KatieD6982

I'm somewhat keeping it a secret, mostly because I just don't want to hear other people's rude comments. My parents know, my hubby, and two girls at work. Well, I've told one good friend who seemed shocked so that's when I decided I'm not going to be telling anyone else. Our society is so judgemental and I am very sensitive. I know I will have to deal with comments afterwards but I feel as though I'll be better prepared.

OH MY GOSH!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!!! I have Highmark and my first appt is today. I was still thinking I would have to do the 6 month supervised diet. YAY!!!!!!!! You made my day!!!

Hi everyone, today is my first appointment! I am super nervous. I'm ready but the worry of approval is always on my mind. I'll check back in this afternoon!

I'm just in the very beginning of this process. My first meeting with the Bariatric team is on August 26th. -K

CONGRATS!!!!

Good luck, best wishes, prayers and positive thoughts!!

Wow. What a great question to ponder.... Being completely honest with myself... I didn't have a good upbringing. (My parents divorced when I was young and then both remarried and both divorced again so there was a constant state of change. I have never felt close to my mom and that is something I struggled with my whole life.) I turned to food for comfort, I 100% believe that. Food became my friend and it's a bad habit that has stuck with me my whole life! I know I have problems with eating my emotions and portions that are way too big. I believe I almost have to retrain my brain about food and hunger. Right now, I get a headache, I eat and feel better. If I'm angry, I grab a snack. It's almost automatic. I'm hoping my Bariatric team will be able to help me with this. I want to use the VSG as a tool to take back control of my life. I've tried everything, myfitnesspal, Weight Watchers, a local doctor ran weight loss program, and I've failed miserably each time. I've been able to overcome major hurdles in my life but my problem with food and weight remains.

I'm thrilled to say that none of the six had ANY problems whatsoever. None! Can you share with me, even privately if you want, what Geisinger is asking you to do? I'd love to know what I'm getting myself into on the 26th!

Awesome! I'm patiently awaiting my first appt on the 26th!!

I know of, no joke, six people who have had their Gastric Bypass surgery at Geisinger Danville! My mom had her's there in 2003. I will just begin the process on August 26th but if all goes well, my surgery will be at Geisinger Danville!

Sorry I haven't been on here in a few days! @@silvasnj4 !!! Yes, the process seems almost exaggerated in my area. I go to my PCP this Wednesday and the very first Bariatic Team meeting on the 26th. I'll be able to update you more when I know all the details.

Congrats on your successful surgery! I've heard the gas can be bad, ask if you're allowed Gas X strips that melt on your tongue, I heard those can be a life-saver!!

Oh ok, great! Best of luck in your process!

I have Highmark, too! My first appt with the Bariatric Team isn't until August 26th, so I'm guessing no surgery until around March of next year. Boo! I was hoping they waived the 6 month thing since other BCBS policies had...darn. Oh well, here's hoping 6 months goes fast. When they said "six sessions" does that mean 6 sessions with the Bariatric Team? -Katie

I'm just starting the process. I have my PCP referral appt. next Wednesday (it was supposed to be today but doctor called off sick!) and then August 26th is the first appt. with the Bariatric Surgery department. I'm pretty sure my insurance BCBS of NE PA requires the 6 months of visits, NUT appt, Psych eval, bloodwork. So, if I start in late August, I'm guessing I won't be approved for surgery until late Feb 2015.

Thank you for this post!!! I FINALLY was able to locate my policy regarding Bariatric Surgery!!! Anyone else have Highmark BCBS Select Blue or BCBS of NE PA?

If I am remembering correctly, I believe the requirements are lengthy for my Bariatric Team. I spoke with someone about a year ago who said I have to meet with a NUT and Psych, and complete some physical testingI was also told there is a whole book and binder full of modules for me to complete, as well as so many support group meetings, and educational classes to complete. It's the typical 6 month process I guess.

I'm in Centre County, near State College. I will be seeing docs in the Greys Woods Geisinger. I believe the surgeries are performed at their main hospital in Danville, PA.

I'm trying to connect with others in PA or others who have used Geisinger for their Bariatric Surgery (I think the surgeries are performed at Geisinger Danville.) I would love to chat with those people who have been through the process and to hear any advice they may have. Thanks in advance! Katie

For those of you who have started the process, are in process. Can you spell out what you've been asked to do so far? For instance, did you need to get a referral from your family doc? What was the first meeting with the Bariatric Team like? What did they require you do before approving you for surgery? (I know each is different, I'm curious...) I don't meet with the Bariatric docs here until August 26th. I'm curious to see what others have experienced and what they've been told the process is... THANK YOU!!!

I'm a newbie!!! I just scheduled my referral appt with my family doc this Wednesday and can't get in to see the Bariatric docs until August 26th. I'm so excited but also worried at the same time. I'm currently 5'3 and 245lbs...so my BMI is a 43 by the CDC.gov site calculator. I'm pretty sure my insurance (Highmark PPO Blue, Pennsylvania) still has the 6 month education requirement but I am so ready to begin this process. I would LOVE to make some friends on here to talk with as we go through this! -Katie

Hi! I'm Katie. I am a mother of two kids ages 9 and 6. I am just beginning in this process. I go this Wednesday for my family doctor referral and then August 26th for my original surgery consult. I'm excited and scared all at the same time. My BMI is 43 and I'm hoping that is enough to qualify me. I've been lucky enough to not have any serious health problems. I just need to be approved by my insurance company and go through 6 months of education and evals.... so, here's hoping!

I have BCBS Highmark (live in PA) anyone have that insurance?

CONGRATS! I'm just starting my journey. I hope all went well for you!

Well, I'm behind all of ya! I'm Katie, I'm new here. I called for my consult appt this morning and they are booked until September so I had to get on the cancellation list. I am 5'4 and 245 lbs so my BMI is 41-42, I'm hoping they approve me. The program around here takes 6 months of support groups, a binder full of learning modules, and a whole bunch of meetings with different doctors in order to get the surgical ok. So, I have a long road ahead of me. I would love to keep in touch!