and boy is he secure in his abilities, LOL He's only done 100 sleeves, no leaks. He's done 1100 gastric bypass surgeries and 1300 lap bands. He uses a 34 or 36 bougie and he does not staple up to the esophagus. He angles the staple line off to the side so that no staples are in the esophageal tissue. I COMPLETELY forgot about asking if he oversewed the staple line or not. He does a leak test during surgery but not before you leave the hospital, not sure if I like that one. He keeps you 2 nights in regular care, not ICU and he's had no one need ICU in the last 17 years. He's not a "if tight is good, then tighter is better" type doc when it comes to the sleeve size and band tightness which did make me feel good.

So, unless the bloodwork comes back today with something up on the TSH or Lipid profile I have no co-morbidities with a BMI of 36. Insurance gal said that she didn't think they would care about my infertility, PCOS, joint pain, back pain or stress incontinence. But, she was submitting it anyway with those things mentioned and we will appeal if it's denied. She said that I don't have to worry about the insurance company anymore, she's got it taken care of. So, now it's a waiting game and seeing what hoops have to be jumped through.

Y'all have a blessed day!

Krystal

YAY YAY so ecstatic for you. I'm praying for approval, and swift process that works with your schedule and on God's timeline for you.

There's a few patients on here that there surgeon doesn't do leak tests post-op and they haven't ever had a leak either. So, just go in confident, and lean on your faith.

I'm cheering from the sidelines for ya ! ! !

That's my doc!

I'm so excited for you! I'll be praying your insurance goes through without a hitch and things will move along swiftly. I know the waiting game is very painful.

(((Krystal))))

Thanks y'all!!

Grateful Heart, do you know if Dr. Merriman oversews the staple line or not?

I'm so happy for you and hope you are approved fast, the waitng is the hardest, for me anyway. Maybe we'll get to go about the same time.Carla

Wouldn't that be awesome Carla? I would love to have a sleeve twin!! LOL I was thinking on the 2 hour drive home from the doc, "wouldn't it be cool to walk in and have a message saying they've already approved me and to call them back so we can set up a date?" LOL But, that message was not waiting on me. Wonder how long it usually takes insurances to approve or deny something like this?

I've been told legally they have 30 days but usually UHC approves faster anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks and it's going to fly by and we can say busy picturing the lb's falling off with our help. :smile:

No, Krystal, I don't know if Dr. Merriman oversews the staple line. Didn't care at the time. I trusted him.

Hey Krystal,

Good luck on your approval! I hope you hear very soon. :thumbup1:

Thanks Lee! Grateful, ok, thanks. I'll ask next time I talk with them. I know there are conflicting opinions on that subject between doctors anyway and that there are pros and cons to oversewing same as not oversewing. How ya feelin'??? Hope you're doing lots better!!!