Search the Community
Showing results for 'Fed BC/BS'.
Found 17,501 results
-
Great post!!! It is definitely a new life, and a chance at lift at that!! We're so lucky bc so many will never get this opportunity and we do! I know I feel very blessed!! Traceylynn we have the same date! I'm so ready!!
-
Hi! I was in a similar situation. I saw a psychiatrist and did not get cleared over miscmmunicatipn with his intern. My surgeon would not give me a date so I got a new surgeon and his psychiatrist cleared me for surgery. I am now waiting to get my date. It kind of sucked BC I lost my 400 dollar program fee with my first surgeon but now I'm about to get a date so I don't think about money lost. I say if you don't get cleared get a new psych evaluation and don't be so honest and open about your feelings. If you feel you are strong enough to do this show them that and don't focus on how bad the weight is making you feel. Talk to someone on the side about that. They mainly want to see you are mentally stable enough for surgery. Put a smile on and I hate to say this and it's probably bad advise but lie lie lie your way if you have to. I hope this helps a little even if it just makes you smile
-
Its finally becoming real the doctor submitted to my insurance
Elode replied to LisaLou30's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi I have BCBS Fed Basic and I was approved on Wen after 5 days. I called everyday and stressed Until they finally called me back with the good news( which they normally won't do ,they said I would have to wait for the letter or my Dr to call but they Called me) . My surgery is scheduled for 11/3 a little over two weeks! I hope you Hear something soon! -
Day 4 and it's getting easier. Last night was the ultimate test bc I went with my husband to a pool hall (we play in a pool league) that serves food that is a fat girls dream!! Not only is the cooking area in the middle of the place and you can smell it from anywhere in the building but we ended up sitting right next to the place that the waiters come out of with the food!!! It took everything I had not to snatch the chicken wings out of that girls hands!! I told my friend I was about to trip the next person and I'm not to proud right now to eat that shit off the floor!! (<< I would never do that!!) So as I fought and fought the urge the waitress starts popping popcorn, not the kind in a bag but the kind they make @ the movies, and guess where I'm sitting yup right next to that oh so smell good popcorn!!! And to top it off she goes over the intercom and announces that they are GIVING IT AWAY FOR FREE!!!! Oh holy hell!!! But I resisted!!! It was sooo hard to do, especially since I have not DRANK my dinner yet, but I did it!!! Anyway just thought u would share my experience hope all is well with you guys!!
-
So im just waking up from my egd and there is a lady next to.me getting the same thing for pre op she has lap band and regrets it and really wants the sleeve makes me thankful for my doctor talking me out of lap band i imo there are risks with everything but this lady is having major issues and her insurance may not approve the sleeve bc she's already had lap band im sad for her bc she desperately wants to change it!!
-
Today is gonna be easy peasy! Ok so I am so sorry for all of you out there who have to do several weeks of liquids prior to surgery! My nut wants me doing high protein, low cal, low carb, no fat... I need at least 10 ounces of meat per day and up to 4 veg, 1 fruit, 3 starch, 0 fat. Yesterday I cooked all my chicken for the next 10 days. I cut bnls sknls chicken breast into 2 ounce strips (approx) Cooked them in the oven with some cooking spray. Next I put 5 strips in each ziplock bag. 7 in the freezer and 3 in the fridge. Went to the store last night and got Sargento low mozzarella string cheese. I also have V8 splash for my 1 serv of fruit and 1 of my veg servings. Vitamin Water Zero is my new fav drink since I quit Pepsi Max. I am also taking a women's multi-vitamin every morning. I will switch to a diff vitamin source the last couple days before surgery so that I will be used to it. I don't have a date yet but have submitted to fep blue for approval. After approval I want to be scheduled asap so I decided to go ahead and start the pre-op diet since it's not taking away any of my protein shakes I have stocked up for after surgery. I LOVE chicken and cheese so I think this is gonna be quite easy for me. I am not going to be eating much else. Going to a cook out Sunday but I will be taking my chicken, cheese stick, and vitamin water and avoiding the chips and soda!! I am super excited about the prospect of surgery in my near future!!! I am praying for an approval and a speedy one!! My children, friends, and most family know about my decision. My husband is SO supportive!! Alot more than I thought he would be. But he sees all the work I am putting into getting prepared mentally and physically. I have lost 30 pounds this year and I should include that in my ticker... Thinking I may change it. My mom was very skeptical at first but I sent her to vertical sleeve talk on FB and she started reading there and now she is so excited for me!! I am going to be BLOWING UP fed bcbs phone lines checking my status LOL I love reading this board!!!! I feel like I know so many of you and I have met a couple. You all are fantastic!!!
-
I know another person started a Canadian thread in specific surgery area..but another thread may be helpful...as there are vaying choices...and this is a great place to meet our close neighbours.. btw my name is Yvette...I recently moved from BC to AB...the frustrations of waitlist is undescribable esp after 5 yrs. Paying myself now..heading to Mexico on Tuesday... am nervous and excited....
-
Other Canadians?
sillyolme1 replied to sillyolme1's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Wow...well had i looked harder...i probably could have waited...but 5 yrs in BC is ridiculous and that dr has people from all accross Canada too...making it sound..seem like there was only his business in Western Canada.. Did not want to get the run around here in AB...and $6500 USD is far better than the $18k ive seen. Yes Im in Northern AB ....how else could i afford this...lol TY Getting anxious ..leave tuesday!! -
Another Newby! Self Payer
beachgirl replied to ParaGirl's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Good luck to you. It will be worth every penny. I too was self pay. I pay Anthem BC/BS 700.00 per month for insurance for hubby and me and they wouldn[t pay a dime. I went to Mexico and had the most world reknown surgeon who'd done over 7000 and the biggest, nicest hospital and wonderful aftercare and wouldn't change a thing. You will be so proud you did this. I was only out 8500.00 but it's still the best thing I ever did for myself. I will be thinking about you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. -
When you say zero issues, does that mean you don't have reflux? Just curious. I would say I battle with this and haven't quite figured it out. I don't want to take Prilosec every day but instead take it when I need it. But I'd rather not have reflux. Just curious. I have wondered if it is bc I have a 34 boughie, bc my cousin got a 40 boughie and I don't think she is having the exact problem.
-
Ok Sorry Guys This One Is For The Ladies!
GonnaBHotMama replied to blackanese25's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh..good point! Mine isnt regular because Im on the pill and for some odd reason it makes my periods either not come or it's verrrry scant. We have to get off our BC pill for 6 weeks before surgery so hopefully I'll have mine before. You know, this reminds me of after having a baby. lol Weird bleeding and I have to wait 6 weeks to start my pill back up, so that 6 weeks is like "healing time". Oh well....completely worth it. -
I went straight to bed yesterday after posting bc i felt awful. I debated between walking and sleeping...sleep won. Lol. Literally my head was pulsing. Today is day 3 and i feel great so far this morning. I also want to get all the sugar, soda and junk out of my system now. Here's to a new day!!!
-
Waiting for Insurance Approval
JillianRN replied to ddmcnutt's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I feel the same, my surgeon is suppose to send mine to BC/BS tomorrow... -
Completely New Band Virgin
go_big_girl replied to Stevennat215's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
steve - i am VERY new to this process as well. i actually just signed up for this website today. but what i did FIRST was consult my insurance company about the requirements/criteria from them. i then worked from there. my insurance company requires u to be a BMI of 40 or above OR a 35 BMI with a comorbid condition, under a doctor supervised weight loss management program for 6 months, and doctor's documentation proving i've been at a BMI of 40 for atleast 3 years. So, once I got that information, I researched weight loss doctors. I am going to my first appt tomorrow, and that is when i'll let him know I'm interested in the Lap Band surgery. I've also gathered all the information from BC/BS to take to my doctor as well. then, i called the doctor i want to do my lapband and scheduled a seminar with them. presently, that's all i have done- but that's what i did to start my process. keep us updated! -
I would go by your surgeon's guidelines also. My surgeon allowed really mushy cooked veggies during the mushy phase and then other veggies at 6 weeks out. Iceberg lettuce could be tried at 4 weeks but I waited till 6. Other lettuces at 6. I really never had trouble tolerating anything other than broccoli and cauliflower that weren't cooked well around 6 to 10 weeks. I can eat them raw now at nearly 6 months out. I like eating veggies bc they fill me up, they are low cal, good fiber, and I can eat about a cup of them bc of the water content. I usually eat them as a snack bc I can't eat much of them after eating protein.
-
Thanks to all of you for your words of advice and encouragement. Yes you do understand and that is a comfort to me. Being like this is an emotional slice of hell anyway and I think I will reach out to anyone who throws a lifeline to get through it. Again – thank you. Does anyone have any information on affordable (self-pay) lap band surgeons in the U.S.? There is a reputable one in San Antonio, Texas who quotes about $12k. It is so frustrating dealing with BCBS. Mainly the hoops and that 6-month diet thing. They treat you like you are less than human and stupid. My frustration is that I have been dieting and exercising for 4 months waiting to visit a new doctor. Yes it takes that long if you are a new patient here and want a good doctor. I wanted to make myself healthy enough to get the band and mitigate other health issues. It is working but I know I will not sustain it over time. Now I find that I don’t get any credit for that. I fear that if I fall below the qualifying BMI, I will be disapproved as BCBS states on their website. So my option now, and I am seriously considering this is to self-pay just to spare myself the BCBS BS. Aftercare is a concern because even though the medical tourism options are affordable, the doctors around here do not want to fool with you. I would be forced to drive long distances and pay large amounts for one who will. I had decided on Panama or Costa Rica, because I always wanted to visit there but…factoring in air fare for 2, hotel stay, it puts me right at or even above a cash pay here in the U.S. I did find a local surgeon who will do the aftercare if I get the procedure from a U.S. doctor (ironic because the doctor is a foreign national).
-
So I had turned 30 in September and was sleeved on November 14. I am hoping for a new lease on life. I started at my highest weight 339. Throughout all pre op weigh ins nd liquid pre op diet I went to 331, 321 and I was sleeves weighing 321 that morning. I went today for my first post op visit- 301!!!!!!! I am almost out of the 3's!! I have had no complications. No vomiting. No gerd or reflux. Truthfully I feel awesome! I NEVER feel hungry also. I take my antacid pill in the am and I am still sleeping on my back, which I really don't like, so at night I take 20ml of pain mess to put me to sleep while ok not comfy on my back and that's it!!! Normal day I start with pull and some broth if a can of soup(lentil, minestrone, chikarina, pot roast) and my bf has the food part of the soup to save money. Then ill sip water. Crystal light or G2 from Gatorade until I feel like j should eat again hours later. I will have a sugar free jello or half of a sugar free pudding. Continue the sipping and always making sure to walk walk walk! I barely have calories Nd it doesn't effect me. I just bought tuna chunk lite in water in those packets with no draining needed. I'm going to start having one a day at least bc there are 18 gms of protein in each!! That's awesome!! I hope this story is showing great results Nd my ultimate goal is to hit 180 pounds before I turn 31. I want to be beautiful for engagement and wedding. I look forward to great stories and replies :-) good luck to all!
- 1 reply
-
- 1
-
-
Excited and thankful!!
sleeveorbust replied to sunnyd's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I don't know how it feels to jump through all of those hoops bc I was self pay... But I'd do it all over again in a flash! I'm loving my life post sleeve .. I will be exactly 2 months out on wednesday!!! -
finally decided to go for it
wendy645 replied to sdaniel75's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
There are some references to bc/bs in the insurance forum, but I wanted to wish you the best of luck!!! -
It's hard to believe it's been over 6 weeks already! It still feels surreal that I went to Mexico, that I flew on a plane and that I had this surgery. I am down 34.6 lbs. I've already gone from a size 22 jeans to a size 20. My starting weight was 242.2 lbs. That was the heaviest I had ever been. I was in denial for a long time that I was really that obese. I didn't have any health problems, so I didn't worry too much. However, my habits were starting to rub off on my 5 year old daughter and the light bulb went off. It was time for a change. I tried Weight Watchers for the umpteenth time. I think all of you know how that goes lol. Well, long story short I was fed up and finally made the decision to have surgery. I did lots and lots of research and decided on Dr. Garcia in Tijuana. Everything went great! My experience was pleasant. I never felt unsafe. I battled a lot of emotions for the first few weeks, but I feel pretty good about everything now. I'm starting to get compliments and that's awesome! To anyone pre-op, it's worth it!! Thanks for reading!
-
HELLO TO EVERYONE..I'M SO EXCITED!!!
THENEWME2012 posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hello everyone... I have been reading on this site for the past month and finally decided to become a BANDIT I am 38yr old female, 5ft 4, 216 pds and most people tell me that I should not do the procedure because I am not big enough (in their eyes) well for me having the procedure will be more than just being vain about my size. I have and take medicine for daily: Psuedo Tumor Cerebrii, High Blood Pressure, sleep Apnea and Diabbetes..yea I know right????? so when my surgeon Dr. Touliatos looked over my medical records he laughed and asked me did I drink or smoke and I said no and he said well maybe you should start (lol) because you have everything else which is sad but true. My procedure will be done more for health reasons than anything but the added weight loss will surely be a plus!!!!!! I am an Lab employee at Trinity Medical Center of Excellence and I will have my procedure done there as well so I will have NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS which is great and my insurance is BC/BS. I will be in a familiar atmosphere with the doctors and nurses that I have known for years so I will feel safe. I have chosen to do the Lap Band w/ Plication and I am so excited because at Trinitry the doctors have been doing the Lap Band w/Plication for the last 8 months and the results have been awesome. So far Dr. T said he has only had to do a couple of fills so whatever he is doing seems to really work and alot of patients that was considering Gastric has chosen Lap Band w/Plication and the pounds are dropping!!!! I have to complete a 6 month diet which sucks because if not for that I would be having my procedure in a couple of weeks but Im gonna have to wait this thing out which right now seems impossible. I really love this site and I enjoy reading posts from everyone and getting all the helpful tips and advice. I just wanted to say hi to everyone and goodluck! TheNewMe2012 -
Hello all pre/post banders and everyone in between. I am a newbie to this site, and within the last 24 hours or so have begun to find it so helpful. I have been considering lap band for a few years now. Just recently I finally took the step forward to becoming a healthier me. I had to complete a 6 month metabolic program which consisted of me seeing a nutritionist once a month, a phsyc visit, a weight loss meeting, and a lap band seminar. I finally completed all of the necessary requirements this past April . I got my pre-surgical referral to see this wonderful doctor...Dr. Shayani. I have seen nothing but the best reviews about him and his staff. I highly recommend him. As of April 19th I completed all of his post surgical requirements, which were an esophogram, phsyc approval, and some lab work. Now I am impatiently waiting to schedule my surgery. Currently I am 241lbs 5'3in . My goal weight is 140-145. But we shall see. I think I will be happy at any weight around that number, I will know when I am comfortable with my body again. I am not really nervous far as the surgery goes. What’s bothering me is how my body will adjust to the weight loss. I know I need to work out, but I'm not sure if my body will keep up since I would be losing weight at a more rapid pace. With that being said has anyone (mainly females) had problems with sagging skin, or droopy boobs? I contacted BC/BS of IL and inquired about cosmetic surgery. Happy to say it is something that covered under my plan with a referral. Can anyone can give me a little insight as to what I have forward to looking to far as this waiting game, and post op care, any and all comments, suggestions, and words of encouragement are all greatly appreciated. Thank you and I wish everyone much continued success on your journey!! :wub:
-
Stopping Bc Pills For Surgery
Finding Myself posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon is having me stop my BC pills prior to surgery. Did anyone else do this? If so how did you do it? Just not start a new pack? Or stop mid cycle? -
I have BC/BS w/ the state, my husband is a probation officer...so I have the state health plan, it was great and approved quick and easy...although they haven't made payment yet...I guess I don't want to jinx it...I had surgery on Wed am took the w/e off work and returned on Mon pm---a 12 hour shift---I am a nurse in labor & delivery. I probably should have taken Mon off cause I was still feeling poorly, but by Tues I felt great. The first 3 days are the roughest, but that is typical w/ any surgery, not just banding...anyway, hope this answers your questions. And all, thanks for the well wishes. I hope to lose another 20 by Thanksgiving, but it will take some real work at Curves and my walking track...we'll see...
-
Part of me was thinking maybe it's bc my stomach is so empty, that it's water hitting all my stomach acids and not mixing well... Idk I'm reaching at this point! Lol
