peacequeen

I can't self pay so I won't be going to Mexico. I would have the same concerns if I was thinking about it though..thanks longer-life..lol If she doesn't call or respond to my last call and email..I will call or email her..you are so funny

I haven't been approved or denied yet but was wondering how many of you were denied before being approved by your insurance?

likasulema, I know how medicare is,,when I first started the process, I was hoping they covered the sleeve since it's my secondary insurance. I'm hoping everything goes well this year because I've already met my primary insurance deductible and out of pocket amounts. I hope all goes well for you, that must be nerve wracking having to wait to find out for sure. Geno, congratulations! That's awesome!!! I bet you are so happy :smilingface (52):

I forgot,,yes, Lissa..I've met my ded and out of pocket for the year and my husband will have the same insurance but the policy will be changing..I'm not sure if they would even cover wls next year. That's the reason I'm very anxious to get the ball rolling faster.

Thanks, everyone. I wish I could even think about self pay but I have 2 kids in college..there's just no way. It's all or nothing where the insurance company is concerned. I wish all of you self payers luck though,,I feel for you having to come up with so much money. Lissa,,I know how you feel..I've had blood work, psych eval, therapy, I have to have an EGD, cardiac clearance,,already had pfts when I was hospitalized in July so that's 1 down. I'm sure there's more,,I just haven't been told yet.lol I had an appt with my neuro and got one silver lining..I was able to get the clinician's notes from when I was in the hospital proving I had the pfts..I had an echo done but not sure that will be enough for the cardiac clearance but ya never know. I think my ins coor sent off my paperwork to the ins co waiting on approval...I think..she didn't reply to my last email but she said my EGD would be scheduled after they hear from the ins co if I was approved or not...it sounded promising..again,,I think??

I posted this in the pre op forum and then realized I should have posted it here. I haven't been approved or denied yet but was wondering how many of you were denied before being approved by your insurance?

Thank you, redmtn. Your words of encouragement really help.

I know water is good for you but what is the purpose for all the water intake and what is the purpose for drinking after you eat instead of while you are eating? Is it ok to drink flavored or any healthy liquid..does that count? I'm not sleeved yet but trying to get ahead of the game. I know you that are already sleeved are the people to ask. Thanks..

All your responses are appreciated! Some are really "need to know" answers.

I haven't had surgery yet, still have a way to go. I'm supposed to be on a 6 month pre op diet but I'm failing miserably. I've gained 9 pounds I'm not really trying but not because I don't want to try. I just feel depressed and unmotivated. I'm having a hard time snapping out of this. I am in therapy. Wondering if anyone else is or has gone through this? I'm weighing in at an all time high and I just feel so out of control. Everything just seems so out of reach, I feel this 6 month wait has really hurt my enthusiasm.

I found this tidbit of info online. Celebrities who have had traditional gastric bypass weight loss surgery include : Star Jones (TV personality) Carnie Wilson (singer in Wilson Phillips, TV personality) Al Roker (weatherman on Today Show, author) John Popper (lead singer of Blues Traveler, songwriter) Michael Genadry (actor) The Fobi Pouch method is a variation of the roux-en-y gastric bypass procedure, which uses a band to divide the stomach, creating a smaller pouch. Celebrities who underwent the Fobi Pouch method of gastric bypass surgery include : Randy Jackson (American Idol judge, musician, record producer) Roseanne Barr (actress, comedienne) Etta James (singer) Jo Marie Payton (actress) Jennifer Holliday (singer, actress) LAP-BAND® System Surgery Unlike gastric bypass surgery, the LAP-BAND® System does not reroute the intestines. Instead, a silicone band is used to create a small pouch at the top of the stomach. Although not as popular in the United States as gastric bypass surgery, LAP-BAND® System surgery is typically less expensive and is both adjustable and reversible. Celebrities who have had LAP-BAND® surgery include : Sharon Osbourne (TV personality, music manager/promoter, wife of Ozzy Osbourne) Ann Wilson (lead singer of the rock band Heart) Khaliah Ali (fashion designer, author, daughter of Muhammad Ali) Joe Gannascoli (actor) Brian Dennehy (actor) Anne Diamond (British TV personality) Mikey Robbins (Australian media personality)

I'm currently going through the same thing,,I have yo yo'd for the past 10 months. Food funerals..last suppers..I have put on 20 extra pounds I'm going to have to lose. My ticker doesn't even reflect what I weigh now so I don't keep up with it anymore. I have good days and bad. I have asked the same questions on here as to why I'm doing this because I feel so out of control.

Oh my,,well the surgeon must be confident that he's well enough for surgery. Maybe you can talk to your dad about seeing his pcp for a checkup or see a cardi and endo for the other issues. I hope all goes well. Your dad knows his body better than anyone, he must feel he's ok. I'm sorry sweetie, I wish I knew what to say to make you feel better. Keep us posted here!

Good reason to worry..it's your dad. But..I think if he has a good surgeon, he/she will do all the necessary tests for him before he gets clearance. If your dad has a good cardiologist, they'll do the same. I have alot of health issues but bp not being one of them. I know I am having to go through a ton of tests before my surgeon will lay a finger on me. I've read ALOT about others in the forum with the same problems and having the surgery and getting the weight off solved the problem.

Welcome and good luck!

I don't know how old your kids are but I have grown children and one younger child that is 11. If you continue the way you are with the weight on, your children will ask you as they get older why you can't do things with them. My youngest son told me he wished I was well like I used to be so I could play with him. I can't do the things I once was able to do. Your quality of life goes down hill and your kids will go down with you. I have a daughter that constantly tells me to quit being negative about myself, stop Mom, she says..you can't help it that you got big,,you are sick..(.and wonder why I'm sick). I have my older son who just feels plain sorry for me and 3 step kids that look at me now and they know when I first met their dad I was half the size I am now. I feel pathetic in their eyes. Why would you care what one so called friend thinks?? I love my friends but I love my kids and husband more. You should read the list of why people are doing this..what they can't wait to be able to do after the surgery. That will motivate you.

I've been using Avon ANEW serum for quite a while now,,it's pricey,,about 60.00 but a teeny bit goes a long way and a bottle will last me about a year. I am 46,,have been blessed with good skin but I do have a few frown lines and this stuff makes them completely disappear. You get what you pay for,,the reviews on anew products are good. I swear by the serum.

If you don't get what you want from an OA meeting, you can switch to a different one. I know there were several being held in Lexington Ky where I went. You can search them online and find the cities/towns where they are located. Dramagirl, some will have weigh ins, some are more structured than others. I've been thinking of going back but hate to drive back and forth so much,,wish they had one in my hometown.

If you don't get what you want from an OA meeting, you can switch to a different one. I know there were several being held in Lexington Ky where I went. You can search them online and find the cities/towns where they are located. Dramagirl, some will have weigh ins, some are more structured than others. I've been thinking of going back but hate to drive back and forth so much,,wish they had one in my hometown.

I'm from Ky too,,I'm not sceduled yet but hope to be soon..paperwork will be sent in sometime in the next week. I'm in Lawrenceburg, going to Dr. Weiss in Georgetown.

My problem with WW was that all they talked about was food, I left hungry and purchasing 20 bucks worth of snacks they sold,,was easy for me to go home and have myself a little party. I'm an addict. If you're looking for group sessions, you can try Overeaters Anonymous. (WW is a good program,,it was just the meetings weren't really good for me.) Some of the programs we are going through with wls offer group for free too..or you can start your own?..just saying for those who were wanting the group support.

UHC is the ones that told me what they require, I called them before I started the process. Should I get it in writing? I had a hard time getting that info the first time.lol I just wonder if anyone here has been denied due to that 5 year bmi history and if they appealed it or gave up. If they appealed what big guns did they use...I have doctor referrals, wondering if that will do the trick. Man, I just can't wait till I'm approved and get a date. I can live a normal life again..it's been almost a year of this and it's very frustrating. I know I've run this in the ground in these forums and so sorry to vent, everyone.

My UHC plan requires 5 years bmi of 40+. I have a list of comorbs and I've rec'd 4 different doctors referrals for this surgery,,will that help?..does anyone know?

I'm nervous about calling them, my surgeons office said NO,,don't call them unless it came to the point where I had to appeal or something. They were handling it all,,guess that's why I'm feeling anxious about it. I have no control it seems like. I didn't think about it but WW did automatic withdrawal from my account till I cancelled,,so did the Jillian Michaels website. Thanks for the tip.

My goodness,,wishing you the best. Thoughts and prayers going out to you right now.