I am so excited. My primary phycisian is working on my "Letter of Necessity" and my "Script for WLS Nutrition Counseling". I have made my initial dietitian appointment: June 20th. I am about to call and make my psychological evaluation appointment (some time in October). Things are moving along and I cannot wait!!
***UPDATE***
Psych evaluation has been scheduled for November 5th :)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Heard Back from Insurance Company!!
I am on BCBS of TX through my employer. We finally heard back yesterday (fairly quickly actually, just under a week) on what our next steps are to be approved for the surgery:
1. Get a letter of necessity from my primary physician.
2. Follow a 6-month doctor led nutrition program (this is offered at Celebration Health - the location of our surgery).
3. Complete a psych evaluation.
Once I do those three things, the insurance company will provide their preauthorization.
After preauthorization is received, I have to complete these next steps:
1. Set up an appointment with a Celebration Health nurse to determine what clearances I need to complete.
2. Complete required clearances.
3. Set up appointment for pre-op.
4. Schedule SURGERY DATE!!!
I also found out that BCBS of TX DOES cover the gastric sleeve surgery. This is the route I have decided to take. With the sleeve gastrectomy AKA gastric sleeve, they staple and then remove ~ 80% of your stomach. This leaves a banana shaped "sleeve" which causes fullness faster. It also removes the portion of the stomach responsible for creation of a hormone (gherlin I think) that causes hunger and cravings.
I feel this procedure is best for me because I don't have to worry about malabsorption with being pregnant. All three types of surgery allow for healthier pregnancies, and there are ways around the malabsorption while pregnant, but for me, I feel better with the sleeve.
I am SO SO SO SO SO excited. I cannot wait to start feeling better. The journey has started :)
1. Get a letter of necessity from my primary physician.
2. Follow a 6-month doctor led nutrition program (this is offered at Celebration Health - the location of our surgery).
3. Complete a psych evaluation.
Once I do those three things, the insurance company will provide their preauthorization.
After preauthorization is received, I have to complete these next steps:
1. Set up an appointment with a Celebration Health nurse to determine what clearances I need to complete.
2. Complete required clearances.
3. Set up appointment for pre-op.
4. Schedule SURGERY DATE!!!
I also found out that BCBS of TX DOES cover the gastric sleeve surgery. This is the route I have decided to take. With the sleeve gastrectomy AKA gastric sleeve, they staple and then remove ~ 80% of your stomach. This leaves a banana shaped "sleeve" which causes fullness faster. It also removes the portion of the stomach responsible for creation of a hormone (gherlin I think) that causes hunger and cravings.
I feel this procedure is best for me because I don't have to worry about malabsorption with being pregnant. All three types of surgery allow for healthier pregnancies, and there are ways around the malabsorption while pregnant, but for me, I feel better with the sleeve.
I am SO SO SO SO SO excited. I cannot wait to start feeling better. The journey has started :)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Quick Update
The doctor we went to SUCKED!! His office was messy - his staff was rude and unkempt - he seemed full of himself. We have decided to have a consultation elsewhere. Next Wednesday, we are attending an informational seminar at The Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Institute at The Florida Hospital in Celebration. Fingers crossed this one is better!
Unsure if anyone is reading this blog yet - but if there is anyone out there who has gone to this location, please post comments on your experiences!
***UPDATE***
I went to the seminar at The Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Institute at The Florida Hospital in Celebration. I feel so much more comfortable here. The staff was very helpful. The surgeon was knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. He actually trains other surgeons how to perform his techniques. This is definitely the place for me to move forward on this journey.
Unsure if anyone is reading this blog yet - but if there is anyone out there who has gone to this location, please post comments on your experiences!
***UPDATE***
I went to the seminar at The Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Institute at The Florida Hospital in Celebration. I feel so much more comfortable here. The staff was very helpful. The surgeon was knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. He actually trains other surgeons how to perform his techniques. This is definitely the place for me to move forward on this journey.
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