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Hey, I have BCBSIL/PPO too. You could not be as bad as me. I called them every other day (would've been everyday to check status). A little exaggeration there but I was on them. One thing I did and I am not sure if it helped at all but I wrote a letter and had it notarized and titled it an "Affidavit of My Experiences." I initially wrote letter June 25th and had it notarized. The insurance company had rec'd the info from my doctor's office, however they quickly responded requesting more information from provider. I wanted to at the time to send my own response (affidavit) but I held back because I thought I was being "neurotic." As time went by was becoming impatient and fixated on this (totally not my personality). Sherri was off work during holiday and insurance company stated they had not rec'd a response. By the time I talked with her and she indicated she had submitted papers to them, I did not care, I faxed my letter to them. It was 2 days later I called and found out I was approved to have defective band removed and to become Sleeved. I was the person who believed in natural progression and the journey. I am learning things are imperfect and I need to be more proactive. I thought to myself if the insurance company is going to "deny" me, I needed to feel I did all I could for them not to deny me. I don't know if the letter made a difference or if Sherri's submission did it alone. I know I will no longer take a back seat to things I have for so many years. I've always advocated for others (family, friends and clients at my job) and it is time I advocate for myself. Don't doubt yourself. Be ready for your next move. I called BCBS more than I called any entity. I thought they would be irritated but I realized "they" is an "entity" and entities have no feelings. I was like, it is not like the same person answered the phone. Hang in there and believe. I get the turmoil though so how you feel is natural. I have used this site to calm me down. I try not to overwhelm my friends that know of my new surgery. (I felt like a public failure with band so I limited those who know of impending Sleeve). Be encouraged and believe you are already approved.

Actually, it seems that congratulations are in order. You asked a friend to help, he said 'Yes,' but his behaviour raised red flags so you asked someone else for what you needed. Great self-advocacy, actually. And putting it down to cynicism or pessimism actually dismisses the people skills you have developed. You rock. It's not about only relying on yourself... that's not always healthy either. It's about recognizing the discrepancy between what someone says and their actions... you always go with the actions. Instead of guilting your (former?) friend into keeping his word (what fun that would have been!) or having a pity party and deciding you're going to "do it myself!" you reached out to someone else. I'm sorry your friend wasn't as reliable as you wish, but you solved the problem in advance. Ta da! For the nerves, do a little strategic catastrophizing, and then contingency planning. Think about the absolute worst case outcome for the PAT, and then decide what you'll do about it if that outcome happens. Make real plans. "If the PAT finds that I'm not in my right mind and can't competently make this decision, what will I do?" Make a list. Then go on to the next worst case scenario. Do that until you've covered all the possibilities. Then put the list in a safe place and willfully, mindfully, refuse to think about outcomes. You've got it covered. And keep yourself busy. These will be the longest three days of your entire life if you're doing nothing. Hang in there! You're almost there. CE

It is definately YOUR turn! That is so true. My sister is much heavier than I am and she rocks it! I don't have that same confidence with my body. In other areas of my life Ihave confidence, but not over my fat.

You go girl.... I have now lost 104# and I have a whole new sence of confidence...As I see myself walking down a windowed hallway I see my "new" shadow...and think to myself "hmmm you are looking pretty good!" Before I would see the shadow and wish I could run the end so I wouldn't have to look at the nasty shadow blob... I know I am still 94# over goal and when I finally get there well hell's bell's....I'm gonna party! I now have men approach me and ask for dates, dinner and more...(however, I'm married)lol. I have younger men tell me if I wern't married they would wellllll you get the point... New confidence...It is wonderful! Good luck with your Sleeve!

I have been following your blogs, and I am rooting for you! I have a long wait before I am banded, but agree as most do that the support network on this site is priceless. I am proud of you and keep us posted.

Try a heating pad also, I find that is soothing for my sore spots. Rachel

I had the horrible gas pain as well, after the first week I switched to chewable Gas-X and it worked better for me, I just made sure to chew the heck out of them. Good luck, and keep posting and keeping us updated on your progress.

Just stopping by to say it's ALLLLL worth it!! Every gas pain, every struggle, and every doubt that creeps in (because they do sometimes!) I'm 15 months out and have lost more than 150 pounds. I feel healthy and strong and I look damn good if I do say so myself! The first year flew by for me, and thinking back on it it's better than a dream come true! I'm a different person in so many ways, and there is just no price tag that could be placed on that kind of gift. It wasn't easy, but watching the pounds melt off was so sweet that I wasn't even tempted to slack off! I've always loved life, but the 125 pound me loves it with gusto! Hang in there!

Just as you said, in a few days the gas pains should subside. Getting up and walking really is the best to help it go away. Did your doctor give you liquid Tylenol? I had liquid Tylenol 3 and it seemed to help more than gas-x. That was 4 years ago. This past year I had lap chole (gallbladder removed) and the gas pain was 10000x worse and only IV meds helped, so I was admitted. Really, it's just a waiting game unfortunately. :-/ BUT on the positive side...... I look forward to reading your success stories! It truly does start and end with YOU, not the band. The band is a tool to help you achieve your goals. I am sure we will see you posting away of your success! Hang in there! :-)

I hear you sister! I can empathize. Your sleeve date does seem a long way away. I know I was also so very anxious and wanted to have my surgery sooner than later and once approved, the date couldn't come soon enough. I think when I was first approved a surgery date was set out a few months but then there was a cancellation and I got in sooner. So..., you might want to get on the list for cancellations and maybe get a date sooner.? If that doesn't happen, you have time to prepare. Try to change your eating to all healthy and vital nutrition now for you and your family. I highly recommend three movies to watch that are super motivating and will help to get the message that the processed food and junk we all used to eat (hopefully 'used to eat' is the key and that stuff is in the past since being sleeved and more aware of good nutrition) is just NOT necessary for life and good health. They are - "Forks Over Knives", "The Weight of the Nation", and "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead". I highly recommend watching these movies. It will change something for the positive and better nutrition you and what you are feeding your family - and what you shouldn't be feeding your family. I recommend watching these...you know, in your free time when you are not chasing around your four kids! Yikes! Time to concentrate on YOU! And, I recommend exercise every day as the stronger you are the easier your recovery will be and you will be one step ahead! Meditation and visualization is also something to start practicing. It will all help in the long run. Make this time as positive for YOU as you can. Best of luck to you. One Love.