6 Months Of Waiting :(

[MK1986 78]

Just like most of you. I am doing the 6 months of supervised dieting

Will appts every 4 weeks be okay? Will the counts as 6 months?

August 18

September 15

October 13

November 10

December 8

January 5

Any tips on what to ask the dr? The surgeons office gave me paperwork to give to the dr. Any tips on what not to do? What happens if I gain or lose 2 much?

Lastly what can I do to pass time?. Lol

[MK1986 78]

I forgot to mention. That my first appt is August 18 which I hope I can start my diet at that point..

[KS Fort Worth 86]

Check with your insurance for their definition of "6 months." Think of the 6 months as an opportunity to address your relationship with food. You should be able to get your self in better shape physically and emotionally before surgery, then the sleeve will be the tool you need to finish the job and keep it off. If you do not address what got you here in the first place, you are setting yourself up for failure. As others have said here, they sleeve our stomachs, not our heads. It is harder losing weight "the old fashioned way," but keeping your eye on the prize (surgery) will keep you going. Good luck, you CAN do it.

[traceyinflorida 499]

With Cigna, that schedule would have counted for me. I know it is disappointing and seems like forever, but I can honestly say that the time flew by. Use that time to learn about post-sleeve eating. Try to start cutting out soda if you currently drink it. Try to start incorporating some of the habits you will need, like drinking 64 oz of Water a day, stop drinking 30 minutes before meals, take small bites and chew well. Take the time to start working on the mental/emotional issues with eating and how to overcome them. All of these things will help you post-op. Get all your appointments that you need for insurance and surgeon clearance set up and ready to go for the last month of your diet so that as soon as you have had your last NUT appointment, they can send everything to your insurance company for approval.

Good luck! You can do it!

[smellbug 43]

Most people including me get bummed when they hear about the six month wait. I wanted surgery right away. I can tell you I have learned so much about myself and thru this forum learned so much about this surgery. This forum also has a ton of good advise about how to be successful. People talk about the ups and downs of the surgery. I know that my program tells you it does not matter how much weight I lose during the 6 months all that counts is your starting weight. Also they said they do not like to see you gain because if you are honestly making all the small changes in your lifestyle to eat better and get more physical activity you will lose something. Good luck in your journey. Best wishes.

Tara

[Shelli_d 38]

I'm going into my 4th month of 6mon required by my insurance (BCBS Anthem GA) and i was like you when it started..i never thought id get thru it..i go for my dr appt on the 21st so thats the 4th then i have sept and oct and then we submit everything and wait..good luck on your journey!

[his2my2our4 120]

That schedule would have worked for my insurance but it might be a good idea to give yours a quick call...just to make sure!

This will probably feel like the longest 6 months ever! Use your time wisely! Start getting used to some of the things you soon become your new lifestyle (no drinking with meals, no soda, a good workout routine) so that when it's time, you're ready to roll!

Good luck to you and I'm so excited for you!

[sascmed314 9]

I know it probably seems like forever to wait right now, because I felt the same way, but for me it FLEW! One minute it's December and I'm thinking I will never be done, and next thing I know I'm at my last visit and a few days later paperwork was submitted to the insurance company. Then I had to wait for the actual surgery date since I had a required summer class till July, but that flew too. Just really focus these 6 months on changing some habits and renewing your relationship with food. It's a lot to wrap your head around.

[MK1986 78]

Thanks everyone for responding. What if I lose too much and insurance decides that I dont need.surgery?

[sascmed314 9]

That's one of those things where you'll hear different things from different people. I was originally told that they go by your initial consult weight when making the determination. However, when I faxed in my last month's paperwork from my PCP for the diet, she did call me to tell me to make sure not to send anything else in with a lower weight, since I was right on the 40 line, and I don't have any co-morbidities. You might want to call your doctor's office or insurance company to clarify with them.

[MK1986 78]

That's one of those things where you'll hear different things from different people. I was originally told that they go by your initial consult weight when making the determination. However' date=' when I faxed in my last month's paperwork from my PCP for the diet, she did call me to tell me to make sure not to send anything else in with a lower weight, since I was right on the 40 line, and I don't have any co-morbidities. You might want to call your doctor's office or insurance company to clarify with them.[/quote']

My bmi is 44 with no co morbidities..I guess I shouldn't go under 40

[MK1986 78]

I just read the protocol and it states 'there should be a failure to sustain a 5-10% or more reduction in body weight prior to consultation for bariatric surgery. I

[KS Fort Worth 86]

I just read the protocol and it states 'there should be a failure to sustain a 5-10% or more reduction in body weight prior to consultation for bariatric surgery. I

"...prior to CONSULTATION..." I believe that's what the weight history is for.

I too wondered what would happen if I lost too much. I had two co-morbidities so 35 was my lower limit. I asked my surgery coordinator what would happen, and she said she'd never seen that happen. I did get close, but not quite.

[MK1986 78]

"...prior to CONSULTATION..." I believe that's what the weight history is for.

I too wondered what would happen if I lost too much. I had two co-morbidities so 35 was my lower limit. I asked my surgery coordinator what would happen' date=' and she said she'd never seen that happen. I did get close, but not quite.[/quote']

They make you jump through so many hoops. Wish I had the money to self pay.

[NeicyB 0]

Insurance companies can be a hassle, but the 6 months go by so fast. The horrible part about my experience was three hours before my surgery July 18th they denied my surgery. After many hours on the phone with BCBS they realized they had the wrong diagnostic codes and procedures codes and told me the surgery is covered. Bummer now my surgery date is August 13th. The positive part of it all is I am anemic and it is giving me time to build up my blood. I am very excited but could have already had this past me and on the road to recovery.