Denied by insurance for gastric sleeve today :(

MichkaMeShell

I got the call today. I was denied by my insurance company the coverage for the gastric sleeve. The reason? I've lost too much weight during the 3-moth process in which I had to attend a class once a month that educates you on the lifestyle change you will be embarking on. This was required by my insurance company in order to attain their coverage.

Despite being told by the doctor, nutritionist, and insurance lady that weight-loss BEFORE surgery is preferred and even some-what mandatory, in some cases. And, despite being reassured not once, but three times that it wasn't going to be possible to lose too much weight before surgery, I seemed to have achieved this task.

I did everything I was supposed to. I did what I was told and I started taking charge of my life. Now they're telling me I took too much charge and I no longer have the privilege of their services.

It's bitter-sweet. I mean, who can't be a little proud of losing nearly fifty pounds? At the same time though, I was REALLY looking forward to having another weapon in my arsenal for when my Will Power gun was running low.

I can't say I'm ready to just give up or anything pathetic like that. The thought of launching myself into a downward spiral seems rather annoying and self-mutilating.

Has this happened to anyone else? Can someone share their story with me? I still feel strong....almost like this is a sign I should be doing this on my own....or a sign that surgery might lead to something far worse.

ironanimal

Well, clearly you don't need surgery then.

You're 22 for christs sake. You can achieve anything you want if you put in the work. You don't need shortcuts like that. It's a good thing you were rejected in my opinion. You have the strength to do this without medical intervention.

aaron145

I like your attitude. I not a candidate for gastric sleeve, but I wanted to just say that I can see how what happened is bitter-sweet. I hope to be able to do what you've done to lose the weight. Keep going )

beachlover317

I would be disappointed as well. But good golly! Look what you have already done! Without anything but your determination! What will happen in another three months? How much will you lose? In another three months after that you will be close to your goal weight! That's fantastic! If you can do this on your own and with the support of your friends on MFP, you will be eliminating a major surgery with tons of follow up. You have already begun setting up your life style changes. I say keep going! You can do it!

sailorsiren13

Well i'm sorry you feel that way 50 lbs. in three months is freakin' amazing!!! it's taken me 6 to lose 14 be proud of yourself and keep up this journey you will not be disappointed!

byrnet18

Well, clearly you don't need surgery then.

You're 22 for christs sake. You can achieve anything you want if you put in the work. You don't need shortcuts like that. It's a good thing you were rejected in my opinion. You have the strength to do this without medical intervention.

This exactly. Those surgeries do not come without risk. Obviously you are strong enough to do what it takes to get the results you seek. Just work hard and in no time you'll be a happy, sexy, healthy you.

Christine1110

I'm so sorry you got denied, but You can do this! You have lost 48 pounds, so you can do it!! You will really feel good when you have done it on your own : )

Good luck on your new journey!

bjfmade

Take it as a blessing in disguise. You have proven to yourself that you CAN do this, so continue to do it and it will be so worth the work! You will appreciate the journey more and not take anything for granted. Keep it up, you can do it yourself! Everything happens for a reason....

jzaz903

I would be disappointed too... But as you said, it's really a bittersweet thing. Sad that you can't get the help, but good that you know now you can do this without it.
You CAN do this. It won't be easy, but you'll have even more to be proud of when you finally get to your goal weight- that you'll know that you did it for yourself, by yourself, without surgical help. I'm proud of you already.

lmcadam2

I can imagine like you said that's bitter-sweet but it seems like you have learned what you need to do! It's great that you don't seem too discouraged! Just stick to it and you will be where you want to be sooner than later! And you will know that you did it 100% on your own and that is always a great feeling!

marathon64

I understand your frustration but look at this as a HUGE opportunity!! You can DO THIS and without any of the medical risks and complications you might experience from a surgical procedure. While the sleeve is a tool I think that your BEST and MOST ENDURING opportunity to be fit and healthy is to keep up what you are doing regarding healthy diet and lifestyle changes. I am so excited for you about this journey you have begun and I hope and believe you will look back on this as one of those "mistakes" that turned into a huge opportunity. CONGRATS!

BrettPGH

I still feel strong....almost like this is a sign I should be doing this on my own....

This is the only voice you need to listen to. Say it. Loud.

usmcmp

It looks like you are approaching the half way point in your weight loss. Congratulations on all you've done so far. It really is a sign that you can do it on your own.

jdragione

Those surgeries involve a lot of risk. If you lost that much with simple lifestyle changes why not continue them and do this naturally? When you are as young as you are the weight will melt off if you keep up with it.

jhardenbergh

Very bitter sweet, but great job keep up the good work. You don't need the gastric. It's pretty tough from what I hear. I lost all my weight in a little more than a year without gastric and am happy I didn't go that route. Just stay focused and keep tracking.

emnk5308

Take it as a blessing in disguise.. Who knows something might have gone wrong with your surgery =( Keep working hard You'll make it!!

amandammmq

I still feel strong....almost like this is a sign I should be doing this on my own....

This is the only voice you need to listen to. Say it. Loud.

I agree.

I took a peek at your profile and pics... you are a lovely, vibrant young woman with an amazing future ahead of you. You have taken a big step to take charge of an aspect of your life that will undoubtedly bring you a lot of happiness - you will be healthy, happy, strong, and you will be able to maintain your success. You can do it!

EBFNP

Honestly, I am happy you were denied. Not because I am being rude, but if you can lose the weight with lifestyle change, why have surgery?Too many people actually get approved for those things and never stepped foot in a gym or changed their eating habits. I wish more insurance companies would crack down on weight loss surgery.

irefusetoquit

Well, clearly you don't need surgery then.

You're 22 for christs sake. You can achieve anything you want if you put in the work. You don't need shortcuts like that. It's a good thing you were rejected in my opinion. You have the strength to do this without medical intervention.

This exactly. Those surgeries do not come without risk. Obviously you are strong enough to do what it takes to get the results you seek. Just work hard and in no time you'll be a happy, sexy, healthy you.

Absolutely! Look, you've come this far without the surgery, what ELSE can you achieve? Don't stop now, keep on going! People here at MFP will be there to help and motivate you. Don't give up!!
You can do this!!!

suziecue66

I got the call today. I was denied by my insurance company the coverage for the gastric sleeve. The reason? I've lost too much weight during the 3-moth process in which I had to attend a class once a month that educates you on the lifestyle change you will be embarking on. This was required by my insurance company in order to attain their coverage.

Despite being told by the doctor, nutritionist, and insurance lady that weight-loss BEFORE surgery is preferred and even some-what mandatory, in some cases. And, despite being reassured not once, but three times that it wasn't going to be possible to lose too much weight before surgery, I seemed to have achieved this task.

I did everything I was supposed to. I did what I was told and I started taking charge of my life. Now they're telling me I took too much charge and I no longer have the privilege of their services.

It's bitter-sweet. I mean, who can't be a little proud of losing nearly fifty pounds? At the same time though, I was REALLY looking forward to having another weapon in my arsenal for when my Will Power gun was running low.

I can't say I'm ready to just give up or anything pathetic like that. The thought of launching myself into a downward spiral seems rather annoying and self-mutilating.

Has this happened to anyone else? Can someone share their story with me? I still feel strong....almost like this is a sign I should be doing this on my own....or a sign that surgery might lead to something far worse.

You just proved that you can lose weight and a bucket load in 3 months so never needed the surgery in the first place. Just keep doing what you've been doing.

shari227

If I were you I would take this as a blessing in disguise. You can do this without surgery!!!! Hell, we can all do this without surgery! Congratulations, this could be the best thing to ever happen to you!