wondering1

I have Aetna also. That 2009 weight is NOT going to hurt you. Have you been submitted for approval?

Hi Everyone, thanks for your comments. Pete, good for you that you carry your weight so well. I wish I did. My hubby sat next to me and I definitely encroached on him Gemintherough- I didn't need the extension so it's really doubtful you will need it at 260. SleeveGirl-I'm hoping not to be this big the next time I fly but I will think about what you said. And Nraeh- sorry you went through that. And thank you guys for the support!

Thank you both for your replies. On the plane now. Boarded with no problems but I still asked for a seatbelt extender as soon as I boarded just to avoid being embarrassed.

Yes! I obsess about this all the time. I actually stay home more often now then ever before because I can't wait for people to see the NEW me. Not the same old fat ass me. Isn't that stupid? Surgery still 3 weeks away.

Thank u for sharing! I really enjoyed reading your story. Congratulations on your success. You've really done great job with this tool.

I'm actually afraid of this too. I dont have a lot that I love about myself physically but my hair is one of the things that I always get complimented on. I was hoping it wasn't going o fall out. Sounds like you did and are doing all you could to prevent it. I guess it's just something we'll all have to go through. Think of it this way: Your hair will come back but your weight won't! Now that's worth it. Hang in there!

I am having my sleeve done August 9th and I'm very excited!

We're leaving town tomorrow to take a short vacation. Flying Southwest. This may sound crazy but I'm not afraid of flying as much as I am afraid of being embarrassed at the airport. I've seen so much lately about Southwest humiliating obese passengers. Yes, I am obese, I am 5'5 and weigh 272lbs. My husband and daughter are going on vacation too and they are average weight. My plan is for us to sit in all 3 seats that are together and my "spill over" will be on them, not a stranger. But I'm still worried about being embarrassed. Can anyone relate? How would you handle it if an agent approached you? What should I do? Thanks for any advice. And no, I don't have the money to buy a 4th seat.

Ok ya'll. Who is getting sleeved this month? Lets keep a running list so we can all check on each other in September, and all the days closely following surgery. I'm sooo excited (and kinda scared) but my date is pretty far away. Who's close???

Bryn, Sending lots of love, hugs and prayer your way. Can't wait to talk to you again once you've been sleeved. Let me know every single detail. Leave nothing out! I'm so excited for you.

Glad to hear it! Congratulations!

I've heard that there are people on this board who had this surgery years ago but I never see any if their posts. Are you still out there and doing great???

I'm all set to be sleeved on 8/9. I've been reading articles non stop on this procedure. CBS news reports in 2004 that many people are dead 5 years from their surgery date. Of course the cause of death is never listed as complications from WLS but usually cardiac arrest. The article says this is directly related to complications such as malnutrition, leaks, infections developing late, etc. I really want to have this surgery but I don't want to live just another 5 years. I want another 40! So tell me, those of you that are post-op, am I being silly worrying about this?

Praying for your quick and wonderful recovery!

Escape Pod-so otherwise how did it go and how are you doing? Samantha-thanks for sharing your experiences

Please update us on how you're doing. I'm praying for you.

Yup. You have to do the supervised diet thing. It's really not that bad and will be over before you know it. If you have Blue Cross, it will be 6 months. If you have Aetna, it will be 12 weeks. And ask if you have to lose a certain amount of weight on this program. Many times you don't but there are occasions where it's required. Congratulations on your decision and good luck!

I have Aetna and they require a 12 week supervised diet. It is the easiest thing to do. They also want some documentation of your highest weight for the last two years and your other documented attempts at weight loss (Weight Watchers, going through your doctor, Adkins, Slim Fast, whatever. The 12 weeks isn't really that long when you consider Blue Cross asks for 6 months. Good Luck!

Hey!!!! Congratulations!!! I'm really excited for you.

Thanks for the great replies. I have my second study tonight and I'm supposed to sleep with the mask on all night. Not to mention the billions of other wires that keep you tethered to the bed. I'm still pretty pissed off about having to do this again. I hate spending the night away from my family. I know I'll get over it though. And if I get better sleep I GUESS I'll be alright:). Hope I'm not too bitchy tonight. Does anyone know how much these CPAP machines cost? I may have to pay 20% of it. Escape Pod - sending prayers your way for tomorrow! I know you'll do great!

Nancy, Where do you teach that you have to go back August 1st?

Thanks everyone. I needed to calm down. And you guys are right, there's a better chance of me getting approved if I do have it. So I'll JUMP.

So I went for my last pulmonology appointment today to get my clearance for surgery. All of the sudden I have "sleep apnea". I'm so pissed off. I actually wonder if Sleep Apnea is overdiagnised. I feel like WLS surgery is big business and all of these specialists just want their cut of the money. I don't know any other people who had to have 4 pulmonary and 4 cardiology appointments. And no, all these appointments are not required by my insurance. And my surgeon only requires the clearances. I feel like all these so called specialists just want to bill my insurance repeatedly. So now I have to have another sleep study tomorrow night wearing a mask. I'm really kinda pissed. Thanks for listening.

Hi Kelly, I haven't had my surgery yet, I'm scheduled for 8/9/11, but I plan on taking 2 weeks off to just be home and lay around recovering. My return to work date is 8/25/11 because that's when school starts. (I'm a teacher). I've seen on this forum where folks go back to work after 10 days and some wait longer than 2 weeks. I guess it depends on your job, how quickly your body recovers, and how much time you can really be off work. Hope this helps.

Hi Genny, Congratulations on your choice and your upcoming surgery date. Mine is scheduled for August 9th. I'm curious, do you already have insurance approval?