SallyH

Hi everyone, This is my first post on the site. I’ve read and learned a lot so far. I have Anthem BCBS which requires 6 months of visits with a nutritionist. My doctors office submitted everything to Anthem on 4/19 but I still am waiting to hear back. It’s just so hard to be so close to the end of the process but yet so far away! Any words of advice during this time? Thanks!

Ask for the preapproval dept

I had VSG on Thursday, May 24th. I stayed one night in the hospital and have been home since then. While my body doesn’t really feel hungry my head hunger has not gone away. When I wake up I think what am I going to have for breakfast? And I’m immediately disappointed when i realize my options are only a few since I’m on the clear liquid diet for 2 weeks. While it is difficult, seeing that there is a difference between real hunger and head hunger is not something I really considered before. I’m definitely feeling the loss of food as a comfort mechanism. Anybody had a similar experience?

I’m less than 11 hours from the operating room. I’m so excited but it’s also a time to do some reflection. I’ve spent my whole life overweight and I’ve let it keep me from living my fullest life. Tomorrow will be somewhat of a rebirth for me. Looking forward to it!

Same to you! Best of luck to you!

My gastric sleeve surgery is scheduled for Thursday, 5/24. While I’m so exited, I am a little nervous. Any advice for this newbie?

My surgery is scheduled for May 24th as well. My doctor also doesn’t require a pre-op diet but I’m trying to do it for the next 3 days just to see if I can and to “detox” from all the crap I’ve been eating. It’s only been a few hours and I’m already trying to convince myself to eat.

Thanks for all the advice. I’m preparing as much as I can as well. I even took the day off before surgery day in case I need to run any last minute errands. Excited!

You look amazing. The first thing I noticed was how big your smile is in the photo to the left!

Best of luck to you!

Doctor’s office called today and tentatively scheduled for 5/31. They will confirm on Monday!

No surgery date yet...waiting on the surgeon's office to call once they get the official approval letter. I spoke to another patient who used that doctor and he said it took 1 week between getting approved and having the actual surgery so I'm not too worried. I've been hoping for a date of Thursday, 5/24 which still seems likely. I'm sorry to hear that you've had a bad experience.

Just got a call down the insurance company that the surgery was approved!!!!

I hope to be having my surgery (gastric sleeve) later this month. I’ve been to several support groups and have read a lot on this website. One thing that scares me is that I’ll always feel nauseous especially in the beginning. I hear people talk about foods they can’t tolerate and finding out the hard way. I plan on going back to work 2 weeks after surgery. I have an office job. I’m worried that I’ll need to spend a lot of time in the bathroom feeling sick. Am I being paranoid? What has been your experience?

Congrats! So exciting....best of luck on the surgery!

Update: Called the insurance company this morning and now they're saying they didn't receive the paperwork until 4/25 (my surgery coordinator sent it on 4/19) and that it will take up 15 calendar days to process. Now that gives them til the 10th of May. I'm following up with the surgery coordinator to see if she can do anything from her end....so frustrating!!!

I'll pray that is!

Good news, I spoke with the insurance company who said that the nurse is reviewing it today and I should have an answer by this time tomorrow....#excited

I'm in Westchester. Getting my surgery done at White Plains Hospital. The doctor has a great coordinator who I will see tonight at the monthly WLS support group. I'll ask her if she's heard anything.

Thank you! Called the insurance company this morning and it's still pending review. The told me it would take up to 15 days (I'm on day 12 today)....guess I'll give them a little more time before I start being a pain. But I will keep calling every day to find out!