Hello everyone! I am so excited! Things are moving along smoothly so far. I just recently introduced myself to the community here. So, now I will give some details about my journey so far.

I have been thinking about surgery for the past 5-6 years, but now is the time. I'm glad I waited because I am happy about the option of VSG versus the LapBand or Rouxen-Y. Not that those options are inferior or bad, but VSG is the best choice for me.

Back in October 2011 I attended a seminar at the Ohio State Univery Medical Center Bariataric Surgery Program. The surgeon himself spoke and then several of his patients spoke as well. I was happy with what I heard and decided to pursue it full force. I also did some research on all the programs here in Ohio and found many positive reviews about this program.

We had to make some health insurance changes so that the surgery would be covered. Overall, our insurance will cost more this year, but when the plan covers the surgery at 90% with a max of $1000 out of pocket cost, you can't really beat that.

So, after the new insurance was in effect in January, I called the program to schedule my initial consultation, which was on January 13th. Everyone was nice and great. I had my EKG done and spoke with the Dietician, which I really liked. I learned a lot from her. They gave me some follow up items to do, which included the Psych Eval.

My Psych Eval was on February 9th. Dealing with the psychologist office staff wasn't fun, but the psychologist himself was great and I enjoyed what he had to say. And just like with the Dietician, I learned a lot from him.

I received a call from OSU on February 15th and they let me know that they received the Psych Eval information and that I was cleared. Woo hoo! The next step was to submit my fle to the insurance company for an approval and schedule my nutrition classes. My nutrition classes begin on March 7th and my last class will be on March 28th.

Yesterday, February 22nd, I got a call that I was approved for surgery from the insurance company. YAHOO!!!!!!! So now, I just have to complete my nutrition classes, have my pre-op appointnent with the surgeon and then get a surgery date. I am elated that things have worked out so well. I have been diligent to be in contact with all of the different offices to ensure that they had everything they needed from me. I'm sure it was due to my persistent and constant follow up that things happened well. I'm positive they got tired of hearing from me. Lol.

I anticipate a surgery date no earlier than April, but most likely in May. I've already begun to adopt the lifestyle of a sleever by drinking Protein shakes and eating a diet of high protein and low sugar. I've already lost 11 pounds by doing this. My goal is to lose 20-25 pounds before surgery so that I am in the best health I can be before they cut me open.

I hope all of you are having a great week. I'm very thankful for this forum and to be able to share my journey, learn sooooo much from all of you and have the encoruagement of such a supportive community. God Bless you all!

ReeseMae

So Happy for you ReeseMae!! My process went off without a hitch as well and I will be sleeved this coming Monday! Best Wishes to you!

Thanks! I'm glad things have gone smoothly for you as well. I know there are many people who have to jump through so many hoops. I'm thankful this was fairly painless. Good luck on your surgery Monday. I pray it goes as well as things have so far. :-)

Congratulations on your approval. I am glad that you insurance covers this surgery as mine would not. I wish you all the best as you get closer and closer to your surgery date.

Congradulation

Congratulations!

Congrats

@IowaAndy - Initially my insurance didn't cover it either. So that's why we switched to my husband's insurance. I am so glad to have it covered. I know there are many like you who have to work so muh harder just to get to surgery. I admire that!

Thanks to everyone !

Congratulations! These are exciting times!

By the way, I'm Dominican American and you look Dominican to me. :-)

Hi Longer-Life,

Thanks! People often tell me that I look like different ethnicities. I've gotten just about everything imaginable. I love it! I'm actually bi-racial. My father is African American and my mother is Caucasian. I love the diversity. Pictures can be deceiving too. I'll have to post some more.

It looks like you are half way to your goal. That's awesome!

Congratulations ReeseMae!!!! Soon you'll be joining us on the "loosers bench!" How awesome!!!

Meljp, congrats to you as well and best of luck this coming Monday! Looking forward to reading about your progress!!!