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My insurance is like yours...no WLS no way no how. And the state I live in did not have any individual policies available from ANY company that covered WLS. (My state opted out of the Obamacare WLS requirement) So short of moving to another state or selling my business and getting a new job with a company who's insurance did cover WLS, I was on my own. So I turned to researching options in Mexico. I found a surgical team at an International Center of Excellence in Tijuana with more experience and better credentials than any of the bariatric surgeons within 200 miles of me. I used the money I was saving for a down payment on a new truck, scheduled my surgery and bypassed all the insurance BS. I had a painless, complication-free recovery, I've lost 100 pounds and and I am easily maintaining 10 pounds below my personal goal. Yesterday was my 1 year surgiversary and I'm actually glad insurance did not cover my surgery....who knows how long I would have had to wait for a surgery date. And I couldn't be happier driving around in my 15 year old truck!

I thought I replied to this yesterday but I guess I didn't. Just wanted to say I've had a rough couple of weeks with head hunger myself. Bouncing down into Onederland and back up and out. I'm being gentle with myself. And staying aware that the head hunger does not get fed with food. Or drink. The stresses I'm feeling from a pending divorce and my younger daughter leaving for a semester in Europe in a couple of weeks, on top of an edgy relationship with my mom (I'm living there for now and feel like I'm 20 again, and not in a good way) are all stressing me out in a big way. Food was on my mind all week, even though with my latest tiny fill I'm probably at the perfect green zone for now. WLS does not fix our brains. But the good news is that I have the power to recognize the underlying issues now, and the strong desire to work on them. No distractions from an emotionally unavailable and outright hostile and mentally abusive spouse. I can self-care without self-medicating. I'm kind of grateful that I'm not at goal weight yet during this first Christmas after leaving my home, because it gives me a physical goal to continue to strive for as well as the emotional goals. I hope this makes sense. I feel like I've grown a thousandfold in the nine months since my surgery. There's so much more to do, but I've got time.

I've had a week of head hunger. I know my band is at green. At least for now. But even without physical hunger I was thinking about food all day long this week. I came to the conclusion that I'm emotional about Christmas and the people I won't see this year due to my pending divorce. Also, my daughter is leaving for Europe in three weeks and I won't see her until summer. So on these two levels, I'm grieving, even though I'm busy busy busy and doing all my daily errands and whatnot. The interesting thing about being a banded food addict is that I now know when I'm stressed and avoiding feelings. It's when I'm properly "fed" but still thinking about food. Whereas I used to be able to be in denial (I'm so hungry), I know with my properly filled band that I'm not physically hungry. So therefore it's emotional. My choice then is to deal with those feelings or remain obsessed about food all day. I go to OA, and it helped to talk this out today. This is going to be a rough couple of weeks. I don't want to eat over it.

@@meganrae<3 It's usually quit the process, and Im sure For a whole heap of reasons but a big one is they want people to be prepared and understand what their getting themselves into. I'm not so sure a one month and done process Would be healthy or advisable for most. My requirements were shorter than some I only had to do a 3 month monthly checki-in. I didn't have any health issues but my BMI was right on 40 at the first weigh-in and with my insurance I qualified and was subsequently approved on the first attempt. As far as your insurance not approving wls that is going to give you a whole new set of issues with finding a insurance company that does approve it. I have BCBS FED So unless you are a federal employee or married to one ect...I don't think mine would be a possibility BUT do your research and find something. I have a feeling your in for quit the wait but if it's something you truly want you will wait it out and succeed in having it done. Another option is going to Mexico and paying cash. I can't speak on that because It wasn't the route I took but there are people on here that have and could help you out with that I'm sure. Good luck to you! Patience is a virtue !

yw! I remember my first month like it was yesterday. My surgeon told me when I last seen him in his office before surgery If I can just get thru the first month you'll do great. Boy was he right! but it is soo worth it. I would do it again in a heart beat! I got bitchy , moody, had some crying spells, but they evened out. as you loose your hormones change. I was seeing drastic changes in my bodys shape that really just motivated me that much more bc I finally seen this was really working for me! I automatically had my doubts it would work bc everything else I had ever did didnt work. but I luv my results an thank goodness I have a very supportive hubs! that support means alot! happy for you an hang in there its going to work an your doing great! do what you can we are limited bc of the space in there an it will be swelled for months. keep us posted..

I went for 1st checkup today. I was down almost 10lbs. Apparently my scale is busted. Which is odd bc it was in sync w the dr right up until surgery. He is going to let me move to phase 3 of 4 on Saturday a few days early if I get all my fluids in the next few days.

I was a wk after surgery before I could go! its pretty normal do you have any colace or softners to take? its bc the food reduction an your still more then likely not being able to drink the required amount yet. I got to where I bought suppository laxative. it drove me batty! if your on any meds it will also cause it.

I cant say much about this. alls I am going to say is all my preop screening was EXTREMELY extensive. very thorough. to family history all my issues for my weight . psych evaluation , dietician..they ran me thru the ringer. and from the BEGINNING it was DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL . It goes striaght thru the blood stream an it affects a person differantly an VERY quickly! they put the fear of alcohol in us!! the sugar from alcohol in the blood causes major insulin swings an the quicker it drops the more you want.I am not sure what to think about this. its possible that she was a self pay maybe an didnt get screened like those who depend on Ins an didnt have the proper education? I really dont no. but I can also see if a person has already a tendecy to WANT to drink (like in her genes bc of family prominates of drinking) if you already want it that small taste can take over an I mean the brain will crave more an more. I may be wrong but thats pretty much what was really instilled in us going thru our preop classes. I will be watching for others comments..

I am soo happy for you!!! you must have bc/bs...I had 4 plus major health issues as well an BMI was over 40..I had my approval within 48 hrs. I did go thru 3 differ preop classes, the psych evaluation and met with dietician. my endocrinologists had to release me once my thyroid function was in range an me an her worked closely to get that done. then she released me. hang in there!! your almost to the finish line!!! yay!! keep us posted..

Hi Solagirl:) YaY on your upcoming surgery:D I was in the hospital just one day. When I woke up I was very groggy, in and out and SO thirsty lol. They made sure I didn't hurt by giving me Morphine so pain was mild. They want you to walk as much as you can as soon as you feel up to it. I did that night. You will notice the restriction of your band as soon as you drink something. I know I did and my band is empty still. That night off of my dinner tray I ate a Popsicle. I was full lol. It's odd because it's a liquid once it melts but that tells you what kind swelling there is after surgery. I'm 6 days out and liquids do move through quicker now. But I still only can eat about 2-3oz of food. I reuse jello cups to eat out of bc of the size. I can comfortable eat a half of a jello cup of food and be full. It's amazing:) I wasn't going to weigh yet but I couldn't resist. I've lost 6 more lbs since my surgery. So that's your proof it works:) I haven't even started exercising again yet either. Gonna heal completely first. My stomach healed pretty quickly. I am still pretty tender around my port site but its healing great to. Keep me informed on how it goes hun. You will be so proud you made the decision to be banded!!

Im a month post op exactly today . Dont know how much weight ive lost bc i dont get on any scale Except my doctors. But at 2 weeks post op i was 25 lbs lost. Other Than fatigue at times im feeling really well. My sleeve actually Doesnt give me any problems at all . I havent Felt sick from food or anything. Yesterday was my first day off full líquids , i had about 3 spoons of chicken salad. I only Felt a little heavier and different since it was my first time off liquids

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, Congratulations to everyone losing weight and keeping it off. I'm here to keep you aware of your insurance. In 2009 a client of mine had the bypass surgery and was charged 120k. BC Anthem in California, paid 1,000 and said the rest was patient responsibility. She has a PPO plan and was approved. But because the best doctor she could find was out of network BC refused to pay the bill. She contacted us at networkpluscollections@gmail.com or at 424-226-6217 and BC paid the fair amount of the claim AND she was lift was no responsibility. If your PPO plan decides not to pay please contact us and get the best representation. Thank you for your time, Kendra Harris

I totally get it. I am 8 weeks out and down a total of 38 lbs and although others see a big difference, I just don't see it. I've had some pretty awesome NSV's (being able to cross my legs, fitting into clothing that I haven't worn in over a year) but a previous poster had mentioned looking in the mirror and seeing the weight that still needs to be lost. That describes my outlook perfectly. It's hard not to compare yourself to others, whether on this board or IRL. I just try to internalize what the more experienced sleevers post over and over.....be patient, make sure to get in my protein and water, follow my program, and move my body. I'm not allowed to have nuts yet but I had some veggie chip( 1 freaking oz) and it was like I fed the beast. So...no more veggie chips.

I use the Chicken Unjury. You can drink as broth or use in recipes-- just watch the temperature BC it will clump of too hot. But it's great mixed into green yogurt as a veggie dip, and I use it in chicken salad.

I didn't have a bm for close to three weeks post op (bc I became severely dehydrated in my first few weeks post op) and didn't have regular bm's until well over a month out. My dr Rx'd miralax for me to help get things going. You can also try magnesium citrate. Tastes gross but FOR SURE gets things moving in the right direction!! Lol

You don't have to get an unfill unless you are having issues eating. I got half my fill out by choice bc I was swelling and having problems eating. My port didn't stick out but I still had a lot of belly fat

...at the end of the tunnel. So yesterday I finally got fed up with this whole psychologist mess and sent an email to the patient navigator for some advice. Thank God she doesn't mind my ranting! So she wanted to speak with the psych doc and asked for his number. An hour or so later she emails me back asking me to call her. And just like I said....she found him just as weird as I did! Lol!! She said the whole situation was very strange but she helped him understand what was needed from him. What she found more strange was that he wanted to talk to my nutritionist....okaaaayyy... So prayerfully he will have his part in by Friday so they can submit me for approval.

I'm glad you brought the ring size up. I've been at a size 8 forever it seems - I only had a band since my original engagement ring was lost a long time ago. My hubs decided to size my finger and I'm exactly a 7. It was so cool to try rings on and have them actually fit. well ladies your time is coming and it'll be a forever ring bc you are never going back ???? I have to gush over my hubby of 10 years - our trip turned into an early gift to Celebrate my loss....I love these little perks of getting smaller ????

Well in a round about way...I have BCBS Fed and my requirements where to have a BMI of 40 documented for 2 years. I didn't have a BMI of 40 in fact my BMI's that were documented were 32-35 ish I did however have Exactly 40 at my first weigh in with my surgeon after gaining 5 lbs to qualify. The insurance companies are weird little creatures. I worried myself sick that that would be just the ticket they needed to deny me but I was approved 1st time around so it's really hard to say. I also had no comorbidities. Try not to stress too much.@@Toodie1974

Good Luck I was approved in less the 24hrs I have BCBS Feds

Just tell them (in a nice loving way) that there is so much more to it. If people haven't lived like tthis, they have no idea. Instead of people judging, they should be supportive but it's not always like that. I guess some may be jealous bc they don't have the courage to take a step to a healthier life. @ chin up. This will pass and people will forget. You have to do YOU!

Hello, I am an introvert and like to keep alot of things to myself. My brother had sleeve surgery 1 year ago and is doing absolutely fantastic! My mom and him are very open with everything about themselves and are the type of people that will tell a stranger their life story! I am ok with that but I just told my brother and he was very supportive but doesnt understand why i wouldnt want to tell the world ( we have a huge family ) I told my mom last night and she immediately started crying and didnt understand why I can't lose it the natural way.. said I am showing my daughter to take the easy way out.. and then made a rude comment and said " wow, so you will just end up being skinnier than I am'' She also said how could I just drop something like that on her and than tell her I am not telling anyone else and she needs to tell people. WTF?!! I am beyond words! I dont want to tell my WHOLE family and the 12 aunts and uncles and the whole city my business. I had seriously contemplated not telling anyone except my best friend and husband. I dont want to feel guilty for choosing to be healthy, I dont think that this is a cop out or I am being a bad example for my children. Such BS and I didn't even feel like explaining anything for her.. thanks for reading, needed to let that out!!

@@sunshine69 I had surgery Sept 14, I had a hard time walking the pain in my feet would cause me dread to do anything. I'm 53 and was fed up with being out of breath and feet that would hurt. If I did a little activity I could hardly make it to the bathroom in the middle of the night my feet would hurt so bad. Doing the slightest of activities would cause me to pant out of breath like a dog who ran for miles. This past Friday I spent the entire day shopping and went for a hike out to see my horse which was about half a mile, then did several loads of laundry (up and down many flights of stairs), and really didn't notice till I went to bed that night, there was no pain, none! That alone is the biggest Christmas present..

wow...I have read the comments and I tend to agree ...I have a question or 2 IF you dont mind me asking or sharing I dont want to get into others business but since this is a learning question/answer support forum Im diving in...you can either answer honestly or just say its none of my or our business..1. you mentioned you have PCOS. I do have a niece with this also..it does an can contribute to the weight issue alot bc its hormonal. are you seeing a gyn or endocrinologists for this or being treated? and are they referring you to a WLS to have this done? have they mentioned maybe having a hysterectomy to remove/resolve this hormonal issue an then take supplimental hormones in replace of the ovaries? Is your dr treating this with bc pills..etc? Im sorry..I dont mean to pry...theres reasons why I am asking. I had PCOS from a very young age...I started gaining weight at 17...used bc pills several yrs..it took me a yr an half to get pregnant with both of my kids. I started getting soo sick in my mid 20s. Im over 50 now. I have had my share of yrs of yo yo if you wanna call it dieting..the more I dieted the bigger I got. my weight was up an down over 30 yrs. yrs ago when I reached 200 I had myself convinced I still looked good. but my body was breaking down fast. I didnt think I looked bad. I had a total hysterectomy in my middle 30s. then menapause them issues...then I couldnt hardly move joints, stiffness etc...15 yrs down the road I had developed over 12 differant dx...autoimmune disease, thyroid disease etx..now thyroid med for rest of my life.....2. is this not YOUR choice to have this WLS bc if not Im kinda confused of why your here? Im not being mean or judging just trying to help you ...with the top 2 issues you mentioned to begin with I get the idea it almost sounds like your limitaton of amount of food you would be able to eat BOTHERS you or you use food as a security blanket which most ppl do but there is also underlyning reasons WHY ppl eat an thats to calm oursleves down with comfort...but yet you made another comment you dont eat MASSIVE amounts...am I missing something here? and I have heard of plus size women wanting to stay plus size not only for their security blanket AND their hubs security. (not saying this is you guys) but let me tell ya something from my journey..I agree with others..I had myself convinced I wasnt that over weight for yrs! it was ok...this past yr I put on 50 pds from not eating what I thought wasnt much calories...WRONG!!!! I was brainwashed..I did it to myself..but I had to make my own personal desision I didnt ask my hubs or worry about him..this was MY health at severe risk an obese WILL cause BAD health issues if you dont have them now it will happen. I woke up one day an said IM DONE! NOT carrying around this FAT suit any more. trying clothes on was exhausting! clothes getting from 1x to 2x almost to a 3x..yes I was 100+ over weight! I am 5 months out an over 80 pds down now..I thought I knew myself. boy was I wrong..I am seeing my true self for the first time in my life. an I am loving it. I had been thru 10 yrs of therapy (talk therapy) I got to the underlyning issues..I knew it was my time and ready. you MUST be READY for YOU an NO ONE ELSE. an as far as loose skin..hell yea it might happen. but to me I told the hubs listen if I am doing this an I need a little help with some parts you bet Im having it done. thats not my worry for now. later I'll deal with it...one step at a time. but ya know, I want to be around to live with my hubs for as long as possible. this is your decision be absolutly sure going in ..if its others steering you here then it sounds like its something you dont really want. I made up my mind an with 5 months out I eat sensible I use the myfitnesspal an for my stomach size I do fine. I dont NEED food for comfort anymore. I eat to live not live to eat. plz dont get offended thats not my goal. best wishes hope you make the right choice for you an you only...but until you get the PCOS an hormones starightened out first an fixed Im not sure if this is right for you ...my thyroid had to be working right in order to have this done an work properly or it would have been useless...I got it addressed an fixed an it works appropriatly now.

My surgeons office submitted to BC/BS PPO for approval on Thursday (probably early Friday as my final visit of the 6 month supervised diet was at 4:00 PM). I called the following Monday to check and found out I was approved and I was. The surgeons office called Tuesday to see if I could be ready for the procedure the following Monday. OMG!!! My surgeon only had me on Clear liquids the day before since I was just getting sleeved and not bypass. From the moment I was approved everything has gone so fast and fallen right into place. 5 1/2 weeks later and I am down 28 pounds from my highest weight. Good Luck!