Hi there Fellow Sleevers!!! I have just started this journey on 11.22.10 which was a WL Seminar that I attended. I was first interested in the Lap Band but after doing extensive research I decided against it and I'm gonig with the Sleeve. Yesterday 12.07.10 was my first consult with my surgeon and I am on my way to start my prescribed tests.

Anyone out there that is just now starting this journey?

Keshia

Hi Keshia,

I am somewhat sharing the journey. I was scheduled for bypass after my tests, etc and I did more research deciding either sleeve or lap band. My insurance would cover lap band but not sleeve so I tried to convince myself to go that way. after seeing the doctor she agreed the sleeve would be ideal for me. SOOOOOO I am back to square one and my surgery date of Dec. 6th was cancelled. I am awaiting an appeal and or a change in policy. So I feel at square one BUT I am at peace with the decision. Also, I am brand new to this forum.

Did your first consult go well? Do you have a myriad of tests? I feel like I have been through the best physical possible after the doctors and tests I went through.

Are you excited, scared, or both?

Take care,

Mary

Hi there Fellow Sleevers!!! I have just started this journey on 11.22.10 which was a WL Seminar that I attended. I was first interested in the Lap Band but after doing extensive research I decided against it and I'm gonig with the Sleeve. Yesterday 12.07.10 was my first consult with my surgeon and I am on my way to start my prescribed tests.

Anyone out there that is just now starting this journey?

Keshia

Hi Keshia and Mary from AZ.

I have also just started my journey. I had an assessment done on Monday, and their insurance specialist said I qualified and should be approved with no problem. I started out very very positively Sleeve, but in reading the packet I got at the doctor's office I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. Here's what I'm thinking:

Gastric Bypass--The weight would drop rapidly, but I really am scared of the dumping syndrome and I know I could stretch the stomach back out again

Lapband--I don't like the fact that there would be a foreign object in me at all times and a port for adjustments.

Sleeve--I like that it has fewer complications post-op, but I'm worried about feeling nauseous all the time

After January 1, when they reassess my insurance, I will go to see the surgeon, have my meeting with the nutritionist and exercise physiologist and my psych eval. I also have to get a clearance from my cardiologist (I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve) and a letter from my PCP validating my weight and co-morbidities. Another two months of meetings, support groups, appointments, and I should be ready to have my stuff submitted to the insurance company by April 1. Then I guess the waiting game starts.

I'm both excited and terrified! But I am so sick of being this size and being limited by it.

Good luck to both of you! Let's keep in touch as the process continues.

Hi Keshia,

I am somewhat sharing the journey. I was scheduled for bypass after my tests, etc and I did more research deciding either sleeve or lap band. My insurance would cover lap band but not sleeve so I tried to convince myself to go that way. after seeing the doctor she agreed the sleeve would be ideal for me. SOOOOOO I am back to square one and my surgery date of Dec. 6th was cancelled. I am awaiting an appeal and or a change in policy. So I feel at square one BUT I am at peace with the decision. Also, I am brand new to this forum.

Did your first consult go well? Do you have a myriad of tests? I feel like I have been through the best physical possible after the doctors and tests I went through.

Are you excited, scared, or both?

Take care,

Mary

Hi Mary,

Nice meeting you. I'm new here as well but I have been on the site researching for about 2 wks now.

I'm so sorry about your insurance. Hopefully your appeal will go well.

My first consult went great!!! I love the surgeon and he's very personable. I only have 3 tests. Massive Bloodwork, Psych Eval and a sleep Apnea Test and they will all be complet before Christmas. After that i start my 4 visits with the NUT.....I'm hoping to have surgery sometime in March or April.

I'm overly excited to say the least and not scared at all. I just want to hurry and get healthy and get rid of this High Blood Pressure!!!!

How long did it take for your insurance to deny you? I read somewhere that a person's insurance took two weeks to approve them. Not too long but would like this whole process to be quicker!

Hello Keshia, Mary and LK,

My current insurance does not cover any WLS so I switch to one that does in January. I have already started the hoops. For my new insurance I have to do 6 months supervised weight loss, 6 months of support group (I am not sure if VST counts so I started the live type), nut meeting and psych eval. All that being said, I don't have a clue when I will be able to get the sleeve. So am right there with you all. Hugs!!!

Hi Keshia and Mary from AZ.

I have also just started my journey. I had an assessment done on Monday, and their insurance specialist said I qualified and should be approved with no problem. I started out very very positively Sleeve, but in reading the packet I got at the doctor's office I'm wondering if I'm doing the right thing. Here's what I'm thinking:

Gastric Bypass--The weight would drop rapidly, but I really am scared of the dumping syndrome and I know I could stretch the stomach back out again

Lapband--I don't like the fact that there would be a foreign object in me at all times and a port for adjustments.

Sleeve--I like that it has fewer complications post-op, but I'm worried about feeling nauseous all the time

After January 1, when they reassess my insurance, I will go to see the surgeon, have my meeting with the nutritionist and exercise physiologist and my psych eval. I also have to get a clearance from my cardiologist (I have a congenital bicuspid aortic valve) and a letter from my PCP validating my weight and co-morbidities. Another two months of meetings, support groups, appointments, and I should be ready to have my stuff submitted to the insurance company by April 1. Then I guess the waiting game starts.

I'm both excited and terrified! But I am so sick of being this size and being limited by it.

Good luck to both of you! Let's keep in touch as the process continues.

Hi There lkcraig316,

I started out thinking the band, the band!!!! But after some indepth research I ended up going with the sleeve. I didn't like the idea of the foreign object inside of me and the possibility of the line to the port breaking and poking me and the RNY I also didn't want the dumping or the malabsorbption problems. I think they all have something with them but I think the Sleeve was the best choice for me. I have read with all of the WLS that ppl are experiencing nausea but I think it's because of them not following the plan as they should.

I will definitely keep in touch. I will add you as a friend!

Hello Keshia, Mary and LK,

My current insurance does not cover any WLS so I switch to one that does in January. I have already started the hoops. For my new insurance I have to do 6 months supervised weight loss, 6 months of support group (I am not sure if VST counts so I started the live type), nut meeting and psych eval. All that being said, I don't have a clue when I will be able to get the sleeve. So am right there with you all. Hugs!!!

Oopsseedaisy, I had the same issue. I was on my employer's plan but it doesn't cover any kind of WLS. So effective I will be on my hubby's and his does cover the four WLS types. Let's hope we both have smooth sailing.

Mary, good luck with your approval. When I think about how long it may take, I just keep reminding myself how long it took me to get into this condition and it doesn't seem too bad.

HI, Keshia,

I am fairly new to this process. Nov 9th I had all day appointments with the dietitian, psychologist and physician for a physical. Had bloodwork in the AM. Already knew I had sleep apnea and have been on a CPAP since April. Aetna requires 3 months of nutrition counseling with documented food and exercise logs. I guess they are big into making sure that you are ready for a major lifestyle change before they approve the surgery. Just completed my first month and met with the dietition last evening. She says I am doing great. I hadn't heard of the sleeve before I started doing research on line. Several girls where I work have had the lap band and have lost significant weight but I hear that they binge then barf it right back up and eat some more! My 3 months of nutr appts should be done in Feb so they say I should be able to have surgery in March/April if I can work things out. Since I am part-time night shift I have to ask work if they are willing to work with me to let me do light duty for a few weeks so I can help out and still get payed but am not exposed to hostile situations. I am using this time to clean up my eating habits and bust my butt at the gym. The sleeve is the best choice for me and I thank God that it's covered by my insurance. Good luck to you.

HI, Keshia,

I am fairly new to this process. Nov 9th I had all day appointments with the dietitian, psychologist and physician for a physical. Had bloodwork in the AM. Already knew I had sleep apnea and have been on a CPAP since April. Aetna requires 3 months of nutrition counseling with documented food and exercise logs. I guess they are big into making sure that you are ready for a major lifestyle change before they approve the surgery. Just completed my first month and met with the dietition last evening. She says I am doing great. I hadn't heard of the sleeve before I started doing research on line. Several girls where I work have had the lap band and have lost significant weight but I hear that they binge then barf it right back up and eat some more! My 3 months of nutr appts should be done in Feb so they say I should be able to have surgery in March/April if I can work things out. Since I am part-time night shift I have to ask work if they are willing to work with me to let me do light duty for a few weeks so I can help out and still get payed but am not exposed to hostile situations. I am using this time to clean up my eating habits and bust my butt at the gym. The sleeve is the best choice for me and I thank God that it's covered by my insurance. Good luck to you.

I'm glad you posted. I also have Aetna and knew I had to go through 3 months of meetings/appointments, etc., but I did not know about the documentation for the diet and exercise. I am beginning the 3 months on January 1 (my Aetna goes into effect then) so I will start immediately with the documentation. Keep me updated!

Lisa

Hi, Lisa,

I'm not sure if all Aetna plans are the same, as far as their requirements with documenting diet/exercise. You should be able to check with your dr's office (if you picked one yet)/ They work enough with ins companies to know. I don't remember what percentage of weight Aetna wants presurg/preapproval too. Will keep you informed.

Cheryl from Ohio

Hi there Fellow Sleevers!!! I have just started this journey on 11.22.10 which was a WL Seminar that I attended. I was first interested in the Lap Band but after doing extensive research I decided against it and I'm gonig with the Sleeve. Yesterday 12.07.10 was my first consult with my surgeon and I am on my way to start my prescribed tests.

Anyone out there that is just now starting this journey?

Keshia

I am also just starting! All my appts are in my signature. I am hoping that after my NUT appt tomorrow my surgeon will be submitting to Ins and I am hoping for a date in January! Welcome aboard!

Hi, Lisa,

I'm not sure if all Aetna plans are the same, as far as their requirements with documenting diet/exercise. You should be able to check with your dr's office (if you picked one yet)/ They work enough with ins companies to know. I don't remember what percentage of weight Aetna wants presurg/preapproval too. Will keep you informed.

Cheryl from Ohio

Thanks, Cheryl!

I do have a surgeon picked out and have gone to an assessment at the clinic. Since my insurance is not effective until 1/1, they are going to call me back the first week of January to set up appointments, etc. I will have a better idea then. I just don't want to leave out ANY of the steps and be delayed because of that!

I am just now starting my process as well. My hubby and I went to the seminar and after hearing all the health benefits my hubby went from against it totally to wanting to have it as well. Since our insurance that will cover the surgery will not go into effect until January we are in a holding pattern until then. Hopefully by this time next year we will all be much healthier.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO HAS STARTED THEIR JOURNEY. IT IS WELL WORTH IT!!!!! :D :D

Deb

Hi, Kesha! I'm new at this too. I had my seminar on Saturday. I have Tricare insurance, it pays for bands and bypass, but not the sleeve, so I'm going self-pay. All I have to do is get a cardio consult and I'm good for late January. I'll be trying to get through the holidays while eating healthier, hopefully losing a few pounds. My husband is going to start me on a walking program (he is a retired Rehab nurse, and will walk with me.) I'm looking forward to getting the sleeve done. I'm not worried about the surgery at all, although I must confess to having some grief over not being able to pig out anymore. I am a food lover! I liked the idea that the sleeve gets rid of the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. That's always been my downfall while dieting--I would get so hungry that it sabotaged the diet. I'll have to work on the habit of eating lots of carbs, and I know it won't be easy. But I know I can do it. You can too! Good luck!

I am just starting the process to go from band to sleeve when my MD takes out my gallbladder. I saw my doctor yesterday and they will start the approval process. I am looking at the first to mid part of February. I should have no problems getting the surgery approval. I hope that having the band does not put blocks up with the insurance company. This is exciting meeting people who will be doing this around the same time as I do do. Look forward to getting to know you.

cathy