Subaru

NUT cleared me today! She wants to see me again in a month, but said she is still going to clear me based on our conversation and my history. Next step, wait for insurance approval!

Friday I finished my requirements and was submitted for insurance... now I wait. I am hoping for an answer sometime this week. How long has everyone waited for their insurance answer??
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Definitely a bit of a waiting game, but re nutritionist kind of preps you for life after surgery. I learned so much from just two visits. Just hang in there, take the earliest appointments you can and S-day will be here before you know it! [emoji4]

Had my first end of September and my last 2ish weeks ago. Soonest class happened to be the one on my the 20th .

It was even more annoying because she was the one at the computer as opposed to just letting me sit at the damn computer and do it myself....thank you hun and same to you

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I felt like I was taking an SAT test on my own life/mental health [emoji23] but yes it's over! Congrats! Best of luck with the rest of your journey [emoji4]

Girl it was so annoying!!!!!!! But I'm glad it is over!!!

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@BeTrue83 did you have to take the survey thing? So annoying, felt like I had legit just answered allll of the same questions [emoji23]
@Subaru I have a ppo, but I would think 2 would be the minimum. The first visit she asked different questions about how I ate and then gave me "homework" on how to eat differently. Second visit was mostly just checking that I was (mostly) following instructions and see if I made any body composition progress. The class is something the NUT has to schedule you for. I think mine is @12:30 or so? But there was another earlier, there's 2-3 others who attend at the same time. Tbh I kinda wished I had more time with my NUT, it's scary to think I saw her twice and now won't see her again till post op lol

Thank you! That's kind of what I was thinking (2-3 weeks) and I'll certainly be checking with my surgeon's office regularly (should I call insurance company itself though?) also do I pay deductible before approval or after? Lol so new to bcbs

Update I had my psych clearance today....all of those freaking questions!!!!

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Thank you so much for the info!! That's a long waiting period! I wonder if it would have helped to have my PCP submit a referral right away. Hmmm. My consultation is next Thursday so I guess I mine as well wait and see what he has to say before I do anything else. Best of luck to you! Keep me posted on how you're making out!
Do you know the name of the Miriam bariatric Facebook support group? I heard it mentioned at the support group I went to in September but I forgot the name and tossed the handouts. I joined another facebook group but there is a lot of negativity and it would be nice to connect with people closer to home.

Didn't get a chance to read all the replies here so I hope I'm not repetitive, but I'm going through Miriam as well (dr. Stafford) I also have BCBS. I called before starting the process to see requirements, there was no six month observation just the deductible & a referral from a primary (though I was told by surgeon's office process takes 6-9 months). I had my consultation 8/26 and have completed my psych, sleep study (which you can now do from home!), required meetings, & have one class for nutritionist before I'm all set with that then I wait for approval! Once approved I'm told I need to do an ekg, blood work, & swallow test (which can be done in one day at Miriam). You do have to pay your copay for each visit (specialist copay). Hope this helped and good luck to you all! If any of you ri sleevers want to get in touch lmk! [emoji4]

My bariatric program has me scheduled for my nutrition class the first week of January so I’ll be prepared and they already gave me a big binder that goes through each and every phase of the eating but I am wondering what people are doing so get their fridges ready , cupboards ready that type of thing What kind of items they’re purchasing what kind of tips they have. Four instance… I’m going to make some Bone Broth and put it in ice cube tray’s and then put them in Ziploc bags and store them in the freezer and then take out a couple at a time to eat postop.

I am hoping that by telling myself sweets will make me sick, it will become the self-fulfilling prophecy.

I've read this as well - good advice, thanks!

That is awesome!!!! Thanks for keeping me updated

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What happened chookie????? I’m dying to know. Hopefully you are now unconscious on the nicest possible way and having your surgery [emoji16][emoji1417]

Hi there! I'm a special Education teacher and have a daughter with High Functioning Autism. Do headphones work for you? (with or without music) If I was trying to avoid someone from being overstimulated, I would try that first.
Congratulations on moving forward with your surgery even though you are uncomfortable. It's really tough when you are at odds with your brain! I wish you the best of luck!

Hi BlackCatMatt! Although I was quite nervous for my first consult with the surgeon, I found there was no reason at all to be anxious. Mine involved completing introductory paperwork and questionnaires, meeting the surgeon and having the opportunity to ask him questions (after he asked several of me), a short physical exam by the surgeon, and then the chance to meet with the dietitian and patient navigator. They both provided me with packets of information on the clearances I would need to have for the surgery and basic information about the pre-op and post-op diet phases. The surgeon told me I was a good candidate, strongly recommended one surgery for me over others (RNY), and recommended (but did not require) that I lose 20-30 pounds prior to surgery. All in all, it was a good and reassuring experience.
If you have some time tonight, write down your questions if you haven't already--I am glad that I brought a list with me. I also brought a friend--it was helpful to have a support person there, and she also asked a few questions. No big deal to go by yourself, but I was happy she could attend with me.
I wish you the best of luck! I also have diabetes and take a high dose of insulin, and healing or at least better controlling diabetes (in addition to improving my mobility) is a main motivation for the surgery. Many folks on here have had resolution of their diabetes, which is very encouraging.

I found this site on a google search because I am looking for something to calm my nerves some. I'll start out by introducing myself. I am a 40 year old, disabled, morbidly obese man. I am a high functioning autistic and I have lost weight before but gained it all back and then some. I was driving a bus until I became disabled due to my weight and adult onset diabetes. I can no longer qualify for a medical card and I feel at my worst. Generally, I do not handle the extreme sensory stimulation of doctors and hospitals but I have no choice in the matter. I am on a high dose of insulin with oral medications so my PCP feels that this has become pretty urgent. Tomorrow is my first pre-surgery appointment at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. I went to an information session at the beginning of last month, but sadly, I remember little of what to expect. I do not scare easily but I sure am in a tizzy right now.

O ok hopefully you will know something soon

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Thank you so much... You should be able to meet with the surgeon after that

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Good afternoon the appointment went well I meet with the surgeon December 11 for my date .

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I'll look into some fb groups, can you recommend any? My journey started with my PCP suggesting it to me, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. But I figured I should explore it and make the most informed decision possible.
Let me know what you find out about the private room. I've never had any type of surgery so this is all new to me.

I've just done tons of research and made the decision before I ever went to one of the groups. (I was at the September group as well.) There are also a couple of good Facebook groups where you can get decent feedback. A bit of drama in them, but overall I've found them to be helpful in solidifying my decision.
Dr. V. is supposed to be very good. I have a friend going to him for a revision.
I'm also trying to find out how much extra $ it would cost to have a private room at the Miriam. My ex had a private room after a kidney surgery, and that was the standard on that floor for the kinds of surgeries that folks have. I think the bariatric surgeries tend to all recover on the same floor in double rooms. But I don't want to deal with someone else's whining in the midst of my own so if it's something I can afford to do I'm looking at it.

I've just done tons of research and made the decision before I ever went to one of the groups. (I was at the September group as well.) There are also a couple of good Facebook groups where you can get decent feedback. A bit of drama in them, but overall I've found them to be helpful in solidifying my decision.
Dr. V. is supposed to be very good. I have a friend going to him for a revision.
I'm also trying to find out how much extra $ it would cost to have a private room at the Miriam. My ex had a private room after a kidney surgery, and that was the standard on that floor for the kinds of surgeries that folks have. I think the bariatric surgeries tend to all recover on the same floor in double rooms. But I don't want to deal with someone else's whining in the midst of my own so if it's something I can afford to do I'm looking at it.