HollyC

I've only told my husband (who's had surgery), my sister and a close cousin. Still waiting on approval so definitely don't want to say anything yet. I have a lot of vacation time so am planning just to take vacation time to "do appointments" and after surgery tell 2 close friends at work. If anyone asks how I'm losing weight I will tell them.

Another short, fat, Southern Italian weighing in! Everyone in my family has struggled with their weight and I married a northern Italian whose family struggles with their weight. Needless to say my poor kids are doomed! I'm hoping that I will be approved and no longer have to have 10 different sizes of clothes in my closet!

I'm finishing up my 6 month supervised weight loss required by Blue Shield of Northern California. Just curious if people have been approved right off after that or if they have been denied. If you have been denied did you then appeal and get approved? Please share your experience.

Congrats!!! That's awesome!! My last NUT appt is in 2-1/2 weeks and I'm getting more and more anxious daily. This waiting is the worse part! I heard that once Obama's health plan goes into affect, insurance companies won't be approving surgeries.

sometimes its good to expect the worse and then be pleasantly surprised when it isn't as bad as you expected. I much rather have that than a doctor saying it won't hurt a bit.

congrats! my doctor wants you to but doesn't hold it against you if you don't - my husband had vs/ds 3 years ago and didn't lose anything before, that was pre-insurance waiting period. I'm down to my last month of the 6 month and hadn't lost anything - I weigh in this week and think I've lost about 4 pounds. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that not gaining will be good enough for the insurance.

my husband had the sleve and DS 3 years ago and for a short period of time he lost too much but he slowly gained it back and now has been able to maintain at a good place for him. the only problem in getting too low is if you get sick you have no cushion.

So borntoshine - you're doing the 6 months through your dietician? what is everyone else doing?

No according to my dr each state is different. In California Blue Cross and Blue Shield are two separate companies. I think I'll call again on a month and maybe every month - that should make the time fly by;)

congrats!! sounds like you've had a rough journey but are now able to enjoy!

Called Blue Shield today and the guy on the phone told me I didn't have to do the 6 months so I got all excited. Dr.'s office called and spoke to 2 different people and they said I did. I emailed the question and got back the answer that I do have to - why did that guy have to get my hopes up for nothing!! Good news I passed the psych review with flying colors - said I'm a perfect candidate. Have my nutrionist appt on Tuesday - going to ask her if she can monitor my weight for 6 months - depending on how much she charges

never mind - found instructions

thanks everyone! another question - I went to tickerfactory but now how do I add it?

Thanks chicagochic. I had my dr. appt today and told him - he was going to have the lady in his office check it out since several people are waiting. he said it wouldn't surprise him if they did away with it. Unfortunately, I'm the type of person that once I decide to do something I want to do it. Got my psych appt tomorrow and am waiting to hear back from a nutrionist. Thanks again to everyone for their help!

Little bits - how much are you loosing while you wait? are you trying not to lose too much? My husband had the sleeve & DS 3 years ago and lost 200 pounds so I think I'm pretty prepared for everything and am just anxious to get going. Tomorrow is my consult - I'm hoping the insurance won't be six months!

I also am 51 and lost my mother last year after nursing her for a while and have my first consultation for the sleeve on Monday. Weight has been an issue my entire lifeand I have tried every program and had success several times but put the weight back on. My husband had the sleeve with DS (the more drastic operation) 3 years ago and loss and has kept off 200 pounds. The first thing you should do is find a seminar/support group in your area. You will get fired up and ready to make a change. My insurance might be the only thing holding me back. It would be nice to go thru this with someone the same age. Good luck with your decision.

What is the best strategy during the 6 month insurance waiting period. I'm told that they want you to do a weight loss program for 6 months where you have to go in and be weighed. Is the best strategy to lose a little bit so it looks like you need help? What happens if you lose too much and they say you don't need surgery?