Sockmonkee38

It took me 3 months to get in to Emory Bariatric for an appointment with the nutritionist, which would be the beginning of my 6 month diet and exercise program. I knew before I went that if I wasn't a BMI of 50 BCBS wouldn't approve the surgery. I purposely gained weight before going over the last 3 months and weighed in at 49.9!!! The account manager that submits the insurance paperwork told me that even if Id been right at 50 they wont approve you unless you lose weight and show you can follow the program for the 6 month requirements, so I wouldn't be approved either way unless BCBS drops the BMI requirement. They only require 40 for Bypass and Band, but I dont want either of those. I left the appointment, after all that time and anticipation, deeply disappointed. Im still going to go through the 6 month process though i hopes that some time in the next 2 years they might change their policy. Im just so upset about the whole thing.

Guess this means no more wine with dinner!

Thanks! Appreciate the info.

Im still in the approval phase, but wondering about the acid after surgery issue. Seems like most, if not all, sleeved people are taking antacids like Prilosec or something 2 times a day. I take it now (once a day) and have for years but I never have any heartburn issues, i guess due to that. I was hoping weight loss would make it so i could stop taking it, but sounds like the surgery causes more acid than normal? Does it ever stop? Does anyone know why the acid occurs? Thanks, Sockmonkee

Hey, Im in the same shoes. Ive been searching for a program for a few months now, and am still getting in the "start" phase of the 6 month qualifying period. I have BCBS Highmark and they wont cover my VSG unless I have a BMI of 50!!!Can you believe that, 50!!!! Ive actually put on 10 lbs in the last month to try to get closer to that number but I really need to be 10 MORE lbs heavier to qualify. Plus I have to go on a diet for 6 months? How will I ever qualify? Ive been doing this crap for 35 years. First diet was at 5 years old. You cant tell me Im NOT qualified!! Im equally frustrated. Hope we BOTH find a solution.

1. To get back on a horse 2. to run 3. to not worry about going to a strange bathroom or conference room for fear of what size the chairs / stalls will be 4. to not have to wear the extremely uncomfortable full body undergarment I wear EVERY DAY to hold the guts in. 5. to wear shorts in public 6. to wear a bathing suit , of any kind, in public 7. to have sex with the lights on...well...maybe at least dim... for the first time 8. to be able to eat in public without feeling like people are staring at me 9. to not be afraid to do things for fear of rejection

Actually Im curious about the pre- and post op high protein / low carb diet in general. Ive tried hundreds of times to stick to that type of eating throughout my life and fail every time. I just cant get past a few days before I feel sick, get frustrated, (and down right pissy) and break down. Im curious as to how, if the sleeve really only works if you can stick to a low carb diet (like Atkins), am I doomed to fail if I get this procedure if i cant stick to a low carb diet forever? I dont mean to say I wouldn't modify what I eat, I just mean does it have to be THAT strict, because truthfully, I just dont think I can do it. If I could, I would be doing it now and not have to have the surgery, right?

Actually Im curious about the pre- and post op high protein / low carb diet in general. Ive tried hundreds of times to stick to that type of eating throughout my life and fail every time. I just cant get past a few days before I feel sick, get frustrated, (and down right pissy) and break down. Im curious as to how, if the sleeve really only works if you can stick to a low carb diet (like Atkins), am I doomed to fail if I get this procedure if i cant stick to a low carb diet forever? I dont mean to say I wouldn't modify what I eat, I just mean does it have to be THAT strict, because truthfully, I just dont think I can do it. If I could, I would be doing it now and not have to have the surgery, right?

ATLGirl, Im curious who your surgeon was? Im just starting out in the approval phase and am going with Dr. Smith at Kennestone Hospital in GA. i saw your name "ATL" and thought you might be located in Atlanta too. If you did use Dr Smith, can you give me some info on how it went? if not, who sis you use for the sleeve? As far as I know hes the only surgeon in the area that does them. SOCKMONKEE38

Thanks. I hesitated to ask the alcohol question as it seems to be a big no-no post surgery, and while Im not a boozer, I do enjoy my social drinking and would hate to give it up forever.

I am still in the approval process so Im a long way off from being pre-op, but I am trying to find out as much information as I can so Im prepared. I know that in the first few months after getting the sleeve you have the liquid then soft food phases, but does it ever go back to really average things, just in small sizes? What about drinking alcohol?