Re: Could really use some reassuring words here ...

[Guest guest]

Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

Meli

-43lb

Dr Hess

6/21

> > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > suggest I contact ?

>

> Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes on

> many patients that others won't touch.

>

>

> Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

>

[Guest guest]

Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

Meli

-43lb

Dr Hess

6/21

> > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > suggest I contact ?

>

> Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes on

> many patients that others won't touch.

>

>

> Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

>

[Guest guest]

Meli,

I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I thought

had done it, because I

couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west coast

.... go figure !

I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get things

going. Now all I have to look

forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle I'm

sure will ensue ... but I'm

ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet) and

internist's recommendation

(my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

recommendation, and another

I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna has

waived the exclusion clause for

others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see how they

can deny me. I've already

contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the minute they

deny, if they even

do.

I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

Bye, Meli,

Donna

lionrampart1@y

ahoo.com To: duodenalswitch

cc:

08/17/01 09:09 Subject: Re: Could

really use some reassuring

PM words here ...

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

Meli

-43lb

Dr Hess

6/21

> > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > suggest I contact ?

>

> Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes on

> many patients that others won't touch.

>

>

> Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

>

[Guest guest]

Meli,

I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I thought

had done it, because I

couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west coast

.... go figure !

I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get things

going. Now all I have to look

forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle I'm

sure will ensue ... but I'm

ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet) and

internist's recommendation

(my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

recommendation, and another

I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna has

waived the exclusion clause for

others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see how they

can deny me. I've already

contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the minute they

deny, if they even

do.

I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

Bye, Meli,

Donna

lionrampart1@y

ahoo.com To: duodenalswitch

cc:

08/17/01 09:09 Subject: Re: Could

really use some reassuring

PM words here ...

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

Meli

-43lb

Dr Hess

6/21

> > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > suggest I contact ?

>

> Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes on

> many patients that others won't touch.

>

>

> Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------

--

>

[Guest guest]

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle I'm

Why are you sure there will be a problem with Cigna? Does Cigna often

stonewall? I have Cigna PPO, and they keep telling me that bariatric s

urgery is covered if it's " medically necessary. "

alyssa

[Guest guest]

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle I'm

Why are you sure there will be a problem with Cigna? Does Cigna often

stonewall? I have Cigna PPO, and they keep telling me that bariatric s

urgery is covered if it's " medically necessary. "

alyssa

[Guest guest]

- I'll be right here beside ya if you need me Meli

-- In duodenalswitch@y..., " Donna Joostema " <joostema@u...> wrote:

> Meli,

>

> I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I

thought

> had done it, because I

> couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west

coast

> ... go figure !

>

> I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get

things

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna

battle I'm

> sure will ensue ... but I'm

> ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet)

and

> internist's recommendation

> (my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

> recommendation, and another

> I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna

has

> waived the exclusion clause for

> others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see

how they

> can deny me. I've already

> contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the

minute they

> deny, if they even

> do.

>

> I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

>

> Bye, Meli,

> Donna

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

lionrampart1@y

> ahoo.com To:

duodenalswitch@y...

>

cc:

> 08/17/01 09:09 Subject:

Re: Could really use some reassuring

> PM words

here ...

> Please

respond

>

to

>

duodenalswitch

>

>

>

>

>

> Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

> hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

> Meli

> -43lb

> Dr Hess

> 6/21

>

>

>

> > > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > > suggest I contact ?

> >

> > Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes

on

> > many patients that others won't touch.

> >

> >

> > Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> --

> >

[Guest guest]

- I'll be right here beside ya if you need me Meli

-- In duodenalswitch@y..., " Donna Joostema " <joostema@u...> wrote:

> Meli,

>

> I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I

thought

> had done it, because I

> couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west

coast

> ... go figure !

>

> I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get

things

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna

battle I'm

> sure will ensue ... but I'm

> ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet)

and

> internist's recommendation

> (my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

> recommendation, and another

> I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna

has

> waived the exclusion clause for

> others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see

how they

> can deny me. I've already

> contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the

minute they

> deny, if they even

> do.

>

> I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

>

> Bye, Meli,

> Donna

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

lionrampart1@y

> ahoo.com To:

duodenalswitch@y...

>

cc:

> 08/17/01 09:09 Subject:

Re: Could really use some reassuring

> PM words

here ...

> Please

respond

>

to

>

duodenalswitch

>

>

>

>

>

> Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

> hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

> Meli

> -43lb

> Dr Hess

> 6/21

>

>

>

> > > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > > suggest I contact ?

> >

> > Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes

on

> > many patients that others won't touch.

> >

> >

> > Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> --

> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/17/01 8:02:47 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

I actually have a consult with Dr. Hess in October !!!! YEA !!!!!

He doesn't seem to think the sigmoid colectomy will prohibit my

getting the DS !!! I feel very blessed right now.

>>

Wow - that's GREAT Donna! So the consult is just a few months away! Just

contacting the different surgeons to get a 'feel' for how they do things can

do wonders, right?

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228 (again! Yahoo)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/17/01 8:02:47 PM, duodenalswitch writes:

<<

I actually have a consult with Dr. Hess in October !!!! YEA !!!!!

He doesn't seem to think the sigmoid colectomy will prohibit my

getting the DS !!! I feel very blessed right now.

>>

Wow - that's GREAT Donna! So the consult is just a few months away! Just

contacting the different surgeons to get a 'feel' for how they do things can

do wonders, right?

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228 (again! Yahoo)

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for any

invasive

treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how most

people are

getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

it is quite different

from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and even

had the

surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

Bye,

Donna

" Alyssa

" To:

<duodenalswitch >

<alyssaj@minds cc:

pring.com> Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

reassuring words here ...

08/17/01 11:36

PM

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle

I'm

Why are you sure there will be a problem with Cigna? Does Cigna often

stonewall? I have Cigna PPO, and they keep telling me that bariatric s

urgery is covered if it's " medically necessary. "

alyssa

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for any

invasive

treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how most

people are

getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

it is quite different

from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and even

had the

surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

Bye,

Donna

" Alyssa

" To:

<duodenalswitch >

<alyssaj@minds cc:

pring.com> Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

reassuring words here ...

08/17/01 11:36

PM

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna battle

I'm

Why are you sure there will be a problem with Cigna? Does Cigna often

stonewall? I have Cigna PPO, and they keep telling me that bariatric s

urgery is covered if it's " medically necessary. "

alyssa

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Meli !! That is a comfort .... and I'll probably take you up on it

!! )

Bye,

Donna

lionrampart1@y

ahoo.com To: duodenalswitch

cc:

08/18/01 03:36 Subject: Re: Could

really use some reassuring

AM words here ...

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

- I'll be right here beside ya if you need me Meli

-- In duodenalswitch@y..., " Donna Joostema " <joostema@u...> wrote:

> Meli,

>

> I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I

thought

> had done it, because I

> couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west

coast

> ... go figure !

>

> I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get

things

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna

battle I'm

> sure will ensue ... but I'm

> ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet)

and

> internist's recommendation

> (my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

> recommendation, and another

> I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna

has

> waived the exclusion clause for

> others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see

how they

> can deny me. I've already

> contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the

minute they

> deny, if they even

> do.

>

> I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

>

> Bye, Meli,

> Donna

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

lionrampart1@y

> ahoo.com To:

duodenalswitch@y...

>

cc:

> 08/17/01 09:09 Subject:

Re: Could really use some reassuring

> PM words

here ...

> Please

respond

>

to

>

duodenalswitch

>

>

>

>

>

> Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

> hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

> Meli

> -43lb

> Dr Hess

> 6/21

>

>

>

> > > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > > suggest I contact ?

> >

> > Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes

on

> > many patients that others won't touch.

> >

> >

> > Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> --

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Meli !! That is a comfort .... and I'll probably take you up on it

!! )

Bye,

Donna

lionrampart1@y

ahoo.com To: duodenalswitch

cc:

08/18/01 03:36 Subject: Re: Could

really use some reassuring

AM words here ...

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

- I'll be right here beside ya if you need me Meli

-- In duodenalswitch@y..., " Donna Joostema " <joostema@u...> wrote:

> Meli,

>

> I didn't realize Dr. Hess did your surgery !! Don't ask me who I

thought

> had done it, because I

> couldn't say, but I thought it was either done in NY or on the west

coast

> ... go figure !

>

> I'me very happy with this turn of events and can't wait to get

things

> going. Now all I have to look

> forward to (from a negative standpoint) is the inevitable Cigna

battle I'm

> sure will ensue ... but I'm

> ready !! I've got a 5 page typed document (and I'm not done yet)

and

> internist's recommendation

> (my PCP), my podiatrist's recommendation, one local surgeon's

> recommendation, and another

> I'll be getting next week. With all of this, plus the fact Cigna

has

> waived the exclusion clause for

> others in NC to go out of state (I have their names), I don't see

how they

> can deny me. I've already

> contacted Walter Lindstrom in Calif., and he said to call the

minute they

> deny, if they even

> do.

>

> I'm ready ..... I'm soooooo ready ...

>

> Bye, Meli,

> Donna

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

lionrampart1@y

> ahoo.com To:

duodenalswitch@y...

>

cc:

> 08/17/01 09:09 Subject:

Re: Could really use some reassuring

> PM words

here ...

> Please

respond

>

to

>

duodenalswitch

>

>

>

>

>

> Woo Hoo! Donna!!! Hess did my surgery. You're in excellent

> hands. I just knew you'd find a way..

> Meli

> -43lb

> Dr Hess

> 6/21

>

>

>

> > > I am hoping to hear from Dr. Welker and Dr. Hess's offices and

> > > am also going to contact Dr. Elariny. Any others you would

> > > suggest I contact ?

> >

> > Donna, I strongly suggest Dr. Anthone at USC in So Cal. He takes

on

> > many patients that others won't touch.

> >

> >

> > Open DS with Dr. Anthone 7/6/01

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------

--

> --

> >

[Guest guest]

Interesting...When I called Cigna PPO, they said bariatric surgery is

covered if it's " medically necessary " ...of course, whose definition of

medically necessary will they use??

alyssa

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for

any

> invasive

> treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how most

> people are

> getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

> it is quite different

> from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and even

> had the

> surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

[Guest guest]

Interesting...When I called Cigna PPO, they said bariatric surgery is

covered if it's " medically necessary " ...of course, whose definition of

medically necessary will they use??

alyssa

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for

any

> invasive

> treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how most

> people are

> getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

> it is quite different

> from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and even

> had the

> surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

[Guest guest]

,

It really has helped me considerably ... especially since I have the

opinion of

two very reputable surgeons stating my case does not exclude me. I have a

peace of mind now and am so thankful. I feel like I am on the course I was

meant to be on now )

Bye,

Donna

ruisha@...

To: duodenalswitch

08/18/01 10:23 cc:

AM Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

Please respond reassuring words here ...

to

duodenalswitch

In a message dated 8/17/01 8:02:47 PM, duodenalswitch

writes:

<<

I actually have a consult with Dr. Hess in October !!!! YEA !!!!!

He doesn't seem to think the sigmoid colectomy will prohibit my

getting the DS !!! I feel very blessed right now.

>>

Wow - that's GREAT Donna! So the consult is just a few months away! Just

contacting the different surgeons to get a 'feel' for how they do things

can

do wonders, right?

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228 (again! Yahoo)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

,

It really has helped me considerably ... especially since I have the

opinion of

two very reputable surgeons stating my case does not exclude me. I have a

peace of mind now and am so thankful. I feel like I am on the course I was

meant to be on now )

Bye,

Donna

ruisha@...

To: duodenalswitch

08/18/01 10:23 cc:

AM Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

Please respond reassuring words here ...

to

duodenalswitch

In a message dated 8/17/01 8:02:47 PM, duodenalswitch

writes:

<<

I actually have a consult with Dr. Hess in October !!!! YEA !!!!!

He doesn't seem to think the sigmoid colectomy will prohibit my

getting the DS !!! I feel very blessed right now.

>>

Wow - that's GREAT Donna! So the consult is just a few months away! Just

contacting the different surgeons to get a 'feel' for how they do things

can

do wonders, right?

all the best,

lap ds with gallbladder removal

January 25, 2001

six months post-op and still feelin' fabu

pre-op: 307 lbs/bmi 45

now: 228 (again! Yahoo)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Alyssa,

Hi ! I think that Cigna PPO and Cigna HMO are separate, from what I've

been told.

I have a copy of my policy and it clearly has the exclusion (unfortunately

!!). If yours

states that it will allow the surgery provided it is medically necessary,

you should

have no problem pulling together information to substantiate that ... of

course,

along with your doctor's recommendation.

Bye,

Donna

" Alyssa

" To:

<duodenalswitch >

<alyssaj@minds cc:

pring.com> Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

reassuring words here ...

08/18/01 11:49

AM

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Interesting...When I called Cigna PPO, they said bariatric surgery is

covered if it's " medically necessary " ...of course, whose definition of

medically necessary will they use??

alyssa

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for

any

> invasive

> treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how

most

> people are

> getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

> it is quite different

> from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and

even

> had the

> surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

----------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Alyssa,

Hi ! I think that Cigna PPO and Cigna HMO are separate, from what I've

been told.

I have a copy of my policy and it clearly has the exclusion (unfortunately

!!). If yours

states that it will allow the surgery provided it is medically necessary,

you should

have no problem pulling together information to substantiate that ... of

course,

along with your doctor's recommendation.

Bye,

Donna

" Alyssa

" To:

<duodenalswitch >

<alyssaj@minds cc:

pring.com> Subject: Re: Re:

Could really use some

reassuring words here ...

08/18/01 11:49

AM

Please respond

to

duodenalswitch

Interesting...When I called Cigna PPO, they said bariatric surgery is

covered if it's " medically necessary " ...of course, whose definition of

medically necessary will they use??

alyssa

Re: Re: Could really use some reassuring words

here ...

> Hi Alyssa ! I have Cigna (HMO), and they have an exclusion clause for

any

> invasive

> treatment of obesity ... not morbid obesity, mind you, and that's how

most

> people are

> getting it approved is by stating they only use the word obesity and that

> it is quite different

> from 'morbid' obesity. I know of several who have been approved (and

even

> had the

> surgery), so I don't anticipate losing, just a battle to get there )

----------------------------------------------------------------------