So......I'm about to start my 6 month program required by insurance (BCBS NC). I've been reading through various posts on this website for about a week and the one thing I noticed it lacks is a place for people like me that are just starting. I saw groups for people getting sleeved at the end of this year but nobody is posting there (maybe you don't know it exists?). I've read about do's and don'ts, insurance policies, diets, before and after pics, etc.. It's so much wonderful information to inspire others. I am psyched about the whole process. I know it's going to be a loooooong, hard road, but I'm ready for the challenge. For the first time in the 6 years I've been with my husband (married 8 months ago), I finally broke down and told him how much I weigh. It was possibly the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Of course he knew I was overweight, but with my form I don't always look like I weigh as much as I do. He is being so supportive of my goals. Not that he wants to change me, he just wants me to be happy.

I'm hoping those of you that are just starting this process will join me here. I'd like to learn how you feel going to the gym (I'm trying to go, it's so intimidating). Are you making gradual changes to your diet or are you going "cold turkey"? For those of you already sleeved, your stories are a big inspiration. I want to be one of you ASAP!!

Thank you for creating this community where I can feel like I'm not alone in this. Everytime I start to doubt whether or not this is the right way to go, I simply get on here and start reading posts.

I'm looking forward to this journey and challenging myself to get there.

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.

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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 :-)