It's been a rough road but I'm almost at the beginning. I originally wanted to get a band procedure done but changed my mind. Last March (2010) I attended my first seminar at Scottsdale Bariatric Center in Arizona with 120 lbs to lose. After going through all of the psych eval.'s, nutritionist, exercize guru, 1st appt with nurse, my insurance denied me - No co-morbidities and no 6 mo diet plan (I had called and asked about this before all the hoops I jumped through, really I did. Scottsdale and I were both told I didn't need the 6 mo diet. Guess they changed their mind when they realized I really wanted to go through with it). Nonetheless, summer came on and the kids got out of school. I put it in the back of my mind but did go back to the gym and started a low-cal diet on my own. Once September rolled around, I stepped on a scale and realized I'd gained 30 lbs since March - when I'd last been to Scottsdale Bariatric (what the heck? Right?). I went to my Primary Care Physician and went through a ton of testing. Come to find out, I have hypothyroidism and am now pre-diabetic. Ugh! He put me on Metformin and Synthroid. We also started a specific weight-loss plan along with the meds. This is when I decided to switch my sights to the Sleeve. After much research and contemplation, I realized it's probably going to be the best thing for me. I ended the 6 mo. plan in the middle of February and have lost the 30 lbs - awesome! My insurance company calls me on the phone one day out of the blue and tells me I have been approved for the sleeve surgery. I hadn't even re-applied yet. I guess my PCP and Scottsdale went ahead and got the ball rolling for me. How great is that? I have attended a group counseling session, my pre-op appt. and also have met my Dr. (Robin Blackstone) in person and up close. She's going to be great. I love her enthusiasm. Her passion for what she does appears to be very genuine. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about her and the facility. My surgery date has been scheduled for April 21st. Just three days after my 40th birthday. Happy Birthday to me!!!! Just 3 1/2 weeks away. I'm so excited and nervous but in the end, it's going to be perfect.

Hey there!

I'm in the Phx area too! I'm going to be going to Banner Gateway though. My PCP recommended Dr. Blackstone, but for some reason she's not listed as being on Aetna's approved list I've heard really good things about her, so that's awesome that she's your doc (not that I'm disappointed in mine though).

How exciting that your surgery is so soon!! Can't wait to hear more from you.

Congrats on the beginning of your new journey.

Hey there!

I'm in the Phx area too! I'm going to be going to Banner Gateway though. My PCP recommended Dr. Blackstone, but for some reason she's not listed as being on Aetna's approved list I've heard really good things about her, so that's awesome that she's your doc (not that I'm disappointed in mine though).

How exciting that your surgery is so soon!! Can't wait to hear more from you.

Have you had luck getting Aetna to approve your surgery ? I still have 6 weeks of classes but am determined to get this done.Just wondering . I know they have lots of stipulations. Just feeling anxcious. Good luck!

To Kami: I looked into a Banner Bariatric Program. The seminar was off of Dobson. I'm way E. Valley. I originally wanted something a little closer to home but after all the good things I heard about Blackstone and once I met the staff , I decided that it will be worth the drive. The last two weeks have been a bear though with gettting to all the early morning appts in rush hour traffic. Do you have a date set yet? I'm really nervous.

I'm still trying to figure how to navigate this site so if I put things in the wrong place, please forgive...

Congrats on the beginning of your new journey.

Thanks. I really appreciate it.

Have you had luck getting Aetna to approve your surgery ? I still have 6 weeks of classes but am determined to get this done.Just wondering . I know they have lots of stipulations. Just feeling anxcious. Good luck!

I'm still 2 months out from even being able to submit for approval. However, my surgery center seems to be really on the ball with this. They gave me a checklist at the first appointment of everything I will need to have for submitting to the insurance. Then I'm able to ask questions about these things, and they have so far followed up with me about them. I get the feeling that if I do this all according to the program's guidelines, I will get the approval. Basically because they've been through this MANY times and they know what gets approved and what doesn't.

Congrats on the surgery date, you must be so excited!!