A. Stoot

Had my office visit today with my surgeon and scheduling my EGD, frontera and evaluation. I was told today that my deductible is met, does this mean I will still have out of pocket costs with BCBS, has anyone had to pay both out of pocket and meet deductible? I asked if I was going to talk to someone about costs so I can prepare and I was told it wasn't necessary, so I guess I am confused because my insurance company told me I had 80/20 and I am responsible for 20%, but was told different today by the insurance coordinator.

I apologize because I did say completely removed and that is not the case. ...my words and mind are going 100 miles an hour and I am trying not to stress about it. I will find out more on Wednesday, I have a lot of questions for my Dr

The stomach is NOT removed for the bypass. I have read and was told that the lower part of the stomach is removed and in some cases 80% is removed

The stomach is NOT removed for the bypass.

Yes, that's exactly what his concern was back then because of my family history, but had nothing to do with reduction, it had everything to do with bypass and the fact the stomach is completely removed. The band and the sleeve is just a reduction, not removing the stomach

I am the same way girliegirl, back in 2005 before I was band I wanted the gastric bypass, my Dr denied the gastric because of the lining of my stomach and esophagus and a BIG possibility of what if cancer form in the stomach and there's no stomach to remove. It was something I had to think long and hard about back then and even more now with the sleeve. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say about the lining of my stomach now vs back then....I will definitely keep you guys posted

thanks for sharing slikchik10, very encouraging to embrace change!!!

For me ForeverFat?....my band just didn't cut it, I worked out 2-3 times a week and I am filled to fullest, I am still able to eat anything but beef, and big portions without BP. Everyone else who I know with band have some kind of restriction, but not me. It's like I still in my diet circle, with the diet pills, Protein shakes, you name, I am doing it. I have the vanguard band and it only holds 4cc's, so I finally did some research, over came my surgery fears, and figured the sleeve has got to work better than this band that feels like it's not even there.

Congrats....who's your insurance carrier if you don't mind me asking? I am in the process of going band to sleeve, I have an appointment with my Dr. June 4, but his insurance coordinator informed me that I was approved, so I am guessing that's good news so far until my visit. I have BCBSIL.

We can do this thesuse2000, I am excited for you and I am hoping for a speedy process. My doctors office is good at getting things done. I am just hoping that if the process is long, I can have it all done before the holidays. Good luck and keep us posted, you are a couple weeks away from your new journey

Hi Tynoodles11, did you figure out how to add someone? If not all you have to do is click on their name and it will prompt you to their profile, and click add as friend. hope this helps

Hi secondtimeacharm, sounds like you did well the first time, second time sounds like it will be a breeze:), good luck to you as well

Oh man do I know how you feel...I have been trying to do this on my own as well with the band, from workouts, to boot camp, to diet pills, to herbalife, to body by Vi, it's like a never ending circle of the same ole. So I told myself if I am going to try and try again, I might as well try something more permanent if I'm going to continue this weight loss circle, I may as well try the sleeve. I started this journey because of my esophagus and the lining of my stomach, so I may as well try to finish it with and try the next step to permanent weight loss. I am adding you as my friend and I think we can follow each other through the message board as friends.

You sound like me girliegirl, I have been battling with myself over it until I told myself I will not know unless I try because I did the same when I went through the band process. I would love for you to follow me and hope that helps you with making your decision.

Tynoodles11, I definitely feel you on the disappointment with the band. I am not sure of my date yet, I am just getting started so I am sure I will have to do another GI, psych, and see the nutritionist before I get a date. Thanks a bunch and yes we can definitely do this

Thanks Tulum, yes please I'd like that and it sounds like you are very close to your goal. This is very nerve wreaking, but will see it through. I lost 58lbs with the band and have kept it off, but have struggled these pass 9 years trying to get rid of 60 more lbs, I am at 4cc's with my band and that's the tightest, I can eat anything except beef. I am looking forward to see what my Dr says next Wednesday.

Thanks a bunch fixerupper????

I am in the process of going from band to sleeve. My doctor’s office here in Houston told me they had to verify my insurance, two weeks later they did and now I have a doctor’s appointment with my surgeon June 4. I had the band back in 2005, I am filled to capacity and can still eat without feeling full or barfing, but what’s confusing to me is this; I thought you visit the surgeon first before they go to your insurance company. Can anyone please remind me of the process because I am lost?

Awesome thanks so much for the info, I have BCBS hoping there's not a long wait for the approval