SouthernSleever

That's interesting I would like to know more about the pilot program. My insurance refuses to cover any obesity services.

You look fantastic and happy! Congrats on your sucess!

What insurance is this?

I haven't had my sleeve yet but I will tell you on my most sucessful diet I was eating 1200 calories a day and working out and losing about a pound a day consistantly. I bet with a little bump up in your calorie intake your metabolism will start burning more.

For those of you had your surgery with Dr. Aceves; how much should I expect to pay minus the flight. I know his surgery is around 9k but are there meds/foods I need to buy for the way home and afterwords? I will probably be taking out a loan so I need to know how much to expect. Also if there are any complications how does that work?

Thanks for posting. I really want to do Aceves so your post is helpful. How did you feel the day after you got released from the hospital? My aunt lives in Texas and we in TN. My mom wanted to stop over in TX for a couple days to visit my aunt but I wonder if I will be up for it.

Wow, that's amazing! Post some pics if you can. I love to see people's progress!

That IS amazing! Way to go!

There was a girl I worked with and she lost 50lbs and I really didn't notice till all the sudden one day I was standing next to her and wonder who that was. When I realized who it was I gasped and said, "OMG you are tiny! When did you lose all that weight?" She had been working side by side with me every day for a long time. I just never noticed. Someone said it takes 6 months for people's image of you to change. I'm sure next time you see them they will be blown away.

This is something I'm looking forward to also. I hate going to a resturant now and inhaling the food. I'm always the first one down and I feel like I look like a pig eating. I would love to have a tiny plate of food and be satisfied after eating it slowly for a while.

DeeDee, I am so sorry you and your hubby are going through this. I don't have any word of wisdom but just wanted to say that I was thinking of you.

Hmm I wonder why you still have a catheter in?

Sometimes it's just meant to be. Glad you are here and I totally understand about being frustrated. I'm there myself. I had a bloodclot in my leg that went to my lungs as well. Mine was from being in a wheelchair for an ankle shatter and I was on birthcontrol and smoking 2 packs/day so I wonder if I will have to jump through the hoops you did. Keep on truckin' though sister. Soon we will be on the losers bench too.

My mom, as I've posted before, was very negitive thinking I was going to die. Then she got all excited for me even implying that she would help me pay for it. Over the last few weeks when I have brought it up she brushed it aside and wouldn't talk about it. It might be because she thinks I'm going to ask her for money. Just last night she said, "You know, you just need to let me be in charge of you for a while." "I'll tell you what to eat and what exercise to do." Like I don't know what foods I should eat. She said, "You could save a lot of money." I replied with, "Great and to return the favor you can drop the 300 dollar/month Meds you are on (to treat addiction) and I"ll be in charge of you. You can save even more than I can!" I said, "this is no different than someone who is addicted to drugs or alchol." to which she can relate. She appoligized and asked if I really thought this was the only way. I will tell her and my Dad, my husband, my aunt (who has been very supportive), and my bestfriend and that's it. It simply isn't their business.

I've written before about my insurance not covering any obesity services. Regardless, I've written to UHC to consider approving me anyway. It's a long shot but I don't have very many options. I also contacted hubby's HR to request that they cover obestiy services. It's unlikely that either of these will work and I'm very discouraged. I've asked hubby, "What other way can we do?" He suggest waiting for another year and saving income tax money. That would be another 10 months or so and I'd have to go to Mexico. I know this surgery is right for me and I just want to be on the other side. Our neighbor, who has a very good job, yesterday offered to hand hubby's resume into his boss and hubby just shrugged it off. Anyway I just wanted to rant.

You guys seriously look so much younger. Way to go!

Yeah, I do think he cares. From all the surgeons who have called me back personally to try to earn my business in my search, it matters a lot. How many people do you think read this thread and will pass on this surgeon. It doesn't matter how many people are in line, when someone puts you in your place it doesn't have anything to do with money.

Sorry you had to deal with that but I wouldn't let ANYONE speak to me that way. I'd call his ass back and tell him exactly how you feel. Who is your surgeon btw? I'd also tell him that you expect to be treated with respect no matter what weight you are. I wouldn't let this slide. It's your resposilbity to set the rules for a relationship with him since he obviously has none for himself.

That's great news!

I have UHC but my plan doesn't cover any obesity services. I appealed and am waiting to hear back. I know what you mean about 2 small kids. I have a 2 yr old and 5 yr old. I feel selfish for getting the surgery because there is a chance I could leave them motherless but I know I will continue to be over weight my entire life if I don't. No great words of wisdom, just that I'm in the same boat with you

Hi everyone! I've sent in my appeal to insurance. I have UHC but they don't cover "obesity services" so I appealed. Can't hurt right? I wrote a 4 page letter of my life story and struggle with weight loss. I got a letter yesterday stating that they had recieved my letter and gave me a fax number to send additional info that would help them make their decision. What else should I send in? Phen/fen paperwork from 10 years ago? Weight watchers, my PCP's records of my weight?

This sounds fantastic to me. I'm so used to being the first person finished taking huge bites and I would look at all my skinny friends (after scarfing down my food) who would eat small portions and eat for a long time and wish to be so dainty and cute.

Congrats on your pregnancy. Like Tiff said get out of Ketosis and get some GOOD carbs in. Those good carbs supply O2 to the brain. Make sure that every bite that goes into your mouth counts. Your baby will get what he or she needs from you, it is your body that will suffer. That said take good care of your teeth and congrats!!

I haven't had my surgery yet but if anyone has any size 20-22 clothing I'd love to have it. I don't want to buy another piece of clothing knowing I'm going to get my sleeve in the next 6 months.

LOL! That's too funny!