SleeveandRNYchica

What a great post. Congratulations.

The medically supervised program for at least 3 months prior and nutritional counseling regarding pre/post op nutrition. They are two different things from what I am gathering. I am not sure if for Federal State requirements are considered. I took this out of the benefits book: Note: Prior approval is required for outpatient surgery for morbid obesity. For more information about prior approval, please refer to page 15. • Benefits for the surgical treatment of morbid obesity, performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis, are subject to the pre-surgical requirements listed below. The member must meet all requirements. − Diagnosis of morbid obesity (as defined on page 53) for a period of 2 years prior to surgery − Participation in a medically supervised weight loss program, including nutritional counseling, for at least 3 months prior to the date of surgery. (Note: Benefits are not available for commercial weight loss programs; see page 35 for our coverage of nutritional counseling services.) − Pre-operative nutritional assessment and nutritional counseling about pre- and post-operative nutrition, eating, and exercise − Evidence that attempts at weight loss in the 1 year period prior to surgery have been ineffective − Psychological clearance of the member’s ability to understand and adhere to the pre- and post-operative program, based on a psychological assessment performed by a licensed professional mental health practitioner (see page 86 for our payment levels for mental health services) − Member has not smoked in the 6 months prior to surgery − Member has not been treated for substance abuse for 1 year prior to surgery and there is no evidence of substance abuse during the 1-year period prior to surgery

I love hearing the positive stories! Congratulations on your successes!

It just goes to show how ignorant people are to this and why so many people fear the stigma attached.

I feel like he totally overstepped.......

WTH!!! HE SOUNDS LIKE A WHACK JOB!!!

THIS HAS ME CRACKING UP!!! LOVE IT!

He has absolutely NOTHING to do with my surgery. Nothing. We are stationed abroad, so alot of our medical has to go through the US based office here. I just went in for regular lab work and EKG. If I was in the US, of course I would be going through my primary care physician. The surgeon doing my surgery, wrote up the orders for all the misc. testing, then I had to go get it done elsewhere. Being abroad things work a bit differently.

So today, I had to do my labs work which included that nasty 2 hour glucose test. So I was pretty much wiped. I have extremely small veins (I think that is the only part of me that is small). The girl in the lab rocked! Anyways, I also had my EKG at 4 PM. The nurse was awesome and very supportive and talked about how great the doctor I am going to is. So she tells me that Dr. XXXX, is coming in to talk about my EKG. First, let me state he is not a doctor. I think he is like a physician assistant. (My husband was with me) This is our convo: HIM: "So your having surgery? Have you done the psychological evaluation?" ME: "No, the doctor would prefer me to do all the lab and other required testing prior, to ensure I am a good candidate. " HIM: "Well, you know your insurance probably will not pay. The consider it kinda like cosmetic surgery." ME: "I have spoken to BCBS and they do cover Bariatric Surgery." HIM: "Well, there was someone else in the region that has BCBS and they did not pay. You know they have criteria you have to meet. Also, you know there are horrible side effects like dumping sydrome." ME: "The surgery I am considering does not have dumping syndrome and is a relatively new procedure. Yes, I am well aware of BCBS requirments and have done my research." HIM: "There was a lady here that had liposuction and they punctured her lung and she was in the hospital and we could not help her and her insurance is did not cover it. You know we do not endorse the surgery and if you have any reoccurring side effects you will not be covered by our office." ME: MOUTH OPEN HIM: "But if you do decide to do it we want to be there with you to walk you through it." WTF>>>>>>>>>>>>>>, Let me just say this as an American Stationed Abroad, yes, we have different standards, but I didn't need all the negativity and comparsion to COSMETIC SURGERY, again WTF!!! I can understand them CYA'ing and telling me they do not endorse it....I have to be medically cleared to be here and they decide that, so what they yank it?

I wish they would have given me something like that. Peeing in that jug was not very comfortable!

My surgeon requested a 24 hour urine collection test to test for my cortisol levels. I can get needles, sonograms, and x-rays.....but collecting urine for 24 hours is a pain in my butt. I have to pee in a big plastic jug and store it in our frig, GROSS......anyway, I will be finished first pee tomorrow and it cannot be a pee too soon. Just a little vent....Not a big deal, just irritating. I have been home bound all day. A slave to the jug

I think you look great!!!

You having your husband hide the scale is something I would do. It just made me smile. I am not making light of your situation. Just glad to know there are others out there like me. I thought maybe I would have him hide it while I am in the hospital. I know off subject. I have not had surgery yet, however from everything I have read of the post-op'ers they say it will happen. Get your fluids, Protein, and take your measurements. Your body has to have time to adjust. (This is all hear-say on my part :-) Good Luck to you. I know you will start losing before you know it!

Good luck tomorrow!

Oh yeah, that will be me in my belly dancing outfit in the future

Wow you go girl!!! I am dancing for you!

WTG! What great progress.

Thanks! I haven't had my surgery yet. Just trying to research as much as possible prior to.

Just wondering if you post-op ladies have had any issues with your mentrual cycle after your surgery? I know the body takes a moment to figure out what is going on. Just wondering about your experiences. Thanks!

From what I can see on your profile picture it is a very cute cut!

Good Luck!! I hope you get approved and you hear something soon.

Great insight. I pray I can get out of my vicious cycle of weighing everyday, and obsessing. You are right, the things that have led us down this path. You sound like you are in a great place. Congratulations on your successes.

Congratulations on your many successes. Those that want to stick by you will, the rest, well if they don't they were never worth it.

You look great!

My husband knows how much I weigh and honestly, I don't care. He has always known. I think it in part helps him to understand why at this point I am making the decision to understand WLS. Your husband loves you and he sees you, sleeps next to you, and I am sure has seen your numerous struggles. At this point if he is supporting you it is just a number on the scale. However, if it makes you that uncomfortable for him to know your weight maybe you should tell him just that. Just think of all the things you will be shedding through this process. I finally told my husband that on our vacations there wer things I did not participate in because of my weight. He never knew that and it had an impact.