hernandez776

I'm scheduled October 19!!! So excited

Hello all, I was approved for Gastric Sleeve surgery, but due to issues getting a sleep study done I am almost to the end of my 3 month time frame to have the procedure. Has anyone ever had approval times extended? If not what happens when the time comes to an end, do I have to restart the process? Any help would be awesome. I am waiting a call back from my insurance coordinator, I'm just curious if anyone else has dealt with this. Thanks!

I have finally completed all my pre- op requirements and my case was submitted to insurance today. Fingers crossed I get approved.... I can not wait, to be on the losers bench! How long did it take for you to get your approval, and then how long before surgery? I'm so happy to be one step closer.

My consult with the Surgeon was 2/6/2017 Three months supervised diet with a Nutritionist. Submitted to insurance today 6/13/2017 I'm hoping for a surgery date in July. 5-6 months.

Hello, Just wanted to see if there are any Alaska Sleevers out there? I am on the Kenai Peninsula, and have yet to find someone else near me. I have found several groups on Facebook and what not that are in Anchorage or Fairbanks but no one close to me.

Had my consultation with my Surgeon and the dietitian on 2/6/2017, everyone was so nice and helpful. I dreaded the appointment for no reason at all. My surgeon agreed with me that the Gastric Sleeve is the best option for me and he went over the procedure and all the pro's and con's, he answered all the questions my husband and I had. Then I had an hour with the dietitian where we discussed all the diets I've tried what has worked and what hasn't worked in the past. She gave me some awesome information that I will now spend the next 3 months implementing. I will have a video conference with her each month for the next two months and fly back to Seattle for my final appointment in May. In the mean time I have many other things to get done prior to surgery. Time is flying so fast. I have no doubt that the next 2.5 months will fly by and then ill be on the losing bench.

That's awesome, Congratulations!

Hello All, I'm so excited and Nervous, I fly from Alaska to Seattle WA, This Friday for my 1st Consultation with my Surgeon and the Dietitian! What can I expect to happen at this visit? I have no idea what will be asked or what will be expected. When I get back to Alaska I have my first appointment with my PCP to document my weight for the next 3 months per my insurance request. My surgeons office told me that I will be able to schedule my surgery date before I leave there on Monday!! Is this the norm? do you usually get to pick a surgery date prior to being approved by insurance? Also my husband is flying down with me, and this will be the first time in our relationship (almost 5 years) he will know how much I weigh which is terrifying! Anyone else's spouse not know their weight? Thanks in advance for any advice!

I don't have any advice yet, as my first appointment with my Surgeon isn't until the 6th of February. I know how you feel though I've been researching Gastric Sleeve surgery for the last year or so and finally made the decision that it was what I needed about 3 weeks ago. I contacted my Dr and surgeon, they contacted my insurance and everything since then has been going super fast. I fly down to Seattle next Friday for my consultation. The day after I get back I have an appointment with my PCP the first of 3 that I need to complete for insurance's 3 month weight observation. Then I'll be flying back down to Seattle for surgery Mid-May. The only thing I can say is good luck and I hope everything works out for you, try not to over think it to much. "What will be, will be"

Congratulations!

246.

Thanks! For the information Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

First let me start by saying I live in Alaska and our options for Bariatric surgeons is not the most abundant. I believe there are only two Doctors that do the procedure and the reviews/word of mouth on the two of them is not the greatest. After searching for what seemed like forever, I've decided to head to Seattle to the Northwest weight loss clinic in Everette. I will have to make two trips one for the consult and one for surgery. I just bought my tickets and will be flying down Feb 6th for the first 2 appointments and I will get to pick my surgery date before I leave . Is any one else flying out of state or has flown out of state for surgery? How long did it take after surgery to fly home? How uncomfortable was it? any information would be helpful. Thanks

Hello! First I'd like to say thank you for reading! I've been looking into WLS for over a year and finally with the support of my family have decided it is the right option for me. I called my insurance company to ask what the requirements for approval are thinking I'd have to see a nutritionist for a few months etc... but the only thing they told me was if I had a BMI of 40 or more all I would need is a referral from my doctor. Has anyone else experienced this? Seems to good to be true. Plus I rarely ever get sick so I don't have a regular physician I'd be making an appointment with a doctor for the first time to discuss weight loss I don't have a "medical" history of seeking dr's help to lose weight. Maybe this will count against me?? I've been extremely over weight for the last 12 years and nothing I try, no program, no pills, no exercise regime will keep the weight off. I managed to lose 45 pounds once and it all came back plus some. I'm 230 lbs and 5'2 with a BMI of 42.2. So in that regard I know I meet the requirements but with no past history I wonder if that will hinder this process. Anyone else have a similar experience? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I already knew my surgeon has many requirements, I was just surprised that my insurance company did not. I will be going and seeing a doctor next week and going from there. Thank you everyone for your time and advice, it's very much appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have Cigna. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App