Sleevie WonderLand

Hah you doowin? *Wendy Williams Voice* I've only started this WLS research process since last month. In that time I've scheduled myself to attend a truck load of Info Sessions, but only attended one last week at NYU. I'm scheduled to attend a session at Lenox Hill Hospital tonight, but after reading some not so nice reviews on the hospital and one of the surgeons, I think I'm gonna stay with the NYU team. I'm scheduled to visit Dr. Stiles who is a PCP there on Friday. I originally started with the intent of getting banded, and quickly learned about the other WLS out there. I was really interested in plication, but since it's not readily covered by insurance, the sleeve is definitely the option for me. I have become OBSESSED with WLS in the past couple of weeks; I think I've watched at least 20 to 30 YouTube vids concerning the sleeve and the people who've had good and bad experiences. I'm also finding that time seems to be slowing down all of a sudden, seems like my appointment on Friday will never get here, and my appointment with the surgeon and nutritionist that are scheduled for 6/22 seems like eons away. I'm really concerned because my BMI isnt quite at the 40 mark (38.3). I've been trying to gain weight to increase my number just so there's no issue with me getting approved. I have no co-morbidities as of now, maybe the sleep apnea test will show that I'm in need of this surgery. I'm also concerned about out-of-pocket costs. Trying to anticipate what will not be covered by my insurance Empire BC/BS. So far it seems as though they're pretty easy to deal with, I cant wait to speak with the Finance Coordinator at NYU to figure out what my damage can/will be. *deep sigh* I was hoping that writing a little something in this blog would kill some time, but no, Grandfather time is still just moseying along. smh I just read this whole thing back and laughed at the part that said "I've been trying to GAIN weight". Irony is such a comedian. Anyhoo, if you're from NY and or you have Empire BC/BS and/or you just wanna share your experience with me, I'd greatly appreciate it. I cant find many reviews on the stay at the NYU Langone Center, so I'd like to hear it first hand from someone who's had theirs done there with those surgeons. Is it just me or is this site a little hard to navigate at first? Do I have to put up one of those ticker things or will I be looked down upon? Why isnt there a group for NYers? We are the most awesomest city ever...smh *deep sigh again* toodles.

I dont have a date yet, I really just started the process with Lawrence about 3 weeks ago. I did my sleep study last night, and the tech gave me a thumbs up, meaning I should be diagnosed with apnea which should get me approved for surgery. I was worried because my BMI isnt quite at 40 and I dont have any co-morbs under my belt, so I was really counting on this apnea thing to come through. I've been trying to gain weight to up my BMI but that wasnt working out too well either...I would have to gain about 20 lbs to get it up to 40. Hopefully I'll be hearing back from Jane soon, I'd like to schedule my surgery for the beginning of September since I'll be on vacation from work.

I originally started this Quest by attending an info session at NYU Langone Medical Center in the city. I've since changed my plan and am now hoping to have my surgery done by Dr. Aaron Roth OR Dr. Miguel Silva (still deciding, dont judge me). They both are affiliated with Columbia Presbyterian's Advanced Center for Surgery and they work out of Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, NY which is conveniently close to home for me. Empire BC/BS is my insurance company, I'm praying that things go smoothly with them and the approval process.

Girl, it sounds like your Mama is doing her own thing. Maybe she's not the person you need to help support you right now through this. Have a serious talk with your husband, I'm sure he wouldnt be cool with some random dudes being around his baby. You and your mama need to talk too. But wait until after your surgery, stress can hinder your healing and we dont want that.

Are you saying that there have been deaths reported recently related to the TJ/Mexicali weight loss surgery centers? I was inquiring with Aceves at one point, but I just cant afford any out of pocket fees for anything at this time.

Are you saying that there have been deaths reported recently related to the TJ/Mexicali weight loss surgery centers? I was inquiring with Aceves at one point, but I just cant afford any out of pocket fees for anything at this time.

Hey MThompson! Welcome to the group, but most importantly, congrats on your sleeve! It seems alot of us are using the same hospital/surgeons. We can def compare notes...We'll be definitely asking lots of questions from those of you who are already sleeved. I'm still trying to get to where you are, keep your fingers crossed for me!

OMG Hanir! It's going to be great having someone to share notes with!

OMG Hanir! It's going to be great having someone to share notes with!

I'm familiar with that area - I work at Yeshiva! Welcome to the group!

According to "the experts" my ideal weight is in the 140s. I'm a little on the tall side, so I'm concerned about looking like a string bean if I actually get down to that weight. MY ideal weight would be somewhere in the 160s. How are you determining your goal weight?

I guess your approach makes sense. I cant remember when I weighed 140 pounds. I probably was in the 4th or 5th grade then. smh

What's the name of the blog/website? I'm very curious to know...

*in my Drag Queen voice* You betta work hunny! You look fabulous!

Dr. Silva is definitely a veteran in the game and has several VSGs under his belt. I talked to Jane and told her that I was leaning toward Silva because of his experience, but she assured me that Dr. Roth is really good at what he does and that I would be in good hands with him.

That's a good one!