Deemarie1221

I had VSG 04/26. I’m about 53 lb down since surgery and 63 lb down including preop loss. I get down on myself sometimes too. My PCP and surgeon reassure me I’m doing great though. Old clothes are starting to fit, my measurements are trending down, my labs are improving, I’ve come off a bunch of my meds, I went on vacation and walked and walked without needing a break. I find it important to focus on the other things when I can, but know it’s still difficult. Just know you’re not alone. It’s easy to compare yourself to people who lose a ton so quickly after surgery- partly because they’re the more vocal people usually. Another thing my surgeon and PCP emphasize to me is- I started at 246 lbs. That’s not as high as many who have the surgery, and often those who start higher lose faster. I also have PCOS, insulin resistance, and Hashimoto’s. So they tell me especially considering all of that- I may not lose so quickly because it’s still going to be harder for me vs someone without those issues.

I had my surgery 04/26, so going on 4 weeks out. I went back to work this past week. I work a wfh desk job. I’m experiencing really bad fatigue. As in when I’m not working I’m sleeping.. 😂 I also had some issues with BM. I wasn’t really getting constipated, I was having fairly regular BM. But then I’d get a super hard one that would get...stuck? At my 2 wk my surgeon told be to ease off of milk of mag or any other still softeners and start fiber daily. Wow it’s definitely worked.

Hi! So I have an anxiety disorder and it makes talking on the phone really difficult for me. I already got set up and had my call with an Optum BRS nurse (who was super sweet) since I have UHC PLus. I got the ok to set up my first appointment but have been having lots of anxiety over calling to see how the process goes with all the COVID restrictions. well today I finally did it! It may sound small but for me it’s a big deal. I go to an online seminar this Saturday and then I have an appointment with the dr I’d researched and liked most (Dr. Emil Graf) September 2nd as this is the soonest availability. a couple questions.. A. What can I expect from the seminar and first appointment? I’m very nervous as I have a lot of experience being shamed by doctors. My weight is very emotional for me as I’ve tried my entire life to lose it. B. Has anyone worked with Banner’s bariatric clinic in Gilbert? Or specifically Dr.Graf? I’d love to hear personal experiences. they’re In network for my plan and a COE. Dr. Graf had pretty good reviews and his little intro video seemed very warm, which is why I chose him.

Hi there! I ran into an interesting issue today. I have the UHC Choice plan through T-Mobile. They use BRS through Optum, which I'm already registered for. I messaged both my Optum Nurse and UHC to get the guidelines for Bariatric Surgery in order to qualify. I should add in here that I work in Prior Authorizations for an insurance company, so I'm really familiar with the whole process and want to make sure things go smoothly because I know how one missing thing, mischecked box etc can mess things up. While attending the seminar for the office I will be having surgery with, the Director mentioned that a lot of companies were moving away from the six month diet requirement and more towards 3 months, especially with the current state of things/restrictions. Well my Optum nurse messaged me back, and did list a 6 month diet as a requirement. Though what she sent me was just typed out in a message, not an actual document (which is what I was really kind of looking for- a whole clinical guideline). UHC got back to me and provide a guideline which does not list a 6 month diet as a requirement (except in Maryland by law- but I'm in AZ). https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/bariatric-surgery.pdf The office I am going through requires 3 months (which I get and I'm totally fine with), but my husband purposely got us the primo insurance this year for all of my health needs. Plus obviously I would rather have it done sooner rather than later. I also have an entire sheet packed full of past diet attempts (including multiple phentermine attempts, xenical, and metformin), and multiple comorbidities that this could alleviate. I'm just worried with everything going on about it getting pushed back really far. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen these contradict one another? I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with the fact that UHC just changed their guidelines in May?

Hi! I’m new to the forums. I am hoping to have WLS this year. Somewhat ironically, I work in Prior Authorizations for a health insurance company, so I’m very familiar with what it means to require auth. However, every company is a bit different. I’m a newlywed and my husband added me to his policy. This was planned as my previous coverage was not as good, and his plan covers bariatric surgery whereas mine did not. So we now have UHC Choice through T-Mobile. I have checked the coverage requirement thoroughly and have a couple concerns: A. They require a 5 year weight history. However my coverage before this has been fairly bare minimum. So I mostly only went to the doctor if absolutely needed. And the eye doctor, who does not weigh. How strict are they on having a five year history? Do I only need a couple weigh ins throughout that time? Or multiple a year etc? Also will they accept photo documentation or a written statement? I mostly gave up on getting help from my PCP’s previously as they’d tell me I “wasn’t trying hard enough” whenever I failed to lose weight. But I just established care with a great PCP in order to get everything checked out/ruled out prior to asking for a referral and recommendation for the surgery. B. I know when I’m ready for a consult etc. I will need to go through UHC Bariatric Resource Services through Optum. What is it like working with them? Do they actually help and guide you as if they’d like for you to get approved? thank you in advance! just to note: My BMI is over 40, and has been at least over 35 my entire adult life. I have attempted weight loss with phentermine multiple times, as well as keto, weight watchers, and CICO. I have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, exertions dyspnea, chronic back problems, and chronic muscle tension. I am active and I do watch what I eat, just fail to lose significant weight. When taking weight loss medications I lose up to 20 lbs, but then regain as soon as I go off the med even when sustaining my same lifestyle.

I actually have UHC Choice not Choice Plus. I’ve heard so many good things about the process with Choice Plus, so I’m hoping regular Choice isn’t too different. Plus really just hoping the five year history doesn’t screw me over... but it sounds like most people haven’t had issues with the history requirement with UHC!