lovealways

They're assessing for a whole bunch of things...mostly unmanaged psychiatric conditions that could exacerbate after a major surgery. If you do have any psychiatric conditions, be honest about them. There's no sense in lying. It's really to assess your overall level of mental functioning and capacity. You should be fine

Thank you! I will call my insurance company. Ugh, it sucks finding out about new medical issues.

Patience is difficult...I try to remember to enjoy the journey. The destination and finish line will soon arrive. I've been doing this process since June and I have 13 days left till my final weigh-in and then we're submitting. I never thought it would go this fast. My surgeon and my insurance were so strict with requirements and pre-op testing that I'm always so shocked I've made it. So many people get discouraged in the process. Stay patient and hang in there! The reward is soon on its way

If I get approved for surgery, does anyone know how long I can wait to get the surgery before the approval by the insurance company is not longer effective? I'll be submitting to insurance in 2-3 weeks and am hoping for a surgery the first week in January or late December....but there's been some issues that have been newly discovered at the start of this whole process that may need to get sorted out before I get this surgery =( Anyone know how long I can wait once I'm approved till it expires?

Hi guys My 6th and final weigh-in is scheduled for December 3rd. I am most likely looking at a two week liquid diet around Christmas time! I'm worried about it. How many of you have stuck to the two week diet, and how many of you have ended up cheating?

You won't feel or remember a thing! You're knocked out in 2 seconds I ate and went to class 3 hours after!

Awesome!!!

Hey mami! I was just going to ask you the same thing. I've been around, but just busy with school and my internship. I'm up to my 5th weigh-in this Friday, and December 3rd is my last and final and then we'll be submitting to insurance. Geez, what a LONG process lol, but I'm so excited. How's everything been with you??

Seminar was required for me. I went in June 2012. I will be having surgery most likely at the end of next month, first week in January. I had to do tons of pre-op testing and 6 months of weigh-ins for my surgeon and insurance. Good luck!

The problem is the carbonation in beer which puts it off limits for good. Carbonation puts you at risk of stretching your pouch among other stuff. You CAN still have alcohol after surgery, but it would have to be wine or something non-carbonated, and it will hit you MUCH quicker than before, so be careful! I've been slowly saying goodbye to beer these past few months. I am submitting to insurance next month, so I know I will need to say goodbye to that and diet soda very, very soon. It's not a sad goodbye though...I'm ready for a new life

I feel your pain. The holidays for my family is a huge time for eating and gorging ourselves. This is even more scary for me because it looks like I will most likely be stuck doing my two week liquid diet right smack during Christmas Eve and Day. This is a huge challenge. I'm always in charge of baking cookies and we have a big party on xmas eve with tons of catering...ugh...we can do this!

I feel your pain! I'm so SICK of waiting. You know what makes waiting even worse?? Seeing my sister so successful with her surgery! She lost 83lbs in 3 months and it's just like...when is it MY turn? LOL. My 6th and final weigh in is 12/3 and then we're submitting to insurance. I could have surgery at the end of December/First week in January. Fingers crossed for us both!!!!!!

My last weigh in is 12/3...then all paperwork is being submitted that week! I hope I get my surgery at the end of December.

I'd also like to know everyone else's experience with this. My last weigh in is December 3rd and then everything will be submitted to insurance. If I hound them and keep caling and asking, will that kinda nudge the insurance company?! LOL!

Not too sure. I would call the number on the back of your card and ask one of the representatives.

My last weigh-in is December 3rd....then everything will be submitted to insurance that week!!! Hopefully surgery at the end of December!!!

Mami! You look absolutely gorgeous with your hair not in a hat! So pretty

Thanks for responding guys I think I'll just go ahead and submit in November after my 5th month weigh in. ::fingerscrossed::

Mission accomplished. Glad I brought it up You look great! That's a beautiful dog too!

Looking great!!!

Thank you! I'm so worried i'll be denied, but we'll see what happens.

Ok. So here goes. I'm going to try to explain this as best as possible. My BMI is 46, and I have sleep apnea and some form of arthritis we're still in the process of determining. I have completed all of my pre-op testing and just had my 3rd weigh in with my PCP. I have United Healthcare Community Plan in NY, which is a Medicaid HMO. They cover gastric bypass fully with prior authorization and as long as it is medically necessary. My surgeon's office tells me I need 6 months of supervised diet, so I have been doing that....BUT, I have called UHC Community Plan multiple times and when I ask about requirements, they say there is none listed, but the surgery has to be deemed medically necessary. They said some type of documentation of a physician assisted or diet with a nutritionist HELPS approval, but is not necessary. They said there is no mention of how long it needs to be done, and just mentioned anything helps to prove medical necessity. So here's the thing. Who do I believe?? Another thing. I have a crazy, crazy schedule with graduate school, working, interning, etc. and I REALLY need this surgery during winter break anytime between Dec. 19 to Jan. 19. I just emailed my patient advocate and asked her if I can submit a MONTH early in November. That will give me ONLY 5 months of consecutive weigh-ins with PCP. JUST in case, I will make a December appointment (my 6th weigh-in) just to be SURE in case I am denied. My surgeon is usually very booked and it takes a long time to get an appointment for surgery, etc. etc. I want to submit in November, a month early before my 6th month weigh-in, but is this wise given the scenerio above? Who do you believe? Your surgeon's office, who has experience in getting people approved, or the doctor's office? Am I making a mistake submitting a month early? THANK YOU!

You all look great!!