Just Starting 6 Month Program

[Thin 2 Win 1]

Tomorrow (June 21) is my first visit for the 6 month diet. I have bcbs in California. My ins requires 6 mo class, nutritionist visit, psych visit, upper gi, and a barium x-ray ( can't recall the name for that). I am right at 40 bmi and I am worried about falling below that during the 6 mo and then not qualifying. Not happy that I have to wait so long but after reading other's experiences, it appears to go fast.

I am thankful that I have a supportive husband but I have chosen to not share this journey with family and friends. I am realize that I am one of those people who has lived in denial about my weight my entire adult life so it has been difficult to come to terms with myself. I am thankful for these forums and reading your stories and experiences.

I will have my surgery by Dr. Boone in Fresno, Ca and they have a great program with ALSA. My insurance only covers 5k for bariatric so I am looking at 11k out of pocket. Not sure where exactly that will materialize from but I have faith.

[beachgurl84 456]

Always have faith. Everything will work itself out.

Is anyone else trying to get their surgery in by the end of the year for insurance reasons? I wish i had started a month sooner (actually a decade sooner). My last 6 month will be in November so I'm hoping (fingers crossed) all the insurance stuff goes smoothly and I can get my surgery scheduled before 12/31/14. I have a $500 deductible and a $1500 OOP max so I'd like to get everything covered in one year.

My first appoitnment with the surgeon is July 17. What do they usually do in these appointments? I'm so terrified I'm going to say or do something to make the surgeon turn me down. I can't think of anything that would disqualify me but I'm going to worry about that until I meet him.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

[Forsythia 882]

Always have faith. Everything will work itself out.

Is anyone else trying to get their surgery in by the end of the year for insurance reasons? I wish i had started a month sooner (actually a decade sooner). My last 6 month will be in November so I'm hoping (fingers crossed) all the insurance stuff goes smoothly and I can get my surgery scheduled before 12/31/14. I have a $500 deductible and a $1500 OOP max so I'd like to get everything covered in one year.

My first appoitnment with the surgeon is July 17. What do they usually do in these appointments? I'm so terrified I'm going to say or do something to make the surgeon turn me down. I can't think of anything that would disqualify me but I'm going to worry about that until I meet him.

Hope everyone is having a great day.

Ha!! I totally would have loved to have had my surgery in December 2013, but I was not able to due to timing and the six months BCBS IL wanted from me. So I had to wait until this year and hello deductible city and OOP maximum reset! I only wish my deductible and OOP max were as low as yours! But hey, my hospital loves to give you an interest free payment plan because they would rather get the money in small $82 batches than not get anything at all!

[lsereno 2,525]

Hi all,

I'm more than 3 years post op, but I joined this group six months before my surgery too! My program (Kaiser Fremont) required several steps and losing 10% of your body weight. The process took about six months.

I still remember the fear I wouldn't qualify, the antsy waiting, and how loooooong six months seemed.

Here's a link to my thread about my journey pre-op
http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/183023-starting-journey-with-kaiser-fremont/

Use this time well to prep for surgery and your life after. I did and it helped me pass the time and spend less time worrying.

Best wishes to each of you on your journey!

Lynda

[Heidi Anderson 8]

It's so great to read everyone's stories! It really helps. I am brand new to BP and am currently in month 4 of my 6 month MSWL with Swedish in Seattle. Protein is my friend..carbs not so much. Of course I crave carbs!

My only concern is having my BMI or weight too low for insurance so for the last two months I've added a little fat back into the diet per my NUT. This is what is most concerning to me crazy enough. I can't be too successful! We can do it tho peeps!

Heidi

[Danalodon0825 21]

Hey, we've had a discussion before. I'm looking to have surgery in November or December. So I would definitely like us to continue communicating with each other and we're both NC coastal girls lol! I'm very excited as well. But I must admit that when I think about the wait it's a little frustrating. Like you I'm educating myself everyday. My surgical practice is awesome, I'm getting much information from them. I'm competing my psych endoscopy next month. Those are the only appointments I have besides the supervised diet appts of course.

This app is very informative and I enjoy having the support of individuals that are pre & post op. Please stay in touch & I'll do the same. I wish you the best on your journey!

[brandytanny 5]

I also am just starting my journey. I met with my surgeon last Thursday and meet with my nutritionist a week from tomorrow. I am very excited to get this process started.

It kind of reminds me of when I was pregnant with my son. When you first get pregnant it's so exciting but the excitement slowly starts to fade away until your belly starts growing and you can feel them moving. Then of course it returns when your due date approaches.

I am at the very excited stage where I can see the future will change me forever but ready for it to be here already. This could be the longest 6-8 months ever.

Congratulations on your choice to change your future. Good luck with your journey.

[Megan00 38]

I have to do the 6 months as well I must say its going by fast my 4 appt is next week: So I am praying for late Sept early Oct surgery :-)