Very beginning of my journey!

[Ahzuri 0]

I've been trying to lose weight to be healthier for around 9 years, I've never been able to get past 250 currently I'm sitting at 302 so my BMI right now is 53 I think. I've tried just about everything but late last year I decided that because I have a insurance that will cover WLS I'm going to do it this year. UHC required that I call and enroll with OptumHealth before the services relating to it would be covered so I took my first step and did that last week. I'm scheduled to speak to my RN Case manager for the first time tomorrow, shes who will help guide me through the process.

Since I've been overweight for almost all of my adult life I've more than once researched the different kinds of WLS and when I did my recent research its seems to me the sleeve is the surgery that might be best for me. Of course I'll discus it with medical professionals and all that and make the final decision from there.

I found this site while I was googling the processes involved in getting WLS so I'm glad to have it as a place of support. I just really am curious as to what to expect during this process since I've never had a insurance that would pay for it before I've never started the process before! I know there is a psych eval and the 6 month pre-op diet that is required before they will pay for the surgery but I have no clue what to expect from them. Am I going to fail a psych eval because I'm already diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder that I control with medication or is this more of a I am of sound mind and can make the decision to have this life altering surgery?

UHC also requires I go to a center of excellence which is totally fine since there are a few in Indiana and thankfully two of them are in Carmel where I work (I drive a long way to work every day!) so I can do DR visits and what not before work or during lunch since my job is pretty flexible with medical appointments. I'm however not sure how to choose between St Vincents and IU Health or where I might find information on which of the surgeons I'd want to choose specifically! I'm going to ask the RN I talk to tomorrow of course but its great to hear personal experiences to help figure it all out.

I'm hoping everything goes smoothly with the process I really just want to be healthy. Not only just for myself but I want to enjoy a long life with my husband and two daughters without being held back by obesity.

[Chi2Htown 27]

Good luck with everything, it sounds like you have a great start! I'm BCBS and my insurance doesn't require anything except a BMI of 40 or higher. I just started my process a month ago and I'm currently waiting for my healthplan to authorize me.

[Ahzuri 0]

From what I understand is the requirements are actually coming from my employer rather than the insurance itself but perhaps I'm misunderstanding it.

[Nerdyscared1 7]

Which doctor are you going with? I have first appt on 25th at community north. Always excited to see another indiana person.

[Ahzuri 0]

Not sure yet! I've looked at Dr's a little bit but haven't made any decisions yet. Love meeting Indiana people! Keep me updated on your experience with them!