Pat G.
Thursday, April 28, 2005 I called my friend Liz (that had her surgery in October) but she was on a mini vacation in Florida. I spoke to her husband Donny (also had surgery in November). He said they are both doing fine and making progress. I have an appointment with Dr. Lin (the same surgeon thaey had) I really excited and kind of scared about the consultation.
Monday, May 2, 2005 I went to meet with Dr. Paul Lin at George Washington University for my first consultation. He seems to be a very kind and knowledgable man. Denise in his office was so caring and understanding of my needs. I have alot of things I need to do in the next few weeks to be sure that I'm a good candidate for surgery.
Friday, May 6,2005 Today I went to Civista Hospital for a Doppler Study of both legs, and have an Upper G.I. with small bowel. I aslo have to get some lab work done next week.
Thursday, May 19, 2005 Denise from Dr. Lin's office called today. They got my lab work back and want me to start taking Centrum Vitamins, B-50 Complex and Calcium. I'm a little low in some of the vitamins.
Friday, May 20, 2005 went to Georgetown Universtiy Hospital to have my Psych. Evaluation done. I was seen by Dr. Perkins. I had to pay $250.00 for the appt. The Dr. told me he thinks I am a good candidate for the surgery and he will be sending Dr. Lin the report on Monday.
Monday May 23, 2005 I called CareFirst about filing my claim for the Psych Evaluation. It does not sound like they will pay for it.He is not a participating Doctor for them.
June 8, 2005 I received a statement back from CareFirst and they did not pay for the Psych Evaluation.
June 10, 2005 Dr. Lin's Office submitted information to Carefirst. I hop this gets approved.
June 20, 2005 My insurance Company DENIED the claim. When I had first spoke to Carefirst I was told they would cover it if it was medically necessary. Now they are saying there is an Excusion in the policy. They do not cover any weight loss surgery. I can't offord to pay for this so I guess its over.
July, 2005 Dr, Lin's office is appealing the denial of the surgery.
August 2005 SURGERY DENIED AGAIN.
March 2006 I made an appointment to meet with a new surgeon and try this again. I have spoke to him via e-mail a few times. His name is Dr. Schweitzer, at Johns Hopkins.
June 12, 2006 I went to consultation at Johns Hopkins with Dr. Schweitzer. I really like him They are going to submit my information again.
July 2006 Surgery DENIED again. I guess if this is going to happen I need to quit my job and find a new one with insurance that will help me with this. This may sound a little crazy but its up to me to make this happen.
August 2006 I began a new job. I really think that I am going to like it. I'm very excited about the insurance because they do pay for the surgery if it is medically necessary. The new insurance will go into effect on Sept. 1st. As much as I think I will like this new job I will miss some of my co-workers very much. My last position was becoming more difficult for me because of joint pain and heel spurs. This new position is an office job.
October 2, 2006
Today I got a letter from CareFirst that my surgery appeal is APPROVED, from the old insurance that was tried submitted and appealed three times. I called Dr. Schweitzer's office and they said they would have to CANEL this approved clain and start all over again because I have new insurance and this insurance is now secondary. Tey will begin a new clain with the new insurance. They also told me that I will have to pay $5500 up front since the doctor is not a participating physician.He is out of network. Coming up with that much cash is a problem so I think I'm going to call Dr. Lin's office again. He is a participating provider.
October 7, 2006 Today I spent some time on Obesity Help looking at befor and after picture. I want to be one of them, or should I say I'm going to be one of them When I first began this I had an 11 month old Grandson. He is now 2 1/2 On Monday, October 9th, I will be getting another Grandson. I can't wait.In April of 2007 the next Grandchild will be born. With all of these Grandchildren I need to get healthy. I'm sure with 5 of my own children I will have many more Grandchildren coming and I want to be around to love them all like a Grandma should.Did I fail to mention I have 2 Beautiful GRANDDOGS. I don't want ot leave them out.
Monday October 9, 2006 Today my new Grandson Alex Christopher was born. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 ozs. and 21 inches long. He has alot of dark hair and is absolutely beautiful and healthy. It was nice having all of my children home for the arrival of the new baby.
October 16, 2006 Today I went to see Dr. Paul Lin at G.W.Hospital in D.C. They are going to submit to my new insurance co. If it gets approved I will get the surgery with Dr. Paul Lin. He is in network . I really like him and he is in network for the insurance co.
October 19, 2006 SURGERY HAS BEEN APPROVED THROUGH NEW INSURANCE COMPANY! I WILL MOST LIKELY BE GETTING A DATE FOR IT NEXT WEEK.
October 26, 2006 Today I got a call from Dr. Lin's Office. They are faxing me a referral for lab work and a Doppler Study to rule out DVT(blood clots in legs)
November 1, 2006 Yesterday I went to get my Lab Work done. Today I went to get the Doppler Study. Hope to have a date for surgery by the end of this week.
November 6, 2006 I GOT A DATE!! Tuesday November 21st. I begin a high protein diet today of whey protein drinks, protein bars, and raw veggies if I need some crunch.
November 13, 2006 I got a call today from a nurse at G.W. university Hospital and I am scheduled for surgery at 11:15 on Tuesday the 21st.
November 15, 2006 Today I went to Georgetown University Hospital to pre-register and finish up the pre-op tests.(chest x-xray,EKG,Bloodwork) I also went to the pre-surgery orienation to know what to expect. I had my last appointwment with Dr. Lin today after that.SURGERY IS A GO!I went to my first support group meeting. They had a plastic surgeon speaker. He seems very good but I don't have to worry about that yet.I called my friend Liz and talked to her on the way to the support group. I think we can be a big help to each other.She has not updated her website for a while, but she said she would.(I'LL check on that!)
November 16, 2006 Today I went to my office to sign some papers for my leave of absence. I also decided to cook an early Thanksgiving dinner since I will be in the hospital next Thursday. I'm on a 1200 calorie and with 90 grams of protein pre surgery diet now.My friend Liz is a woman of her work. She is back on the website and requested to be my friend.(we have been for 43 YEARS already! She has been there through thick and thin (although we haven't had much THIN), but she was always there when I needed her,losing my mother when I was 18,my dad when I was 29, the birth of my 5 children, the day I got married, all of the occasions you remember forever. THANKS LIZ! Love ya!
November 17, 2006 I was off work today so I spent most of the day thinking about Tuesday. THE BIG DAY! I got some things together to take to the hospital with me. I have to work on Sat. & Sun. Mondays will be spent getting ready for the surgery. I put my prescription in so I can get them out before I go to the hospital.
