mariamaria1070

legnarevocrednu- thanks so much for your update, gives me hope...I'm still anxiously awaiting approval! Could you be more specific about your eating habits? You said every 2 hours you eat and I saw the list of types of things you eat but if you have a chance could you maybe post an example of a day of your eating? I'm good with examples, lol...I'm doing a lot of planning and prepping so I will be as prepared as possible. Any & all advice is welcome and appreicated! Thank you!

I made a ticker, didn't realize it had the wrong info so tried to delete & make new one but now I have 4 of them saved to my signature, Ughhh!!! How do I edit this, I've tried but it didn't work. And while I'm at it, does everyone just add or make up their own part where it says, 1st consultation, Psych Eval, Approval & surgery date?? I see so many & all different, is there a basic one to fill out & add to signature or just make up my own? Thanks for help!

it takes 2-3 weeks fornsura the Dr. to sign off on psych eval and Then they can send in my paperwork to BCBS of IL Ughhhh!! I just want to know already!! lol Any advice what I should do while I wait??

I live in Bourbonnais, just moved here for a job & will move back to FL probably next year!

Did you have to have the esophogram & chest x-ray because of your doctor or because of insurance? Was wondering because I didn't have to do that, hmmmm

Thank you! I wanna start trying things & buying things but I really think I should wait til I'm approved before I spend too much money, lol....my insurance only covers 70% so I'm gonna need to pay a good amount. Where in IL are you?

Tomorrow I have my psych eval, nutritionalist & physical at 1 pm. Any suggestions on questions I should ask or info I should be getting within those few hours?? Thanks!!

Hello helpmomofteenagers! I also have BCBS of IL and work at RMC. I am still in the beginning stages but have met with a Dr. at the IL Bariatric Center because I like that's he's a specialist and not just a General Surgeon. I know if I go to a Dr. at RMC then it will be completely covered but I've heard from other patients that have had it done at RMC, that they don't have the same support system that you will have if you go to a Bariatric Center. I think I'm just going to wait to see if I'm approved first to make my final decision. My 3 in 1 visit is also on May 22nd, then the info is off for approval. Keep me updated! Hope all goes well! ~Maria

I work long 12 hour shifts overnight, I drink Diet Mt. Dew for caffeine and sometimes sugar free Red bull to help stay awake. What else can I drink? I don't like coffee so that's not an issue, I do drink crystal light iced tea already...need other suggestions to help stay awake please & thanks!

I had no idea, that's great....thanks soo much, look forward to trying them!

Thank you! Just in the beginning stages of this process and trying to read as much as I can to be prepared and start trying new things to replace the old bad habits, lol...appreciate the response!

Hello! I met him on May 7th for my 1st visit in this hopefully not that long process. I go back on May 22 for my 3 in 1 Dr's visit (psych, nutrition, physical) and it can't come fast enough! Trying to read as much info as I can to help prepare for what's to come. I know they then send all that info in for approval, does anyone know what happens after that...I mean test wise, if approved? He was great to talk to, he spent like 45 minutes with me, what doctor does that? lol I have to even pay my deductable & 30% because he's a ppo under my BCBSIL but I think that will be worth it as apposed to being totally covered by a general surgeon that is under my insurance. I think it's best to have a specialist, they can explain more and understand our specific needs and questions. Any advice/tips/suggestions is much appreciated, new to IL and don't really know anyone....new friends always welcome!

Hello! I have BCBS of IL and was wondering this as well. I have my 3 appointments in 1, where they then send info out for approval on May 22nd so hoping it won't be too long of a wait! I'm in Bourbonnais, but going to Champaign- Illinois Bariatric Center...where is everyone else?

I did the same thing, I printed up all the insurance papers and took them with me yesterday. I talked to the Dr. for almost 45 minutes about everything, which was surprising and great! But afterwards, was talking with some lady about insurance & what's next and she went over some checklist which I can't for the life of me remember...I should've got a copy. The 2 week pre-op diet was on it, but wasn't in depth. I'm gonna definitely have to find out much more about it! Only liquids for those 2 weeks, here I come!! lol

Hello, I had my 1st Dr's visit yesterday and I go back on May 22nd for my psych, nutritionist & physical, YAY!! I'm very excited but until insurance approval, I'm trying to stay grounded! I'd like to know more about the 2 week diet before surgery, if anyone has any info. Please & Thanks! ~Maria

Thank you so much for the replies, I'm going Monday to have a my 1st Dr. visit with Dr. Sidney P. Rohrscheib of Illinois Bariatric Center. Going to try and soak in as much info as possible and see what would be best for me. I'm leaning towards the sleeve, as long as I can get it mostly covered by my BCBSIL, we shall see...more to come! Happy Cinco de Mayo! :-)

Hello, I'm Maria, I've moved to Bourbonnais, IL, an hour south of Chicago for a job in the new year. I don't know anyone here and I've already researched lapband. Thought it was decided til a friend mentioned she had a friend who got a sleeve. So, I decided to start looking into it! All stories, suggestions and advice welcome!! Having problems finding a doctor close by too, if anyone knows any it'd be much appreciated! Thanks & look forward to talking with all of you soon! ~Maria

@chitowngirl- thanks for the reply! honestly, I don't know, lol... I work for a hospital too, just started in Jan. But unfortunately there is no Dr. thru them so I have to go to a ppo dr. which I found in Champaign at the Illinois Bariatric Center. They will cover like 70%, he approved under my insurance. I live in Bourbonnais, IL and I guess Chicago is the biggest city near me. Does this help? Thanks again! Appreicate your help!!

Congrats! I've recently moved to IL in Jan and I also have BCBS. I've been trying to get a referral from my PCP to a local Dr. that does the sleeve but apparently I live in a very small town & I can't seem to find one ;-( If you have any suggestions or advice I'd really appreciate it! I really want to get this on it's way and I know it's a long road so I'm trying to start down it asap! Hope to hear from you soon! Again, congrats! ~Maria