nouveau-debut

I am fuming! I did all my research prior to my testing and was told as long as it was medically necessary, they would approve the sleeve. Now I am being told it?s too new and considered investigative. I know other regions for BCBS Federal have covered the sleeve. I?ve talk to people on 2 different supports group, but I not necessarily in my state. I left a message with a rep to discuss but don?t know how far I will get. They will approve the bypass. I understand most sleeves are self pay, but I just think this is ridiculous!:cursing:

Unfortunately I am still making several calls every day and not getting anywhere. They said they have 6 months to reply to an appeal which has to be a written letter to the Appeal Level 1 Dept. It's hard to do all this when you are at work and they are only open during my work hours.

I have been getting some help from the Obesity Help site. They told me to appeal. I played phone tag on Fri trying to find out who to contact and how to appeal but got the run around. I also found out that my Dr went ahead and submitted me for bypass for ins to approve. It might hurt my chances at appealing. I am going to start the phone calls again tommorow. Look at www.thediaryofafatwoman.com- it's a blog where a woman won her BCBS appeal for VSG. It took several months, but she won. Stay in touch and I will let you know what I find out.

Thank you for your honesty. I haven't had surgery yet but I am glad to know that even with the rough days, you don't regret the decision.

I had my EGD 2 days ago. Not too bad, I was glad they knocked me out! I meet with the Dr next Fri and we should be scheduling a surgery date. I thought it wouldn't get here with all the tests and pills they've been putting me on, but I would much rather be safe than sorry. The Dr said it looked like I was starting to show signs of damage from gastric refulx, but I should still be able to have the sleeve instead of bypass.

Okay, I have gone one week and one day without pop. I never thought I could do that. I never relaized it, but I am addicted to bread and rice, too- mmmm bread. Since bread, rice, and pasta are forbidden fruits after surgery. I thought I could tackle one at a time. This week it will be bread. I still don't have a surgery date yet. The way everything is going, I think it will be Nov. That's okay, it gives me time to figure things out and battle some demons. Wish me luck and willpower this week on the bread!

Apparently, I didn't use spell checker!!!

Decided to stop carbonated beverages now so it wouldn't be so hard when I am on liquids only. I have not had a pop in 4 days!! The headaches and shakes have stopped. I still want it but I know I can do it now! :tongue_smilie:

YAY! I got excited reading your message- it felt like I was there! To shop in a normal store (not plus size) is a goal of mine. Congrats!!

I had a follow up visit with my doctor. I was crying by the time I made it to the car. I knew I was obese, had high bp, and possibly sleep apenea. When he started going over my test results, I went in to shock. I have dangerously low levels of vitamin B, metabolic syndrome, and the left ventricle of my heart is beginning to weaken. My husband put a positive spin on it that I couldn't see- You are doing something about it and you caught it in time. I have a titration study this coming Wed. I was diagnosed with sleep apenea 2 years ago but never treated. Sept 2nd I have an EGD scheduled. So more testing and then we will start talking about a surgery date. I started this journey in July and I thought I would have a surgery date by now. I had no idea all the testing that was involved. I feel for those people who have to wait 6 months-one year. Once you've made up your mind, you just want to move forward. :tongue_smilie:

I have Fed BCBS also. I was told that they would cover 100% of the sleeve as long as I could prove it was medically necessary (I have Basic). I haven't had surgery yet, but you have me thinking I should ask some more questions. I know that Norman and Baptist hospitals are considered Blue Distinction. Thanks for the info!

I've been lurking on here for alittle while so it's probably time I introduced myself. My name is Brandy and I have struggled with weight most of my life. I was a chubby kid, but thinned out as a teen due to sports. I have never really been the thin girl, even when I was thinner- I was still a big built girl. At 20, I went on Fen/Phen and lost 40 lbs. I was livin life for awhile and then the weight came back on plus more. As an adult I have battled weight for years, trying one program after another. 3 years ago I was put on blood pressure meds, 2 years ago I was diagnosed with sleep apenea but never treated, one year ago they told me I was pre-diabetic. So I joined another weight loss program, lost alittle weight then gained it back. I went to my first weight loss seminar in July, thinking I was too small to be there and this was for those people. Well, there were people bigger and smaller than me. At a BMI of 41 with all the above issues, I am one of those people. I am pursuing the gastric sleeve for surgery. I have met with the Baritric coordinator, had testing, my psych test is next week, and then my sleep apena test. I have some great supporters and some nay sayers. I know the nay sayers care about me but just don't understand yet. I have probably typed way too much. I look forward to sharing my journey with you and gaining knowledge from everyone who has already began theirs. Brandy

I am glad you posted this. I am quite the Diet Dr Pepper addict. I drink about 20-40 oz a day (gulp)! Out of all the things that will change, this is one I worry about the most. From what I am reading, it looks like weaning would be better than cold turkey. Oh my poor family!

Jeff, Thank you for sharing your story. Sounds like you are on the right track to a new start!

I have not had surgery yet, but hope to in the next 1-2 months. It sounds like your surgery went well, which is great to hear. I like what you wrote, my addiction to food does remind me of an alcoholic. Best of luck in your journey!