Hi all. I am new here and just starting my journey. I have tried all sorts of diets, exercise.....I start off great and strong. I am strict, but always start gaining weight while on diet. So I have been thinking about getting the sleeve. I live near the Daytona Beach area in Florida. My doctor wanted me to go to Jacksonville, but drive is so long. So I did my research and found Dr Birkedal in Ormond Beach. My insurance does cover the surgery thank goodness. ! am required to have 4 visits, a psych eval and then surgery!! I start my low carb diet next week and have started walking. Hopefully I can lose a little before surgery. This is so exciting and scary too.

Biggest congratulations on your WLS choice! I think you're going to be delighted with the results!

Rock on! You won't regret it!

Congrats! What insurance do you have sounds like a quick turnaround... Good for you!

Nyelaah, I have Humana Gold Plus, medicare. I'm youngish but on disability. They have been great so far.

Wow. I started the insurance required protocol in January and have one more hoop before I can even meet with the Doc. And they only pay half. That being said, I am grateful to have the hope I feel to have a healthier life. Best wishes you on your journey!

Always Vegas, can I ask about your experience as I am in Vegas too.

I was quite lucky with my insurance. Had to get referral from primary. They only required 3 visits, but my surgeon requires 4. 2nd appt 2 weeks after 1st, 3rd 2 weeks after 2nd, and final one month later. Then surgery if all was good.

Congratulations on your decision! You will go through many different emotions throughout the pre-op process as well as the post-op process. Just stay strong and keep focused on the end result. Best of luck to you throughout it all!

Congrats on the start of your journey!!!!