lisahg

Hi Leona,
I cant blame you for skipping the insurance roller coaster ride. My insurance company put me through the paces and then some. I havent been on gastricsleeve.com before but will check it out. I would definitely like to make contact with sleevers from WNY. I dont know of any weight loss surgery support groups in Buffalo because I live too far away to think about attending regulary. But I am sure there must be, due to the fact that there are at least 2 different bariatric surgeon groups just in Buffalo. I have read lots of good things about Dr Alveres. You will be in good hands. If nothing else, going to Mexico would be a great break from the frigid weather in WNY this time of year. Do you have a surgery date yet with him? I head back to Buffalo this Wednesday for my 1 month post-op visit with Dr. Hoffman. I am hoping for a good number on the scale. I really want to be out of the 190s and am holding off on weighing myself until my appointment. Keep me posted on your sleeve journey.

I am sure you'll really enjoy your new bike. I bought a bike last summer before my surgery to increase my exercise activity options. My town has a pretty nice bike path that travels arounds the town and a college campus. Its been fun getting back into biking. It had been 15+ years since I rode a bike. It was comical when I went to a bike store to try a few out, on a bumpy dirt road in back of the store. I was so hoping that saying about "once you learn to ride a bike you never forget" was true. I was pretty woobley and uncoordinated at first. My 2 sons thought watching their 45 year old mom attempt to ride a bike after so many years was waaaay hysterical. The sales guy said "Why do I feel like this is going to end up on Youtube?" Have fun and dont forget your helmet.

Hi All
I am so excited to report that I have been finally approved for the sleeve through Highmark BCBS! I was initially denied in August, appealed and denied again. I then filed an external appeal through an independent review organization and finally found out today that they overturened Highmarks decision. Yay! I did mega research in writing my appeal letters to substantiate my case, but it was worth it. I can wait until tomorrow to call the surgical coordinator to see when I can have a surgery date.
Lisa

I can totally relate to your feelings. My journey even included 3 months of appeals fighting with my insurance compnay before being approved. When I finally got the confirmation that I was approved for the sleeve, I was like "Ok" now what. I thought I would be more excited too but instead felt unsure and had second thoughts, like you. You know that saying "Be careful what you wish for..." I think deep down you know this is what you want, as I did. My rational brain just had to go through all the "What ifs" I left the hospital after surgery with a drain. I thought I would be grossed out or not be able to do the bandage care for it but it wasnt a big deal at all. I did take a little longer to get dressed in the morning. After a week with it I referred to it as my little sidekick lol and it didnt really hurt being removed. Take some of the pain meds or tylenol before its time to have it removed and you'll be fine.

Congratulations!!! I am similiar to you, in being 9 days post op and was happy to find out yesterday at my 1 post-op visit that I had snuck into onederland. I would too do it again in a minute.

After 2 insurance denials, I was finally approved via an external appeal to an independent review organization. I just got my December 26th surgery date this week. I guess my surgeon is super busy because it was either Dec. 26 or wait until Jan. 23rd. I am so excited! It will be a liquid Christmas dinner for me this year, I say yum-yum, bring it on :cheers2: ! I will be sleeved at Buffalo General Hosp. Buffalo, NY by Dr. Aaron Hoffman.

After 2 insurance denials, I was finally approved via an external appeal to an independent review organization. I just got my December 26th surgery date this week. I guess my surgeon is super busy because it was either Dec. 26 or wait until Jan. 23rd. I am so excited! It will be a liquid Christmas dinner for me this year, I say yum-yum, bring it on :cheers2: ! I will be sleeved at Buffalo General Hosp. Buffalo, NY by Dr. Aaron Hoffman.

After 2 insurance denials, I was finally approved via an external appeal to an independent review organization. I just got my December 26th surgery date this week. I guess my surgeon is super busy because it was either Dec. 26 or wait until Jan. 23rd. I am so excited! It will be a liquid Christmas dinner for me this year, I say yum-yum, bring it on :cheers2: ! I will be sleeved at Buffalo General Hosp. Buffalo, NY by Dr. Aaron Hoffman.

Hi All
I am so excited to report that I have been finally approved for the sleeve through Highmark BCBS! I was initially denied in August, appealed and denied again. I then filed an external appeal through an independent review organization and finally found out today that they overturened Highmarks decision. Yay! I did mega research in writing my appeal letters to substantiate my case, but it was worth it. I can wait until tomorrow to call the surgical coordinator to see when I can have a surgery date.
Lisa