mariamaria1070

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!

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!

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! :-)

@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

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