Eureka-C

I had a BMI of 47 (now I am at 44, with the preop diet) and relatively no comorbidities. My BCBS of CA did turn me down, but they turn down all sleeve requests initially due to it being "experimental". I applied for an appeal and was approved. I was very clear about why I wanted the sleeve over RNY and the lap band. It may take longer, and believe me, I know that wait is torture, but be firm in your choice if this is what you want. Make some phone calls to your insurance, read your policy, and don't give in if the sleeve is what you want. I cannot emphasize enough to do the research and be informed. Good luck. Keep us informed.

Are you being treated for the ulcer - acid reducer medicine? if so, is it strong enough? As for me, one of the reasons that I want the sleeve is my insatiable hunger. I am not sleeved yet either. I often eat and then am hungry again an hour later. This occurs expecially after I have been having heartburn, eating too much carbs, two to three days before my period starts, etc. It also gets worse when I diet. It is not normal. I didn't know this until I took fen/phen and was able to go hours without thinking about food, then a little gurgle, and I was like. Oh I must be hungry. It is one of the most frustrating things to feel hunger constantly. Good luck. Stick with the plan as best as you can. Try to increase Protein, eat healthy Snacks, and track your food on one of the food tracking systems. I like fatsecret.com. Hopefully it won't be too much longer and we can both find a new life without this burden.

I am working with dr. Davidson's office out of the bariatric surgery center in Dallas. He does surgeries at forest park medical center and Presbyterian. The staff has all been friendly and helpful. They never make me feel dumb about any question and they seem truly excited about each step with me. Many of the staff have had some type of wls. The first consult is pay/not free, but I felt it was well worth it as I got to talk to and meet the surgeon, RN, the insurance coordinator, and another person who presented a seminar and answered all our questions. I haven't had surgery yet, but I feel that I am in competent hands so far.

That's soooo awesome. Could you perhaps give us a summary. Beginning weight/ size & height vs now. Also the biggest changes. I dunno. Give these of us just beginning some hope. I still can't imagine ever getting within normal range.

I kind of remember that as well. It seems most people pep up at the 3 month mark. But it never hurts to check. No reason to suffer if you don't have to. Another thought is thyroid hormone levels. I hope you find the answer.

What kind of work do you do?

Are you keeping up with nut guidelines, Protein, Water Vitamins etc?

I was wondering how much research you have done, seminars, articles, reading blogs and posts? I find that I need to know the good,bad, and ugly to feel confident. I also found confidence in defending my decision by answering other peoples "why choose sleeve" posts. Finally, having to write my appeal letter sealed the deal for me. I KNOW this is what I need. Don't get me wrong. I am still scared, but I am excited too. Keep in touch on how it goes and ask questions.

I was initially denied coverage due to the sleeve being investigational. In other words, there is not a 10 year history of maintained weight loss documented in the journals, as it is not 10 years old as a stand-alone procedure. That being said, there are various medical reasons why the sleeve is accepted such as a requirement of taking NSAIDs or diseases such as crohn's. I do not have anything like these problems, but I appealed based on a family history of diabetes and a personal preference to not have malabsorption issues et cetera. I won my appeal and I am scheduled for surgery on November 22 nd. If you are interested in the RNY, your post describes the qualifications clearly and with your BMI, you will likely be able to meet them with no problems. Personally, I do not recommend the RNY or band, but I am not a health care professional, and it is my personal preference. Do you have comorbid problems? These can be important to your choice. Good luck!

This is just a guess, but maybe when they pumped all the gas in your stomach, it stretched some old scar tissue under the scar, creating a sore spot.

You look Awesome! I always worry about the weight loss making me look older, but you look younger after your loss. Thanks for the inspiration.

Sounds like this is definitely the tool for you. Thats a great start. I can't wait to be there too.

Here is a website that shows an animation of how it works. It looks like it is not available in the USA. On-Q PainBuster Pain Ball

I know that wait is hard. Keep hanging around and don't give up. I finally won my appeal.

I am scheduled for November 22nd with Dr. Davidson at the Bariatric Surgery Center in Dallas, Texas at Presbyterian Hospital (unfortunately my insurance doesn't cover the forest park medical center - I know lots of people liked the staff there). My pre-op begins November 10th. I will know more then.

It is important to know if the denial is due to your company opting out of it or if it is the insurance denying due to the sleeve being "experimental". If it is due to your company's choices on coverage. There is not much you can do. If it is due to it being "experimental" then you can appeal. I won my appeal with bcbs CA. If you lose the appeal you can apply for an IMR ( I think that is right) internal medical review for a second appeal. That works for many people. You also can look into having the surgery in mexico. Good luck.

Take a sharpie and write something like "sleeve only" on your belly b4 the surgery

Sounds great, by the time I get my surgery, you will be a pro.

I too had to wait due to appealing. Part of me wanted to give up and use the appeal as an excuse. For me I focus on why I am getting the sleeve. I don't want my body to fall apart after 40 like my parents and so many others in my family. I also know this surgery is my best option. No matter how many times I have failed at dieting, I refuse to let that voice of failure dissuade me. I will lose this time, I may not lose as fast as others. I may have stalls. I may have awful side effects like nausea, acid, and pain, but this tool will work in the long haul. I will not fail this time. Face your fears, talk back to them,and kick their a**. They have no place in your thin healthy future.

I just got my after appeal approval. Heard a rumor that Jan 2011 many more might be changing policy. BCBS CA

That means... Hmmmm... I was wearing a 12 in high school, which is an 8 by today's standards so it is possible I will be an 8 when I reach goal!

I love the blue. Awesome. I can't wait to get there too.

I am so happy for you!

I hope people who have had the surgery answer, but if not I know there are posts on here about hair loss from 2-6 months out. I also have read some posts about deflated breasts and others not so much. Finally there seems to be a wide range of losing, but most experience stalls several times as their bodies adjust. Again I hope some give their firsthand experience.