wannabb08

Wow, that is a great accomplishment. You will built endurance a little at a time. Keep up the good work!

You're doing awesome. Congratulations!!!

Wow, size 10 jeans is amazing! Great job!!!! The inches are melting away.

Sounds like you are doing wonderful! Congrats on all the NSVs!!!

Good luck tomorrow!

Congratulatons on getting sleeved! Thanks for sharing your story. It is hard to share weight struggles but the community here is a great support system.

Congratulations!

This is a helpful post. Congrats on getting your sleeve finally!

This sounds amazing! Going to try it.

Congrats! It must feel wonderful!

Congratulations! So glad it went well.

Congratulations! Glad it went well and no leaks. It's great that you were doing frequent updates. So glad you are happy with the Dr. Almanza.

I actually had my sleeve done 3 weeks ago but thank you!!!!

Sorry I should have read your signature better. Glad you're doing well.

Big congrats on this life changing decision!!! I wish you all the best of luck in getting an approval on the first try!!!! I am so glad you have your family's support,that is really a big deal. I think the insurance company just wants proof of time that you were on a diet supervised by a doctor. I didn't have to have the supervised diet with my insurance but at the seminar my surgeon pointed out that even if you gain weight on the supervised diet,it still counts as a diet. =) Good luck!!!! I am only 3 weeks out from my sleeve and already I feel like I have a new lease on life!!!

Thanks for the input. You must be so excited - less than 3 weeks to go!!! Good luck!

I have BCBS of Alabama. They require 6 months of supervised diet with a PCP or documented Weight Watchers or similiar program. They won't allow the diet to be supervised by the bariatric surgeon. The 6 months diet actually end ups being 7 months because the first first doesn't count. It starts 30 days after the first visit.

I'm sure it feels amazing! Congrats!

You are doing awesome! Congratulations!

Good luck! This is a stressful time. Reading your insurance guidelines for surgery may ease you nerves.

Congratulations! I agree with Lissa. Sounds like you are geared for being an advocate for others. Way to not give up!

Hi Everyone,

I have been overweight/obese since high school. I’m 35 now and my BMI is 45. I attended an information session last August. Proceeded to see Dr. Koppman (partners with Dr. Marema) in St. Augustine, FL the next day. With the help of my doctor I have decided the sleeve is the best fit for me. I have PCOS, hypertension, and A LOT of joint pains. The end of February will mark the end of the 6 month supervised diet required by my insurance (BCBS – Alabama). My insurance requires a BMI of 35 and severe comorbidities or a BMI of 40 or higher with no additional comorbidities required. I have gathered 3 yrs of weight history (random dates). I also have two letters of medical necessity, one from my current PCP and one from my previous PCP. I switched my PCP last year due to moving last August. My previous PCP treated me for more than 10 years. I also had a Nut visit this month. The insurance coordinator will be submitting all my documents for predetermination at the beginning of March. They said generally to expect a response from the insurance within 2-4 weeks. IF (BIG IF) approved I would probably have surgery in April. I’m so scared they won’t approve it, even though I do have coverage with zero copay. I’m prepared for a battle with the insurance if necessary. I’m just so tired of all the struggles that come with being obese. I’m tired of obsessing about it. I’m tired of not being able things with my young children. I’m tired of clothes not fitting. I’m tired of feeling unattractive. I’m tired of feeling tired.

I view this amazing surgery as a way to start life over. I realize it a huge lifestyle change. I also realize it will be a struggle to comply with the eating habit changes before and after surgery. But, I’m in it to win my life back. I know I can do it.

My family and husband are very supportive of my decision to pursue VSG. I feel very lucky to have their support.

I’ve enjoyed and learned so much by reading the boards. Thank you for all the information and stories and challenges. I think there is a wonderful support system here.

I’m just hoping and praying to get approval on the first round. My biggest insurance concern is that I have gained 25 lbs during my "diet". I didn't try I admit. That is impart due to my BMI being 39 when I started. It doesn't specify weight loss is required but...I gained not lost.

Thanks for your support!

Thanks for the tips and telling how it all went down. I am near the end of my 6th month of supervised diet, so posts like this really help. Hope the pains lets up soon.

dup.

Hello,

In was wondering if anyone has had surgery with Dr. Robert Marema in St. Augustine Florida.

He has a lot of experience and is a surgeon of excellence, but since I have not met him yet, I would love to hear about peoples experiences with him and his staff.

Hi,

I had a consult appt. with Dr. Koppman his partner. I like Dr. Koppman. I'm on 2nd month of DSWL program. + 2 lbs on the first month .

Did you decide to do with Marema?

I live in St. Augie. Do you?

Good luck!

dup. post

Has anyone heard this? If so, what is the reason..want to know before I give her the down payment for my surgery..

I was wondering the same thing. I've read so many different things on the forum. How did you contact Trish. I contracted her at WLS4betterlife.com

Do you mind sharing Dr. Kelly's price that she gave you?

Thanks,

Amber