auntjanny

I am set for 9/22. I am feeling good about the future

Love your honest posts and thrilled for you

Wow. You have a blog? Or maybe should look at writing a book. I so appreciate what you wrote and shared!

I am 52, and have spent the last 2 decades going to bed every night hating myself and my lack of grit, willpower, etc with regard to eating and dieting. I cannot express how if feels to be looking at a life changing adventure that will bring a welcomed challenge, and a focus on myself in a positive way, that I have never experienced. I learned of my insurance approval yesterday and am scheduled 9/29. 10 day pre op diet, robotic procedure, 2 nights and 3 days in hospital. Up to 6 weeks off if I can handle it... It is a weight off my shoulders, heh heh, to finally not be so hard on myself. This website has been inspirational.

Congrats on the milestone! I learned yesterday that I too was approved and surgery was set up with that phone call. I had to sit down when she told me... I was not certain I had enough comorbidities and BMI combo to get insurance to agree. It was surreal. In my late 30s, after trying for baby #2 and going through fertility treatments etc, I had given up on the thought of us having two kids. Got rid of all the baby stuff, built a home, got a puppy... And bam, learned I was pregnant. It was a very similar feeling to me...like the impossible just happened. Anyhow, it is all just sinking in. I need to make some time tomorrow to let it sink in. I know how happy you must be and I wish you great fabulous experiences along the way!!!

Thanks for the update. Was hoping to be able to find something good on you. Keep getting better!

I hear you about not remembering the last time you were in a diet... When I began this process in March, I stopped "dieting." Have had some food funeral moments, but really, I have spent my whole adult life dieting, but not dieting in the right way. I needed something drastic, something I could be passionate about, and something that was all about me. Having the medical team behind this is huge for me. I think I am a compliant patient...I want to do what medical people say, although the "hey, just exercise and eat right" from my marathon running doctor and nurse never hit the right chord! I have not been dieting and have gained I think in the last 6 months. Not a ton but consistent. If I were not doing this now I would just continue to grow. I think the research is on our side... The low BMI folks.. as long as we view this as an amazing opportunity to get our psyche and lives on a good track to healthy. There is a lot of good stuff on this site. Just dig in and look around!!!!

how do you disguise the taste and smell?

I finished 6 months with NUT, and all testing. I did not show comorbidities that required medications. I did not think my insurance experience was going to be easy and had pretty much determined that I would be self paying on the surgery. I received call from the office today that told me they received approval from my BCBS PPO that Dr. Services would be covered. The hospital apparently submits for their own costs... Anyhow, what had felt like a "dipping of a toe in the water" now feels like one of those ALS ice water challenges. I am shocked by the news that I do get to make this my journey to a healthier person and am stunned that I am blessed to make my life a little bit more about loving myself as opposed to loathing myself. A shout out to all the BP posters for sharing and allowing me to hope, pray and stay motivated that this is an option. I feel stunned, but in a good way.

Wow. I had to reread your post to see if I had written it! I am in a similar situation. Have been obese forever. But with BMIs in low 30s. A hysterectomy and lack of attention to exercise and eating well caused me to balloon up and I have been miserable. My BMI is around 36.5 to 37. I have no obvious diabetes or sleep apnea so co morbities were high blood pressure and gerd. I did not think I would be approved and just in the last half hour, received a call that I was indeed approved! I am in shock. I am 52. So may be too old to be a buddy to you, but, I am so glad to know others are pursuing this before all hell breaks loose in the body.

Have a great tomorrow VSG!!

Just hang in there. Sorry this has turned out to be an even bigger challenge but keep us all updated so we can cheer you on and enjoy the good that will eventually come!! Wishing you a better day tomorrow!

I have been in process for 5 of 6 months to get in 6 month nutrition consult requirement. My BC PPO has paid for all tests minus deductibles other than the psych eval. Despite the severe obesity, I lack diabetes and sleep apnea, and I guess I should be thankful, but, risk insurance denial for gastric sleeve. Has anyone paid for surgery only after a denial? My paperwork will be submitted in August. I have some comorbidities but am not on meds. I will be 53 and would like to live a few decades not sad, hurting with joint pain, and ashamed of my appearance. If I could pay "balance" it seems worth it. If insurance denies, does this mean surgeon must deny?

Be kind, be polite, be gracious in your persistence! Paperwork just might magically rise to the top! Good luck

I found your spelling mistakes hilarious!!!

I wish I had the courage, and the support of my husband, to go to Mexico! It sure is amazing at the difference in cost. I wish you safe journey in travel and weight loss!

Good luck to you as this all becomes for real !

I think that, although the 6 months seems long, I will benefit from it. Sometimes it seems overwhelming and I am afraid I will fail at it. I actually think the dietician meetings are the best. I think I am in month 4. It has gone fast. Not certain I will be insurance approved but do know I will be pretty well informed. This site contains a lot of great info! Good luck to you. Don't tell any one who is controlling if you can stop yourself!!

Hang in there. I think the request for "more info" is way way more promising than an outright denial! Keep us posted!

I have not yet been approved and told some people. Mostly negative reaction because of lower BMI.... Same as you heard... You are not THAT fat, and the whole why not just exercise and eat right? response. I wish I had waited until at least I had been approved for surgery as now, if I don't have it, people will judge me harshly, thinking I had the surgery! I wish everyone here the best regardless!!

Love this thread! I won't miss going to bed wearing granny panties and waking up in a thong!

I had heard that it has to be doctor supervised in Michigan. I did have my first appt with nutritionist today, (have not yet been approved), meeting with her has made the 6 month wait seem not so bad. Lots to learn, really...this was not like being a part of the "weight loss money making industry." Just the info shared on what to eat, what will the first weeks be like etc was good, even though I have done lots of research, I learned a lot and look forward to my next appointment. I did go and get medical records from an office where I had weight loss drug adipex prescribed and monthly visits, which may or may not count, but, it was a very good visit, I am happy you were approved so easily. I am not sure my experience will be so easy.

Congratulations on your success. I am a low bmi, and have been in the process of medical appointments so that I can submit for insurance. I have no real strong co morbities...meaning, no diabetes and no sleep apnea. I have high blood pressure, but not on meds, joint pain, but it has only recently gotten worse. I will be 53. My family physician has to write up the recommendation to get some insurance coverage, and I am in hopes he can make a strong case. I vary between 178 and low 180s although, after this weekend, I am afraid to step on the scale. I am 4'11, sometimes 5' first thing in morning. May I ask how tall you are?

Sally 0'Malley.... She liked to...KICK!! and STRETCH!!!