Hi my name is Jane and I've recently decided to talk to my primary doc about gastric sleeve surgery, but I'm unsure of how to approach this.

I'm also unsure if he'll ok me. Or if my insurance will approve. I have BCBSIL PPO through my employer and they do cover Bariatric surgery. I weigh about 295 and I'm 5'3 and for some reason I think in order for me to get the ok I would need to weigh a lot more. I don't really have and underlining health issues except for the constant stiffness and body pains I feel because of my weight.

I'm so lost here. I'm curious to know how much other ppl weighed and how long was the wait to have the surgery after your initial convo with your primary doc. PLEASE if someone could shed a little light I'd be so grateful.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm just starting the process. Leaning toward Gastric Bypass. I have no comorbidities. 5'6" and 290 current weight. My initial consult was May 11th where I had a discussion about procedures, had blood drawn for lab tests, and an EKG. Today, 5/16, was my psych consult. Soon, the nutritionist will be scheduling an appointment. Then an EDG. After all that is done (and after a supervised weight loss period) then we will apply for insurance. They expect that there will be a 30 day wait for insurance (BCBS Mi PPO) approval. They said that an Oct Surgery date is a likely timeframe. *crossing fingers* Good luck to you!

P.s. My Psych consult recommended "An Expert Guide to Weight Loss", By Garth Davis, MD.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Edited May 17, 201610 yr by JKback2me

I'm EXACTY in the same boat. 5'3 (3/4)", 295, BCBSIL PPO. They said they'd cover 80%

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have BCBS of NJ, ppo. Mine was covered. I had to have a BMI of 35+, plus I had other factors, HBP, slightly elevated sugar risk, bad back ( many epidurals ),two neck surgery's ( not sure they factored in ), and have had 5 knee surgerys and am having knee replacements next spring. I was 5'10, 253, and most people thought I would never qualify, but I did. three mon waiting period with a nutritional counseling session once a month, a phsycological exam, endo scope, and multiple blood tests, but 4 months later I was sleeved. Its been tough, I really love to eat!!!, but I've lost 38lbs in 1 mo and and I'm hoping to lose another 35. Word of caution, think about who you want to know. People are very judgemental, " Why can't you just diet and excercise?", " your not trying to lose weight", " you don't eat healthy enough". Frankly, I tried everything, excersise almost everyday, and my wife is a gourmet cook right out of the eating well magazine.
We eat organic as much as possible, and I never eat junk. I just loved food, and ate too much of it! So yeah it sucks now, because I really don't enjoy eating, kind of do it cause I have to, but I want to live to see my girls get married and have kids, and this was my last chance, and most of us will say that although its rough and a hugh change, I don't for one second regret my choice, and for me it was the only one that was going to make a real impact. Only my wife, my cardiologist, my primary, and two close people know, and thats the way its going to be. sorry to ramble on! Good luck!

@@docpaddle thank you for sharing your story. You touched on two topics I worry about not enjoying food feeling sick by everything that touches my lips and all the ppl/coworkers who will look at me and pass judgement

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@docpaddle thank you for sharing your story. You touched on two topics I worry about not enjoying food feeling sick by everything that touches my lips and all the ppl/coworkers who will look at me and pass judgement

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You will likely get to a point after a few months where you can enjoy food again. Obviously you won't be eating as much of it as one time, but it is possible to enjoy what you are eating. I still very much enjoy food, because I am careful to make my limited space count! I don't "waste" space on things that don't taste great and help fulfill my nutritional needs.