Hi everyone,

I have finally had it with the weight loss roller coaster ride and decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery. I have an appointment with a bariatric surgeon this coming Monday. I checked with my insurance and they cover it with the requirement of a BMI of 35 (no problem there), and have been considered "Obese" for at least 5 years. I asked they had any requirements guild lines if a person had an illness that weight loss would help. They suggested I have my doctor write a predetermination letter. I have only had my current doctor for about 1 year and my previous doctor is not longer in the area. I really hope my doctor is able to convince the insurance company that this is the right thing for me. I have osteoarthritis, osteopenia, peripheral neuropathy, high cholesterol, and blood pressure that is getting higher.

I am so happy that I found this forum. I want to find out everything I can about the surgery. My step-daughter had it Jan 2013 and is giving all sorts of information.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Monday can't get here soon enough.

Good luck to you :-)

Welcome! You'll finds tons of useful information here, as well as a great place to just vent when you need to. Good luck on Monday!

Be well…

Welcome PelicanLady -- If it helps to know it, the only co-morbidity I had beyond my BMI was osetoarthritis in my knees.

I was approved w/Cigna after completing their nutritional counseling requirements working w/my NUT. Easy-peasy. Getting into the Doctor I preferred, that was a much longer wait!!

I just tried on a pair of pants I haven't worn in two years. They're too big!!

My surgery was Mond 21st, went home Tuesday night (pretty scared & sore) but by Thursday morning I was feeling good.

Today I did laundry, took my short walk and have started weaning off the pain meds.

I know I have a long road ahead, but I feel so happy. Good luck to you on Monday & Welcome to the loser's bench.

Thank you everyone for the welcome. Looking forward to my visit with the surgeon on Monday.

Welcome and best of luck to you. You have enough comorbidities that it *shouldn't* be a problem. Just be prepared that we 50's often lose slower, but you'll still lose.