Group Health Options

DareCain · 09-30-2008, 02:37 AM

Hi All--
Anyone have Group Health Options who can refer me to a "LAP-BAND^® friendly" doctor in King County area? My doctor is giving me the HARDEST time getting me approved for WLS, which my insurance covers. She's constantly telling me that a healthy diet and exercise will jump start my life in the right directions (gag). I'm 27, my BMI is over 42 and it's only a matter of time before I start developing issues like high-blood pressure or diabetes (runs in the fam). I'm getting so desperate I've even thought about taking out a loan. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance,
DareCain

fleminld · 09-30-2008, 07:45 PM

Where do you live? I have group health. My family doc didnt give me hard time.

DareCain · 10-01-2008, 01:36 AM

I live in Des Moines, near Fed Way. My doctor's from Seattle though, as I work there and it's easier to see her during my breaks.

I'm just really tired of paying co-pay after co-pay to figure out a way to get me qualified. And she seems to be tired of me coming in all the time complaining about this or that. I'm getting real sad :-(

fleminld · 10-01-2008, 06:14 AM

darecain, do you have any medical conditions currantly cause of your weight? Your BMI is probably a little low for them to just recommend you? I am not sure, but the surgan was a little surprised I got approved. I just have arthritis starting in an ankle and have psuedo sudo something, it causes excess fluid on the brain and generally only seen w/overweight woman. I go to dr duncan at the puyallup clinic. He gave me no problems at all, just filled out the paperwork and sent it in. They do ask about last time in 3-5 year period you did a diet, how long it was and how much you lost and also your heath issues related to weight. there are 2 other people on these boards that have ghc and live in your area. One just had surgery last week so might take her a bit to reply, other havent seen on the board lately, but I will email her and see what she says.

DareCain · 10-03-2008, 01:48 AM

I've been having really bad knee problems for the past three years and it's getting worse and worse. She had me get an xray when my left knee got so swollen that I could barely walk and told me that my results were fine besides the swelling. I've been told by my partner that I may have sleep apnea because I stop breathing in the middle of the night, but I don't think its obstructive. I was thinking about going to Valley Medical in Renton and getting a consultation with a LAP-BAND^® doctor and see what kind of loopholes I can overcome. With the options plan, I'm allowed to see out-of-network docs and all I need is one doctor to sign-off for me! I'm just tired of coming back from each doctor's appt feeling rejected.

fleminld · 10-03-2008, 02:46 AM

Try seeing another doc at the same clinic. Tell them you think you might have sleep apnea. That is a weight related issue. Ghc has a bariatric doc. It is Dr Bock. You just have to get referred to him from family doc.if you get approved from insurance he is who you will have to see. I here he is susposed to be coming to the next monthly meeting un November at federal way clinic. You should come and you can maybe talk to him then. It is the first wed of the month from 630 to 830Pm.