survivingsleever

Hi all! I'm 3/14....super excited. Last hurdle is Monday. Pre surgery apt for EKG & X-ray.

Macman, great for you. My specific situation is my bmi was borderline 35 which is the minimum most insurances cover in addition to not having a pre existing condition. Specifically, my coordinator has seen it from experience where people were denied. My surgeon verified her statement as well. Just sharing my experience....

Out out all the hurdles to jump this was the most problematic. I would estimate 3 wk push back. From sleep study, my doctor getting the results, my dr diagnosing me with sleep apnea, scheduling cpap sleep test, going to test, dr getting results, referral to local dme to get cpap, getting a cpap. I recommend starting this process at 3 months/4 month max. Good luck, I'm scheduled 3/14.

Kindle, did you put a pillow on top of your stomach to refrain from the seatbelt pressure? 5 hrs is a long time!

My doctor and insurance coordinator gave me a heads up about my weight. If I kept loosing weight throughout the 5 month period and my last weigh in I was under the bmi of 35 I would not be approved. I think it's wonderful your being active and loosing weight on your own! But your insurance may think you can do it own your own if they are provided supporting documentation you can/did. Good luck to you all!

My husband don't know my weight, and if he guessed incorrectly he know there will be consequences! I did tell him my highest weight, which I am 10 lbs under pre op diet. I've been told I hold my weight very well. I'll share once I'm under 200...lol.

Whew, you going through a lot over there! Try to utilize this time to mentally prepare and rid of all bad/negative influences, your about to enter into a vulnerable place you have to surround yourself with positivity. Praying your surgery goes well. Keep us posted post op!

Congrats, I'm 3/14. I started the process of tasting shakes. So far I tried eas chocolate and muscle milk vanilla. I hated both and they were the most recommended on this forum! Good luck

I just told my boss and coworkers I'm having surgery on my stomach to improve my digestive issues. Which is the truth...and the weight loss in the long run will confirm the success of the surgery.

Hello I'm scheduled 3/14. I don't want to do Medical leave because I will have to use my PTO and sick time first. Therefore I'm taking a week off with no pay. In terms of my coworkers and residents, I'm telling them I'm having a surgery on my stomach to improve my digestive system...lol. It's the truth, my digestive system will improve drastically after the surgery Good luck to you!

Ok, thanks guys for posting your experiences.

Hello All! I just got my surgery date for 3/14 and I'm trying to be proactive with planning. The nurse informed me to attend a information meeting next week but I cant wait until then. The main thing I am concerned about is planning for my kids to be taken care of while I'm recovering. She recommended me to attempt to take a month off, and avoid driving for two weeks. I have to transport my kids to two different schools on top of mommy/wife duties! I'm sure their main concern is driving under the influence of medication (which I understand). My specific question is how long did you wait to drive your vehicle?

I started this process with my first visit with my surgeon 6/24/14. Got my surgery date today, it's 3/14/14. My insurance required 6 months. I waited till 2014 to meet my deductibles. So now I'm covered at 100% with both of my insurances. I found out from my sleep study I had sleep apnea. That pushed it back a little. I had to get fitted for a cpap. So my process will be 9 months. I could of had it next week, but I planned a mini vaykay with my kids to enjoy my last weekend of carefree eating.

Super easy, they try to wean out people with eating disorders, history of blaming others for their current state, or not mentally ready for this journey. Just make sure your honest! A lot of the questions are repetitive to see if your truthful.

It's official....March 14th!!

I just got my date....3/14! My countdown begins =)

Priceless!

Glad to know your surgery was a success. Good luck.

Good luck to you!

I just got my insurance approval today. Waiting for my surgery date which will be within 2 wks maximum. 7 month journey, ready to live for my future!!

Me too!! I got my call at 4:55 right before the office closed. Two insurances has me coved at 100%. I will know my surgery date on Monday!!

Hello, I haven't heard if this doctor. I'm from the detroit area. I chose Dr. Keith Marshall who works at the St.John weight loss center. I'll be getting my wls within a few months. They offer open support groups too. Google him, good luck!

Thank you for the details. I will be scheduled by next week!

I'm glad you are attempting to learn more. I am sooo grateful my insurance required me to take the classes 6 months. I wasn't too happy at first of course. The nutrition class is like training wheels for a bicycle. After the last class I have the knowledge to ride a 10 speed. I learned to not drink Water 30 min before and after each meal, chew 30 times before swallowing, put my eating utensils down between each bite, portion control, eat small meals throughout the day, and drink Protein shakes etc. 6 months in and still learning. Hey, it's a learning experience. My packet was submitted to my insurance company today. I'm prepared for the journey! Good luck.

Hi all, I have BCBS of MI and I am required to do a 6 month nutrition evaluation/weigh in, sleep study, receive a letter of support from my pcp, & psy evaluation. Nutrition eval could be omitted if I had 6 month documentation from a medical professional. I'm truly grateful for the waiting period. You really have to train your body for the lifestyle change.