donbie

Wow! You look fabulous!

Thank you both for the info on UHC. I guess I'll just try to be patient. Not my best quality, however, I will try. Congratulations Penpen! I hope everything is going well for you!

Had my final diet visit yesterday and then went straight to the surgeon's office. He reviewed my paperwork and then sent me out to his assistant. I asked her when the paperwork should be submitted and when I should call my insurance company to check up on it. I think I hit a nerve. She went into a 5 minute diatribe on how I should under no means contact the insurance company. She stated that in her experience it just slowed up the process and caused problems when the pt called insurance. She was VERY, VERY adamant on this.

She then told me that it was taking on average 4 to 6 weeks to receive approval. So, what are your thoughts/experiences on this? Why would she have such a strong reaction? I have UHC and from reading on here it seems they are decisive and quick. It's got me wondering if the 4 to 6 week time limit is due to the doctor's office's sluggishness on submitting things and she just doesn't want me to discover this or what??! Does anyone know if it will show up on My UHC site once they receive the packet? Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Monday will be my last visit with the nut. I go from there straight to my surgeons office, who will then submit for insurance. Oh my, the butterflies are kicking in. I'm not sure what I'll do if they turn me down. I can't remember the last time I felt THIS strressed... grrrrr. I have UHC, so I hope it doesn't take too long to hear. How did you keep from going crazy during this period? Any advice on how to survive the wait? Oh well, at least my hair is overdue for a color. I'll just hold off so as not to add new greys to a new color job!

I too was told by the nut. that it is six classes not necessarily six calendar months. It's a special program for bariatric surgery, so they've submitted lots. I feel confident with their answer!

She probably is...due to night work I DVR everything, so I'm notorious for fast forwarding through the commercials. I was aware that Valerie Bertinelli had become a spokesperson for Jenny Craig. She's looking phenomenal! Then again, I always thought she was a very pretty woman. Hope she keeps it off. Poor Kirstie Alley...now she should be the poster child for the diet carousel (lose, gain, lose, gain more, round and round). Kirstie could be the queen of my world and I one of her followers..sigh. But, that's soon to end...come on August!!

Isn't Jennifer advertising for WW? I thought I'd seen her in commercials.

Congrats! You look wonderful! I have the same problem with the bad knees (and feet), just curious how much pain relief has the weight loss provided? I'm hoping for tons of relief, but have been told by others not to expect too much...sigh. You're an inspiration to me and my chubby knees! =)

Dear sleeve family!

I am so full of joy and happiness, and wanted to share. Just 7 months ago I could barely walk up the stairs of my own home, and now 7 months later I'm hiking the Grand Canyon...DID I JUST SAY THE GRAND CANYON???? LOL. Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a year ago I would be able to do this with MY torn up knees...GOD IS GOOD!!!!

Here is a picture of me the day after surgery (I was having what in the world did I do moment as you can tell from my expression) at 204.8, and the other picture was taken just this past Tuesday during my hike at the Grand Canyon at 155.

I'm SOOOO happy thanks for listening!!! And as always thanks for your support and love!!! YAHOOOOOOOO!

Let me clarify that he's not an inexperienced surgeon...not at all...just this procedure is new to him. He's done more bypasses/bands than he could count. It's only vsg that's new to him. He said that of the six he's not had any leaks yet. He explained that there can be leaks with bypass or sleeve, but that the sleeve leaks tend to be more serious. I personally know patients of his who have been extremely pleased with his bypasses. Would competent bypasses equate to competent vsg? I mean, with insurances just starting to pay for this procedure...aren't many surgeons going to be kind of in the same boat?

Wow... that's a tough call... You're right that someone has to be the "firsts" but I don't know if I would want to be one of the "firsts" you know???

I don't know how to help you other than telling you what I would do.. and I would find another more experienced surgeon.. If you're pretty set on him as a surgeon, ask him what he does to verify there isn't a leak prior to closing you up during surgery... how long will you be in the hospital for observation since he is a little inexperienced... ask how many issues he has had with the 6 sleeves he has done... what materials does he use to suture off the stomach? (staples/sutures together/tissue mesh).. how big is the bougie that he uses... and then ask him what he does for blood clot prevention...

I had my second visit with my surgeon today. I verified that he DOES in fact perform sleeves. However, he stated that he's only done 6 of them to date. Now, mind you he's had extensive experience with bypass and the lap band. So, my question is would you feel comfortable having him do your procedure? I mean someone's got to be the "firsts", right? Do you think that he'd be even more wary/alert because it's a new procedure to him? Just curious to get others opinions.

Mmmmm...yeah, but no. When you are a celebrity it's the people's interest in your life that keeps you a celebrity. When no one cares anymore they just become, well...me, lol. Seriously though, she wants the attention and it was such a drastic and sudden change, she's getting the attention. I just don't understand why all the subterfuge and misdirection. I mean, pancreatic cancer came from somewhere...all the major news channels reported on it. I think this would be much less of a hot button topic if SHE hadn't created it. Perhaps she's using it to put herself firmly back in the public eye.

Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul has been in the news lately for her rapid weight lost (85 lbs. in a few months). Most folks believed she undergone some type of bariatric surgery. Yet she denies it, see article at http://news.softpedi...ry-189232.shtml.

I’ve been a fan of the Soul Singer since I was a teen. And it’s my opinion that what she does with her life is her business and hers alone.

Please weight in.

Lash

My first thought, upon hearing her interview, was she may not have had bypass, but she definitely had bariatric surgery. I just don't get why she feels the need to stay in the closet about it. It will be nice for all when these interventions are taken for the wonderful medical advance they are and the stigma is removed. I'm the type who tells everyone and can care less what the naysayers have to say. Once I arm myself with the facts and make up my mind to do something it's a done deal. So, it's hard for me to understand the people who want to hide it. I respect their wishes, just don't understand it.

On a side note, there was speculation that Jennifer Hudson went that route too. Jen's story was a little more believable to me than Aretha's. Although, others are not as convinced.... http://www.bittenandbound.com/2010/04/01/jennifer-hudson-weight-loss-before-and-after-photos-video/

Congrats! I'm so happy for you!

I thought it might be due to a medical problem, but then....in an interview with E! she said that her doctor told her she would "lose a ton of weight and feel 15 years younger". I'm no doctor....but, I can't imagine one saying that with any kind of cancer surgery. She went on to say that her cousin had gastric bypass and "turned green, then passed." Aretha adamantly stated she would never do that "bari..ar..at... I don't even know what it's called gastric surgery." Does she protest too much?

Oh wow, I have no idea... she does have cancer too so it could be from that. I didn't even know she'd lost some weight and by the looks, she's lost a LOT!!! I do probably more side with a surgery of some sort.

So, what do you think...sleeve or lap band? She admits it was "A surgery" but, VERY adamantly denies gastric bypass.

You can totally see a difference already. That's awesome, you are off to a fantastic start. You go girl!

Hi tink76! How exciting that your final weigh in is so close. I still have 4 months of classes to go. I wish you lots of luck and look forward to taking this journey with you!

Keep up the good work! I look forward to following your journey, you're off to a great start.

Attended the second managed weight loss meeting today, and now only have four more to go! After the next one I will be halfway there, yay! It was an interesting class. Ended up being more like a group therapy session. After the meeting, I was talking with a couple of ladies and one said to me "you're not THAT large." I didn't think much of it until after I left...but, I did on the ride home. I told my husband I'm a woman without peeps!! I'm too fluffy for the skinny gals and not fluffy enough for the fluffiest ones...sigh. Have you ever had anyone make a similar statement? Did you take it as a compliment or dig? In your mind what size is TOO small for WLS?

I meet the NIH criteria and I've been shopping in the plus size department for years now, so I personally feel it's time. My high blood pressure, bad back, knees and feet tend to agree. All the way home I kept thinking "well, dang how large would you like me to get". It seems every year I find another diet followed by another 20-30 lbs gained post diet. Is it wrong to want to nip it in the bud? Meh! I am, however, getting very excited about the future. Went shopping the other day and found that I have NO desire to buy any more clothes at this size. I found that I was window shopping for what I'd like to wear in the future...man, I can't wait!! =)

Oh my, you go girl!! I hope to someday have as dramatic of before and after pics! You're an inspiration to us all, congrats!!

I'm new here, my name is Bobbie. I am a 45 year old wife and mother of 3 (two are still at home). I'm an ED tech and will be starting clinicals for RN in May (very exciting). After researching ten ways to Sunday, I have decided on the sleeve to get rid of all the extra weight. I've slowly gained weight as I aged, then along came peri-menopause and I crossed over from "healthy" to chubby. Once I quit smoking I packed on from chubby to OMG child we've got to do something about this. I'm at 37-38 bmi depending on how close I am to that once/twice a year period. High blood pressure and osteoarthritis in my knees and feet make me eligible for insurance covered surgery. I have UHC and they will cover everything except my 10.00 dr visit copays. Pretty darn lucky ain't I...and I know that I SHOULD feel it...it's just that every FREAKING time I call the insurance company I get a different answer to the same question..grrrrr. First three calls went like this...Me: Am I required to participate in a six month weight loss program? Them: Noooooooo. The next two calls went like this.....Me: Am I required to participate in a six month weight loss program? Them: Yes OR two programs for three months, one of which can be Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers. Last phone call... Me: May I please have the paper mailed to me that outlines the one for six/two for three month diet program(s)? Them: What two for three? You must do one for six.

I'm pulling my hair out and becoming depressed. After this last call I've decided to take it as fate/God/whatever wants me to have the surgery in SIX months, FINE. So...August it is, I had just hoped to not have anymore fat summers...ah well, I already have the chubster bathing suits! Okay, so really I am not usually this much of a whiner or baby! I'm usually the "class clown" and the glass is half...hey are you going to drink that...can I have it? kind of gal. I'm looking forward to a VSG so that I can get my mojo back, look in mirrors (without wondering who the hell that person is) and be in some pictures with my family (before the kids leave home). As You've probably guessed patience is NOT my forte. I've read and researched so much. My new favorite past time is looking at before and after pictures, LOVE THEM. In fact it's gotten so bad now that as I go through my day and see people I label them in my mind..."she's an after"...."oh, she's definitely a before". I may be going round the bend. Anyhow, I love reading the posts and gleaning information from you all and YES I've seen ALL of your before and afters...way to go!!

Bobbie

I think you may get lucky and get banded prior to the start of your classes so you don't have to be concerned about attending class so soon. Two weeks off from work is what I had and it worked great. I'm sorry to tell you, though, you would not be able to get banded one day and return to class the next... I think you would need at least a few days considering I went through with no complications and was feeling good at about day 4 or so. You don't want to chance rushing back to something and tearing something or being too eager to return to your routine and foul up something.

You didn't mention what insurance you have... I have Aetna and it was about 3 months before final approval. Good luck with the timeline working out for you!

That would be wonderful and the best possible outcome! My insurance is UHC Select HMO. Four days doesn't sound bad at all. I think I could work around that if necessary. I am such a planner and every time I get too tied up in plans God/fate laughs at me and changes them all up. Oh well, you meet a lot of nice people on the side paths, lol.

Congrats on the approval! Did you get your surgery date?

I spoke with someone today at UHC and they said I was approved!!! I have to check back with my clinic tomorrow to schedule a date as their office is closed due to the weather. I am hoping to have my surgery this month. Woohooooo!!!

Today was my first visit with the surgeon AND my first diet class. When I called my insurance to inquire about bariatric surgery I was given a list of requirements to obtain a pre-authorization. They did not mention a six month monitored diet and when I specifically asked I was told "the list says nothing about a six month diet." Soooo....I had hoped that with the visit to the surgeon this could be confimed/denied. The surgeon's nurse told me to go to the diet classes b/c sometimes my insurance requires it and sometimes they don't, lol. She did say they would submit once all the pre-tests were done. That should be by the end of March. I guess I'll find out then if we can get this party started or if it'll take another 4 months...Grrrrrr. I also got word two nights ago that I was accepted to start RN clinicals in May! I sure wish I could get a handle on the timeline for the surgery so, I'd know what to plan for school wise. I plan on taking two weeks off of work, but will not be able to miss any school. The clinicals are going to be part-time, one night a week lecture and one clinical..so I hope I can be banded and return right to class without missing a day. OR best case I don't need the full six months and I get banded BEFORE I even start. Oh my,,,I'm gonna be crazy before this is all over!

Hi, I am a newbie, I have already attended a seminar, seen my surgeon, and am scheduled for the psych eval this week. Luckily, my insurance does not require a diet. They used to require 6 months of medically managed weight loss program before approving surgery. However, they have recently lifted that requirement. I feel I will be approved shortly after the paperwork is sent in. But I am wondering if anyone else is like me. I seem to be on a "Good bye Tour" of all the fast food restaurants that I will never be able to eat in again. I think I am getting it out of my system. But it is similar to a mourning period. I am sad about all the restrictions I will be putting on myself but at the same time very happy that I am taking my future in my hands and making this major change in my life. We are all very brave to do this. I am sure alot of people think that surgery is the 'lazy' way to lose weight. However, as I am learning, there is nothing lazy about this process. Living with the lap band is going to be a major committment and is going to take alot of work to be successful. I was just wondering if what I am feeling now is normal? I am looking forward to ending this "good bye' period and starting on my healthy eating plan for about a month before surgery.

Erink58

I've found myself doing the same thing. I feel confident that when the pre-op diet time comes that I will be ready to discipline myself, but I just wanted to taste some old favorites one last time. The funny part is that I haven't eaten at some of these restaurants in years due to my attempt to lose weight. I see the surgeon on the Feb 14th and once I get my "marching orders" I'll begin my new diet for life!

Yay! Very cool. I have to stay in network so, I know that it will be one of two. Tomorrow will officially start the ball rolling for getting pre-authorization from the insurance company. I'm at the VERY beginning. I typed a novel on this board about where I'm at with it, lol.

Bobbie

I just got great news! The psych Dr just returned my call and my appointment is scheduled for tomorrow