Mentor and Buddies needed!!

alyjuhl07 · February 20, 2017

I am still in the process of getting my full approval for the sleeve. My surgeon has agreed to do the surgery and I have gotten the green light from the dietitian just have to pass the psyc eval in a week. I am barely making the cut off for my BMI though and worry I will loose too much weight before surgery and get denied by insurance. I don't have any comorbidities and already have dropped to 40.7 BMI. I know the only way I will get to my goal is through surgery. I have failed so many exercise, diets, and medications. I am always able to drop about 30 pounds only to stahl out and gain it all back and then some.

My anxiety has gotten out of control. I worry about everything. I reached out to someone I know who had bypass but was ignored. She read my message but never responded. Please help!!

SalZ · February 21, 2017

First, don't worry about your BMI. You can lose 50 pounds and still be approved. The insurance company looks at your weight over time. Your doctor's recommendation includes your highest weight and your highest BMI. It's a HUGE misconception that losing weight before the surgery will cost you the insurance's approval. On the contrary, you are actually put on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior and are encouraged to lose as much as you possibly can.
Second, your psych evaluation is no big deal. The psychologist just wants to make sure that you are committed, supported, and are ready for these life changes. The psych os there to point out to you that the surgery is just a step. It will not solve your problems and if you are not ready to make life changes, than you won't be successful.
Don't stress out. It's not worth it. If your doctor already agreed to doing the surgery, than everything else should be treated like you going down a check list. And literally, that's what you should do. It takes a full month for you to get all your approvals and check ups, depending on your insurance company's requirements. I know a friend of mine had to complete a sleep study and I didnt. While I had to join a pre-op support group and she didn't... so every company is different.
As annoying as it may be, embrace it.
BC every step you make takes you one step closer to the end result.
Good luck.

alyjuhl07 · February 21, 2017

Thank you for the encouragement. I do know that I won't have to do the liquid diet prior, which I am super stoked about. I'm not worried about the post op liquid diet because I know that I will be in pain and feel like crap so I'm sure I won't feel like having anything more than liquid.

The reason I am concerned about my BMI is because of the way the insurance company has the prior auth worded. I'm a nurse and have access to what my doctor has access to, which in some cases is not so great - like this. I tried to call the insurance company and they were very vague with me and told me to talk to my Dr. unfortunately I just haven't heard back yet.

littlederek · February 23, 2017

I am 3 days in to my submission period, waiting for an insurance approval seems like forever!

alyjuhl07 · February 23, 2017

Oh my, the waiting is horrible! Time moves so slow!!

dragonfly2u · February 25, 2017

I too have bmi of 40.7. I have no other medical qualifications for surgery. I have lost and regained weight for 40 years. My surgery date is March 14. I started my Protein diet today. I hope beyond words that I do it correctly. I had my Protein Shake for Breakfast. I am drinking plenty of Water. lunch will be green Beans and small broiled piece of chicken. I am in the process of writing up my daily menu for the next two weeks. I could use a mentor as well. By the way, I live in Jonesboro GA

sharumoru · February 25, 2017

My bm1 was 41 on day of my surgery but as long as u r losing,or staying the same weight bm1 dint really come into it xx I was scared of my previous. Op diet more than I was of the actual surgery but I kept it simple and easy and those 2 weeks flew by I just had chicken or white fish with either green salad and toms or spring greens carrots and green Beans and obviously my fruit and Water but that's what made it easier for me x I'm here if ever u have a question or any help I can advise u on xx

alyjuhl07 · February 26, 2017

My bm1 was 41 on day of my surgery but as long as u r losing,or staying the same weight bm1 dint really come into it xx I was scared of my previous. Op diet more than I was of the actual surgery but I kept it simple and easy and those 2 weeks flew by I just had chicken or white fish with either green salad and toms or spring greens carrots and green Beans and obviously my fruit and Water but that's what made it easier for me x I'm here if ever u have a question or any help I can advise u on xx

Yeah the stage 2 intimidates me a bit. Mostly because of work though. My work provides lunches so it's a bit of a mind game to bring my own lunch. I feel like I am giving up pay in a sense because I am not using a benefit. But I should be home for all of that.

dragonfly2u · February 27, 2017

I baked 4 split chicken breast today. Topped with garlic and pepper. After dividing into 3 ounce portions. I have twelve meals. I froze some for next week. One 3 ounce portion filled me up. Hopefully, the next two weeks will fly by. I have my chicken, green vegetable, Greek yogurt, hard boiled eggs and Protein Shakes all on hand. I'm taking my Vitamins and my juice plus chewables that my surgeon wants me to take.