NikiS

Be encouraged... I had my last appointment with my surgeon August 10 and I got my approval letter yesterday. Who is your insurance carrier?

You look amazing!!! I agree with M2G, you look like the younger sister of your former self

You and I are in the same boat. My last appointment with my surgeon was August 10 and he said he was going to send my file for pre-cert. He told me I may know if I was approved before he did - the insuracne company will send me a letter. Now I'm just waiting and it really is torture!

I asked my surgeon this same question and was told it is possible to stretch the sleeve and re-gain weight.

I thought it was just me - LOL. The page is pretty much filled with advertisements and since they've seemed to run out of space they started placing them smack-dab in the middle of our posts/replies. It is a bit distracting.

Hi, gdc. I think you should call your doctor and get his/her opinion/advice. And even if the answer is yes, you can have a sip of something, please be careful and mindful of your new tummy. Give it a chance to heal totally and completely. Still party it up and have tons of fun but maybe sit this one out. Your tummy will thank you. Enjoy your day, Niki

I was going to ask the same questions. My doctor just sent my paperwork off for pre-cert on Wednesday and I was wondering how long it would take to get approval. I too have BCBS (PPO). My doctor's assistance said it can take anywhere from 2 - 30 days. Guess I'll just site tight, try to exhale and wait. Keep us posted, Thanks, Niki

How are you feeling now? Are you getting in all of your fluids? Keep us posted. All the best, Niki

Like you, I've completed all of my requirements. Last Tuesday I had 3 appointments (psych eval, group nutrition and individual nutrition). And 2 days ago I had my last appointment with my surgeon. He explained the procedure again, discussed my labs and said he was sending my paperwork off for pre-cert and that's when it all kicked in for me. I was glad I took the day off because to say that my thoughts kept me hostage all day would be a gross understatement. By the next day I had exhaled and like you, I had peace. Once we start our pre-surgery diet our next layer or reality will kick in. Just typing that gave me butterflies - whew... Here's wishing you all the best!! Please keep me posted. Who knows, maybe we'll have the same surgery date. All the best, Niki

Hi, Emmas mom. Your anxiety/concerns are quite natural especially since this venture is new, big and life changing and also because your surgeon doesn't have that much experience doing this particular procedure. I would say just make sure it's what you really want. Also, share your concerns with your surgeon, I'm sure he/she can offer some advice. Like you, I'm sure you'll do exceptionally well!!! I've heard of people gaining weight after having had the surgery and at first I couldn't understand how. My doctor told me that at some point I'd be able to eat just about anything but that I should be mindful because the stomach is a muscle that can stretch and if that happens it's possible to gain weight -- but that won't be our case. We'll both do phenomenally!!! I don't know anyone that has had the sleeve that long but I'm sure there is someone on this site that has and they'll be able to offer some advice. Good luck to you, and keep us posted, Niki

CONGRATS!!!! That is wonderful news. Keep up the good work! Congrats again, Niki

I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. Don't wait, please go see your doctor. You're in my prayers, Niki

Hi, I've seen a couple of liquid multivitamins as well as liquid calcium citate. I think the dosage is only one drop, but you can check that out if you decide to go the liquid Vitamins route. I'm by no means a doctor and haven't even had my surgery yet. In fact, my file was just sent to pre-cert yesterday. I just don't want you to feel run down or worn out from not taking your vitamins, not to mention the nutrients they supply, so if at all possible I think you should take some form of a vitamin(s). Bryn, I hope you can find something that works for you. All the best! Niki

FANTASTIC!!! This is wonderful news. I'm excited like it's my date instead of yours - LOL. You're on your way... I'm sure you'll keep us poste. All the best and congrats! Niki

I agree with Pete. It's not uncommon for insurance companies to deny you the first time your doctor(s) submit your paperwork. It's great that your doctor is willing to do the surgery for free but your answer in not only contingent on the type of coverage you have but also on the tenacity of your physician. He/she should be willing to fight this negative response for you -- especially if you meet all of the medically necessary requirements to have the surgery. I wish you all the best. Please keep us posted. Niki

In a word...WOW! Although I would never judge you, it's a very good thing you requested no diatribes because... Anyway, I'm pretty sure the Phen will work the only thing is with that medication after you stop using it, unless you change your eating habits you'll probably gain the weight back that you've lost using the Phen or you may even stall. Your sleeve will definitley work for you if you work it. It's a tool to get you to where you ultimately want to be... a healthier you. Smaller portions (check), exercise (check), proper nutrition (check), Protein (check), and putting down the Margaritas even if they are buy 1 get 10 free (check, check and check) - LOL Okay...maybe a couple won't hurt Here's wishing you all of the best! Niki

Ok, so the nurse just called me to give me the news. Unfortunately, I will not be having my sleeve surgery I have a BMI of 44.6 and BCBC just updated their requirements for bariatric surgery in Pennsylvania. The potential patient must have a BMI greater than 50 along with other extenuating circumstances, none of which I have. Even after mentioning my family's history with hypertension, high blood pressure and diabetes I was told because I didn't have any of those things, that didn't necessarily have to be my fate. I told the nurse that I still may be interested in the psych eval, seeing the nutritionist and taking the class and she said I could but because BCBS was very clear with their directives to the point of having a 2 day seminar about their new guidelines, if I did proceed my surgeon wouldn't even do a peer-to-peer on my behalf because he wouldn't have a leg to stand on. The nurse did tell me that although I was turned down for the sleeve I am approved for the Lap Band or Gastric Bypass, both of which I have absolutely no interest. So, I guess I could say here is where my journey ends but I refuse. I was and am looking forward to a healthier way of life and with the surgery I would have to learn and discipline myself to exercise and eat healthy and so that's what I have resolved to do in light of not having the surgery. My sister is a member of this site (thickinphilly) and I will be experiencing the surgery vicariously through her...and through all of you. Onward and upward!! I wish you all the best of luck and I continue to look forward to reading your posts, sharing and learning from you all. God bless you, Niki

Hi Julie. I was so excited when I first started this journey - and I still am - because I was told BCBS was one of the more lenient insurance companies compared to Aetna and a few others when it came to approval for WLS. Their requirements weren't as strict so I thought it would be easy breezy....ha! I guess I can't really be upset with them either... rules are rules. Mexico is definitely a thought, but at this point it's just a thought. I have a few other options that I'm exploring right now. I'm sure in time I will be posting my after picture. LOL, that means I'll need to posts before pictures too Blessings, Niki

Thank you so much! I will certainly check that book out. I want to explore all of my options...anything that assists me with my ultimate goal which is being a healthier me is great!! Initially, I was saddened and extremely disappointed but honestly, not for long. The surgery would have been great but the closing of that door won't deter me. Mexico is an option, one that I'm considering, but until I am concrete in that decision I'd like to try dieting, moderation, and exercise one more time. Wednesday (10/20/10), I called and made an appointment with a nutritionist. My appointment is today at 6 PM. Thanks again, and I'll keep you posted. Have an awesome day! Niki

Hi Christina! Thanks so much for reaching out and for the encouragement. My sister brought up the subject of Mexico to me and even said she'd go with me if I decided to go there for the surgery but I told her I'd needed to think about it a little more before deciding. It certainly is doable and like you, if I decided to go in that direction, I could pay for it now and reimburse my card with my income tax. Hmmm. I'll let you know. Keep a look out for me. I may be calling you soon with a few questions Thanks again and I'll keep you posted. Niki

Wow! Good for you. You shoul dbe so proud of yourself. I pray you continue to get the results you desire. Congratulations and keep up the good work! Niki

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You're on your way. Can't wai to hear more about your journey. The best of luck to you, Niki

You are simply amazing. The weight loss is great but I'm talking about your personal growth. I don't know if you are a religious person but I believe God had an ultimate plan in your life concerning your aunt and the reconciliation of you and your family. You had already dealth with issues concerning your body and it sounds like whether you knew it or not you needed to mend issues concerning your heart and re-establishing a relationship with your mother and other family members. You are truly an inspiration. Thank you for being so open and honest. I wish you and your family lots of love, happiness and tons of blessings!! Congratulations on your engagement. God bless you, Niki

How exciting for you!!! My prayers and thoughts are with you. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery. Blessings, Niki

WOW 30 ponds already!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I'm sorry you're haivng a hard time with the Protein but I'm positive you'll get some great tips on this site on how to get it down. Way to go and congratulations again! Niki