Izuri

The best way to figure out what your insurance will cover is to call the phone number on the back of your insurance card. Plans are different from employer to employer because the employers can choose to opt in or out of benefits. So some UHC policies will cover it, and some won't. Even the requirements for surgery approval can vary from plan to plan. I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya.

Wow, you look stunning =) What a difference! I bet it feels awesome to fit into all those new clothes

There were many 'turn around' points for me. There have been many points in my life when I said that it was enough, but I never committed to anything the way I needed to to keep weight off after losses. At 5'5.5 and 325lbs, I was having trouble with catching my breath walking up stairs. I would try and avoid walking across campus with classmates because it would get me so out of breath. I was having a lot of trouble with self-image. All around I was a very unhappy person, and I knew that if I kept it up I was not going to be around all that long, and I'm only 25! My turning point was really when I decided that I'm worth the change and I knew it had to be all in. I'm really happy with my choice and a few years down the road when I don't have obesity related diseases, I sure will be thanking myself =)

I have BCBS of MI and they don't do any kind of pre-approval. They will give you and the doctor the requirements to finish and they will bill the claim once the surgery has been completed. Makes me nervous, but i didn't really have a choice. However, my doctor's office has been in touch with them a number of times, as have I, and they have assured me that with the proper documentation they do cover it.

I'm glad to hear that you're doing so well! Maybe make a list of all the things you want to do but couldn't because of your weight and post it on the fridge? A night or two before surgery I felt like I couldn't sleep cause I was having a mini panic attack about all the things I "would never be able to" eat again. Now that I'm post surgery I'm finding that my interest in them for physical hunger is low to non-existent. My brain, however, still sees something once in a while and goes Ohhh that would be good, before my stomach kicks in and tells me to stop being a doof. I plan on going to food counseling. My cousin found it super useful to deal with her issues with food after her RNY surgery. Do you think that might be beneficial for you? It might be worth a try. Maybe you can let your brother taste a couple of things of your as you continue on. Not all the foods are too bad, and maybe it will help him understand a little better? I know he's young, but maybe he won't feel left out at all that way.

Just wanted to say congrats on getting a date =) How exciting! The time is gonna fly between now and then.

This is such a neat idea! I find myself wanting to run to the store and buy some supplies to make something like this =) Thanks for sharing!

You look fabulous! =D Keep it up!!

i don't know of very many doctors, but I do want to wish you luck. I know that I had called aetna when I thought it was going to be the insurance my family would be switching to, and their requirements are pretty strict. I was also told at the time that the employer is the one who chooses whether or not to include bariatric surgery. I don't know how true or untrue that is, but that might be part of the issue. (((((HUG))))) I'm sorry they are being such a PITA, I really do hope things work out for ya.

Hello PKB! I have not had a lap band, but I did consider it when I was trying to decide what type of surgery was best for me. I have to agree that the removal of the fundus of the stomach (The part that has ghrelin - a hunger hormone) is removed. I think that this is a really vital factor in my future success. I'm 3 days post op at home right now and I can already see an incredibly marked difference in my interest in food, and only part of it is the pain =p That being said, it does hurt. I am not doubled over on the floor in pain, but there are times when it is very painful to change position, or going from chair to walking is very sore. My family is going to be staying with me for the first few days, and a friend for the first week, but so far there is a lot I can do on my own. They have helped, but I can tell over the next few days that I will be able to take over more household duties. I also have found that walking around is my friend. Even though it kills to get up from the chair, once I walk around for about 5-10 minutes the muscles in my side loosen up and I do much better. The worst of my pain comes from being in one position too long and then moving before taking any pain meds (for example, getting up from the chair after sleeping).

I would keep following up with the insurance company. My insurance company does not even do pre-approvals, but instead waits to approve the claim until after the surgery, which I think is kinda shifty of them. I haven't gotten a bill or anything though, so we'll see how it works out. I hope they give you an answer soon. You may as well try calling your doctor's office once or twice to see if they do know what the status is. It can't hurt.

It sounds to me like you're on track and kicking butt =) 60 pounds is awesome! You must be feeling quite a bit of difference.

I'm still too early in to give an opinion really based on my own experience, but i do wanna note that you've lost 72 pounds in about seven months, including the fact that you had a leak and regained some water weight. So it sounds like you're still doing awesome =) I think everyone's journey is a little different and what works for some doesn't work for others. If crossing sweets off your list for the rest of your life doesn't work for you, it may be better to treat yourself once a in while than either feel very deprived or end up eating far too much due to ignoring it for so long. I'm not sure, but either way you are doing a great job. On the up side losing slowly allows your body more time to adjust and you may end up with less loose skin =) I have to keep reminding myself of that so if I ever feel frustrated I can at least be thankful that I might end up with a little less loose skin than I would!

Beautiful! =D You're doing awesome - and you look great in that dress!

PRL, it sounds like we had surgery just about at the same time =) I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. Are you getting in your fluids okay and everything? I finally got myself down a bit of strained cream of chicken soup and I'm feeling a bit better. But BLOATED! =p

Whether or not you want to tell people is definitely a very personal decision. I think you should go with whatever you feel deep down. I was not very open about my surgery until Thursday when I had it done, but more because I didn't want to tell everyone and have a complication come up and not get the surgery and have told them. Now that I am sleeved, I have let my family know it's okay to tell. Everyone so far has been super supportive, with the exception of one or two friends. The only people who haven't been supportive are people who have dieted and lost on their own. When we talked about it it felt a little like they felt my surgery was scoffing at their hard work or something. I'm happy with my surgery, and if it helps me get more years back on my life free from disease, then they can say whatever they want. The people who really care about me will at least be happy that I'm healthier =)

You're not a coward at all. Choosing to tell people is a very personal decision. =)

I'm sorry to hear you're having so much nausea =( I had quite a bit while I was in the hospital too. They alternated between meds because sometimes it seemed like one worked and sometimes it seemed like another worked. Maybe some of the nausea is from gas? Have you had many chances to get up and walk around, sometimes that can help get rid of gas. Or some gas x strips if your doctor says it's okay? I know that I was tired a lot getting up, but once I'd gotten a few laps in I'd feel a bit better.

I haven't had this happen, but that's pretty awesome! Added bonus =)

Size 14? That rocks! =) And it's not really about how slow/fast you lose, you are still making huge changes and you might be losing the same % body weight as another person who started out heavier and has lost more actual pounds. Keep up the awesome work and you will be down even more in no time!

Yay!! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well =) 3 times off the diving board?! Now that sounds like fun, especially with how hot it's been outside. Your kids musta had a blast having their mom actually have fun at the pool with them.

(((HUG)))) I know that after surgery that's the last thing we want to see on the scale. Believe it or not, I'm up about six pounds from my pre-admission weight. I'm certain none of it is a real weight gain, because I feel like a bloated balloon at the moment. Either way, your body is just recovering, and there's no way you have gained actual pounds of fat right now. it's probably just reorganizing and holding in Water to help you heal. I'm sure it will come back off in no time =)

Hey =) My surgery went well. They found a small hiatal hernia while they were in there, so he repaired that also. I went home last night, and not gonna lie, I totally miss the morphine =p The liquid lortab tastes horrible and doesn't work as quickly/as long, but I'm sure in a few days it won't be a big deal anymore. I'm really glad to hear that you're doing well. Are you still in the hospital?

Having time off for two weeks really does give time to think =) It is very insightful about the giving yourself a chance to learn and conquer food addition, I definitely agree that intended or not, that is a great thing for us sleevers to be forced to take a break from the options of food choices. I'm excited for you and it sounds like you're doing awesome =D I hope that things continue to go as well, keep us updated!

It sounds like you're very resistant to some of the tests that the doctors want you to have. Even though it's a pain, the surgeon would not ask you to if it was not relevant to your health, whether or not the insurance requires it. They are just looking out for your health during and post surgery. I mean, you are willing to put your life in this surgeon's hands, you may as well trust what he has to say about what's best. You can do this! It takes a lot of commitment and you have time to get totally on board between now and your surgery. Keep us updated!