FXDF2008

Do you have a copy of your insurance company's Bariatric policy? If not, get a copy of it and read it very thoroughly. One thing I discovered during my appeal process is that if you use their own language against them they will approve you. Do not go by what someone tells you. I had everyone tell me several different reasons why I had to complete the six month supervised weight loss program despite the fact their policy explicitly stated they covered both revisions and repeat surgeries due to erosion or slippage. I took their paragraph on their rationale for the weight loss program and successfully argued every point. I got my appeal approved when no one else could. You are your own best advocate. You just have to be smarter than they are because honestly, most of them don't know much about Bariatrics or the specifics of their policies. Good luck!

Heading to the hospital! Not too nervous yet. Trying to not over think think. Just do it. See everyone on the other side!

I hear you! I'm trying not to think about it too much!

Finally drifted off about 1:30 but had to get up a couple of times to get rid of all the Water I pounded before midnight. On the way to the hospital now. Good luck all you 10th sleevers!

Congrats on your appeal and good luck with your surgery and recovery!

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello Fellow Sleevers,
I was sleeved on the 7th, and am still in the hospital and I feel amazing already. Since I am still on the liquid diet, I was amazed that I became full after eating 3 spoons of Jello. In all honesty food is not on my mind at all.
I am happy to be in the losers bench!!

I'm havin mines done 10am tommorow I'm so excited but now soooo nervous!!! Arghhhh!!

Y surgery went fine yesterday officially I have been sleeved

My surgery went very well I feel good

January 10th for me. Former band patient. Had it removed due to erosion March 2012. Had to wait six months to heal then go through the insurance process which was a pain! Finally got approved 12/20/2012 and have started my pre-op diet today. I go next week for labs and EKG. Recently had a chest X-ray so don't need that again.
I think I'm more nervous about this surgery than I was with the band since it is more extensive and I don't have a virgin stomach. I have scar tissue from the eroded band and also have another hiatal hernia to repair. (had one repaired when I got my band). I'm used to the change in diet and how to eat do that really doesn't bother me. More worried about the surgery itself and the recovery.
Following others experiences on here really helps!

I haven't had my sleeve surgery yet but I lived with the band for four years and was very successful with it. I learned to live without things like sushi, soda and bread. It was so worth every sacrifice to be able to shop and find things that not only fit but looked fantastic on me. To be able to bend over and tie my shoes. To not buy tops based on how long and blousy they were so they covered my stomach and hips. To feel sexy again (at least with clothes on LOL). To be able to get out of bed in the morning and not hobble in pain from plantar fasciitis, knee pain and hip pain.
I ride a motorcycle. People who ride motorcycles love to go ride to destinations that usually involve food. That's all well and good except when you are ashamed of how you look so you don't go at all. I'd rather deal with being jealous of those who get to eat all they want than to not be able to enjoy life because I'm ashamed of my appearance.
There comes a point in time when you will hopefully realize that there are things in life that are far more important than food.< /p>

I haven't had my sleeve surgery yet but I lived with the band for four years and was very successful with it. I learned to live without things like sushi, soda and bread. It was so worth every sacrifice to be able to shop and find things that not only fit but looked fantastic on me. To be able to bend over and tie my shoes. To not buy tops based on how long and blousy they were so they covered my stomach and hips. To feel sexy again (at least with clothes on LOL). To be able to get out of bed in the morning and not hobble in pain from plantar fasciitis, knee pain and hip pain.
I ride a motorcycle. People who ride motorcycles love to go ride to destinations that usually involve food. That's all well and good except when you are ashamed of how you look so you don't go at all. I'd rather deal with being jealous of those who get to eat all they want than to not be able to enjoy life because I'm ashamed of my appearance.
There comes a point in time when you will hopefully realize that there are things in life that are far more important than food.< /p>

I'm missing food too, although I haven't felt regret yet. My surgery 12/21 and I'm on liquids...which is getting very old. Today I tried some watered down oatmeal and I got through a few spoonfuls and was stuffed.
Once all the dietary restrictions are past and I'm able to eat real food I know I will be fine. I'm looking at my surgery as freedom....freedom from diets, freedom from self loathing..... I intend to eat anything I want ( within reason!) but in much much smaller portions.
Good luck, hang in there. I bet in 6 weeks you will feel so much better about your decision.

Sounds like you are doing great! What a shining example! Hope my surgery goes as smoothly and successfully as yours! Keep up the great work!

Everything is going great..today makes 1 wk post op and I am down 12lbs...started my full liquids...I made some vegetable Soup for my family and the broth from that was fabulous..so far so good

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those who haven't been following my story...............
I was diagnosed with an eroded band in November of 2011 and had it removed in March of 2012. I had to wait for six months before revising to the gastric sleeve as my surgeon wanted to wait for me to heal completely and do medical tests before confirming that I would be a good candidate for the sleeve. I have complete those tests and he was satisfied that I could have the sleeve. We also found that I had developed another hiatal hernia (the first one was repaired when I had my lap band surgery).
My predetermination request for the sleeve surgery was denied. They stated that I needed to complete a six month weight loss program in order for them to consider my request. I asked my surgeon's insurance coordinator to appeal based on the reasoning that this was a repeat surgery for a lap band that had medically failed me and that I shouldn't have to complete the six month medically supervised weight loss program. She filed an appeal but no where in the letter did it address the six month weight loss program so of course they denied me again stating that we still hadn't submitted the records they had requested.
Frustrated beyond belief, I took the initiative to write my own appeal letter. I used language from the BCBS-AL bariatric policy regarding repeat surgeries and their rationale for requiring the six month weight loss program and explained how I had met that rationale just by having a lap band for four years and that my waiting for six months before revising to another surgery was not conducive to improving my health.
I just got off the phone with BCBS-AL and they have approved my surgery!!!!!! I am actually shocked that I succeeded in my appeal. I fully expected them to deny me and had already started the medically supervised six month weight loss program in preparation for that denial (and have lost 10 lbs over a six week period which is nice).
I'm excited, relieved and nervous! I've been through this before so I don't know why but I am. I was very successful with my lap band (losing 94 lbs). I remember how wonderful it felt to be thin and feel good about myself and how I looked and not to be in pain anymore from carrying around all this extra weight (yes I packed the pounds back on after my band was removed). I can't wait to be there again!
Yeah me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!