FloridaGal1976

My husband and I are having our surgeries the same day. His cousin and his wife had theirs done the same day as well.

Hubby and I completed our 6-month medically supervised weight loss, and now we wait for insurance approval. I'm so anxious! How long did it take to get your approval?

Great job!!

I can't believe my final pre-op step (endoscopy) is next week. My last weigh-in will be mid-December, so I anticipate surgery sometime in January, which is just three months away! Wow. I can't believe I'm more than halfway there.

How much time off work, realistically, should I ask for? I work in an office so not labor intensive at all. My husband's had the sleeve back in December. The wife took 4 days (she's a surgical technician) and her husband took a week (manual labor supervisor). Thanks for the help!

Thanks Diana! I've had 6 other surgeries, and tolerated anesthesia very well. My main concern is pain and fatigue. We're you exhausted much?

Are there any vegans here that have had the surgery or are waiting to have it?

My hubby and I had our initial consultation. Surgeon believes we are excellent candidates for the sleeve, and doesn't believe there will be any issues getting our insurance approval. He said he doesn't really have many denials, and my insurance is really good about approving it. We are now officially on our 6 month medically supervised weight loss journey. Surgery is anticipated in January. Woo whoo!! So excited to be on this journey!! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you. My hubby and I are literally having the surgery back to back, same day. His cousin did it that way, and has been very successful because he and his wife know what the other is going through. It's been a great experience for them. Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

My husband's cousin is a surgical tech and took 4 days off work. Her husband took a week but he has a more physical job. Everyone recovers and reacts differently. I plan to take at least a week, just in case. Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

BrandiJo: My consultation is on Monday morning. My husband and I are actually going on this journey together. I'm excited to get the ball rolling. Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations! Please let us know how you're doing! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

My consultation is scheduled for next Monday to get the process started for the sleeve. Let me back up a minute. I have severe arthritis in both my knees. I underwent a partial replacement of my left knee three years ago at the age of 37. Since then, my right knee has also become severely arthritic as well. However, I've gained about 30 pounds since having my left done, and my surgeon won't do a replacement until my BMI has gone down to 35 (I'm currently at 44). Last Tuesday I had surgery on my left knee to hopefully buy me some time to lose weight. However, I've instead decided to take a different route and have the gastric sleeve and finally deal with my weight issue once and for all and hopefully not require replacement at all. I planned on going through my insurance to have the surgery. My consultation is free 19th. But I'm at the point that I don't want to wait 6 to 8 months to jump through all the insurance hoops, and I'm seriously considering Dr. Illan instead. My husband is absolutely against the Mexico idea, not because he doesn't believe that a Mexican doctor is less qualified, but because he's paranoid about travel outside of the US with all the craziness that's going on in the world. I still want to go to Mexico. The idea of being fat longer than necessary isn't something I want to deal with, nor is the pain in my knees. I know the weight is killing my knees. Should I just wait and let my insurance cover it? Does the pre-surgery time go by quickly? Am I just being impatient? Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you all for the advice! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm looking for a plan B, in case my insurance denies me. Can anyone tell me the process for having the procedure done in Mexico? I'm assuming I won't have to jump through the hoops that I have to jump through for insurance, but what does the process look like? How long does it take once you've made the decision? Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Can you tell me about the process you went through for Dr. Illan? When did you first reach out to his office? What were you required to do? What's the timeline? Cost? Sorry for all the questions. I'm just trying to get options in the event I'm denied. Thanks! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all. After a lot of thought and deliberation and discussion, my hubby and I have decided to go on this journey together. We're in the earliest possible stages-our first appointment with our surgeon is on the 19th. His cousin used the same surgeon in December and has had wonderful success, and has been an inspiration. My husband and I have decided to keep our decision private and have only told a select few. My question-can anyone tell me about their approval process with State of Florida Avmed? I'd love to hear about others' experiences with Avmed. I'm looking forward to going through this process with as much support and information as possible. Thank you!

I would love to be your sleeve buddy through this process if you're interested. I also have my consultation on the 19th. We can really help support each other along the journey. Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

You were denied by Avmed? Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm looking forward to hearing progress on those that just had it done.