Right Hand....Left Hand....

So, I now have my psychological evaluation scheduled with an "in network" doctor. Things could not have gone easier, at least with that small portion. The Doctor I talked to, I will refer to him as Dr. Bill, was a very calm and peaceful man.

After having a nurse tell me from the surgical clinic that they had already submitted my preapproval letter, the other nurse told me, "No, the letter is sitting here on my desk." They won't submit it until they receive all the documentation. So I explained, "My frustration here in lies, that the communication stinks. You tell me no it happens like this and the other nurse tells me yes its already been done....Will the right hand please speak to the left and get on the same page!!" I know she didn't like that too much and as I continued to explain, "I am putting my life in your hands and if this is what you do when your not in surgery I would really hate to see what you do when you are.....I hope this is not indicative of what the surgeon does too? or I might have to reconsider my options." She really didn't know what to say. They have messed up with me...I know they are human but this is ridiculous.

After hanging up the phone with her I ran out to my follow up cardiologist visit to find out some good information but not good information. <> I dont remember the name but the term heart disease I remember very clearly. I am now on an Ace Inhibitor to protect my kidneys. It is absolutely amazing what happens to your organs if you have diabetes. Things clog up or shut down. The human heart in a normal person has what they call a 65% or better blood pumping capacity meaning your heart will fill up 65% or more before it beats a beat. Mine is at 55% which is very concerning. So on another medication to keep going.

After that appointment I got to take all the documentation one floor up to the surgical clinic. hand that over for the file and head to my regular doctor.

I have to be on cholesterol medication, another medication to lower blood sugar since the metformin isn't doing the full job and I am maxed out as far as dosage goes. And of course we know what that "stuff" causes. If you don't ask and I will post it.

So I have my cocktail of pills in the morning and another cocktail at bedtime.

Oh Lucky Me!! (NOT)

Until there is resolution to the weight issues I will continue to progress with health problems. I am so determined to get this under control and get off all the medications...except one that I will probably be on the rest of my life....but I can handle one pill a day....I can't handle the 12.

One day....One day....Waiting patiently for that too happen.

Until next time.....

Kasey

Rough Day...

Today overall has been a pretty rough day.

I was up at 5am to get hold of the "Behavioral Health" side of my insurance to get an approval code to have a psychological evaluation. I suppose if you can handle being treated as though you are someone calling in with an addiction to drugs or suicidal this would be necessary.

I would think they would have gotten it if I didn't have to talk to 3 different people in the process and explain to each one why I was calling. I would think that if someone is calling in regarding bariatric surgery and they are taking the steps to improve their life then you wouldn't have to ask them if they are having thoughts of suicide...I know they get those calls...but honestly...How many times do you need to ask if I am thinking of harming myself.

Anyway, I finally got the authorization code only to call the Dr.'s office to have them ask me what the units are for. After 45 minutes on the phone to get the code...now she wants to know what the units are for? Hell if I know...I was on the phone before the coffee was made. You didn't ask me that yesterday when we talked for 30 minutes....Mind you she is very blunt and gruff there was very little of someone who was personable...This is the Doctors wife so there is not much I can do....I have talked to the Doctor and I really did like him.

**Sigh**

Now I am thinking I am going to have to call them back to find out...Luckily she piped up and said, "I will call them and find out. Insurance is sticky, you probably want to leave it to someone who understands." I asked her then, "Are you purposely trying to upset me?" She said, "No." I told her, "You might want to be careful with your statements. I can probably tell you about insurance and what code numbers you need to use for this. I don't appreciate your assumptions that I don't know or understand. Maybe some people don't but I don't want to be lumped in with them." Within the hour I called her back to let her know what the units were for. She didn't have to make that phone call. I think we had a good understanding at that point.

One thing after another. I have been trying to reach the surgical clinic to see if they have sent the letter to my insurance for predetermination for surgery. There are 2 nurses who work with this surgeon, one of the nurses told me over the phone, "I sent your letter out the same day as your appointment." Then I am told by the second nurse, " Oh we don't send out that letter until you have had your psychological assessment appointment." Egads! Will the right hand please talk to the left?!?!?!?

So now I have to find out if they even sent my letter off. No one at this time can confirm.

The more stressed I get the more pain I am in. The gall bladder is acting up and I am tired. Its been a long day....You know how that goes...

Time for kids, homework, dinner, boy scouts and much more.....I am starting to wonder if this day is going to end. Good thing we don't have more than 24 hours in a day!

Until next time......


Kasey

Follow Up

I took today to make a few phone calls. Trying to get the final information on whether or not my insurance has approved my surgery.

I called the surgical center to find out that the person who handles that is out today. I know I will hear back from her tomorrow when she is back....but doesn't she know I am on pins and needles now? :) I feel like a kid the night before they are supposed to go to Disneyland! Anxious and excited....but the fear of being let down sticks in the back of my mind too.

I am still waiting for the psychologist to get back to me as well. Just one more thing it feels like in the long line of things. Not to mention all the other feelings going through me...the fear, excitement, anxiety, stress and sadness....not sure why....but I know I will figure it out soon enough.

I have started a daily exercise routing that I had before. I am walking about a mile a day...drinking almost a gallon of water a day and it doesn't seem like it's enough I am still thirsty. One day all of this will be under control or gone again. The diabetes is the worst. Watching the diet and making sure my daily water amounts are met. You know if I didn't know any better I would swear I slosh when I walk. :)

In the process of typing this post I have called a second Psychologist in the hopes I might receive a call back soon so I can schedule an appointment. Just a little impatient?....me?.....YES!! :)

Maybe sometime soon. I know I am close to getting to surgery and then the real tough part of things begins! The band is a tool not an easy way out. There is so much more to do with the band than without. I could get onto a soap box here but only if pressed :)

I know what I want, what my goals are....and where I am headed.

What I want...to see my boys graduate high school, college, get married have kids, be a part of my grandchild(ren) lives. If I were to continue down the path I am on....I won't have that opportunity.

My goal is to lose 120 pounds if not a few more and be healthy, be an active participant in life rather than an observer.

Where am I headed? To a new me!

Just the thought makes me smile.

Until next time....

Miss Kasey

As of 05/08/09

As of today....this is where things are at....

I had already completed the nutritionist appointment and psychological evaluation. I have to do them again. The first nutritionist I found only works with one surgeon and won't release my records to the surgeon I have requested nor will she give me a copy....I will deal with that issue later. The psychologist I saw...who was fantastic, did not do a write up of our meetings since I was denied for surgery. He told me when I was ready to let him know and he would send it to the surgeon.

From then until now he had a stroke and is on disability. He can't do anything so I am out of luck. I have to go through the appointments again. These are only minor set backs in regards to the big picture.

My appointments for the nutritionist are scheduled for Wednesday May 13, 2009 and the sooner they get the information to the surgeon the sooner we can schedule surgery. The insurance company already asked for the tentative surgery date. Being that I need to have my gall bladder out and soon....That might expedite paperwork to the surgeon and make things happen a bit faster.

If all works out right I could be having surgery as soon as the first or second week of June 2009. I am keeping my fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed. One day my time will come...hopefully sooner than later. Its a challenge being a 38 year old mom who can't keep up with my 9 and 14 year old boys. I want that time with them being active....

It's a wait and see game....right now I am waiting to see what happens.

Miss Kasey

The Journey began...

My Journey started back in April of 2007.

It's a long story but if you have time keep on reading. I am mainly posting as I feel after hitting all the road blocks I have come across, and I know I am not the only one and they aren't any different from anyone elses.

I started on my journey by attending 3 different WLS seminars to be able to meet different surgeons and see what the requirements were. Before doing that I contacted my insurance company to see if they cover it. They said no but put me through to another department that indicated if I completed all of these things, it could be appealed and they would probably cover it if certain criteria were met. I had the BMI, I had co morbidities all of which the insurance agreed upon.

I went through the process of getting all my medical records together to show my weight history. Then the health reasons as to why WLS would be beneficial, sleep apnea testing, psychological evaluation, nutritionist appointments, eventually the cardiologist based on something the doctor saw. Then they required a 6 month under doctor supervision diet.

After 9 months of waiting and testing they came back and said no.

They were not going to cover the WLS it was not part of the insurance plan and they didn't know why I was being sent over to this other department. So I went up the ladder. The insurance company ended up reimbursing me for the expenses I paid for all of these appointments that I didn't need based on what their people kept telling me.

Needless to say I was devastated.

I had to back away from everything having to do with weight loss but took the information I needed and took the next 2 years and kept researching and practicing good eating habits.

I went through being depressed and frustrated and angry.....

Now, I work for a company that does cover the WLS. I am in the process of only having to go through 2 more appointments to be able to schedule a surgery date as long as the insurance approves everything, which according to the people I am working with should not be an issue.

I am not sure how I am feeling. Scared possibly some due to, could it happen again that I am in the process of changing my life that it could be thwarted all over again. It was bad enough the first time. I know I am much closer than I was the last time.

I am trying to make these feelings go away as this is something I have wanted for my family, and my health for a very long time. I thought it was fear of the surgery...but I am finding that, that is not the case.

I have been staying on course and trying not to deviate from the goal. There is no guarantee of anything and I think at this point I need a guarantee of sorts.

Anyway....onto something a bit more positive! Even given all the challenges this time around included, My first appointment this time was on April 20th. I could be headed for surgery before the end of June if all works out right..

In a way (Since I have a hard time asking for help) I am reaching out...for some positive thoughts and kind words. I know I am doing what's right for me...I think I am looking for reassurance.
Miss Kasey