psychprof

That's what I was sort of afraid of. Bummer, especially since the holidays are here and things are likely to take longer anyway. Sigh...

I was thinking that too...glad to hear someone else thinks it's a bit off. But thanks for the rest of your comment--I'm glad to hear it is something they deal with somewhat regularly.

I would just call your surgeon. You should have a number to reach them right? S/he will know if you need to go in.

Watch it closely. I would look in your materials or even online for the signs of a blood clot just to be sure you know what to look for.

I had my initial consultation today for the sleeve. Everything went well--at this program they do an initial group consult where we meet with an admin, nurse, and dietician. While the nurse and dietician are speaking, the admin is processing paperwork and scheduling all of the appointments (except the surgery). At the end she handed out all of our appointment times. I can see that everyone else has an entire list of appointments, but my sheet is blank save for a piece of paper stapled to it that says they cannot continue booking until they further screen for my "diagnosis." But they don't say what diagnosis. So, I stay after to find out more. Turns out that my PCP had given me a diagnosis of binge eating some time ago and now that it's in my medical record the hospital has to do all these additional tests and measures to make sure I am a candidate for the surgery. The problem is that we never talked about my supposed disorder, nor did he evaluate me in any way. Save for this one incident in my file, there are no other medical records regarding binge eating to be examined. When I saw him last month I mentioned that I am a stress eater (this is true) but had no idea saying that to him would result in a diagnosis of an eating disorder. Is this going to ruin my chances of being approved?

That was very rude. But, I wonder if she was a former patient...who knows, just because she looks like "Barbie" now, doesn't mean she always has. I will say that I don't plan on ever behaving like that after my surgery, no matter how much my appearance improves. It's just not my place to judge.

Morrison1 is this a picture of you with/during your hair loss? Your hair looks great here. I'm terrified of the hair loss part and in my mind have visions of literal baldness--probably due in part to all the people who claim they are going bald now. How bad is the hair loss?

That's kind of a privilege of being a male. Overweight women are pariahs--we are assumed to be lazy, have weak character, etc. I'm not telling anyone (not a single person) because people are nasty, judgmental, rude... I don't need anyone telling me how to eat, or what I should or shouldn't do about my body. For some reason though it happens all the time. "Are you sure you want to eat that?" "Have you ever bought a slow cooker? You can just fill it up with lean Proteins and vegetables in the morning and have a healthy meal at the end of the day!" "I can show you some easy workout routines." These things are always UNSOLICITED. Most recently, a blonde haired plastic Barbie approached me at target to give me her husband's business card. It was very strange but I took it and gave an awkward "thanks..." And as she walked away, I looked down to see that her husband is a Bariatric surgeon. It was this moment that did in fact inspire me to look into WLS, but not because of her recommendation (I am certainly not seeing that surgeon). But because I'm so tired of being judged by other women. I'm only 90 lbs overweight. I can't imagine how other heavier women manage. I don't want my identity to be defined by my WLS or my weight period. It is for this reason that I refuse to tell anyone.

Some of us haven't met with a surgeon yet and are trying to get a sense of everything that's involved, which is presumably one of the basic functions of a forum like this. Thanks.

I discovered the sleeve even existed about a week ago. Called two days ago and am seeing the surgeons on Monday.

I've been reading a book called "Shrink Yourself" by Roger Gould, and I have found it pretty helpful.

I-O!

I'm really new to this whole process--going for my very first consult on Monday. I'm really curious why everyone talks about gas. What's up with it?

That's interesting. Yes, it seems like most insurers and even some Bariatric programs require the six month nutrition thing first. The only one I've seen from reading through these forums that doesn't is Harvard pilgrim (which I happen to have). I'm grateful too because my BMI is 41 and if I lose any weight I could drop down easily to under 40. I know what you mean--everything I've ever tried usually yields about 20-30 lbs loss, but that's about it.

Can I ask why you stopped the pill?My surgeon required I be off of it for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I just never started it again. Interesting...I wonder if that's standard. I just went back ON the pill a month ago and now I'm pursuing this procedure. :-/

I feel like many people get their decision overturned by appeal. It seems like some insurance companies reject everyone as a first step and then when people fight the decision will get their approval. I've seen lots of people say that just in these forums. Maybe don't give up?

Can I ask why you stopped the pill?

Centers of Excellence are hospitals that meet certain requirements as determined by various boards and professional organizations, and that use the criteria for Bariatric surgery put forth by the National Institutes of Health (as I understand it). My insurer, Harvard Pilgrim, will cover the entire cost of a Bariatric procedure that is done in a CoE. I learned all of this by logging into my health insurance account online and doing a simple search in the search bar for "Bariatric surgery" or "weight loss surgery." I'm new here, just joined to make this post. I haven't even spoken to the doctor yet about this, but I do think I'm ready to make the plunge. Planning to call the insurance company today. :-)