Hello all. I am new to this so please bear with me. My name is Beau and I am a Paramedic in Illinois. I am overweight and have been my entire adult life. I have recently decided to take my life back and get the sleeve gastrectomy. I am still in the very early stages as I have just gotten my referral from my Dr. to see the surgeon. I still have a lot to do including going to the weight loss seminar, labs, endoscopy, and of course I still have to find out if my insurance will cover it. I have BCBS so I am hoping it will as my BMI is over 40 and I have at least 2 comorbidities. I have never been a member of a forum before so it kind of feels strange telling strangers about my weight, but it feels kind of like a weight is lifted off of my shoulders at the same time talking to others with the same issues.

I must admit that the thought of having this surgery both excites, and scares me at the same time. Does anyone else feel like this? I have so many emotions going on lol. I do have a question as well. is it true that you can potentially get a surgery date in as little as a month?

You are not alone with your emotions. I am pre op as well but am scheduled for surgery on May 27th. I think we all feel the same way when beginning this process. This site has given me tons of useful information and I think has prepared me for what's to come.

As far as one month prep time for surgery, I've heard some speak of that but I'm sure it totally depends on your insurance. Most require a 3 or 6 month pre op process. Good luck to you on your journey ????

Thanks so much! I have been freaking myself out with wondering if my insurance would cover until I remembered I could log on to my benefits online and look at the policy, and YES!!!! it does cover it. This makes me sooo happy. I am just sooo ready to take back my life and enjoy it with my family!!

I'm in Illinois too! Hoping to be sleeved in Mexico since I don't believe my insurance will cover it. Waiting on my PCP and local tests to come back but hoping for June 16th as my date.

@@luvj0j0 I'm headed to Mexico on 5/18 - and the closer I get the more trepidation I feel.... excited, scared,

@@tnkrrbl I am feeling exactly the same way. I'm close to making a commitment which is making me nervous and more excited. It is a roller coaster ride of emotions. Who and where? 5 days to go, I'm sure you're feeling the excitement / worries!

tnkrrbl, good luck to you and safe travels to Mexico! I wish you the best of luck on your Journey. Please post and lets us know how you are doing and how it went.

Welcome pmed069! At the beginning/during and after surgery you are normal to have a "bowl" of mixed emotions! As far as, the timing of how soon you have your surgery depends on your surgeons operations schedule availability. Good luck!

Hi pmed,

Welcome :-) I am new here too and completely relate to your mix of emotions! Im in the uk and as self pay the process can be as quick as two weeks. In fact I am going to meet the surgeon, anaesthetist, nurse and nutritionist today for the first time and for pre op tests. I am hoping to get a surgery date for 2 weeks time, may 28! Although I am scared of the op itself as I've never been put to sleep before and I'm worrying about the pain after and adjusting to my new life I just want to get on with it all as then I can just deal with what it's really like rather than worry about what it might be like!

Great news about your insurance :-)

I'm excited, but scared out of my mind! So many thoughts going through my mind I can't keep them straight. I know I need to and want to do this, but I can't help second guessing myself.

Like I said excited, but scared and that's perfectly ok.