Total Newbie- Looking for fellow newbies!

[MamaGav 3]

I was really hoping I would not have to do the 6 month wait. I understand the point, but I have been on every diet known to man. Owell it is only 6 months out of my life. I go to my PCP on Weds of next week and they will schedule my sleep apnea test from there as well as some blood work. I can not meet with the surgeon until the next seminar and that isn't until the 21st. They just advised me to get the ball rolling by going to the PCP. I have Highmark BC/BS so there are so many hoops to jump through!

[krimrod 39]

Yeah, I understand the point of a sleep study. sleep apnea is definitely not my reason for insomnia. I've had insomnia issues since is was a teenager and at a normal weight. I can't fall asleep a lot of nights. Once I'm asleep I'm fine, I don't really snore and I definitely don't wake up gasping for air (my husband has confirmed this) and I'm rested when I wake up in the morning. It's the falling asleep my body occasionally has issues with.

Anyway, I don't need help with that. I just dread the sleep study based on how sensitive I am to conditions that allow me to fall asleep. I always have issues falling asleep in hotels so I feel like I'm just going to toss and turn all night.

That's cool that there's an at home option possibly, I'll have to ask about that!

[NurseNic4 8]

We are at the same stage! I have kaiser so I've been to info class, the "meet the surgeon" meeting, and the consult. Next week I have my nutrition class and support group. As soon as I can lose my required weight I'm scheduling!!!! I can't wait to get this over with and get on with my life!! LOL!

Anyway I'm here if you want to talk!

[cdadams 7]

I was really hoping I would not have to do the 6 month wait. I understand the point, but I have been on every diet known to man. Owell it is only 6 months out of my life. I go to my PCP on Weds of next week and they will schedule my sleep apnea test from there as well as some blood work. I can not meet with the surgeon until the next seminar and that isn't until the 21st. They just advised me to get the ball rolling by going to the PCP. I have Highmark BC/BS so there are so many hoops to jump through!

Did you check to make sure you have to do the 6 months. I have BCBS of MI and I did not have to do that. I dont know if Highmark is different. I called BCBS and asked for the criteria of geting weightLoss surgery it took about 5 days to come in the mail. Call yours and make sure what it is. Unless your doctor requires 6 months. I dont know, I am just thinking out loud lol

[MamaGav 3]

@@cdadams I did receive information from Highmark that said I must attend 6 consecutive sessions. I haven't met with surgeon yet, but I do not think there is a way around it. I can not have the surgery until after November anyways so it is what it is.

[KatieD6982 68]

I have Highmark, too! My first appt with the Bariatric Team isn't until August 26th, so I'm guessing no surgery until around March of next year. Boo!

I was hoping they waived the 6 month thing since other BCBS policies had...darn. Oh well, here's hoping 6 months goes fast.

When they said "six sessions" does that mean 6 sessions with the Bariatric Team?

-Katie

[MamaGav 3]

@@KatieD6982 I am not sure. I think you have to have a monitored diet for 6 months.

[KatieD6982 68]

Oh ok, great! Best of luck in your process!

[MamaGav 3]

@@KatieD6982 Not sure if I replied to this, but when I called the surgeon she suggested that while I am waiting for the seminar (August 21) I should get in to see my pcp for the sleep apnea test etc.. So I have an appointment for August 6th to see her to get the ball rolling.

[MamaGav 3]

@@KatieD6982 Not sure if I replied to this, but when I called the surgeon she suggested that while I am waiting for the seminar (August 21) I should get in to see my pcp for the sleep apnea test etc.. So I have an appointment for August 6th to see her to get the ball rolling.

[cdadams 7]

@@cdadams I did receive information from Highmark that said I must attend 6 consecutive sessions. I haven't met with surgeon yet, but I do not think there is a way around it. I can not have the surgery until after November anyways so it is what it is.

Well, poo. I was hoping.

[krimrod 39]

How are all the fellow newbies doing?! I'm getting anxious and ready for my surgical group to submit my info to insurance.

I've sent over my 6+ month supervised diet info

I've faxed over the medical clearance form to my PCP

I had my EGD done

I had 3 nutritional/behavioral/exercise meetings

I have my psych eval scheduled for 8/25. I think once this is done they will submit!

Then it's a sleep study, blood work/EKG, and a pre-surgery appointment.

I'm hoping hoping hoping to have a surgery date in October!

[emilees_mom 43]

I am very new to this as well. I actually am just starting primary care with a new PCP. Spoke to her on my first visit that I wanted to have bariatric surgery and she thought it was a very good idea for me. Since I was establishing care, she went ahead and had labs drawn. My mother just had lapband surgery at the end of July. I personally didn't feel like she was given enough information for post op. So I started making phone calls for myself.

After a few phone calls I found a hospital not to far away that accepted my insurance. They said I would need to attend a seminar to get the ball rolling or they had videos and a quiz online I could take. I opted to watch them online. Someone called from the bariatric center the next day to schedule an appt. I don't see my PCP again until 9/2 so I scheduled with bariatric a on 9/9 so that I can get the letter of recommendation to take with me.

I am really looking forward to getting the balls rolling to begin the journey to the new me. I have been heavy all my life and am ready for a change in the right direction. I have been lurking on this site for months and you are all a very positive and supportive group of people!!

Teri

[kyrickchick64 468]

WELCOME ! I suggest going to the seminar. I did the video with the first dr. I saw and when I got to the ofc visit it didn't feel right so I went to another dr. And his seminar where I could ask questions to see if he was the right fit

Edited August 20, 2014 by kyrickchick64

[chip305 51]

I got exciting news yesterday when I went for my 1st education module, as of Monday, BCBS Iowa has ended the 6 month supervised diet requirement!!!! Yay, now I am scheduled to meet with the surgeon on Sept. 4th and I should be able to get sleeved yet this year!