Sleeve1stFitNext

I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

Remember education is the key to success.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

Remember education is the key to success.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

Remember education is the key to success.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@Sleeve1stFitNext is my instagram if you would like to follow. I am just over 1 year out.

The left is me at 278lbs 5’3. The right is me at 189lbs.

Thank you everyone.
I have spoken with a Surgeon here in NYC $14,000 for a Tummy Tuck. For Bariatric Hospital MX, they are asking for $11,000 for Tummy Tuck, Lipo and fixing my back.
All and all it is a lot of money, either way, I look at it. I thought it would be a lot cheaper at least almost $8,000 but I am still in the double digits here.
I have decided to do what my friends have been saying. Give my body another year or hardcore working out and weight training. They feel like it will help alleviate a lot of the fat and help tighten some of the loose skin.

I am writing this to help those whom have United Health Care. Here are the following things to know and tips:

Before reading these tips, contact UHC for confirmation that Bariatric surgery is covered under your plan. Confirm the requirements. Confirm that your surgeon and his associated hospital is In-Network (if they are not, it will be like paying for the surgery without insurance). Make sure you have an understanding of what the insurance wants to see or have done.

1) You are eligible if you have a 40 BMI or Higher / Greater than 35 BMI with Co-Morbidity.

2) Once you find your surgeon, you will have to do 6 months worth of testing, dieting and education.

3) You will have to make 6 visits (once a month). This does not include your consultation.

4) One of your visits will be with a Psychological Evaluation. This will determine your surgeons view and the insurance company's view of your case. They take a look at your mental and emotional health. They ask about your family and your support systems. They may ask you how you feel about yourself. Stay away from the negative views you may have of your body. Understand that they have seen hundreds of people like you and may have some prejudice in regards to whether you will succeed or not. Remind them that you are a person, not a statistic and bring some human to your discussion.

5) Your surgeon may require you to keep an eating and exercise journal. I use MyFitnessPal and I have a FitBit.

6) You will be asked to do an EKG to see how strong your heart is.

7) You may be asked to do a sleep study. Depending on your surgeon, it can be a requirement. In my case, the insurance company denied it. They did not deem it as a necessity.

8) You will have to do an Ultrasound which is to see if you have any issues with your liver (fatty liver disease) or other organs.

9) The next thing is an endoscopy. This requires you to head to an outpatient clinic, be sedated and have a tube stuck down your throat. I learned that I had an hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach enters the diaphragm). This can cause you heart burn. Be aware of H. Pylori. This is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and heart burn as well. It takes a lot of antibiotics to cure. Be mindful that your throats will be sore and some sharp pains may occur as they most likely scrapped some samples from your digestive tract.

10) In between these visits, you will see an dietitian and nutritionist for further help. They will slowly walk you through changing your eating habits. Be honest with them. It is very important in the long run. Also try to keep your weight lost in small amounts. If you lose too much in a short period of time, the surgeon and insurance company will feel like you can lose the remaining weight alone.

11) Your last visit will consist of an overview. The surgeon will check your weight and may discuss further with you about your feelings towards the surgery. Hopefully you are approved by the surgeon. My surgeon was great during the process. I met with him more times than anyone else. He literally kept giving my information and sites to read to understand this tool.

12) They will then submit your information to the insurance company. Now it can take up to 2 - 6 weeks for approval. I was approved in one week.

My fellow UHC Members, I hope this assist you in your endeavors. 6 months will fly by so quickly you won't even realize it.

Remember education is the key to success.


Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Each plan is different. In fact with my mines through my job, I do not have requirements for weight but I must keep a stable weight or lose More weight after my 1 year post op for 6 months.

@Sleeve1stFitNext is my instagram if you would like to follow. I am just over 1 year out.

I got pregnant after WLS. I got pregnant about 3 months out. I was not aware that I was. I did not know (I rarely get periods, so not getting one was normal). I was working out a lot, not sleeping enough, highly stressed out from work, not eating like I should and skipping Vitamins. I was about 5 weeks when I miscarried and found out.
It really messed with me mentally because I felt like had I known, I would have done better. I would have relaxed more, slept more when I was tired, took my vitamins. Made myself eat more. I fell into a depression for a little bit, blaming myself.
However, since I realized that I could have children, should the day come again, I want to be the best and most active me I could possibly be.
I never said anything about it on here because I just did not want people judging me. I never thought I could have children. I was told from 16 that it was not an option.
This is why I say, find an OBGYN who is familiar with WLS and pregnancies. Make sure you are eating enough, cut back on the exercise and when you are tired, sleep. Get a good night sleep. Do not put undue strain on your body and do not let things stress you out.
I know you wanted a positive story but sometimes the negative ones, help the most.

Congratulations. It is weird that the smallest changes make us the happiest. You appreciate these little moments because you work hard to get down to each level.

I have endometriosis as well. I did not have a hysterectomy as I am 26 and do not have children (What the Doctors say because I have tried getting one a lot). However, I have an IUD which helps with my period. Even with not having a period as much, I still get random pain in the area for about 1 week. I get a sharp stabbing pain like my period is coming on the left or right side of my pelvis.
Unfortunately, due to the damage that was done to my surrounding organs, I was advised that I would have pain randomly for the rest of my life. It is not much I can do about it. However, they have suggested that staying active does help alleviate the pain.

Congratulations. It is weird that the smallest changes make us the happiest. You appreciate these little moments because you work hard to get down to each level.

Congratulations. It is weird that the smallest changes make us the happiest. You appreciate these little moments because you work hard to get down to each level.

I do Powerlifting, CrossFit, swimming, and biking.

This is for anyone who has a Fitbit. I would like to create a group in which you do weekly and weekend competitions with each other. You can find me by my username Teeara T.

I am with you on thatX

Lol makeup and Scientology lol. Sorry if I offend anyone.

There is nothing wrong with you. Try the following:
1) Tracking your Calories and Macros (Fat, Carbs, Protein):
Carbs - 25g Fat - 35g Protein - 135g 2) Increase your vegetable intake with no starchy vegetables (Cucumbers, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Lettuce)
3) Drink 64 oz of Water. (When you feel hunger, drink 8 oz of Tea)
4) Be mindful that it may be head hunger and physical hunger. (This is where the tea will help).

Honestly, it all depends on your insurance plan, state and benefits. Some plans are relaxed and easy while others are strict and difficult.
I have United Healthcare through my Job in NYC. Due to my employer, my plan is very easy to navigate and what is covered. I do not have any issues with them and getting approval for any type of surgery.
Actually I reached out (just to see the process) for a panniculectomy and received pre-approval. I do not have a weight goal that I have to reach. I just have to wait 6 months from my surgery date to get it.
I call them all the time to inquire about information and they are always so kind and compassionate to me.

I have endometriosis as well. I did not have a hysterectomy as I am 26 and do not have children (What the Doctors say because I have tried getting one a lot). However, I have an IUD which helps with my period. Even with not having a period as much, I still get random pain in the area for about 1 week. I get a sharp stabbing pain like my period is coming on the left or right side of my pelvis.
Unfortunately, due to the damage that was done to my surrounding organs, I was advised that I would have pain randomly for the rest of my life. It is not much I can do about it. However, they have suggested that staying active does help alleviate the pain.

Yes, the first 3 weeks will feel like that. It is because your body is zapped. I think it is best to take a warm shower and if you have a window, crack it open a little to let the warm air out.
Once you make your way to soft foods, you will have more energy.

Try a suppository or an enema. Also, how is your Fiber intake looking? If you eating too much fiber, you may want to cut back on it. Try drinking room temperature Water (if you aren't), it helps with digestion.

There is nothing wrong with you. Try the following:
1) Tracking your Calories and Macros (Fat, Carbs, Protein):
Carbs - 25g Fat - 35g Protein - 135g 2) Increase your vegetable intake with no starchy vegetables (Cucumbers, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Tomatoes, Lettuce)
3) Drink 64 oz of Water. (When you feel hunger, drink 8 oz of Tea)
4) Be mindful that it may be head hunger and physical hunger. (This is where the tea will help).

This is normal. You have buyers remorse. You regret the decision you made because you do not feel the instant gratification you thought you would feel. The first few weeks are the hardest. Nothing comes easy and this is the hardest part of the journey you will have.
Honestly, it gets better. A lot better. It just takes time. Your feeling towards food is due to your fear that it will make you sick or that you think eating will make you gain weight. I felt both those emotions. Just know you need to eat, it is essential. Do not fear food. You will only be trading in one extreme for another. The goal is to gain a healthy relationship with food.
I used to live to eat. Now I eat to live. I look at food as what nutrition can I get from it. I make all kinds of recipes of my favorite foods, just low carb and calorie options.
It does get better. It just takes time.