Well I got the call today from the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office as well as from the case manager from BCBS stating that I have been approved! It feels like I've been waiting forever - just over two weeks (with Thanksgiving in there too). I'm SO glad to have finally got it set in stone. I go in next Wednesday (12/15) for all my pre op tests. I start my preop diet next Monday. And my OFFICIAL surgery date is 12/27 - WOOHOO! That means my surgery is covered 100% - my out of pocket for the year is met (why I was pushing so hard for an approval). YAY YIPPEE! So excited!

AWESOME! Congratulations. 100% coverage is amazing... my insurance was 80/20 and every penny of that $3,000 has been worth it.

AWESOME! Congratulations. 100% coverage is amazing... my insurance was 80/20 and every penny of that $3,000 has been worth it.

Thank you Katy! How long have you been banded? What do you think is the hardest part of the process?

My insurance is an 80/20 plan as well, with an out of pocket max of $1000 individual or $2000 family per year. So if I would have had to wait until after January 1, it would have cost $1,000. Times like these I am super gracious of my great government benefits despite my not so great pay... LOL.

Your coverage is still really good though. I really feel for those that don't get any help at all. That's a big chunk!

Thank you Katy! How long have you been banded? What do you think is the hardest part of the process?

My insurance is an 80/20 plan as well, with an out of pocket max of $1000 individual or $2000 family per year. So if I would have had to wait until after January 1, it would have cost $1,000. Times like these I am super gracious of my great government benefits despite my not so great pay... LOL.

Your coverage is still really good though. I really feel for those that don't get any help at all. That's a big chunk!

Tomorrow is my 6 month anniversary!

The hardest part of the process, for me, has been the mental work. Understanding why I make the choices that make. And it's funny, I have to evaluate not just why I make my food choices but I've really discovered how many things I do just because I'm the fat girl. And the happier and more confident I become, the more my family needs to talk old issues through with me that have nothing to do with my weight -- or so it seems -- but everything to do with my attitude about a situation and how I reacted that could go back to how I felt about myself because of my weight. And though that part is certainly more difficult that forcing myself to get up and workout, it's been a real self discovery. I'm learning who I am all over again but the person that I am now no longer feels the need to defend my weight but Celebrate it. I hope that makes sense!

Your deductibles are great. We had a max of $3,000 out of pocket per person so that's what I paid. But 2 months ago when I had emergency gall bladder surgery I was over joyed to find that I didn't have to pay a penny, thanks to meeting my deductible from my band surgery. Woohoo!!

Tomorrow is my 6 month anniversary!

The hardest part of the process, for me, has been the mental work. Understanding why I make the choices that make. And it's funny, I have to evaluate not just why I make my food choices but I've really discovered how many things I do just because I'm the fat girl. And the happier and more confident I become, the more my family needs to talk old issues through with me that have nothing to do with my weight -- or so it seems -- but everything to do with my attitude about a situation and how I reacted that could go back to how I felt about myself because of my weight. And though that part is certainly more difficult that forcing myself to get up and workout, it's been a real self discovery. I'm learning who I am all over again but the person that I am now no longer feels the need to defend my weight but celebrate it. I hope that makes sense!

Your deductibles are great. We had a max of $3,000 out of pocket per person so that's what I paid. But 2 months ago when I had emergency gall bladder surgery I was over joyed to find that I didn't have to pay a penny, thanks to meeting my deductible from my band surgery. Woohoo!!

I can totally understand the emotional aspects of the journey. At my psych visit, the psychologist told me that previous experiences in my life could come flooding back again. That my weight could have (and more than likely was) a defense mechanism. Losing that would be like opening myself up all over again. Having a degree in psychology helps me to understand that part. I know I'll have to deal with the emotional part throughout the weightloss to be successful. One day at a time, one obsticle at a time, we will get through this!

Congrats on your success and your six month anniversary! Does anyone treat you differently?

I can totally understand the emotional aspects of the journey. At my psych visit, the psychologist told me that previous experiences in my life could come flooding back again. That my weight could have (and more than likely was) a defense mechanism. Losing that would be like opening myself up all over again. Having a degree in psychology helps me to understand that part. I know I'll have to deal with the emotional part throughout the weightloss to be successful. One day at a time, one obsticle at a time, we will get through this!

Congrats on your success and your six month anniversary! Does anyone treat you differently?

YAY! I love this thread. Not only because you got approved (and I did too today!) But because my favorite you tuber is posting here (Katy) She has an awesome series of videos of her journey that you should really watch Swan. I am working up the nerve to do Youtube as I know it takes a lot to put all your business out in the public. I think it will help keep me motivated.

Well I got the call today from the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office as well as from the case manager from BCBS stating that I have been approved! It feels like I've been waiting forever - just over two weeks (with Thanksgiving in there too). I'm SO glad to have finally got it set in stone. I go in next Wednesday (12/15) for all my pre op tests. I start my preop diet next Monday. And my OFFICIAL surgery date is 12/27 - WOOHOO! That means my surgery is covered 100% - my out of pocket for the year is met (why I was pushing so hard for an approval). YAY YIPPEE! So excited!

I know how excited you are!! I finally got my approval from BCBS last week and will also be covered 100%. I started my pre op diet on Monday (it's torture) but is well worth it. I go on the 13th for me pre op visit and am scheduled to have my surgery on the 20th. I'm soooooo EXCITED!!! Good Luck!!

Did you have to a 3 month medically supervised diet for BCBS... I did and was just wondering if you did too..

YAY! I love this thread. Not only because you got approved (and I did too today!) But because my favorite you tuber is posting here (Katy) She has an awesome series of videos of her journey that you should really watch Swan. I am working up the nerve to do Youtube as I know it takes a lot to put all your business out in the public. I think it will help keep me motivated.

So excited you were approved today! And are having surgery on my birthday nonetheless lol. I'll have to tell Dr. Spaw wednesday when I see him that I have "met" one of his patients. I'm so excited!

I watched a few of her videos - they are really good. I don't know what I have the nerve to do the youtube thing but i know it is encouraging for me. Maybe I should - to be encouraging to someone else.... a thought.

I know how excited you are!! I finally got my approval from BCBS last week and will also be covered 100%. I started my pre op diet on Monday (it's torture) but is well worth it. I go on the 13th for me pre op visit and am scheduled to have my surgery on the 20th. I'm soooooo EXCITED!!! Good Luck!!

Did you have to a 3 month medically supervised diet for BCBS... I did and was just wondering if you did too..

I didn't have to do the 3 months diet but I was required to lose 10% of my weight before surgery. So I guess it could be better or worse - depending on how successful the diet is for each person... lol Either way - just glad I got approvod. Congratulations your date! It's great to know next summer we will be more comfortable in cute summer clothes (and a bathing suit).

Well I got the call today from the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office as well as from the case manager from BCBS stating that I have been approved! It feels like I've been waiting forever - just over two weeks (with Thanksgiving in there too). I'm SO glad to have finally got it set in stone. I go in next Wednesday (12/15) for all my pre op tests. I start my preop diet next Monday. And my OFFICIAL surgery date is 12/27 - WOOHOO! That means my surgery is covered 100% - my out of pocket for the year is met (why I was pushing so hard for an approval). YAY YIPPEE! So excited!

THIS IS SO AWESOME FOR YOU!!! And you are getting banded before me, LOL. Hopefully we can stay in contact. I am still having issues trying to figure out how to post things on the website or responding to personal conversations, its confusing, LOL. Anyway, When I start my pre-op diet on the 22nd and go in for tests on the 14th. Let me know how things go.

THIS IS SO AWESOME FOR YOU!!! And you are getting banded before me, LOL. Hopefully we can stay in contact. I am still having issues trying to figure out how to post things on the website or responding to personal conversations, its confusing, LOL. Anyway, When I start my pre-op diet on the 22nd and go in for tests on the 14th. Let me know how things go.

THANK YOU! I actually don't go in for my testing until next Wednesday (12/15) but I'll be starting the preop on Monday (12/13). What day is your surgery? And yes, we will keep in touch and help each other through. It's going to be an emotional life change and we're going to need all the support we can get

Well I got the call today from the insurance specialist at my surgeon's office as well as from the case manager from BCBS stating that I have been approved! It feels like I've been waiting forever - just over two weeks (with Thanksgiving in there too). I'm SO glad to have finally got it set in stone. I go in next Wednesday (12/15) for all my pre op tests. I start my preop diet next Monday. And my OFFICIAL surgery date is 12/27 - WOOHOO! That means my surgery is covered 100% - my out of pocket for the year is met (why I was pushing so hard for an approval). YAY YIPPEE! So excited!

That is Great! I know I was the same way when i got mine. I just got my lap-band 12/08/2010, So two days ago. I'm so glad it is over with. The 14 day pre-op diet was hard at first. But the 24 hour before not eating was worse. NOW.. I'm on the 5 days of Clear liquids is getting to me. Jello,sugar free popsicles,broth, are my only foods.. But I'm just getting grumpy , last meal i eat was Thanksgiving.. yep.. Man. Anyhoo I'm glad i got it and you will be too. 11 pounds down since 11/24/2010. So the pre-op diets really get the losing started, :-)

That is Great! I know I was the same way when i got mine. I just got my lap-band 12/08/2010, So two days ago. I'm so glad it is over with. The 14 day pre-op diet was hard at first. But the 24 hour before not eating was worse. NOW.. I'm on the 5 days of clear liquids is getting to me. Jello,sugar free popsicles,broth, are my only foods.. But I'm just getting grumpy , last meal i eat was Thanksgiving.. yep.. Man. Anyhoo I'm glad i got it and you will be too. 11 pounds down since 11/24/2010. So the pre-op diets really get the losing started, :-)

Aww thank you! And congratulations on your success so far! I start my preop Monday. I think I'm mentally prepared for it but know I will still have struggles. I'm going out to eat for my birthday tomorrow (it's Tuesday) so hopefully that'll help the no cravings thing. We will see.