was the best fit for me. He decided the gastric sleeve was my best option. My insurance company denied this surgery, stating it was too new of a procedure. He then requested approval for the RNY which was denied with a list of things I needed to do prior to approval. Although I had seen a therapist for a mental health review, the insurance company was requesting a psychological evaluation, six monts unsuccessful weight loss attempts through a program, etc. So, October, 2008 I joined weight watchers at 252 pounds. I lost 13 pounds on weight watchers. January, 2009 I received a letter from my insurance company stating that I was approved for my surgery. I called my surgeon's office, they followed up with the insurance company to verify the accuracy of the letter and received a confirmation! February 09, 2009 surgery date was scheduled!! I began a liquid diet two week before that and lost another 10 on the liquid diet. I was expecting weeks of intense pain post op and my doctor was telling me only two weeks off work. I didn't believe him but, he was right. The post op went so much smoother than I had expected. Since surgery, I've lost 18 more pounds and it's only been two and a half weeks!!
