twobluecats

I'm also hoping to have surgery in early 2010, and my radar is up on this article simply because it states that the leak rate is 9 percent; however, every other stat that I've read says .5 to 1 percent. What gives?

It was indeed a pleasure. I really enjoyed the seminar and Dr. Nicholson. I, too, felt much more at peace with this journey. I believe my insurance will pay, thankfully, but even if they didn't I know that the sleeve is the option for me. I can't wait to hear back to find out what requirements the insurance company will impose. I turned in 9 years worth of physicians notes indicating my struggle with weight, and I also gave them a copy of my Weight Watchers card showing my attendance from January through July. Hopefully, this will be enough to get the ball rolling. In the meantime, I'll keep reading to lean more, work on wrapping my mind around the new way of eating, and I wish you all the very best. Keep in touch with your progress! Theresa

Yah! I'll be arriving around 5:45 with my husband (big bald guy with an arm sling from recent surgery). Hope to be inspired. I got all my records from my current doctor and my old ob/gyn all the way back to 2002. Sad that I was sorta excited to see language about my weight and the ups and downs. I told my father tonight about my possible plan. He was quiet. His first question was whether I've talked to anyone who "isn't glad that they did it." I didn't know how to respond, because there isn't much out there. But, on the other hand, there is a lot of data on folks unhappy with lap band and, while it's got a longer history here in US, I would think that with the internet, we'd be able to find more negatives for sleeve if they were out there. Any feedback?

Great news Lu! I'm hoping to get more information on Wednesday. In the meantime, I've been getting my doctors (or attempting to) records together, and I confirmed with WW today that my time with them, including weigh ins were from January 13, 2009 through July 21, 2009--just over six months. Not sure if it will help, but with my BMI at 41-42, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and plenty of years of high weight history, I'm hoping I get approved. Now if the butterflies would all fly in the same direction in my stomach, I'd feel better! It's a hard decision to make.

Why did I know someone else was going to be DVC Members? God is amazing!! We've been Members since 2002, and our home resort is Beach Club. We love it! While we don't have children, we will always cherish the memories we've shared with my parents and my grandmother. She passed away in August 2008 unexpectedly, and those Disney memories are in our hearts for sure! Animal Kingdom Lodge was our first stay, and it remains one of my very favorite resorts. Just the smell of the place is amazing! I would love to make my next visit to WDW one where I didn't focus so much on food! I think I found a special place here on this forum!

We will be at Walt Disney Word (yes, we have no kids, but we are Disney Vacation Club owners and are big kids ourselves I suppose!) from December 18-27, but home the week between Christmas and New Years. I suspect I will be waiting until January to have surgery, that's if insurance is the way I go. My husband has two more shoulder surgeries scheduled this year, so I don't see me fitting another in. That said, if the ball rolls fast, it would be nice to start the new year knowing I was already on my way!

That's a fabulous idea! It's so nice to know that you aren't in this all by yourself. Thank God for the avenues we have these days to connect to others in the same proverbial boat as we are in!

Grr! I am attending a seminar this Wednesday, and I know that our United Healthcare Choice Plus will cover weight loss surgery, but I forgot to ask about the presurgery requirements. I attended Weight Watchers meetings from January through June this year, and I'm still involved with the online version. I wonder if WW records from that timeframe would be considered adequate? I'll report back what I find out from United Healthcare tomorrow.

Wow! Such speedy replies, ladies! Thanks so much for your offer of help, Linda. It's great to know that you used Dr. Nicholson too. From your ticker, it looks like you are doing great! Awesome!! I will definitely check back in with you after the seminar. Barbannn--look forward to meeting you on Wednesday! We should plan to "meet" there. I'm really getting excited/terrified/nervous about all of this. I'm calling the insurance company back tomorrow to find out more about the presurgery requirements. But, if they stall, I am prepared to pay out of pocket too. Lord knows I've spent that sort of money on far less important things over the years!

....so about me. I've been overweight as long as I can remember, and I'm 41 years old. I work for a major airline, and my hubby of 21 years works for Mary Kay. No kids but tons of travel and we have furry babies too! I always said no to surgery even as I watched others at work go through the process. I am very interested now that I've read about the sleeve, and I'm scheduled for Dr. Nicholson's seminar on Wednesday, October 28. I'm one to investigate things to death, but when I decide on something, I'm ready to move. I've spent the last week really checking this out as best I can, and I'm excited for the seminar. I have United Healthcare Choice Plus, and all I know so far is that they do cover the surgery. I forgot to ask if they require the six month diet. I was doing WW from January through August, so maybe that will qualify. Anyone use Dr. Nicholson and have advise, suggestions, etc? I'm so ready for a difference in my already blessed life. I want weight to stop being a source of limitation.