[Excuse the long post]

I have so many mixed emotions right now. I decided I wanted to have the Gastric Sleeve in July. I did not expect things to happen so freaking fast. Almost wondering if this is too fast. Like have I had enough time to process eveything.

So I made my first post here about my insurance requiring a 5 year weight history. I didn't have any to submit, and was really worried about being denied.

Background:

I'm 25 years old - 5' 4" - and my weight has been a struggle. I'm currently at a whopping 245lbs. Never have I ever been close to this in life. I was always between 200 and 230 up until this year. Like most of us, I have tried everything known to man.

In July I started looking seriously into WLS, and I decided on the sleeve. I spent countless hours checking my insurance, reviewing doctors, and of course lurking on this forum. I wanted to ensure I knew what I was doing, what life would be like after,.. The good, the great, the bad, and the ugly.

I have UHC Choice Plus and my company requires a BMI of 40 (35 with 2 comorbities, in network surgeon/hospital, and a 5 year weight history. I picked the BMI of Texas office. They have been great. I am using Dr. Englehart.

My first consult was August 6th. I completed my Psych Eval the next week (Sunday). I went for the Gallbladder Ultrasound the following Wednesday, and finally my endoscopy last Friday(9/4). I called my advocate Tuesday 9/8. She verified my check list over the phone. The only hurdle was the 5 year weight history. She stated she would submit a letter on my behalf and we should hear back within a week. I prepped for a battle, after reading the denial horror stories posted here. Especially with UHC. I work for AT&T as an engineer and I have their management plan. What's so awesome is they have there own AT&T group and my experience has been wonderful with them. Actually quite easy.

I got a little anxious and called to ensure they had everything and to get an idea of when they would make a decision. (About 3 hours ago 9/10). The rep told me it was approved, but to speak with a care coordinator. The care coordinator stated he can see the approval and they already have a surgery date of 9/23, a hospital listed, and I just need to contact my surgeon to discuss next steps.

I literally was like whoa! Not expecting that, and so quick!!

I will change the date to the last week of this month or the 1st week of October to give my mom time to fly in for a few weeks and my mind time to really mentally prep.

So what do you all think, record time?

Any advice?

Edited September 11, 201510 yr by sleevedtbd

Congratulations! The liquid diet diet and post-op healing are not near as aggravating as the pre-op waiting. What you are getting is a gift that most of us did not get to enjoy. Just think of the surgery as a nice nap, then when you wake up, you will be on your way to your new life in no time. I wish you the best.

You are a little faster than mine

ATT Insurance is usually great. You will probably find a good support network at work if you choose to share with co-workers. Good luck and congrats!

@MisMac

Yes. That is my thought process. I'm sure once I know my exact day the pre op nerves will kick in.

@OutsideMatchInside

I haven't decided about work. My boyfriend, mom, and dad are the only ones who know. My 2 older sisters wouldn't totally understand. I may be easier to let my coworkers know. They're all men and probably would be supportive, and eating lunch with guys is no small feat. They literally debate on it an hour before we actually leave to go somewhere.

Edited September 11, 201510 yr by sleevedtbd

I was also lucky, my time from first consultation with my surgeon to surgery date was 93 days. I was also a little concerned that things were going to fast, but in hindsight it was just less time for me to talk myself out of it. You'll do great!

I too was blessed with a fast process, my first consult was July 9th and I was approved by the first week of September and I'm getting sleeved on the 28th of sept.

This is so awesome.. I have UHC PPO as well and my dr office is submitting my papers for approval on Monday 9/14/15. Hoping for a surgery date early October as well. Best wishes to u

That's what I'm thinking @formerfatguy - less time to talk myself out of it.

- Good luck, that's just around the corner!!

- Yes, my goal is October 1st, but no later than the 7th. Fingers crossed.

Edited September 11, 201510 yr by sleevedtbd

Wow congrats hun i pray a fast recovery!!!! Yaayy!!! I just started my process my dr sent my referral over did my lab work now waiting to hear back!!! I dont know how this all works so im jist praying i have a speedy productive processing

Awesome. I hope everything works out for you. The first step is the hardest part.