And so it begins...

bradleybanana · 02-05-2008, 07:22 PM

I'm sorta knew to the site, posted in a few threads but now it's the real deal! I had my consult with my doctor yesterday, he said I was a good canadiate which I already knew mainly because I attended his seminar as well. I have all of my testing set up for President's day. I didn't have to take off work, thank the Lord for that! *work for a school district* So after that I meet with him again to go over all the results and get everything in line for the insurance company.

That's where the real journey begins! My school district hasn't included any type of WLS in our plan, so I'm sure I'll be denied right off the bat. I'm hoping that denial comes quickly so that I can then head right into the appeal process. Luckily, my Doc, Dr. Minking *St. Louis, MO* has had situations like this before, where the particular company didn't include it but the insurance company will cover it if the company does so, on a case by case bases of course.

I'm hoping that based on my weight histroy, 25 now, overweight since I was at least 12 and the comorbidities I've had will help them *my school district* see that this is not only medically necessary but medically beneficial! Wish me luck on my journey. In the mean time I'm reading, learning, exercising, trying to follow the bandster rules, b/c hopefully that's how I'll be living the rest of my life anyways! Any advice on the insurance issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading and here's to a new me!

Crazy4MyK9 · 02-05-2008, 07:31 PM

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that I read your message and wish you all the luck in the world. My company makes it clear in our health insurance book that they will not cover any WLS under any circumstance, so I was self-pay. Hopefully, you can find some legal advice from other members of this site.

Good luck! Keep praying!

Anne

JohnC · 02-05-2008, 09:42 PM

Welcome, What is your BMI? And which hospital is your Dr. affiliated with? Mine is with DuPaul. Good luck-JohnC

bradleybanana · 02-05-2008, 09:47 PM

My BMI, is I believe 45 that's what the Doc said yesterday...Dr. Minkin is affiliated with Des Peres Hospital. He's a really great guy thus far. He provides a lot of valuable information and doesn't sugar coat anything. He's open, honest and realistic about what his expectations are of you and what you should expect from the procedure. I went to a seminar with my Mother, who luckily I think is more happy for me than for herself, she's thinking of having it done as well. We were able to ask questions of him and get answers that made perfect sense. There were also two of his patients there to talk with as well, that was nice!