Hi! I'm looking for a Buddy in Ohio. Miami Valley area. Having my surgery in December!

Hi ladies (and any men)! I'm COMPLETELY new to this forum and have been lurking for a couple of weeks now. I'm 30 years old, about 240lbs, 5"5', and have been overweight off and on throughout my twenties. I live in Huron, Ohio (by Cedar Point) and am looking to go to the Cleveland Clinic to see if I can get this surgery.

I have been battling my weight for so long and just want to live my life. Every time I lose weight, I end up gaining it back. I lost 80 pounds once, gained it back when I got pregnant. Lost 40 pounds, gained that back...and it goes on. I've worked HARD! I am just miserable at this point and so sick of of the ups and downs. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue now. I've spent most of this year juicing green drinks, trying to eat plant-based vegan and healthier in general, but I'm not really losing. I have a 3 year old son and he needs his mommy. I completely seclude myself from everyone and everything. I cannot live this way anymore.

Sigh...anyway, sorry for rambling, just wanted to introduce myself to my fellow Ohioans! I'd love if any of you could share your experiences, especially if you went to the Cleveland Clinic. I think my BMI is about 39.5. It's been over 35 for a couple of years though. EEK! I have Aetna insurance through my husband (although we are separated). Do you think I would qualify?? I am SO scared that I won't!! Thanks in advance and good luck to all of you!

He is not legally allowed to take u off his insurance just so u know.

Thanks Mrs Benson! I'm aware of that and he's been great at providing for us despite our separation. We were planning on getting divorced next year but he is willing to hold off in order for me to get this surgery because he knows how hard it has been. So I'm hoping for the best. BTW, you are beautiful!! I hope one day I can throw up a profile pic that is as gorgeous as yours!

I live NE Ohio area.....in Canton.......I am scheduled to have my sleeve at the Cleveland Clinic Dec 21st.....getting nervous....will start my liquid diet Dec 6th

I live in Broadview Hts which is near Cleveland and I work at the Cleveland Clinic which of course is where I am having my surgery. I am scheduled for December 10th. I work in the bariatric research department so I. Am pretty familiar with everyone, who is your surgeon?

I live NE Ohio area.....in Canton.......I am scheduled to have my sleeve at the Cleveland Clinic Dec 21st.....getting nervous....will start my liquid diet Dec 6th

I'm in Stark County as well but I'm headed to Mexico in March as a self pay. Dr. alejandro lopez.

Amanda Rae

My surgery is at 10:00 in the morning at OSU medical center. I'm excited but also getting nervous. Eeek! I'm excited for the changes that are about to happen. I have Aetna and was approved with a BMi of 39.95 with no problems.

Yay Mel, so very excited for you! Umm, is it 10am today? Lol, if so, I hope it goes well! SO very relieved to hear that Aetna approved you!

Regarding the Cleveland Clinic: I watched the online seminar, passed the quiz, then filled out my questionnaire. I called them today to see about making an appointment, but they told me that they have to wait for insurance approval first, then will send me a card (??) where I can then go ahead and make my first appointment. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this? The assistant on the phone wasn't sure how long it would take. I am very anxious!!

Yay Mel, so very excited for you! Umm, is it 10am today? Lol, if so, I hope it goes well! SO very relieved to hear that Aetna approved you!

Regarding the Cleveland Clinic: I watched the online seminar, passed the quiz, then filled out my questionnaire. I called them today to see about making an appointment, but they told me that they have to wait for insurance approval first, then will send me a card (??) where I can then go ahead and make my first appointment. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Anyone have any thoughts/experience with this? The assistant on the phone wasn't sure how long it would take. I am very anxious!!

It just so happens that I am at my pre op appointment here at the clinic and that i am also having my surgery here and to top it all off, I work in this department as well. The card you are referring to is a card that determines your path which usually is a reference to your requirements. The nurses are good about explaining all of that to you and the staff always answers your questions honestly. There is an in house insurance department who pushes the insurance through as fast as they can and they are good about keeping you updated. The head of the department is dr. Schauer who is who I work for and he is great, very personable and he takes his time with you at your appointments. The good thing about surgery here is that you will see the nutritionist, psychiatrists, pre op doc, and surgeon in the same area on the same floor which is what I love. I have a sort of advantage cause I work with the team here but I also work with outside patients who come for research opportunities. Let me know which surgeon you are seeing and I will try to keep you updated on what is going on here as a patient.

Thank u miss Becky! I'm scheduled for surgery Jan 7. I'm extremely excited. Can't wait to wear thigh high boots!

I been seeing a lot of people go to Mexico. How much does it cost there?

Hi! I'm having mine done by Dr Almanza in Tijuana 1/21/13 and total cost was $4,795 + $250 for the flight to San Diego.

I'm in Columbus...

Hey diamondkized - wanted to thank you for your super informative post. Wow!! So glad you're here with us. Who knows, maybe I'll end up meeting you sometime while I'm there. Do you work with the public? BTW, do you know about how long it takes from completing the questionnaire to getting the first appt? I am so anxious to get started and want to know if I qualify. I'm so afraid I'm getting my hopes up. :/

Hi! I'm having mine done by Dr Almanza in Tijuana 1/21/13 and total cost was 4' date='795 + 250 for the flight to San Diego.

I'm in Columbus...[/quote']

I'm using Dr. alejandro lopez in TJ in March. I'm going thru ALM.

Amanda Rae

I am in Toledo, and my VSG is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 26. I am starting my pre-op liquids tomorrow. I am a nervous wreck.

I'm in Toledo. Sleeved by Dr. White. Piece of cake. Really.

Hey diamondkized - wanted to thank you for your super informative post. Wow!! So glad you're here with us. Who knows, maybe I'll end up meeting you sometime while I'm there. Do you work with the public? BTW, do you know about how long it takes from completing the questionnaire to getting the first appt? I am so anxious to get started and want to know if I qualify. I'm so afraid I'm getting my hopes up. :/

You are welcome! And anytime you are there just give me a heads up, I am literrally on that floor all the time. I do work with the public. I am a research assistant and I recruit patients for clinical trials. I have to see the patients if the nurse gets too busy but I am always on the phone with someone -lol. After you complete the questionnaire it should go kind of fast. Most patients who register for the seminar can get the ball rolling there. There are staff members there who take your information to get the process going. Once I was approved, I got the phone call asking when did I want the surgery. Once you get approved for it it goes quick! I could have had it the sooner but I wanted to wait until Thanksgiving. First step is to go to the workshop which I believe you can register for online.

My surgery is at 10:00 in the morning at OSU medical center. I'm excited but also getting nervous. Eeek! I'm excited for the changes that are about to happen. I have Aetna and was approved with a BMi of 39.95 with no problems.

Mel, hope you are doing well. Call me when you are up to it!