Jerzygurl

Good luck. I wish my cardiologist would give me the all clear. All though my EKG, Echo and Stress came back normal, he's pushing for more heart test... I believe it is to get more money out of the insurance company because I don't have to get pre-certifications and they pay for pretty much everything and anything without pre-approvals. I think the doc is trying to make money and holding me up in the process. I will give him until the end of next week and then I'm going to flip my lid....

"Rant On" I'm irked. My process is being held up by the money grab from the doctor. At least that's how I see it. I have premium health insurance, it requires no pre-certifications or approvals for any test, at all. So I guess to some it's like Card Blanche or a blank check to run test and up the office visits. I've been scheduled for every heart test imaginable and it's all through one office. I've had at least 6 different heart test and with each one, it's "everything looks okay, but let's be on the safe side and do this test too".. Oy Vey! (lol) I did the regular stress test and didn't break a sweat, or have any issues at all..now it's off to the races for an expanded Nuclear Stress test. Ugh! I have never had any issues with my heart...at all ...never! Had a complete physical in May and all was well. I have a short window and I really need him to give the WLS the okay so I can move forward. I know I shouldn't be so nit picky, but I'm getting irritated because it's getting closer and I want things settled already. I don't want my timeline altered at all because a doctor sees a way to make more money. Arrggggh Okay back to your regularly scheduled program... "Rant Off"

Appeal. Have your doctor involved in the appeal. He can write a letter on your behalf. If you can get more than one doctor to do it, even better.

Oh and to add, I even tell all the techinicians at the different locations where I've had my many tests. The EKG lady was supportive of it..when I told her back in August. Yesterday, the MRI tech asked why I was getting the test and I said Pre-op for the gastric sleeve and she said cool. I had it done Jan 2012 and lost 117lbs. Today, the Echocardiogram tech was a whooping size 0, also asked about the reasoning behind my test and I told her, pre-op for the sleeve and she said..well good for you! Truth is..I haven't encountered any negativity yet..but I'm sure it will rear its head eventually.

Not keeping it a secret. Initially, I started off that way, but after the battle for my life that I've been through and realizing how short it truly is...I choose to speak it out loud. My family knows, my friends know and now, even my boss, colleagues and employees know that I'm preparing for surgery. With regards to my past health history, I really don't want people to assume or get the wrong impression about any future weight loss either. I'd rather they know, I've had WLS as opossed to thinking, my cancer has returned and I'm dying. Plus there are plenty people around me that may opt to take their "weight issues" in hand, once they see how it turns out for me. But such is life...to each his own.

In a nutshell. Back hurts. Knees hurt. Arches of feet hurt. Short of breath. Sluggish. Self-conscious. HBP. Miserable. Self-Isolation from family and friends. Depression. History of female cancer(s). History of diabetes and death in my immediate family. Plain old disgusted with my image.

Awesome and you look stunning!!

That's pretty cheap too. Those bottles generally run about $25..my sister uses it.

lol..then you get to come back again..I guess..

Still amazes me that some people have to take test during their psych evals and some don't. Mine was only a discussion session for about 45 minutes, with a few meditation and relaxation techniques to help cope with stress, as not to fall to food during those times. Glad you did well...

Good Luck! I personally love this forum. Just navigate and gravitate towards what you need...

Saw the doctor in August and will be sleeved in October... one last test tomorrow and I'm all done... Nutritionist told me, expect a surgery date in mid-October..if there are no hiccups in my final 3 tests, of course (don't anticipate any). I have Horizon BCBS-NJ insurance. They used to require 6 months supervised diet but no longer do..now it's just 3 consecutive doctor's visits, in 3 separate months. I was glad to find that out...I don't have 6 months to wait.. It may go quicker than you think...be prepared.

I asked my doc and he said, not everyone will need gallbladder surgery, but a percentage of those sleeved will...it all depends.

Just visualize yourself FAT again...I know you don't want that... I look up to many of you because you've done so wonderfully. Do whatever is necessary to get yourself on track..I know you can do it, you know you can do it. Best wishes...and much love.

AB-SO-LUTE-LY AWESOME!!! Inspiration, you are!!

Good luck!!!!

For those who had to lose weight before surgery..is it because your surgeon had a weight limit before he would operate? If so, did either mention what the threshold was before they would do surgery? Just curious. I thought for sure at my weight my surgeon would require me to lose a bit of weight before surgery, but he said I'm fine.. no need other than my 1 week pre-op diet.

Congrats!!!

It's amazing that there is no standard for the psych evals. There was no test for mine, but we did talk for about 45 minutes..mostly about my eating habits and my support system... in addition to meditation and relaxtion techniques when I feel stressed or want to eat..out of boredom, anxiety or fear. I actually asked him questions about himself..and like your Hippie Uncle above, he grew up in the 60s too..,,he said he could pretty much tell if someone was putting on a front to pass the test, or were genuinely on solid ground. I haven't seen my write up yet, but the NP said it was two thumbs up. I would hate to get my hopes up and expect surgery soon, only for it to be put off by a psych or doc that could have their own issues with the surgery, etc. Believe they are out there, I've seen it..they don't approve of WLS, so they throw up all these road block for the patient. I wish you the best of luck....and I would talk to the surgeon to see if maybe you can get the surgery but agree to stay in therapy, thereafter for the 6 month period.

Can you cold turkey it to cleanse out your system? When I did Atkins, I always went cold turkey for 3 days to kill the carb monster and it always worked. To do it, I had to Protein load with some fat...but it worked. How about some PB on celery stalk for a protein snack or some SF Jello or pudding to kill the sweet tooth at night...or maybe even a cup of decaf tea with Torani flavoring? You did a wonderful job...you're such an inspiration... I know you can do it.. it is folks like you that give me hope, much to look forward to...and work for...

Best wishes on your new journey! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..and know it's not a loaded food train looking to run me over..lol!

Left my 1st NUT appt and scheduled the last one for October 2nd..and from there he said it will be 1-1.5 weeks before I'm scheduled for surgery!! Hip Hip Hooray! So I will definitely be an October Sleever!

Cigna has paid for WLS, the gentleman that joined with me, has it and he's been approved. But if your employer has a "bariatric exclusion" clause in its policy.not much you can do, but go self-pay or finance.

You need to check with them to make sure Weight Watchers is acceptable. Some insurance companies really want you to seed a doctor like your PCP or a NUT for it to be considered 6 months...in addition, make sure it's 6 consecutive months too...if you break...you have to start all over. I did read a few post from people that were heart broken because their insurance companies would not accept WW as a valid "supervised" plan to approve surgery. Make sure you don't get caught off guard...check, double check and triple check if necessary. Good luck. \

Good luck! The sooner the better... to start your journey!