Revision Waiting Game

Nov 20, 2014

I thought I would be having surgery by now. This waiting game has been a rollercoaster.  I jumped through all the hoops required by BCBS Federal to get my revision (Psyche eval, 4 nutritionist visits) and my paperwork was submitted last month for approval.  The determination board said they wanted my old medical records from my lapband surgeon in order to determine compliance.  Its my fault that I didn't know my new bariatric doctor did NOT have them, as I assumed when I transferred to his care.  My lapband doctor retired in June 2013 and the only way to contact him was to send 75$ to a P.O.box to get my medical records.   I messaged him on his Facebook page and the VERY next day, his page was GONE.  Sooo...I mailed off the records request with a money order (didnt want him to make me wait for my check to clear). I also sent it via certified mail so I could get a return receipt.  I even got updated text messages from USPS telling me when it arrived in his P.O.Box on Nov 12.  There it sat until he signed for it on Nov 18. I got the records yesterday on Nov 20th!   

It was interesting seeing records of all my visits to him, including the initial psyche evaluation. "She was neatly and appropriately groomed and dressed. No abnormal movements were noted. Her mood was euthymic and her affect was animated. Her speech was logical and coherent. Her thought processes were goal directed and there was no history of delusional thinking or hallucinations. Further, there was no history of or evidence of suicidal and/or homicidal ideation. She was oriented in all spheres and her memory was intact. Her intelligence was deemed to be above average and her insight and judgement were intact"    LOL...Im glad he didnt write I was crazy to choose a lapband.

As I've said before, I'm thankful for the lapband but I do regret not getting a sleeve back then. I just now made a copy of these records so I can hand deliever a copy to Dr.Turnquest in the morning after my dental appointment.  They will fax them to the BCBS determination dept and HOPEFULLY the next call I get from Dr.Turnquest will be the one telling me I got a surgery date.   They've told me that they were sure they can get my revision before Christmas.  Its important that I get it done before January 1st because , of course, thats when my deductibles begin anew.  Because of all my husbands medical bills, we met our out of pocket costs back in June so I have ZERO copayments until then.

I hope this is the last hurdle. I really do.  It's scary to see this weight creeping back despite my best efforts.  My band is loose but I STILL get stuck on random foods.  I wake up with my stomach growling but get stuck if I eat too early in the morning. Protein shakes just don't satisfy all the time.  I want NORMAL...not this lapband HELL anymore. Enough is enough is enough.  

If anyone is reading this, please say a prayer for me...or think positive thoughts my way that I get a surgery date in December.....

0 Comments