My body from Chicago Illinois having gastric bypass, Looking for a buddy?

Hi there - I'm from Elgin, not too far from you. I've almost completed all my prerequisites with surgery mid-March. I actually received a call from the surgeons office stating they have insurance approval, so all is moving forward. Welcome to the group.

Thanks! Where are you getting it done at? I'm having mine done at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. When did you start the program? I started in November, so I have a while to go. I have to see my surgeon for the consult Feb. 25 2013 don't know what to expect.

I went to my first seminar in December. I'm having the RNY done at Alexian Bros in Hoffman Estates. I'm amazed at how quickly this has all gone. I have BCBS of Illinois, they have far fewer restrictions then the surgeon, that's why I have their approval already. I still need to have a stress test on Thursday, then the abdominal ct, psych test and eval on Tuesday of next week, then it's a waiting game. As soon as they receive the consent for surgery from my PCP I'll get my date. I'm hoping that happens late next week, or at least that's what I'm going to push for.

Your first meeting should go fine. At mine, the nurse checked my weight, height and some other general things. They checked my blood for Iron deficiencies. After that the surgeon came in and we just talked. He asked about my past attempts at weight loss, my goals and my thoughts on which surgery I thought I should have. He shared his insights as to what he thought (we agreed on the RNY) and then he gave me a brief explanation of the process. He answered all my questions and trust me, I had lots. I was impressed that he gave me as much time as I needed and answered everything honestly. That's pretty much it, very painless.

If you have questions ask away. Everyone here is so helpful and understanding. We all get it, there's no shame here. Keep me updated on your progress. :}

I see the surgeon for the final consult and to turn in my primaries documentation so I guess it just a waiting game now. Even though I haven't finished my 6 month weight management program they are going to submit to my insurance.

When do you finish your 6 months? Fortunately BCBS of Illinois did away with that requirement a while ago, I can't imagine waiting all that time. What other testing did you have to do? I feel like after this I should be good to go after being checked head to toe - Sheeeesh........

I had the shrink eval., 2 with nutritionist, blood work like checking for cholesterol, blood cells, and cleared by my primary

I also have BCBS of Illinois and GBP is not covered in my policy due to my job. I also have the medical card that does cover it

<p>When do you finish your 6 months? Fortunately BCBS of Illinois did away with that requirement a while ago, I can't imagine waiting all that time. What other testing did you have to do? I feel like after this I should be good to go after being checked head to toe - Sheeeesh........</p>

Sugarfreeme hi! How are you? How is everything going for you so far?

Hey guys! I just wanted to chime in since I had my first consultation with Dr. Guske at Hoffman Estates. I haven't started all the other processes yet, but I'm glad to hear that you had good luck with BCBS, Sugarfreeme. I hope all is going well with both of you.

Hi cellardoor. I'm good waiting for my approval or waiting for my 6month supervised program. Next week I go to my l last per-op nut class. What surgery are you planning on having?

Sorry ladies - I've been working extra this last couple of weeks, my manager is off in St Thomas basking in the sun. I've been on the Protein shakes for over a week so far. They weren't bad in the beginning, but it's getting boring now and they taste way sweeter then at the start. Sugars usually my downfall, but not these. Surgery is the 18th, so less then a week away. I'm reading everything again so I don't forget to purchase everything I'll need after. Tonight I'm going to the Vitamin store again. Hoping to find a non-flavored protein that I can add to things. Keep me updated, I'll try to get back to you sooner.

Cellardoor - Dr Guske is awesome. I've talked with him a couple of times and will again on Thursday for my pre-op with him. He was very honest and kind, great guy. My surgery is at St Alexius in Hoffman Estates the 18th. Do you also have BCBS? They didn't have half the requirements the Kane Center has but I now feel pretty good about my overall health with the exception of my weight. Everything has been checked.

Sugarfreeme: Yeah, he does seem really genuine and nice! I'm so glad to hear you're having the same experience with him. I do have BCBS, so I think I'm just following in your footsteps. I wish you so much luck in these coming weeks!

yvimac1: I'm having gastric bypass. How about you?I heard the nutrition classes are pretty long.

I also have BCBS of Illinois and GBP is not covered in my policy due to my job. I also have the medical card that does cover it

I had Lap RNY Gastric Bypass overt 12 years ago and I had BCBS of IL. I had HMO. The surgery itself cost me only my $25 co-pay.

That was a nice deal. I work for a religious facility and weight loss surgery is no cover and never will. Besides that they have good health coverage. I am going to be able to get my protein drinks from them though!