AliciaA122

My pre-op diet doesn't start until 2 weeks prior to surgery. It is: Protein shake for Breakfast Protein Shake and small piece of fruit for lunch Lean dinner- sandwich with lean meat, 1 cup vegetables

Thanks! Not too far behind you. I'm happy too!

oh, I know the feeling! It will be your turn, hopefully before you know it!!

Thanks lovelies!

Oh pumpkin, I totally understand! They are seriously a nightmare to deal with. I hate that it's out of our control, we just have to wait on them. But, you're doing right, just keep calling them and pestering them. It's ludicrous how they act and it is so emotionally draining. Hoping you get some good news and soon. Vent to me if you need to!

Cigna is THE WORST. I was approved Tuesday, but only after my surgeon's insurance coordinator sent my information twice. The first time she sent it (8/17) they combined all new information (new doctor, hospital, everything) into a denied file with my previous surgeon (who quit unexpectedly.) So, the coordinator had to call them and have them set up a new case and send everything in again. They also told me they send that medical necessity letter out almost all the time. If a case is built and the clinicals are not entered at the same, exact moment, then that letter is auto-generated. So, don't get too upset if you get one, doesn't mean that something is necessarily missing or wrong. My advice for Cigna is to stay on top of them AND your surgeon's office. You really have to, or they will misplace your information.

Hi all! Just got my date today. October 31st with Dr. Bautista in Richmond VA. I'm excited, scared, everything. Ready to start my new life and glad I'll be getting sleeved about 7.5 weeks before our Christmas trip to Scotland.

When's your date in October? I just scheduled mine today and I'm 10/31. A little nervous about having it on Halloween, but there you go!

Surgery is scheduled: October 31st.

Not much. Just excited about being approved and anxious about scheduling my surgery date.

Awesome, thanks!

I'm a big online shopper. The FedEx and UPS delivery people are my buds. Amazon is my second home. So, I need to find places to buy Protein powders and shakes online, preferably with good discounts, free shipping promos, etc. I have seen some Syntrax powders for sale on Amazon and with free shipping too. I know you can buy unjury directly from their website, but where else do you purchase your shakes/powder online? Any suggestions for other places to look?

We're going for two weeks Dec 22-Jan 5. We'll be up north, near Inverness, but may take the train down to Glasgow or Edinburgh for a day. My husband is a Scottish immigrant and his mum and brother still live in the UK, so we visit every couple of years. Unfortunately, twice this year because my father-in-law passed away in April. I've never actually been to Glasgow, but really want to visit and check out some of the art galleries (and maybe some shopping!) Sounds like you had a long, fun trip!

How's the liquid diet going MsNae?

I love M&S and forgot about them having their little shops in the train stations. Excellent suggestion, thanks! I know I'll be able to find some healthy foods at Tesco too, just need to steer clear of all of my calorie-laden favorites there as well. And I love Pimm's too!

Thank you both! I'm excited! (scared as hell, but excited too!)

Thanks for that Amanda! Where did you visit in Scotland, if you don't mind me asking? We're going there in December and I'm debating whether to try to buy Protein powder/drinks there or maybe ship some fave powder on ahead to my mother-in-law's house. I'll probably be newly sleeved (hopefully having surgery next month!) And I'll definitely be sure to get my surgeon to write me a letter to have for security here and in the UK. Glad your trip seemed to be pretty hitch-free!

Finally approved! I've been on Cigna like white on rice. Called this morning and it was still pending, decided to call again this afternoon since this is the 5th business day. It's approved! But, she said that the surgery window is small (10/11-10/12) and that will have to be amended. But, at least I'm approved!

I'm sorry. I know that's frustrating. So, I called my insurance company and my file is in nurse review again. lol. this is nutso! I keep calling everyday because last time the coordinator sent them information they combined it into the denied file. I'm not letting that happen again! Hoping for an answer in the next couple days.

That's just around the corner! Congrats! Definitely the insurance company that's been messing up. They, for some reason, were putting the new information from the new surgeon into the old, denied, closed file. I don't know why, no one seems to know why. So, the insurance coordinator at my surgeon's office had to call them yesterday to open ANOTHER new file/request. I swear. I feel like they're doing all this just so I'll get frustrated and give up!

Just called my insurance company and they said they have NO file open for me with the new surgeon. lol. This, despite the fact that Dr. Bautista's insurance coordinator told me she's been in touch with them and sent them requested information. So, who's telling the truth? Who's confused? Well, I am for one. Confused and frustrated and tired of this whole process.

oh yes, I definitely know! We're about the same starting weight. I would have a very hard time getting down to 285.

Bandita, did you have to lose a certain percentage of your body weight during pre-op as well?

Oh man, now I'm a little jealous! If I wasn't so far along at St Mary's I may consider switching. My information has been submitted to insurance AGAIN and will be denied AGAIN because they didn't have or send the medical clearance letter.

Yay! that's great news. Who's your surgeon? Let us know when you get a date.