abbyabby

Like you mentioned, it's a lengthy process... If I were you I'd get the ball rollin at my first appointment with my pcp. Congratulations for taking a stand for your health! Best wishes

I can't believe it has been an entire year since I made the decision to get the sleeve! I was a self pay, so my process was quick. I met with my surgeon in December 2012 and had surgery the beginning of January 2013. I'm 5'2" and my highest weight was 206. Today I am maintaining at 116. I literally woke up one day in November 2012 and told myself I was going to fix this, that I can't live my life happily and the way that I want to if I was just going to keep yoyo dieting and getting fatter and fatter. So I immediately scheduled a consultation (yes there was plenty of research on my part). It hasn't been easy, however it's been incredibly rewarding. I was a major binge eater. That's the biggest reason I chose this surgery. I needed something physically to take away my ability to sit down at a single sitting and eat over 4000 calories. Sure enough, it fixed that problem for me! Below are before and after pics. I was a size 20 pants and XL shirt, and the after pic was taken last night. The dress is a DOUBLE ZERO! I am wearing size 0 pants and extra small shirts usually. Still doesn't seem real. I encourage everyone beginning this journey to take the time in the beginning to really change your life. You can't half ass it and expect to come out on top. I thank you all for being such a great support to me over the past year.

Hello all it's been a while. Just wanted to check in and update on my progress. Sleeved in April and I'm feeling more fit than ever. I have so much more energy and stamina. I'm starting to like the reflection in the mirror. I'm no supermodel but I'm closer to my fitness goals than ever. Here's my most recent bikini pic. Just gotta flatten and tighten that tummy and firm up those thighs now.

I will check them out thanks!

I second Enell. Best sports bra I've found for large chest. Expensive, but worth it!

Yay! I'm hoping to have my surgery Feb or March! I'm nervous, yet excited! Would love to follow others and get support also. Happy New Year everyone!

263 vs. 175

Here's a link to UHC's Statement of Medical Policy. Near the bottom of page 3, one of the bullet points stipulates the six month program. There seems to be some gray area and that may vary depending on whether you have an HMO or PPO or other type of policy, and may also vary by state. You need to get the answer in writing from the insurer in order to be certain.
My surgeon's office was not told of this requirement they phoned to verify my HMO coverage at the start of my program. Months down the line (delay due to death in the family), I completed the surgeon's program and my file was submitted for insurance approval. It was denied due to lack of the 6 month program. I appealed and did win approval--but only because I had completed the insurance company's own diet program 6 years earlier. [Ok, so me mentioning I had consulted with an attorney specializing in bariatrics and citing my comorbidities may have helped.] So for my HMO it was a requirement, but when I brought it up on a forum, some UHC PPO insured said they did not have that requirement.
I strongly recommend you get a letter from the insurance company that clearly states your requirements--and whether or not you are required to fulfill the 6 month diet program as stated in their Statement of Medical Policy.