JustVanessa

I went through St Vincent, Carmel. My surgery was Sep 2, with Dr Cacucci. I've read a couple of other people's comments that their program is pretty similar to IU Health's program. The center at St V is pretty busy- once I was approved, it was still almost another two months before I had my surgery because of trying to get in for pre-op testing and Nutrition class. St V is a Center of Excellence, not sure about IU Health. Both are fantastic facilities, but I had a great experience at St Vincent. Dr Cacucci and all of the nurses who provided care were incredible. I don't think you'll be disappointed either way you go. Best of luck to you!

I started my 6 months back in January. Had my final weigh in/nutritionist appt. on June 27. It was submitted to insurance around July 5 and approved the next day. I just did my pre-op testing this past Wednesday and my tentative surgery date is August 24, so pretty much exactly 2 months from my final weigh in appt. I am going through a center of excellence so they see a lot of patients. I had hoped that things would move much more quickly but since I can't do anything about it, I'm just embracing it as part of my journey and the process. It will go by faster than you think!

What has everyone's recovery period been like? I will be having my surgery towards the end of August and I'm wondering about time off work and lifting and things like that? I have a three year old so I'm a bit nervous about the lift restriction and worried that I won't feel like getting up and moving around to take care of her. My husband will be taking some time off work but I wanted to hear about other people's experiences and how much physical activity you could tolerate, and how long before you were resuming normal routines and things?

I also use the fitbit Surge. I just don't like that you can't change out the bands and it only comes in like three or four different colors (or so it did when I got mine), also you can't wear it swimming. When you sync it to your phone, you can control your music and you can also see incoming phone calls and text messages. I love to use the gps when riding my bicycle and it syncs with myfitnesspal so your calories burned and exercise will show up on myfitnesspal, which is one of my favorite features! I had a fitbit flex years ago when they first came out, but I had a nasty skin reaction from wearing it and eventually had to stop. I went through fitbit's customer service and was able to return it for a full refund with no problem.

I don't think it will be required but I encourage you to get one soon - your health is important and you should be getting regular exams (I sound like your Mom!) Early detection can save your life! I plan on having one as soon as I can after surgery. I've been having so many appts (had to do 6 months physician guided weight loss- 2 visits/month) between trying to satisfy requirements for this procedure and things with my kids (orthodontist, dentist, dermatologist, work, etc) that I've been trying to prioritize to get this surgery out of the way. But you are absolutely right- the whole point of this surgery is that I'm trying to put my health first for a change, and that includes the dreaded pelvic exam, lol. I'll get it scheduled

I don't think it will be required but I encourage you to get one soon - your health is important and you should be getting regular exams (I sound like your Mom!) Early detection can save your life! Ok, good. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed- thanks! Are you pre or post op?

@KristenLe- do you know if a pelvic exam is required prior to surgery? I haven't had one in about 4 years and now I'm starting to worry that I'll have to have one and push my surgery date back even more.

I am scheduled for my preop testing and physical at St Vincent, Carmel. The paperwork just says that it is a head to toe physical examination. Can anyone tell me what all that includes? I mean.....I'm wondering.....pelvic exam? That sort of thing? Just want to make sure I'm prepared for whatever they're going to do, lol.

I have already been approved for my procedure. I got the letter yesterday, stating that the Nurse Case manager is completely voluntary and free of charge for me, if I would like to use one. It sounds like some people have one and some people don't, but I'm not sure.

Anybody assigned a Nurse Case Manager through your insurance? Thoughts on this? Good thing or bad thing? I've heard both sides from people, just wondering if anyone here is using one, or has been assigned one for your bariatric procedure and what your experience has been with it?

@@gettingsleeved1 I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

I just got the call from my coordinator- APPROVED!! I can't believe it. It was submitted to insurance on Tuesday and then forwarded to their utilization review company just yesterday morning- just over a day- BOOM! I'm so excited for the coming changes in my life!

I am also going through St Vincent Carmel- Dr Cacucci. My paperwork was just submitted for approval today, so now I wait to see if I can have the surgery or not. I'm trying to do the Gastric Sleeve. I'm a nervous wreck hoping that I get approved. I also had to do 6 months with the Dietitian/Nutritionist- twice a month, plus the psych eval. I started the process in January. Good luck to all of you!! I've got my fingers crossed for approval!

@@Amurillo04 you got submitted and approved in the same day???!!!! WOWZA!!! Congratulations to you!

I just heard from my physician's office- paperwork has been submitted to my insurance company for approval as well- good luck to both of us and hopes for speedy APPROVALS!!!