Any Chicago sleevers

[nicolenik17 126]

Newbie here' date=' I'm Tracey westside of Chicago. I've been thinking about WLS since 2005. I haven't had a chance to start the process because of lifes ups and downs, but I'm ready to finally start the process. I've been morbidly obese my entire life... now that I'm older I'm ready to finally make a change. i'm currently under the BCBSIL ***... thur my employer and far as I know, I'll have to have a referral from my PCP on 9/10/2013... I also know that the surgery will be covered at 100% and all testing and specialist visit are covered with a referral with 10 co-pay...of course lol. Like I said before, I'm new to the process, so I'm hoping that things will go smoothly... considering that my first visit with my PCP, will be to get a referral to see the surgeon on 9/9/2013.

Does anyone else have BCBSIL ***? How long did it take for you to get approved?

Also, I want to say congrats to you guys for making the decision to change your life... to get healthy... and living a better life![/quote']

Congratulations on a new path in your life. Welcome to the group.

[nicolenik17 126]

Hi everyone' date='

I'm a newbie to this site. I live on the southwest side, Midway Airport area, my surgery is August 01.[/quote']

Congrats on your upcoming surgery.

[Mocha2871 182]

Congrats' date=' So you'll be having your surgery at university of chicago medical center?[/quote']

Yes I am having it at University of Chicago

[TV-Duhhh!!! 138]

Everything is about to zoom so fast. I am extremely happy for you. I can't wait for you to be on the losers bench with me.

Thanks Nicole.. You know I'm ready... Now that I actually have a date I've been busy as ever with everything!!! I have to get my kids ready for school and myself ready for a full work schedule starting 9/3 ...

Sent from my ADR6330VW using VST

[TV-Duhhh!!! 138]

Thank you' date=' I'm 5 mins away from the Austin area. I did the seminar/webinar with the surgeon and was contact twos later to schedule the consult. I'm in the beginning stages, but my insurance is saying they have no requirements, just get the referral and it'll be paid... its up to PCP or medical group. All they told me was that the surgery would be covered at 100% and all other visits and follow-ups would be 10 with referrals. I go for my doctors appointment in the 10th of August to get a referral to see the surgeon in Sep. I've also been talking to a few pre-op nurses that work with me at UCMC, that I made the right decision on the type of surgery to have... considering that I also have PCOS.

So I'm ready to get this done and over with so I can get this weight over once and for all.[/quote']

That's great... Sounds like you're gonna fly through this...

Sent from my ADR6330VW using VST

[nicolenik17 126]

I was sleeved June 3rd and everything is going well. For everyone that is soon to be sleeved I want to let you that is normal to have concerns and a lot of what ifs. I have been there and continue to go through it.

I try to share as much of my experiences with the group as possible. I have learned the hard way that is not good to stock up on a lot of things, your taste for things will change. Mine taste from day to day and week to week. I have some Protein powders that are sitting in the cabinet because the sight of them discuss me right. So now I'm using different ones.

I have also learned so far that Georgette ( my sleeve) does not like processed cheese, Hawaiian punch, and has a love/hate relationship with chicken. Also, I can't seem to get enough of spicy things.

[nicolenik17 126]

Thanks Nicole.. You know I'm ready... Now that I actually have a date I've been busy as ever with everything!!! I have to get my kids ready for school and myself ready for a full work schedule starting 9/3 ...

Sent from my ADR6330VW using VST

When you blink, it will be the night before surgery and you will be thinking " what the heck am I doing?". Well at least that is how I felt.

[Lov3ly773 13]

Yes I am having it at University of Chicago

You in the best of hands, and I'm not saying that because I work there ... Maybe I could stop by the CCD and see how your doing!

[Lov3ly773 13]

That's great... Sounds like you're gonna fly through this...

Sent from my ADR6330VW using VST

I hope so, because I need to do something... this weight is killing me slowly.... plus my litte knees, feet, and toes can't bare the weight anymore.

[Mocha2871 182]

You in the best of hands' date=' and I'm not saying that because I work there ... Maybe I could stop by the CCD and see how your doing![/quote']

I would love that. Thank you. I picked this hospital because I feel they are the best in every department I have worked with.

[FibroDiva 60]

I was sleeved June 3rd and everything is going well. For everyone that is soon to be sleeved I want to let you that is normal to have concerns and a lot of what ifs. I have been there and continue to go through it.

I try to share as much of my experiences with the group as possible. I have learned the hard way that is not good to stock up on a lot of things, your taste for things will change. Mine taste from day to day and week to week. I have some Protein powders that are sitting in the cabinet because the sight of them discuss me right. So now I'm using different ones.

I have also learned so far that Georgette ( my sleeve) does not like processed cheese, Hawaiian punch, and has a love/hate relationship with chicken. Also, I can't seem to get enough of spicy things.

I was wondering how I might feel a month out because I am attending a conference, "PainWeek 2013" in Vegas the first week of September. Unfortunately this was planned and paid for last year. My surgeon has approved my trip since I will be traveling with my best friend who is a doctor.

[Lov3ly773 13]

I would love that. Thank you. I picked this hospital because I feel they are the best in every department I have worked with.

Just let me know, I work in the DCAM building... it wouldn't be a problem for me to stop by.

[nicolenik17 126]

I was wondering how I might feel a month out because I am attending a conference' date=' "PainWeek 2013" in Vegas the first week of September. Unfortunately this was planned and paid for last year. My surgeon has approved my trip since I will be traveling with my best friend who is a doctor.[/quote']

I didn't have pain at a month out. Decreased energy was my problem, but it was much better at 4 weeks then at two weeks and I could almost drink normally.

[FibroDiva 60]

I didn't have pain at a month out. Decreased energy was my problem, but it was much better at 4 weeks then at two weeks and I could almost drink normally.

Thank you nicolenik17. I have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue so I already use an electric scooter when I go to conferences. My surgeon says I will be able to restart my pain meds so I'm not too nervous about traveling [maybe].

[Cocopuff88 61]

Chicago sleever here! Going to have my surgery with Dr Prachand at UC. Laura submitted my info Monday and I'm REALLY REALLY trying to be patient but it's so hard! I'm scheduled for the Aug 12th PREP class. Anyone else??