[ChrissyB]

Hello Ladies,

Some of you know me from the boards but other may not so I'll introduce myself. My name is Chrissy I'm 37...married for 15 years to a wonderful man and we have five boys ages 14-7. I homeschool and basically live a very busy life...LOL!!

I posted here a few months back and was testing the water..you know sort of thinking about WLS. Time has gone by..the scale has been going up and I'm at my end of the rope. I can honestly say that I am SICK of being fat. I weighed myself just the other day and I'm 317 # on a 5feet 6 inch body! So, it's time..I've talked to DH and he's supportive about the WLS. I've also talked to a few family members and they also are supportive of my efforts. I know that I have to do this for myself but having the support of my family means alot to me. I have alot of questions. I think the thing that really worries me is the ins. might not pay for the operation. I tried looking on the web to see if I could find anything about my DH's insurance. He has First Heatlh through his work. They have a web site but they don't tell you about your coverage. I did call First Health but they said that they do not cover anything that has to do with weightloss weither it's surgery or meds. But...WHAT IF my Dr. says that it's medically neccessary?

I would love if you ladies would answer the following questions for me and point me in the right path. I want this and I'm willing to fight for it if I have to.



Here are my questions...

1. What is my first step...do I go to my PCP and get a referal? What if my PCP says that she does not think WLS is a good idea?

2. Does anyone have any info on FirstHealth as a insurance provider?

3. DH did tell me that in January he will be getting new benefits. He's not sure if it will just be better coverage through FirstHealth OR if it will be a total revamp with a new provider.........so, do I wait or do I start the process now??

Thank you all so much. I have so many question I want to do things correctly so things so smoothly. I'll save the other questions for later until then I thank you so much for your help. I've been lurking here on and off for several months so I know you guys know your stuff!!

Blessings to all,

ChrissyB

[Leenie]

Hey Lady, long time no see. I can totally understand your frustrations, but you've come to the right place for advice. These ladies will take care of you. They are the best.

Hang in there and you know where I am if you wanna chat.

Hugs !

[jiffypop]

hi there, chrissy.. i KNOW you've been through the wars with your weight. and all i can say is do your research.

first things first. no matter what you do, even if your current insurance was gung-ho about the surgery, it probably wouldn't happen before the first of the year. reputable surgeons want you to be cleared by several specialists, and to get some kind of grip on what to expect, and what the surgery will and won't do before they'll schedule you.

ssooooooo.. here's my two cents. talk to your PCP. no matter which insurance you have, just about all of them require a certain amount of time - ranging from 6 months to a year - of medically supervised weight loss efforts. make sure she has the documentation that you will need. and if she doesn't support WLS - FIND ANOTHER DOC.

the next thing is to go banging on the doors of FirstHealth to get all the answers you need. if there's absolutely no way they will cover it, even by petition, then you will need new health coverage in order to have insurance pay for this. so get hubby to research options NOW. it's best to be prepared.

more later.. gotta go to a meeting.

[ChrissyB]

Medically supervised weightloss efforts....What does that mean? They way I look at it if I have to wait 6-12 months that's o.k. I have time and I want to make sure that I have all of my t's crossed and my i's dotted.

As far as insurance goes DH works for OfficeMax. They are going through a take over right now but they won't say it's official until January. That's when the insurance will change. As far as having the choice between different companies that will supply the insurance... I don't think that's going to happen. It's probably going to be pre-selected and a take it or leave it kind of thing. He might be able to pick the HMO or PPO option but that's probably where it will end.

Do you think it would be a good idea to visit my Dr. soon? I have NEVER had any blood work done in my life. I have no idea what my cholestrol levels are or my sugar. Maybe it would be a good idea to find these things out.

I really need guidance through this. I am a very organized person usually in thought and actions but this has me excited. I really think this is the answer that I've been looking for but I don't want to rush into anything without knowing what to expect AND without having things properly prepared to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

One more thing....would Weight Watchers fill the bill for the medically supervised weightloss efforts if I attend the weekly meetings? In the past when I attended WW I did well. I just seem to get the wind knocked out of my sails. Does it look better if you show them that you can lose the extra weight when you are being medically supervised?

Thank you so much for your help!!

Blessings,

ChrissyB

[Ms Spotdog]

Chrissy! Chrissy! So nice to see ya, sweetie! And how are those sweet boys? How old are they now? I'm so glad that you came back to where you know you would get the information and support you need! *big hug*

Kel

[ChrissyB]

Oh, Thanks that so sweet. The boys are all getting so big. My oldest is going to be 14 in Dec. He's as tall as me and loving that idea! DS#2 is 12, DS#3 is 11 , DS#4 is 8 and "the baby" is 7 !! Can you imagine what it's going to be like when they are all teens! YIKES!! That's why I know I have to get down to my "fightin' weight" LOL!!

Good to see ya!

[My4Monkeys]

Good luck Crissy! I hope you are able to have your surgery soon.