lovealways

Thanks so much for the help, guys. This forum has been so, so reliable and helpful. I'm not even sure where I heard that if VSG is not covered by insurance, and only gastric bypass, then an insurance company would make an exception fo the sleeve based on medical necessity. Either I dreamed it, or something, because I don't know where I read or heard that! hahah. Like I said, wishful thinking. At this point, I know I would consider gastric bypass since VSG is not covered. I would hate to have to go through the process of appealing, etc. So if I call my insurance company and give them the code they would be able to better assist me in seeing if VSG is covered? So far, two reps I've spoken to said only the gastric bypass. Does anyone know if there is a forum like verticalsleevetalk for gastric bypass patients? =/

I would give a call to your insurance!

So much, it seems. - attend two group support meetings - Nutrition evaluation - Psych Evaluation - Cardiologist Evaluation - sleep Study/Pulmonary Evaluation - Extensive blood work - Upper Endoscopy - A quiz to take - 6 months supervised diet with PCP And I'm just at the very beginning of it all. Lol. Long ways to go.

Oh! And I forgot to mention...it's almost 3am in NY and I can't sleep. No smoking guves me crazy bouts of energy lol.

Stay strong!! You're doing amazing at day 6! I noticed today I took my morning chantix later in the day rather than in the morning, and the cravings seemed more noticable...so your skipping one maybe had an effect on your cravings too. Good luck and keep us updated. Just remember, we're in the same boat

I probably shouldn't have mentioned I was a smoker to my surgeon, but I did because I feel I'm being held accountable now! Lol! Good luck to you. You can do this! Take it one day at a time. It gets better after 3 days? I'm finding day 3 to be a little tricky keeping the cravings at bay, but it's managable. Do you havd any Chantix side effects?

Been a smoker for 12 years, and just started Chantix. I'm currently 3 days smoke free This is a pretty big deal for me, because I've always been known for having 0 self-control when it relates to smoking. I have my first surgery consult Tuesday, and probably won't even be getting the surgery till December, but my surgeon requires everyone to quit ASAP. I figured might as well. The thing that keeps me going is knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel...possible VSG surgery and a healthier lifestyle. For the record, Chantix has helped way better than any of the nicotine patches I've tried in the past. I like that Chantix makes the cravings seem much more managable.

I'm def a snoop...not afraid to admit it! This post cracked me up!

What's pcip?

Oh, and for the record...ignore rude comments from rude people

Congrats!!!!!

In terms of what? Lol

Hoping someone can help clarify, since I'm not insurance-savvy So I called my insurance plan and asked if they cover bariatric surgery. They said they do, but need prior authorization from the surgeon saying it's medically necessary. When I asked about requirements, nothing was said about a 3 or 6 month diet, only a BMI greater 40 or higher or 36-39 with one co-morb. Does anyone know anything about the process of getting prior auth? Is it a long process? Is it something that may slow the process? Also, if 4 different insurance reps said nothing about a supervised diet as a requirement, does this really mean there is none? Just some confusion about the prior authorization process! I have my first surgery consult July 10, so I'm just starting the journey!

Thanks so much guys!! I have United Healthcare Community Plan, which is an *** and medicaid in New York.

Hahha

Maybe these were mentioned already...I want to fit comfortably in college desks, so I can enjoy learning without having to worry about feeling self conscience or squashed, I want to go to six flags and fit on rides without a shadow of doubt, I want to go shopping in a store that sells "normal" sizes and not have to compromise fashion because I'm plus sized, I want to walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath, I want to take my dogs for a walk and run...because they deserve it as much as I do, I don't ever want to worry about walking into a room full of people and feeling like all their eyes are on me (for the wrong reason), I want to go to the beach without feeling judged, I want to go out to eat without feeling judged, I want to sit on a chair or couch that won't squeak and complain because of my size, I want to parade around in sexy lingerie for my fiance, because he can't understand why I don't feel comfortable wearing it, I want to buy clothes with normal prices and not have to pay extra for bigger sizes, I want to ride a horse, pedal on a bicycle, not fear being judged, walk without my legs hurting, not miss another family outing because I'm uncomfortable, have the energy to live and make friends, find a job a lot easier since despite what anyone says...weight is always a factor in everything...and just breathe a bit easier...both physically and of course, mentally. Most of all, I just want to live.

Oh wow! Congrats. No 6 month diet?

Medicaid passed?