Getting Started/Insurance Experiences

[Guest guest]

Dear Anne,

Welcome to the group. My experience with insurance has been the only down

side to this whole process. I was denied originally and then on first and

second appeals. At this point, the Missouri Insurance Commission is filing

a grievance on my behalf (the insurance company didn't even bother to look

at my medical records, they can't seem to cough up the criteria they used to

deny me with, they don't seem to ever receive anything that is mailed or

faxed despite it being certified and me providing them with the name of the

person that signed for it, etc.) I have Premier Insurance. I just decided

I was not going to allow an insurance company to hold me hostage. The only

other person with this same insurance is also getting the run around. She

had her surgery in January and has already lost over 100 pounds. The

slimmer I get the more assertive I plan to be so they're in for trouble now.

I self paid everything and they can reimburse the costs. Some people,

however, get insurance approval in less than a week. I hope someone with

Alden Insurance responds so you'll have a better idea. Even with the

same insurance there have been variations - one approved - one not.

This I know, keep a notebook in chronological order, with every phonecall,

every person, every letter, every conversation. If you have to resort to

legal intervention or go before an inquisition then you'll have all the

details and be well organized.

Speaking of organization, get a file folder (they sell them at Wal-Mart in

the stationary department - the ones that have slots for the months or the

days - it doesn't matter which.)

Break each step down into its own slot. Make a calendar and a date with

yourself to get section whatever done on this date, cross it off your list,

and then say tonight I will finish this piece. It is real easy to get

overwhelmed if you thing of the overall work to be done. Just break it into

smaller pieces and it is not do threatening. Then when you go to Durham,

you can just pack that sucker to carry on and you'll have everything at your

fingertips.

My biggest issue with food so far has been portion control. My stomach

knows the right size - my brain, still forgets, that we're singing out of

different hymnal. No problem with post op meds other than I just hate them.

They go down ok but I just am tired of the taste. I've disguised them in

yogurt and still they are yucky. I figure, small price to pay for the new

me. (Dieting was way harder so I figure I should count my blessings.)

Let me know if you're needing information about anything else.

Tarri in Missouri

MGB 09-29-00

329/300

Gastric Bypass

>

> Hello to All:

>

> I am beginning my 12 steps and I would love to hear from you. I just

> went to clinic this past Tuesday October 24th and met some great people.

>

> Tell me about your experiences with your insurance company. I think

> this is my biggest fear. Does anyone have Alden Insurance?

> I'm having trouble getting organized? Any suggestions how you may have

> gotten started with organizing your packet?

> How did you get along after your surgery? Explain your experiences with

> the post-op meds you have to take? Do you feel like pulling your hair

> out because you have to slow down when it comes to food, liquid or med

> intake?

> Thanks to all for your help?

>

> Anne L.

>

>

>