HEARTonmySLEEVE2014

This was the hardest of all the things I had to do. Was so thankful when it was over and that I didn't get sick and have to re-do it. I pray i never have to do another one.

Omw to my prep Nutritional appointment to get my preop diet.. this thing is getting real :-)

This makes me feel a little better. I do not have sick leave or paid time off at my job, so Im having my surgery on a Tuesday, and I'm trying to be back to work the following Monday. I do administrative work at a desk all day so I pray I will be ok to go back by then.

HEY GUYS! I'm Tamieka, age 29, living in North Carolina. I'm scheduled to get sleeved July 29 2014 at 7:15am. I'm soooo excited, but super nervous.

@@brians34 I actually had already begun a supervised weight loss program before I went in for my consultation with the surgeon. As far as my failed attempts, I just wrote a letter discussing my weight struggles and all failed attempts of weight loss, including fad diets and professionally supervised diets. I then just had my doctors office give me a copy of my paperwork from each visit I had over the past 2 years (to show my weight). One thing that I did not do and it yelled my approval up several days, was get documentation from my primary doctor, saying that I had not been treated for alcohol or substance abuse in the last year. Except for that minor delay, BCBS Federal was very quick with my approval. The surgeons office sent my info over on Thursday May 22, and I had a response Tuesday May 27. The 26th was a holiday, so it only took 2 Business days. I didn't get to fax in the missing documents until June 3 bc my primary doctors office took forever to get it to me..but I was officially approved on June 4!!

@@CeeBa I'm also scheduled for the 29th. I'm in NC

I'm 29 in Greensboro, scheduled for July 29th

I'm 29 living in Greensboro but from Durham...my surgery date is July 29

I was originally nervous about this part also, but afterwards I realized I had no reason to be. The Doctor's main focus was to make sure that I had a clear understanding of what the surgery entailed, how my life would change (besides the physical changes), and that I had given this serious thought/research, and didn't just jump into it.

Hi I am also July 29! I am in New Jersey! I am nervous and excited as well. Just trying to keep myself busy! I'm in North Carolina and scheduled for July 29th at 7:15am

I haven't been in a serious relationship in a couple of years. I am curious as to the affect surgery will have on my love life and friendships. I'm scheduled for July 29th

I'm in Greensboro getting sleeved on July 29th.

I'm in Greensboro and getting sleeved July 29th...so excited, but nervous at the same time!

I'm getting sleeved in Greensboro on July 29th!

I found out yesterday that the surgeon fee went from $150 to $200/surgeon bc of the setting (I will be in a hospital). @@Rchobby513 did your hospital require a deposit? If so how much was it?

I found out yesterday that the surgeon fee went from $150 to $200/surgeon bc of the setting (I will be in a hospital). @@Rchobby513 did your hospital require a deposit? If so how much was it?

The entire process was relatively 20 1/2 weeks, but only 10 1/2 weeks from my first consultation: February 13- started required 3 month supervised weight loss program April 24-consultation May7- psych eval, met with Nutritionist, lab work, swallowing study May 22- finished month 3 of program and submitted all required documents to Surgeon's office *this was a Thursday and Monday was a Holiday May 27-insurance company requests something from Primary Care Physician stating I had not been treated for substance or alcohol abuse within the past year (one of the requirements) June 3-Doctor's office finally has letter prepared and I faxed it in June 4-Insurance Approval!! Today(June 10)- waiting for the hospital to contact me bc they have to confirm that you dont have an outstanding balance, and they require you to pay a deposit. I spoke with the Bariatric Coordinator at my surgeon's office, and as of today the next available date for surgery is July7(they only perform the procedures on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you have to have time to do the pre op diet.

I have BCBS Federal as well. How many surgeons did you have? Originally I was told that I had to pay $150/surgeon, but today the Bariatric Coordinator at my surgeon's office said she "re-verified" my benefits, and I'm responsible for $200/surgeon.