aldmb2

Haha, Did you have the band? And surgery in Mexico?

I hope this isnt rude. But, how much does it cost to have done in Mexico? If you dont want to answer that is fine.

Based on my current policy (highmark bcbs) it doesn't look like I'm going to get approved. They require the BMI of 50. I have a 46. I have no comorbidity. I am healthy with the exception of obesity, which is not enough for them. I have hit a wall. I am lost and don't know where to turn. I have fought for 6 months for this, and I'm afraid I have no more fight left in me. I will write my one appeal letter then walk away. Would you have the band? Or buy the next plane ticket to Mexico?

I have highmark blue shield. They said I was denied because I have a BMI less than 50. Thats all I got. The denial letter is in the mail & apparently no one there has the power to fax me a copy. And, yes I was approved for Bypass or Band. Not the sleeve.

Yes 50!! they want me to weigh over 300lbs before they approve it. I'm awaiting my denial letter to get my appeal ready for them. I was initially going to get the band, but after speaking with my surgeon & doing more research I decided the sleeve was the way to go. I believe somewhere along the lines my Dr. office failed to investigate my approval for the sleeve. They failed to check. They dropped the ball.

Thanks for all the encouraging words. I have one minor issue also. I dont really have any medical conditions. I dont have diabetes, or HBP. Nothing. I'm just an overweight 29yr old. I'm having a hard time pleading my case

Yesterday! 2 days before I was scheduled to go in. I'm so frustrated.

I hope it all works out & I'm not giving up even though I want too. Tasherie that letter is phemoninal. Would you mind if I used some of it? @ Bella, it sucks having to do this. Have you appealed? And do you have a pre-op diet? I'm hoping my Surgeons word will help, if not I will be pleading my case to the "board", which is basically one person. Im also on month 7

I'm hoping that my Surgeons call will make the difference. Tasherie, did your Dr. call at all?

Well, I was scheduled to have my sleeve done tomorrow 2/29/12. Or so I thought. What was actually given to me was a 'tentative date'. Turns out my insurance has denied me. After I spent 2 weeks on a liquid diet, prepared my self mentally, got my family on board, and filled out the FMLA for work I found out I don’t 'meet the criteria'. Apparently I have to have a BMI of 50 or more. Mind you I went through 6 months of hell & even lost 15lbs in the process. Now to be told I'm not eligible. My heart is broken. Insurance said I can have gastric bypass (no thanks) or the band (Not sure). My only hope now is my surgeon. He is going to call the insurance to try at persuade them into letting me have the sleeve. So, now more waiting (Surgeon cannot call till Thursday). So much for my leap day sleeve. New 'tentative date' is 03/14/12. I just hope I can have the sleeve. I could really use some good vibes from everyone. thanks! p.s. My Surgeons office definitely dropped the ball somewhere for letting me go on for 6 months thinking I was getting this. Then, 2 weeks of liquid for no damn reason.

I think this was directed at me but I had missed it! My date is this coming Wednesday, the 29th ! I hope everything works out for you. My insurance made me do the 6 month program before approval & they took almost 3 weeks to approve it. They dont make it easy for a reason! Best of luck

haha, I should have been more specific. 4 protein shakes a day, 1/2 cups of broth, jello, 6 oz of greek yogurt (no fruit chunks), pudding (sf), and tomato juice(which I hate). But, no solid foods. The greek yogurt is by far my best friend.

I am not allowed any food. My surgeon said if I eat he wont preform the surgery. And, Its not terrible. I find if I keep drinking water constantly that really helps. Its easier at work because I have structure there but when I get home it gets tough. I make my Husband eat & cook for my daughter and I usually go upstairs to clean ( my bathroom is spotless!). Everyday it gets easier. My surgery is in 4 days! Nervousness & Excitement has set in.

Wow!! I'm curently in a 24 & I think the last time I wore a 16 I was in high school! I love reading success stories! It really gives me so much hope! Congrats!

I recently joined the site (too late Im afraid) I wish I had found it 6months ago when this all started. It really does have a wealth of knowledge, but since Im so close to my surgery date I'm staying away from the negative posts. Everyone is different. BEST OF LUCK GIRLS.

I also started on Tuesday. I attempted to start 2 weeks out and I had some rough spots but as of today I feel great. Jello doesn’t really agree with my for some reason. I’m just worried Im doing it right. 4 shakes a day, some Greek yogurt & chicken broth is my main diet at this point. Ive lost 5lbs. And I recommend the Wegmans whey Protein if you have one in you area. I think it tastes better than most I have tried. The shakes are starting to get nasty on me too, that’s why I switched the brand. It helped a lot. I knew when I stole a bite of my 17 month olds Soup that I have an issue, so I have really been sticking with it!!! Best of luck everyone. My Day is the 29th (Leap Sleeve!)

I am also worried about pills. I was on an extended release medication & I cannot take them once I get my sleeve. So I have to take 2 in the am and 2 in the pm. I wasn't sure how to take them!

Me too. I guess we wouldnt be normal if we didnt. And I see it as good luck we are having it on a day that only comes once every 4 years! I'm also having mine locally. Do you have any pre-op diet. I officially hate mine!

Thanks!!! BrandyMarie looks like we'll be doing this one together!

Hello, Im looking for a buddy who has the same sleeve date as me (or near me)! 02/29/2012. Leap Day!! I suppose I get to Celebrate my surgery once every 4 years then?

I am so glad you asked this!! I am constantly wondering "what are foamies & slimes? And what crevice do they come from"

Well, I only have 6 more days left until I get sleeved. I think I’m still in denial a little about what I’m doing. I’m following my pre-op diet (and it isn’t easy), and I have support from everyone I know. I had to battle for 6 months before my insurance approved the surgery. I think my nerves are getting the best of me. I'm not worried about complications from surgery, or the pain. I know that everything passes. I’m afraid of failure. I have failed so many times. I have given up. I know this is not a miracle surgery & it’s not going to fix my problems. Only I can do that. I’m hoping that this is what I need to successfully help me. I’m writing this for myself. I have dealt with depression for 10 years. I have been medicated for 10 years. After I had my daughter I suffered from postpartum depression. And, it still lingers. I’m scared that it will get worse. I don’t want to be medicated. I want to be healthy. I just don’t want to give up. Just needed to put this on cyber land.

Thanks for your kind words. I'm trying the best I can.

Well, I started my pre-op diet about 2 days ago, and I want to give up. I feel like Im starving myself. Diet consists of: 4 Protein Shakes (Breakfest, Lunch, Dinner, Snack) 6oz greek yogurt 1/2 cup tomatoe juice ( which I dont like) 1/2 cup farina ( have yet to try) 1/2 sugar free pudding. Maybe Im just being a baby, but I dont know if I can do this for 2 weeks. Ive already cheated by eating carrots!!!

I got my call after my insurance approved everything on Thursday, and they told me its the 29th. Pre-op diet starts Wed. I didn't sleep all night. And again last night. I'm not so nervous about the pain of surgery or complications as I am about the fear of giving up food. I will have to face my fears in 3 days with the post-op diet.