Moving forward...received the preapproval letter today from my insurance provider. Oddly, since I am a band to sleeve revision - they claim the sleeve is approved, but the removal of the band is not. Then there are additional notes indicating that "removing the lap band is considered part of the approved surgery on my stomach and that the code could be approved after the surgery" - I get that it's all an insurance and coding game and that my surgeon will do what he needs to do to make sure everything gets covered appropriately, but still it's like a puzzle to have to read between the lines.

At this point, I go in on Monday 7/23 for the pre op appointment. Finalize paperwork and purchase the 2 week liquid Protein diet. I would prefer doing my own Liquid Protein, but of course they have their own product and require purchase from within their program. I went through it before when I had the band done through the same center back in 2008, so I know it's not miserable, but still, I wish they'd be more flexible. Oh well, it's a small price to pay.

Band to sleeve revision surgery date is set for Monday, 8/6. Eleven days later I will Celebrate turning 44. I'm in the midst of a gazillion different emotions. Excitement. Fear. Disbelief. Doubt.

I talked w/ my BFF tonight for a bit. She's known me since we were 15 and had seen first hand my struggles over all these years.She said that doing this needs to be for me and me alone and made it very clear that my friends love and adore me no matter what my appearance/weight is. I know she is right. In every aspect of my life, I am content and happy. Every aspect EXCEPT my weight. So, here I go. Again. Only a few more weeks to not over think things and freak myself out even more.

Congrats on receiving the pre-approval letter! I think insurance companies should be begging people to get the sleeve, if only because it reduces their future expenses on taking care of us!

Last year, I cost my insurance company over $100k. This year, I doubt they've spent $1,000 on me. That alone should be enough to convince them to pay for your band removal...and, yes, your surgeon's office knows how to code it to get it all approved, I'm sure!

I'll be rooting for you! Us August sleevers have to stick together, even if it's not August of the same year!