kthorn1

On 8/17/2022 at 3:43 PM, vanityreloaded21 said:

Hey everyone (

I know this post is old but I recently refuse FED BCBS and wanted to inquire about the approval process. Did anyone have to wait 6 months before surgery or is that requirement waived? Any input is greatly appreciated!

Hi - I just had VSG on July 21 and used FEP BCBS. It took me about 6 months to complete all the of insurance requirements but there was no written rule that you had to wait 6 months. The only specific timeframe requirement relates to nutritional counseling, which states you have to undergo nutritional counseling for atleast 3 months prior to surgery. You also have to have documentation of obesity for atleast a full year before surgery, but I had my PCP write a letter stating how long I've been classified above the obesity BMI and that sufficed for that requirement.

On 6/22/2022 at 2:41 PM, LookingForward22 said:

Yesterday I had the last of my appointments, tests and virtual check-ins (or so I thought). I got a call after my last appointment - expecting it to be a scheduler to set up a time to meet with the surgeon. Instead, it was a question about my cardiac clearance - “did they do an echo while I was there?” (they didn’t). They said I would need one - sorry it got missed (irritated it’s another copay 🙄) … hoping they could get me in before my new insurance year (July 1st) but grateful they got me in on July 1st. At least it is not a long wait.

I’m worried that’s going to push out my meeting with the surgeon… and back things up a little. I know I will have a 8 day pre-surgical liquid diet to do prior to my surgery…. but my question is - how long after your last meeting with the surgeon was your surgery scheduled for?

My husband is a teacher and I’m hoping to have the surgery before he goes back so he can be around that first week or two at least.

As June turns into July… (he goes back mid August for in-service) I worry that might not be possible. I’m not worried about the insurance part, I’m confident that is already good. I’m not worried about the echo (I have no cardiac issues… it’s just the programs requirement). So it’s really just the surgeons availability that’s the last piece of the puzzle.

Thanks for any insight you can give. I’m trying not to stress - but the closer I get to the pre-surgical requirements being done … the more anxious I get.

Congratulations for getting to this stage! I know for me, this period is the hardest to stay patient. lol.
I echo what others have said - every program/hospital seems to be different. My last clearance appointment was on June 6. The bariatric coordinator called me a couple weeks later to schedule the surgery. It's been scheduled for July 21,

On 6/28/2022 at 11:29 AM, mommaMel302 said:

Hi there

Im just starting my bariatric surgery diet. It is something I have wanted for a while, but just recently got the courage to go through with it. It will probably still be a few more months out, but I'd love to make new friends that I can experience this journey with! I'm 36 with a 6 year old and a 1 year old.

Welcome! I'm new(er) to this community, as well, but it's been great so far to learn from others who are or have been in the process. I had my initial consultation in January of this year and completed all of my pre-op requirements at the beginning of June. My surgery is scheduled for July 21. I'm having VSG.

I'm 31 and live in Florida. No children but I do have the cutest, most spoiled English Bulldog.

On 6/29/2022 at 9:09 PM, Merill said:

I'm meant to be on 20th July for a Roux NY and a hiatal hernia repair. Fingers crossed! as it's been postponed three times already lol

Best of luck to everyone waiting for their surgeries 🙏👍

Three times?!? Oh no - that sounds awful. The worst has to be behind you and FOURTH TIME WILL BE THE CHARM.

On 6/29/2022 at 8:45 PM, Julie B in IL said:

kthorn1, we’re surgery date twins!

Woo - can't wait to join the losers bench with you. Will be nice to have this board to come back to and check in on how everyone is doing as we recover

Hi everyone! I’m having the sleeve on July 21. My two-week liquid diet starts a week from tomorrow.

19 minutes ago, acopas said:

I'm also in Florida, but having my procedure in Mexico. I hope your last pre-op appointment goes well and your are scheduled quickly!

I've read about so many success stories from people having surgery in Mexico - I'm sure you will be one of them.
I know it's a long shot that we live in the same area, but would love to have a local friend going through this process, if so. I'm in NW-ish Florida.

Hi everyone! I'm a little late to the convo but am happy to meet some fellow June sleevers. My last pre-op appointment is June 6th, and my bariatric coordinator said the surgery would likely be 3-4 weeks after that (putting me at end end of June/first of July).

1 hour ago, liveaboard15 said:

I am just under 3 weeks post op here in Florida and i feel fine. I wouldnt have any issues really sitting in a plane or going walking around and i spent a good portion of the day yesterday at my local marina outside without issue. Only thing is i just make sure i have a good water bottle with me to get in all my fluids

Good advice! I can't wait to be at a healthier weight so that I can comfortably do all the fun outdoor activities our state has to offer!

On 4/19/2022 at 4:23 PM, joanie pony said:

no date yet. my husband and i are both having bypass, and have requested for the same day or close to it. Our adult twins agreed to help us out for the first week.

we have all our clearances finished. Our first appt with the surgeon was in october. We are still doing our monthly nutrition class and weigh-in.

we are in fairmont.

How is everything going with you?

Same to you (as my reply to the original poster). Would love to make some new virtual friends through this process. I was born in WV and lived there until I was 24. Spent ages 18-24 not far from you...in Morgantown.

On 4/13/2022 at 10:21 AM, WestVirginiaGirl said:

Hello All, I was banded in 2013. I lost around 85lbs. I have had issues, and now will soon (within the next 2 months) have the band removed and have bypass done. I was hoping to find a friend to go on this journey with. Thanks to all

Hi there. I know this was posted almost a month ago - but would love to make some virtual friends to go through this journey with. I'm almost done with the VSG pre-op process, and although I don't live in WV anymore, I was born and raised there, so always looking for more fellow West Virginians to connect with through this process.

23 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

By that far out you should be able to do pretty much whatever you could handle physically before the surgery.

That's a great point! Thank God, even though my starting weight was 436, I've always been able to do the things I'm hoping to do the weekend in question (I'm fully mobile, can fly, walk around an airport, attend a game, etc.). BUT there was pain involved. My back would hurt or I'd have to stop and catch my breath if walking up multiple bleachers. Definitely looking forward to NOT slowing down my friends in the future.

I'd been thinking about surgery for over a year, but one of my major turning points was a few months ago while I was on a vacation to the DR. I went on a snuba trip, and the boat didn't have a full ladder to climb back up, like I'm used to. It had a single step. I couldn't pull all of my body weight back up, so I had to have someone help pull me back on the boat. Talk about embarrassing......but it led me to making positive changes.

4 minutes ago, Tony B - NJ said:

Absolutely you can do all these things. At 8 weeks post op, I flew to Mexico, went swimming, kayaking, bike riding and snorkeling. I think you can do a lot more than you think you can do at this stage. You are heavier starting out than I was, so you may have more limitations but flying and walking around are definitely doable.

Sounds like it was a wonderful trip!

22 minutes ago, kcuster83 said:

I am 6 weeks post op, no problems at all. Feel good and normal energy.

That's so good to hear - makes me look forward to being where you are.

Hi everyone! My surgery is projected to be in the first couple weeks of July (my last pre-op appointment is June 6th, and the coordinator of my bariatric center said the surgery is usually around a month later, barring limited issues with insurance).

I currently live in Florida and am considering flying to Pittsburgh the week of Labor Day to attend a football game of my undergrad alma mater with friends and visit family. However, I’m hesitant to book the trip because I don’t know how I’ll feel 6-7 weeks after surgery.

I know everyone is different but I would love to hear from you all about your recovery experiences. Would you have been able to fly, stay outside for 3+ hours, be social for a weekend (:D) approximately 2 months out?

Thanks in advance!

Reading about y’all’s experiences makes me hopefully! I have FEBBCBS basic and am almost done with the pre-op process (last appointment is June 6). I was worried I’d have to wait many weeks to get approval.