Invictus

Ok, so I worried for nothing. Turns out I lost 10 pounds this month. Not sure how other than cutting down portion sizes and focusing on protein. So, that was the last step. Now my patient advocate should be submitting to insurance tomorrow. Hoping for a speedy turn around as I have a tentative surgery date for the 27th!

I'm just envisioning the nutritionists report stating something about not following her recommendations etc. just starting to worry about approval. Last weigh in Monday, then submit for approval. I agree with your thinking. Just assuming the worst from insurance

I bought a veggie spiralizer to make veggie noodles. I love pasta and sauce. Zucchini "noodles" will never taste like pasta, but it is a decent compromise and easier to fix than boiling and draining pasta .

Insurance required a 90 monitored nutrition program. The only stipulation was that I not gain anything. I haven't, but I also haven't lost anything. The surgeon didn't require any loss either. I am concerned that this may be an issue with approval as I was "non-compliant" with the nutritionists recommendations. I used the time to deal with my bingeing issues and emotional eating, which have improved greatly, but I was not focused strongly on losing. I knew my life with food was going to change greatly with the surgery and didn't want to I've things up quite yet. Basically, I am asking if anyone thinks this will keep me from getting approved. I have fulfilled all the other requirements.

@@VSGAnn2014 Ann, thank you for your reply. I know this is what I must do to have a better life. Still curious as to what life will be like years down the road. Regardless if I have to count every calorie for the rest of my life, it has to be better than right now! I think I am just getting nervous about the waiting game and insurance hoops . Trying to think that next year, the ending of the school year should not be so exhausting and daunting!

@@KSTUZ I too have Aetna. I am curious as to why they denied you. I'm almost done fulfilling their requirements and am worried about denial

I have bern wondering about what the future will be like after WLS. In 10-15 years, what will life be like? I think I am questioning my decision because I hate change, it's easier to stay fat. But then I am embarrassed at how out of shape I am and what a poor example I am for my students. I have aches and pains that can only be from carrying 150 extra pounds. The final straw is seeing my mom and dealing with her health issues and keeping track of the 15 prescriptions she is on as a result of her obesity. Not sure if this is the right forum for this post. I know the weeks leading up to and right after surgery are going to be challenging to say the least, but for loooong term life and health, is it worth it?

Thanks for the responses. Hoping for 2 weeks then. Have two more nutritionist appts, exercise physiology eval, blood work and EKG. Hoping to get all the extras done by last nut appt

Mary@marybowlus. So how many days from submission to approval? I will be ready for submission the first week of July. I really need a mid July surgery date to fit my calendar. Thanks

I was told that Aetna has the right to take 30 days. I sure hope not as that will really mess up my plans to do this before starting the new school year.

Rwoods, that is good to know. I am going to try to back off on the Prilosec. I know soda makes it worse. Been trying to permanently give that up I'll be more cognizant of foods that particularly make it worse

This lady told me that depression is not a show stopper, especially if it's because of obesity. The process is supposed to give the surgeon more info on your personality. Basically how detailed do u want the info to be, how compliant will u be with post op--- at least that was purpose of the first questionnaire was. The next one is more personality and diagnosis (OCD, depression, anxiety ) related

I'm concerned about heartburn keeping me from the sleeve. I haven't had it forever, just the last year when I gained more weight. One OTC Prilosec each morning keeps it in check. Anyone else have a similar issue?

I was able to find a therapist. We met and started all the questionnaires. She was so sweet. I have to meet with her one more time. But I definitely was worried for nothing!

I am hoping for surgery by July 10th. I won't be working per se, as a teacher, I will have a few weeks before school starts back up. My concern is with setting up my classroom. I will need to move furniture and tote boxes of books around. Is this going to be feasible? Am I going to need to beg for hubby's help?

I am concerned about the meeting with the psychologist. I have never been to one before. What are they looking for? What shouldn't I say?? I don't want that to keep me from approval!

I just started the process. I have to provide Doctor documentation that obesity has been a persistent problem. To me, that is a pretty vague definition for them to quibble about 2 or 3 BMI points. Remember, they really don't want to have to pay for this, so they are going to make it difficult

On the required 4 month weight loss program, was that between initial inquiry and surgery, or just proof of weight loss program of that length?

I also have Aetna. What "hoops" did you have to jump through for them? I really want to be able to do the surgery mid June so I can have time to recover before going back to school.