Thx4dinner

We've got one going, all you've gotta do is friend request Alea Birbeck & then request to join Spring 2016 VSGers

I'm having surgery April 15th in TJ with Dr. Cabrera

Which clinic ate you going to? I've been researching a lighter me, what about you? I'm going through Mexico Bariatric Center. They've been amazing!

Good morning! I did filled out my stuff back in November and was approved a couple days later but I chickened out so then I waited and tried to go through insurance here in the states but it wasn't cost effective because I'd be paying more out of pocket with my insurance so I came back to it and was able to get it financed and booked within like 3 days. I picked April because that's when I was able to get time off of work. When I booked, Tabatha, with Mexico Bariatric Center, said that Dr. Cabrera was pretty open as far as dates. Have you been approved yet??

I will be there the 14th-18th! i will be your buddy!

Yes please do! Good luck! ????

Hey! I went through them! I spoke with Tabatha, she was amazing. I booked my surgery with Dr. Cabrera for April 15th. They've got a support page on Facebook if you just want to ask questions or see other peoples stories. BariatricPal also offers packages as well. I'm not familiar with their deals but I do know that they offer them. good luck!

Yes I'm going to be in TJ! With dr Cabrera. & id love to join your group!!!

Got my call last night from my coordinator! surgery is scheduled for April 15th with Dr. Cabrera! Anyone going around that time??

I ended up switching to Aetna which was a very bad idea because once I met with my surgeon, I found out that my plan has a specific bariatric exclusion which made me so mad because now I'm paying more for a plan that does nothing. Luckily, I'm still able to be covered under my dads UHC plan which is going to cover my surgery but I do have to do the 6 month diet. But I will get there!

Thank you! I'm in Tempe actually so Gilbert isn't too bad at all but I'm not opposed to driving further for a good surgeon. It's funny you say Banner because I was just doing a little search and found that banner has that WLS location and I was pretty interested. I will definitely look into that! I think they've got some seminars that I will go to as well. Thanks again!

I am looking for a doctor in Phoenix, AZ. I've read about a couple but i've heard some bad reviews on most. Where did you go? would you recommend? Please help!

Taylorbolander7@gmail.com

A bit TMI but I can't wait to be able to look down & actually see the lady parts! And shaving my legs won't be as difficult either! ????

Well I tried to do that but they won't talk to me until after the 1st of the year when I actually have the coverage. I know it's a short time away I'm just impatient to get everything started lol.

Since I'm still under 25 I'm able to be covered under my parents insurance plan as well as my own. I will be covered under Aetna as well as UHC. Does anyone know if I have to follow both guidelines in order to be approved for the sleeve? or just my primary and have the secondary pick up the extra? I have no idea how to do any of this & I can't talk to anyone until after the 1st of the year as my coverage won't go into effect until then. I'm so lost

I actually have BCBS-IL and was just approved today. The requirements are provided here http://www.medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/activePolicyPage?lid=ia2d1toe&corpBrand=Boeing&corpEntCd=IL1. Aetna is offered from my job. And here is there policy http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/100_199/0157.html. The BIGGEST difference without consideration to what your deductible will be is that Aetna requires six months medically supervised program. BCBS Illinois does not. I basically had three things: BMI 35 or greater, psyche eval, and nutrition consult. My surgeon wanted en EGD and stress test but those things could be done at any time prior to surgery. Hope that helps! Thank you!! It definitely does! The only problem I'm finding is finding the doctors for the past 5 years. Did you have that problem??

I'd definitely say I'm mentally ready for it. I've been doing an absolute TON of research. Luckily for me, planning is not an issue as it's just me and my SO and as far as work goes, I've got the medical leave time I need so that won't be an issue either. I tried to ask him what about it was too soon but he couldn't give a straight answer. I understand him being nervous and a bit scared because I feel that way too! I haven't once thought it was too soon to have the procedure until he said something. I have a time set to talk with the surgeon today so hopefully it all goes well!

I have the opportunity to go down to TJ and get sleeved as soon as the end of December. My SO has been super supportive through this whole process which I am so grateful for but when I told him it could be done that soon, he said it was too soon. I didn't think there was such a thing. What are your opinions? Is it too soon or would you have gone sooner given the opportunity and what did your time frame look like? I'm in AZ so it's a quick drive down.

@@heartofthetinman which center are you going to? I'm trying to schedule mine for January in tj.

Did anyone finance through them? I've applied but I'm not sure what to expect? can anyone advise? Thank you!

I'm currently in open enrollment through my work and I can switch to Aetna of AZ from the BCBS of IL plan I'm currently on. I'm not sure how any of this works I seems as though the requirements are less extensive in the Aetna of AZ plan although more expensive. The BCBS of IL plan I can self refer to a specialist but Aetna I have to get a referral from my PCP. This applies for the surgeon right?

Congratulations!! This will be an amazing journey! ❤️

Considering having the surgery and it's very scary to me to be even having this conversation. I never thought I would get to this point, like I'm sure a lot of others thought too. I'm excited and nervous. My problem is, I have NO idea where to start! I'm hoping I can hear some stories of where others have started and know where to go from here. I'm currently in the middle of switching insurance plans (hopefully to a better one) through my work. I just feel so lost *sending smoke signals* Thank you in advance