I am in the beginning stages of WLS. I have done tons of research and reading on the Vertical Sleeve. I am doing all the steps to reach insurance approval. Any suggestions you all have would be greatly appreciated. I am hoping to have surgery October 2011.

congrats! we are on the same boat. i am just now starting my journey and i cant wait! i have my seminar, nutrionist and nurse practioner all scheduled on the same day... july 5th! i hear its a 6 month process so i may be waiting until january

i know of some people who get it done sooner! im not that lucky but i will see. lol.

Welcome to the forums. Keep looking around the site - you will find a LOT of advice and support here. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. The only stupid question is the UNASKED one.

okay--I have met with the surgeon, dietician and started my doctor supervised diet. I also have done 1 of my 2 mental health visits. I am praying my insurance approves me for the Sleeve surgery. I know I will be approved for the band, but for the sleeve they have stipulations. One is that you must be a chronic steriod user. Well, I inhale a steriod nasal spray every night, have for the last one and half years and will forever. If they won't approve off of that, then my surgeon says he will scope me and look for gasritis as if you have that then the sleeve will be covered. I am doing all the steps. I am in the process of trying to find me a protein drink I can tolerate. I am just not getting samples in the mail so let the sampling begin!! I have already turned in the last 3 years of my medical history too!! I am praying this is my answer to my whole life of obesity!

Thanks for the support!!

Welcome to the forums. Keep looking around the site - you will find a LOT of advice and support here. Don't be afraid to ask questions either. The only stupid question is the UNASKED one.

okay--I have met with the surgeon, dietician and started my doctor supervised diet. I also have done 1 of my 2 mental health visits. I am praying my insurance approves me for the Sleeve surgery. I know I will be approved for the band, but for the sleeve they have stipulations. One is that you must be a chronic steriod user. Well, I inhale a steriod nasal spray every night, have for the last one and half years and will forever. If they won't approve off of that, then my surgeon says he will scope me and look for gasritis as if you have that then the sleeve will be covered. I am doing all the steps. I am in the process of trying to find me a Protein drink I can tolerate. I am just not getting samples in the mail so let the sampling begin!! I have already turned in the last 3 years of my medical history too!! I am praying this is my answer to my whole life of obesity!

:/ im not a steroid user.

im praying that they dont deny me.

ive lost my gall bladder due to weight.

im border line diabetic. i have thyroid issues. hormonal inbalance. pcos. fatty liver. out of breath quickly. back pain galore.

im praying that they dont look at my issues as "small"