Hello everyone, just wanted to say how grateful I am to have found this group! I have been struggling with my weight all of my adult life (just turned 45). I have been successful losing the weight several times, only to end up gaining everything back within a couple of years . I had just about given up, when a nursing coworker told me about the gastric sleeve procedure she was considering. My BMI is 36 (5ft 4in), so I didn't think I would qualify. Due to my high blood pressure though, BCBS of MI said that I would! I have to undergo 6 months of supervised nutritional counseling- which I started this week. My surgery date, if all goes as planned, should be late April 2014. I look forward to following everyone's progress & am thrilled to be able to join a group where I am understood- all I hear from family and friends is "no, you don't need surgery." They just don't understand how heartbreaking it is to lose and gain back the same 70 pounds .

Hello, I am also in Mi & going through Beaumont Royal Oak. I have Blue Care Network ins. I also have to do 6 months supervised. I statred in August. I am looking at a February date.

Hello' date=' I am also in Mi & going through Beaumont Royal Oak. I have Blue Care Network ins. I also have to do 6 months supervised. I statred in August. I am looking at a February date.[/quote']

Hello! It's nice to find someone going through Beaumont too . May I ask, which surgeon did you choose? I'm hoping these next 6 months fly by!!

Yea for us Michiganders I'm so nervous for Monday but people keep telling me I've done the worst part already! Thanks for the well wishes!

Thinking of you today, I hope everything is going well .

Hi everyone. I am also getting my surgery at Beaumont royal oak. My surgeon will be Chengelis. I will be going for my psych appt tomorrow. How was that?

Hi everyone. I am also getting my surgery at Beaumont royal oak. My surgeon will be Chengelis. I will be going for my psych appt tomorrow. How was that?

Hello! My psych appt isn't until November- let me know how it goes!

Hi Annie and fellow soon 2 b sleevers. I chose Dr David Chengelis (Beaumont, Royal Oak, MI) He was @ the seminar. He has lots of experience & I like his personality.

Hey Kay, thats great my psych appt is also tomarrow!! I am a liittle bummed though. I went 2 c the nutritionist yesterday and she said I am lookin at March for surgery not Feb as I thought. I started out with just the WL program but switched over in Aug. I must of not have gotten the right appts in Aug. My ins BCN OF MI requires 6 months of weight loss counseling. I missed 2 months of the other program. It must b documented. I am so glad 2 c u all on thus forum.

Hi Annie and PAJ. Annie I will definitly let you know how it goes. PAJ that is great to hear about Changelis. I haven't met him yet. I went to the seminar in Rochester Hills and it was a female who isn't one of the surgeons but she was very knowledgable. I am happy to hear that he has a great personality because that will make this so much more pleasurable. My insurance in Anthem. They do not really have any requirements other than it be medically necessary and that your BMI is over 35. I am sorry that you have to wait an extra month. It will be here before you know it!!

welcome to all our new-preops!

Use these 6 months to learn as much as you can.....

The pre-op process can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride as you get all your appointments in and waiting for the final approval/date can be hell on the nerves.............but it will go by faster than you think.

We're glad you're here!!!!

Welcome Annie68. This place has been a godsend for me during my pre-op phase. Wishing you the best in your journey.

Hello everyone' date=' just wanted to say how grateful I am to have found this group! I have been struggling with my weight all of my adult life (just turned 45). I have been successful losing the weight several times, only to end up gaining everything back within a couple of years . I had just about given up, when a nursing coworker told me about the gastric sleeve procedure she was considering. My BMI is 36 (5ft 4in), so I didn't think I would qualify. Due to my high blood pressure though, BCBS of MI said that I would! I have to undergo 6 months of supervised nutritional counseling- which I started this week. My surgery date, if all goes as planned, should be late April 2014. I look forward to following everyone's progress & am thrilled to be able to join a group where I am understood- all I hear from family and friends is "no, you don't need surgery." They just don't understand how heartbreaking it is to lose and gain back the same 70 pounds .[/quote']

Welcome I am Whitney. I'm Michigan as well but I am going to henry ford

Awesome Hollisterfan. That sounds like it is a great place to have the surgery too.

I am also new here. I haven't even seen the doctor yet. I am attending a seminar about this surgery and it was recommended to try this site for helpful information. I am absolutely sure I want to do this, and reading the forums and posts just make me more sure about my decision. Best of luck to you.

I am scheduled to have mine in November. My bcbs ad no pay I am at almost 40 bmi and weigh 206. 55 yo. 5'5. So I am having it done w/ Alvarez in Mexico . 8,7000.

Am I crazy

MI peeps. Just an update on the psychology eval portion. I had mine yesterday with Heather Myers. It went well. I had to fill out about 5 pages of questions, talk to the psychologist, and then fill out 165 true/false questions on a computer which from my understanding is more of a personality quiz.

Lisa206. Is it 87,000$? or 8,700? I do not think you are crazy. It seems like there are a lot of people who have gone to Mexico to have it done. I don't know much about it in Mexico but I know I sure couldn't afford the 30,000$ out of pocket.