lkcraig316

I went to see my PCP a week after I saw my surgeon for the first time. He has been great at encouraging me and making sure my surgeon has what he needs to submit to insurance. Aetna does require a letter and 2 years of records from my PCP, so I didn't have much choice. But I'm glad I made him a part of the process.

So, I am now TWO WEEKS AWAY from my paperwork being submitted to Aetna. The closer it gets, the more excited and NERVOUS I am. But any kind of surgery makes me EXTREMELY nervous, so I know it's not second thoughts. My surgeon's office has now started a support group exclusively for Sleeve patients. I went to their first meeting last Tuesday night and it was so interesting. There were lap banders considering the revision to sleeve, people doing their insurance program like me, a guy only 2 weeks out, and another guy 1 year out. And lots of people in between 2 weeks and a year out from surgery. When they all talked about the ups and downs post-surgery, they talked a lot about getting in Protein shakes immediately afterward, gas pain, hating the chewable Vitamins, etc., etc. But one thing I never heard anyone say was that they missed their favorite foods. I was so relieved to hear that because I wondered if I would struggle with cravings and have a hard time staying away from those foods. I feel VERY encouraged by that.

Congratulations, AutumnLily! Can't wait to join you on that bench.

I second what sunshine6855 said. I went to my cardiologist, thinking that he could put a stop to it if he felt it were dangerous (I have a bicuspid aortic valve--it was there from birth). He said I was no more high risk than anybody else having the surgery. Because of my valve problem he wants to be sure I am on antibiotic while in the hospital, but he said it was standard procedure for ANYBODY to have antibiotics. And he also said that all the risks from morbid obesity (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc., etc.) were much more dangerous to me than the surgery. So, just remember, the risks of being morbidly obese FAR outweigh the risks from the surgery. I have had various surgeries before, and I was honestly petrified before each and every one, no matter how routine the procedure. In fact, in one case I was so freaked out in the holding room that they had to give me something early just to calm me down. But don't worry! YOU WILL DO FINE!! Please update us when you feel like it! Lisa

Another request. I would love a copy if you have time to send it . . . 4craigs@comcast.net.

Hi! I was in the same boat as you. I decided I wanted the sleeve back at the end of November of this last year. My employers' coverage through BlueCross does not cover WLS at all, so I made plans to switch to my husband's Aetna coverage on January 1, 2011. My surgeon's office offered a free consultation with their insurance specialist. I took my husband's card and the insurance specialist was able to go by his coverage to tell me exactly how much was covered, what my deductible would be, my maximum out-of-pocket, etc. However, I was not allowed to make an actual appt. until after Jan. 1 when I was officially added to the policy. You might try that with your surgeon's office. At least you would know where you stand BEFORE you go into the 3 month program. It goes by faster than you think! It's hard to believe I am already halfway through!! Good luck and let me know how it goes. Lisa

I'm not to the point of being on the two week pre-op diet yet, but I can tell you what my doctor's plan is: FIRST WEEK Two Protein shakes per day One meal per day (the list has what frozen meals are acceptable and what amounts to use of regular food if you choose not to do the frozen meals) Drink 64 oz. of Water per day SECOND WEEK Four Protein Shakes per day 64 oz of water per day Both of these weeks you can supplement with unlimited SF Jello, SF popsicles, unsweet decaf tea, broth, and Powerade Zero Hope this helps.

I'm so excited for you!!! Just think how much better you'll feel. I wish I had done this 15 years ago, but I guess it doesn't matter how young or old you are, as long as you get healthy!!! Lisa

Thanks. I think I will call them tomorrow anyway, and then go ahead and start keeping a log beginning tomorrow. I could probably come up with most of what I've eaten for the last 30 days . . . or come pretty close. Congratulations on your approval! I know you are SO excited!!!

You have me freaking out right now. I also have Aetna and I am in month 2 of my three month prep. Nobody told me anything about a food log. I know about the nutritionist visits, the exercise physiologist visits, letter of clearance from my cardiologist, records from my PCP with a letter, etc. But they didn't say ANYTHING about the daily food log! That will put me back to square one if it's required. Unless I fudge a full month. I am calling my surgeon's office first thing in the morning! ACK!

Gosh, that is AWESOME! I haven't done that since I was a teenager. However, at 47 I don't think I will even try it after my surgery. No telling what things I would pull, strain and break!!!

I just got my first order of Rodan & Fields Soothe skin care system. My daughter has been using their Proactiv with GREAT results, so I thought I would give their "grown up" products a try. They also have an Anti-Age system, but right now my skin is red and splotchy so I want to calm it down first. Then I will probably move on to the Anti-Age in a few months. I'm 47 and hoping to have my surgery in April. I figured I better start taking good care of my skin because even though I can't see any wrinkles under the fat, I'm sure there are some that are just waiting to show themselves after I lose weight!

I haven't seen my "real" face in over 20 years. So I'm kind of scared about what it will look like when I lose all the weight. My face will age from my late 20s to my late 40s in just a matter of months. I've not got any wrinkles yet because my fat puffs them all out. So I'm really curious and nervous about how lined my face will be. I'm hoping my fair complexion with minimal sun over the years will help, but I still know I will look a lot older once the weight is gone. Anybody else think about this or am I just a little too weird? Lisa

I'm certainly not concerned enough to NOT have the surgery. But it amazes me all the things I keep thinking of that will be changed. It will definitely be an adventure. One that I am SO READY for! Lisa

Congratulations! Every tiny little milestone is a reason for celebration! I can't wait until I'm sleeved and can have my own little NSVs.

I worked with Amy Simmons at the consultation. I don't know if she will be the same one who submits my packet or not. I have Aetna and I have heard both good and bad about getting approvals from them. Amy didn't seem too worried about it, though. What insurance did you have and how long did it take for approval? My last appointment is April 6 and it would be super if I could have my surgery before the end of April. I go to my first support group meeting on Feb. 1--the same day NotFatJustExtraFluffy has his surgery! So glad about the nausea. I've never had trouble with anesthesia, but I just always want to be proactive and ward it off just in case it's going to bother me this time. Go Rangers! I was cheering them on during playoffs and the World Series. I'm actually a Cincy Reds fan, but they did so badly in the playoffs I had to pick another team after they were eliminated. I was really impressed by the Josh Hamilton story so I decided to go with the Rangers. Did you have to do a diet for a few months for your insurance? I have to do 3 months with Aetna. I'm right at 40-41 BMI. What happens if I lose during those 3 months and drop below? Do you think they will not approve me? I do have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, GERD, high cholesterol, borderline Diabetes II).

Haven't had surgery yet, but when I met with my surgeon, he recommended at least 2-3 weeks. He said I would be recovered enough in a week to go back but because of all the metabolic changes I will be going through and learning to drink/eat in a whole new way, it would be advisable to give myself 3 weeks. I have four weeks saved up, and I can do some things at home so I will decide after a couple of weeks whether to take 3 or 4. I guess it all just depends on the patient and surgeon. Lisa

NOTFAT: I live in Hermitage, so I am just a few exits down from you. I have to attend the support group in February and March to meet my insurance requirements. I knew VSG patients meet with the bypass patients, but I was hoping there would be more VSG attendees. Keep me informed on your surgery! I am very excited for you. SETTEBE: Oh, I'm sure we will pick your brain clean. Especially since we have the same practice doing our surgery. What about nausea? Did they do a good job keeping it at bay? That's my concern even more than the pain. I HATE throwing up. BTW, my husband and I lived in Carrollton, TX (outside of Dallas) for about 9 months back in 1985, before he got transferred back to Nashville. I liked it out there. Lisa

Beautiful family! And you all look so happy. Thanks for posting the before/after shots to remind us that we can all be successful!

Ooh, Plannergirl, that sounds amazing. I made the mistake of buying instant oatmeal and it is just not what I remember my mom making me when I was a kid. She told me to ALWAYS use the regular oatmeal. I think I'll try your recipe.

So, I'm supposed to be eating healthy and losing weight for the next three months. My insurance requires it. I started two weeks ago and was doing pretty good until Friday. I'm supposed to start my period next week and I am hungry all day long right now. Any good ideas on how to get through this without putting on MORE weight than I already have? I also find that this time of the month I get really shaky if I cut the carbs too much. HELP! Lisa

Congratulations! Wonderful news!