tera73

Thank you!!! I’m kinda still in shock...but my stomach is doing flip flops...lol! [emoji23]

Ok....the past 3 hours have been a whirlwind! I called insurance this morning and they received everything...said they would request medical records and they normally have a decision within 3 days. Imagine my surprise when Danielle calls and says that they called her and that I had paper to sign and then it would be approved!! She quickly emailed me the form and I signed it and sent it back to her...next thing I know, we are scheduling my pre op with the PA and my surgery!!! A year ago when I started this, I was totally discouraged when I found out I had to wait 12 months...and complete all these different requirements from the insurance....including losing 40 pounds! Every visit, I would see people scheduling their surgery and felt like mine was never going to happen...I go for my pre op April 26 and then my surgery is May 7 at Reston hospital. We at first were aiming for May 15 at Haymarket, but my insurance wouldn’t cover there. Now, the nerves have set it; but the excitement is through the roof! Thank you guys for all the encouragement and motivation!!

You’ll like them all! They are very helpful through the process. My insurance was a pain....dealing with them and their requirements. Dr Fitzers staff made it easier.... my year seems to have flown by. Good luck! Everyone here is very helpful as well and very motivating!

Thank you!! I’m sure once I get a date and the nerves set in I’ll have a ton of questions!!

Had my apt this morning with Suzanne....I lost the 10% that the insurance required...they are submitting everything. How long does this process normally take? Did everyone get a surgery date before they were approved by their insurance?

I am doing ok...it’s been a week...I’ve been logging all my food and following low carb diet...I went back to the gym this week...I am down an additional 4/5 pounds. I’ll keep you posted...next apt is April 4

My friend got the sleeve...she was the one who recommended him to me. She is almost 2 years out...she is doing great.

Ok. I am a special needs transportation Aide, so I am on the bus awhile and also in the class for 2 hrs...

How long can you not drive after surgery...or when can you return to work?

I haven’t went to any of the support groups. I’m an hour away from Dr Fitzer Office, so Heather said it was ok that I was on here and several Facebook pages...but I’ve thought about going.

How are you doing Roxine? How was your pain afterwards? Congrats!!!

Went to apt #11 last week. I do still have the last few things to do. I have apt #12 April 4. My insurance required me to lose 40 pounds. It has been a struggle. As of my last apt, I still have 15 pounds to lose. I was disappointed because the patient before me was on her next to last visit and they scheduled her surgery...I talked to Suzanne and I’m on a strict diet the next 3 weeks. She thinks I will lose the 15 pounds, but didn’t want to stress me out by giving me a surgery date. I talked to Jamie, the nurse Practitioner and got emotional and cried. I felt like I failed. Heather told me not to schedule the apt with Azra yet. My dr is sending a letter to them recommending me for surgery but I’ll still have to go see her for lab work and ekg. I was thinking surgery would be at Reston, but wasn’t sure. The lady before me this past Friday, when they scheduled her...they asked her if she wanted fair oaks or Haymarket. I appreciate all of you!

I have #11 appointment with Suzanne on Friday. Will I have more things to do over this last month? I have PEIA insurance...how long does approval normally take??

I was just there Friday morning to see Suzanne. I felt the same as you did about Dr Fitzer...I liked him and understood that I may not see him often. I have two more visits with Suzanne...it seems like a long year but the last few months have went by pretty quick. I was told to contact insurance as well. They just sent me a copy of their Bariatric policy. They haven’t been very good to deal with...they have a lot of requirements. Heather is very quick to respond if you email her with questions. I email her a lot, at least at the beginning with what to do next. I’m assuming as I am getting to the end I will have more to do...hoping that will make time go quicker... I am 44 and have two kids. A 20 year old son that is at school in North Carolina and a almost 7 year old daughter. I hope you don’t have long to wait for surgery! I’m hoping for April!!

Thank you!! Makes me feel better! I will keep you guys posted!

I had read that before. I don’t like pain meds anyway and can’t take a lot of them, as they make me sick. Only took Tylenol the next day after c-section. Thank you so much!!!

Dr F only wanted me to lose 10 pounds...insurance is requiring 10%. I’ve lost about 20 pounds. Im pushing myself to drop the other 20 by April. Because of my size, I’m sure I can do it...but nervous. I’m excited about surgery though and the life I will have afterwards. I’ve had a c-section, but never been out to sleep...so that makes me scared a little.

My worry is that I’m not doing enough now...practicing not drinking while eating or not being more strict on the things I eat... I want to succeed... did you have certain things that you did pre op to prepare?

I originally went in thinking I was getting the sleeve...he said he’d do which ever one I wanted, but did say that I would do better with bypass...after looking into both, I decided to go with the one that has been around longer.

Definitely saying a prayer for you!! Hope everything goes well!!

My insurance is being ridiculous with a lot of things, I was upset at first that it was 12 months; but finally just pushed through...I see her on Friday next week and then I will have March and April and be done. I like Suzanne and email Heather a lot. I know exactly how you feel...I walk in a restaurant and make sure my husband remembers to ask for a table instead of a booth...I have a almost 7 year old that I want to do things with... I still struggle losing weight. I can’t take any meds, pet insurance...and had to lose 40 pounds!

You already have your surgery date? That is awesome!!!

That is awesome!!!

I had to do 12 months with dietician and lose 10% of my weight. It’s went by quicker than I thought. My friend had surgery over a year ago and she has done awesome. She was the main reason I chose Dr Fitzer, but I have heard nothing but good things.

I have an apt next Friday too! After this one, I have 2 more with Suzanne.