Officially Denied!

Okay, well, I went ahead and sent a preauthorization to my health insurance a few weeks ago and today- well yesterday, didn't check the mail, I got an official denial letter from my insurance company. Even though it'd ultimately save my insurance company in the long run to pay for the surgery, that doesn't seem to be the priority. They told me I could go ahead through the procedure and then file for reimbursement and then once that's denied I can go through the appeals process, so I'm going to do that in hopes of getting a little bit of money back, but I won't hold my breath.

Tomorrow I go back to SA to work out some things. i'm trying to cut back on my eating now- but I think I ate a small country out of their rations so I need to work a little harder! Anyway- moving forward and trying to think ahead.

Cat

10/25/06

Well- so far I've done horrible with keeping up with my blog. I'm gonna have to do better than just once a week posts. I told another friend today about my decision about the surgery and she was really supportive. I'm lucky to have such good friends.

Had a slight set back yesterday- realized that my mom's house- that I'm trying to get a home equity loan on is actually still in my late father's name as well as my mother's- so we can't get a home loan against it since it's technically not in my name or my mother's completely- So now I'm doing research on probate and what needs to be done.

I've heard different options, but ultimately, my mother is going to want to be able to sell her home in about 10 years, so eventually, whether we elect to do it today or 5 years down the way, we're going to have to go through probate. So instead of putting a band-aid on the wound- I'm thinking we should just cut the arm off and start fresh! (my analogies are so bad sometimes.)

Moving forward with the process, I went and saw my sleep doctor today. Dr. Ganta, that’s my surgeon I’ve chosen to do my surgery, wanted me to get with my sleep doctor since it’s been over almost 2 years since I had my sleep study done. Anyway, we need to just make sure I’m good in that area. I sorta feel like Elvis- I’m gonna have to get some things retested, but I’m going to be taking medication to help me stay asleep- and then medication to wake me up. Weird. But anyway, that’s what I’m gonna have to do for a bit, until they receive results of my sleep patterns from my machine.

Well- I’m gonna try to do better- so hopefully I’ll be posting again soon.

Cat

10/19/2006

Went to San Antonio to complete more paper work regarding the Home Equity Loan- since I have to pay for surgery outright, my doctor suggested the best way was to get the loan through a home equity, which was really smart. I got this excellent rate and I'm really excited. I hope to pay it off in 5 years- which is awesome.

Apparently I have to wait another 3 weeks, but then should have a full check in my hand! Like I've said, I've already scheduled the date- I think I'm so excited and so ready I want to actually move it up! but I want to remain realistic and stay the course. I'm an impulse shopper so I gotta remain cool!

10/14/2006

huge day!

today is the day that we went to get our home equity loan for the surgery. My insurance doesn't cover the cost of the surgery, so we have to pay our of pocket. The estimated cost of the surgery is anywhere between 20K and up more near 30K.

My mom, being the supportive little woman she is, agreed to the loan and we filled out the paper work. We found out after an hour that the preliminary approval was in. We have to call again on Monday to work out some details, but at this time, it's a full go and I'm so excited and nervous.

now we have to choose a hospital. There are 2 in Austin that perform the surgery, one is about 6K cheaper than the other. I was already to move forward with the cheaper of the 2, but my better half is not as convinced. So over the course of the next few days, we'll be doing research and seeing which hospital is the better choice.

Dancing Queen

What's going on

10-13-06
Well, it's only the first day of my new blog, but I feel totally compelled to write about my feelings, so what the hell, might as well- it's my blog.

Today I decided to share the news with some of my dearest friends, Carrie and Jaydub. I got really emotional, and they were great. I'm sure they weren't sure what to make of my crying in their kitchen, but I know they love me- regardless if I weigh 400 lbs or 200 or 135.

today's that dreaded Friday the 13th. Didn't really make that much of impact on me today. I just woke up feeling crappy and have spent the whole day fighting allergies I think. I'm hoping that I'm able to blog regularly, we'll see.

Cat

More pics

So these are a few more pics I found that I gave to my doctor on Wednesday- Seeing these each day is going to help me move forward and make me stronger.

Catte

It's me! This picture was actually taken during December 05- so it's almost a year old, but this is me pretty heavy. I think I'm little heavier right now. But this is the first picture I found after making the decision two days ago to have move forward with making the biggest change of my life.

Picture #1