Okay so I'm new here and am just trying to hear from people that have had surgery and gone through the steps, etc. Anything really.

Let me start off by saying, i was completely against weight loss surgery earlier this year. Maybe it was denial but I thought I should have been able to do this on my own. My stepdad actually suggested it and I was offended. But I guess this is what made me start thinking about it. I've been trying for fifteen years to not be the chunky kid and it just wasn't working. I turn 30 next month and I decided I was going to start right. I finally got everything submitted to the surgery center earlier this week. I have BCBS of TN - Network P - anyone know how hard it is to get approved by them? My doctor wasn't against it but it wasn't easy getting him to finally write a letter (a little bit of a procrastinator maybe?... haha) Anyway, BCBS required me to lose 10% of my body weight from my heaviest, take some psych tests, get an eval, and get a letter submitted from my doc - stating the last 5 years of weights. The surgery center says that BCBS has 30 days to approve or deny me. I'm really hoping for an approval and surgery before Jan 1 (for out of pocket costs reasons). I'm a little scared. I have NEVER had surgery. What can I expect? I'm already an active person - play softball, enjoy working out... another concern is excess skin. I guess if it's too bad I'll deal with it but I really have NO desire to have cosmetic surgery after it's all said and done. Please guys... give me some words of wisdom

I just wanted to say congratulations and I am trying by the end of the year also. I have anthem insurance and mine was submitted yesterday. I am hoping they don't take the full 30 days and leave a little chance of having my surgery by the end of the year.

Thank you! Congratulations to you as well. I, too, am hoping they won't take 30 days to decide. The surgery center has told me they still have openings so hopefully BCBS won't wait too long. Are you as excited/nervious/anxious as I am? What's your story?

I am so nervous and anxious...I am trying to decide when I should start bugging the insurance company about my claim.. I think I am going to give them a call Monday just to make sure they have it....

I started the process in August when my twins started school. My clinic says that can't promise anything about having the surgery by the end of the year but I think it's really going to be how quickly the insurance approves my claim. I am hoping it all works out or I am going to have wait a few months next year until I have the money for my deductibles

I am 35, I have 4 kids ages 19,17, and 5 year old twins. I have been overweight since the twins.. Basically doubled in size and it has taken a horrible toll on my body. High blood pressure, hiatal hernia, acid reflux, ovarian cysts, probably sleep apnea (have sleep study tonight), and just tired and body aches all the time. I have tried on my own to lose weight and have failed miserably. The scale keeps going up and never down. I haven't devoted a lot of time to myself and taking care of myself the way I should have either. It's been a lot with the twins and one of them was diagnosed with Leukemia at 2.5. He is doing great but my energy has been spent on them and I have neglected myself a bit.

Now that the boys are in school, I have some much needed me time and I am ready to take control of my life again.

So how about you??