NikiS

Hi Lauran. I have BCBS too and was told when I met with the surgeon that BCBS tends to deny sleeve requests because it hasn't been around that long. He also said that if that were to happen, he would have a peer-to-peer and would be able to speak with a rep from BCBS, talk about my case and my specific medical history. He said in instances like this, about 85% of the time it is approved but BCBS will requests that in a year or so, the patient has Part II of the process which will be gastric bypass. I was all ready to give the surgeon my rebuttal but he answered my questions before I asked...no, not all patients opt to have the bypass after having the sleeve. Whew... Anyway, I hope this helps. Please keep us posted. At the end of this month I have my psych eval and meet with the nutritionist. On Nov. 9th I take my class and my info will be submitted to BCBS so it's quite possible I'll soon be faced with this very thing. No worries...we're winners so stay positive and be encouraged!! Have a great day, Niki

Hi. You have truly received some very sound advice and I agree with everyone especially with taking your family to a seminar so they can see for themselves what is soon to come. To some it may look like the easy way out but it isn't. And yes the weight comes off quickly (in some instances), but you do have to work for it. It's not a solution, just a vehicle to get you to where you want to be which is living a healthy lifestyle, getting a handle on medical issues (if you have any), and ultimately, getting healthy so that you can enjoy your family more. Sharing your decision is completely up to you. However, I would suggest sharing with a close friend or an additional family member because you really will need the support. Although, this is such a super forum I'm sure you will get all of the support that you need as well as answers to so many of your questions. This site has truly been a blessing to me as I'm sure it will be to you. So, chin up and be encouraged! I can't wait to read about your next phase of this process. Please keep us posted. Have a terrific day! Niki

P.S. ...there's never anything wrong with a good cleansing cry!

Chin up MrHopeful and be encouraged!! I'm sure you will be feeling yourself soon enough. Be well, Niki

Thanks so much for posting such an awesome testimony and for being so transparent. Trade offs and consequences is right...but it'll be so worht it. I am looking forward to my new lifestyle change. Please continue to keep us updated. I look forward to reading more about your weight loss success. And congratulations on what you've achieved already. You rock! Have a terrific weekend, Niki

Hi Half. Don't be discouraged. 103 pounds is an awesome achievement!! Way to go!! Quick question: are you exercising? If you are you may want to add a little more cardio to your routine. Also, eating smaller portions more often - like 6 small meals a day - may help. Lastly, I vaguely remember the doctor telling me it is possible to gain weight with the sleeve. There are a record number of bypass patients that gain all of their weight back even with their new stomach. Even knowing this, be encouraged! Best of luck to you and keep us posted, Niki

Hi BD2SD, and welcome aboard. I haven't been sleeved yet but like you I believe it is the surgery for me. My sister and I toyed with the Lap Band but after the seminar...nah! I'm not from Central NJ but Philly isn't that far away. Besides, there are so many wonderful people on this site, I'm sure you'll connect with someone from your area in a very similar situation. Congrats on the weight loss so far. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading your progress. Be well. Niki

Today I called the hospital to find out my next course of action. Initially I was told I'd have my psych eval and nutrition class on the same day and then a class teaching on what to expect during and after the surgery would follow...cool! Before getting off the phone I was told "I see no problem with you having a November surgery date." I felt like I was being given an all expenses paid vacation to Disney. The nurse just needed to call back with the date and time of the class that I have to take. When the nurse called back as we chatted she said LapBand or Bypass was written in my chart...NOT!!! I am not remotely interested in either of those, I want the sleeve. Second, because I don't have hypertension, diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep aptnea, etc. and my BMI is 44, she said I shouldn't be surprised if I'm turned down for the surgery. This nurse was extremely honest which I appreciated but I just wished I could have stayed on my cloud just a little longer. So now I'm off Cloud 9 and am now occupying Cloud 5...still a Cloud but just less excited. I know I could be overreacting especially since I haven't been turned down but I still feel kinda blah. Has anyone that doesn't have any other ailments, with a BMI close to mine and that has Indep Blue Cross been approved for the surgery? A little down but certainly not out, Niki

Thanks, Maddie. Silly me thinking things would continue to go smoothly...and who knows, they may. I guess I'm just anxious to begin this new chapter of my "book". Thanks for the encouragement. Let's keep our fingers crossed... Have a great day, Niki

Thank you so much. I will keep you posted. I could be getting worked up over nothing and I do appreciate the nurse informing me but I have to be honest, she did kinda burst my bubble. No worries though, I'm still pressing on. Be well, Niki

Eureka-C, thank you soooo much!!! When I met with the surgeon, he informed me that BCBS tends to turn potential sleeve patients down because this particular procedure has only been around for a few years. He also said that most of his patients are successful when they make an appeal. I'm encouraged on so many fronts. It's still easier for someone to get sleeved or at least seems to be, if you have BCBS as opposed to having let's say Atena. Also, most appeals appear to go through. Even knowing this, I never applied the latter to my situation somehow feeling exempt. I thought because everything was going along so well and so quickly that I never even considered being turned down. I'm still hopeful that I won't be, but I will do my research just in case and I'll call my insurance company to get all of the particulars. Thanks again for the encouragement. I will definitely keep you posted. Have a great day, Niki

Thick, thanks so much for the encouragement. Prayerfully things will work out.

I haven't been turned down at all. The ball was rolling and then the nurse called with the 'things are moving a little quickly for you and I don't want to rain on your parade but just so you know a lot of people get turned down' conversation. She said because I don't have any ailments the LapBand is an option and so is Bypass, both of which I don't want. I'm hoping and will seriously pray that all goes well. Thanks, Niki

Simply amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!!

Phew...this is good to know! Thanks! I thought this was the case - me not needing a sleep study because I don't snore, suffer from sleep aptnea, etc. I'll still consult with my surgeon.

Hi! Hope you all had a terrific weekend. I have a question. My surgeon didn't say that I needed a sleep study but I was told by another potential sleever that all surgeries (sleeve, by pass and lap band) require a sleep study. Is this true? So far I've attended a seminar, had blood work done, and tomorrow I go for the Upper GI and Ultrasound. After that, the only things marked on my script that I need to have are a pre-op teaching class, psych eval and a meeting with a nutritionist. Could this have been an oversight on my doctor's part or has anyone had a sleeve surgery without a sleep study? Thanks, and enjoy the rest of your evening, Niki

I haven't had my surgery yet but I have noticed from reading other posts, those with a lower BMI seem to lose weight a little slower than those with a higher BMI (this is just my observation it's not a medical fact). Also, when I attended a bariatric seminar and the surgeon spoke about the sleeve, he said the average patient loses between 60 - 80 pounds in the first 3 months, however this isn't always the case but it is the majority (his words not mine). All the best to your wife, Niki

Kim, here's wishing you all the best and a speedy recovery. I can't wait to read your pos-op posts. Be well, Niki

BTW... I didn't know what a pain ball was either. @ Jordien, agreed... testicular pain - it's not funny but admittedly, I laughed when I read that. LOL Be well, Niki

This thread by far is one of the funniest that I have read on this site. Thanks guys for the laugh. The whole search for the meaning of a pain ball...hilarious!!! So I got a laugh and I learned something new. Thanks again and I hope you all have a terrific weekend! Niki

Congratulations, Ann!!! Good for you!!! Your patience and diligence seem to be paying off. I hope the next portion of this process is nothing but smooth sailing for you.

Hi Everybody. I visited this site for a couple of weeks before officially joining on Oct. 1. This iste is has proven to be a tremendous blessing to me. So many of my unspoken questions have already been answered just by reading your testimonies and experiences. I do still have a few questions like how long after all of the testing does it take to get a surgery date and how long should I take off from work after the surgery. I know these are questions for my doctor but I am just so nervous, anxious and excited!!! I am only in the infancy stage of this process. So far I have attended a seminar, had blood drawn and on Oct. 11 I am scheduled to have an Upper GI and an Ultrasound. Is it crazy that I have butterflies already about my Oct. 11 appointments??? Hope you all are having a great day! Niki

When I initially met with my surgeon, he told me I'd have to have an ultrasound and an upper GI. He also said that I'd need a psych eval, have to meet with a nutritionist and take a class. I wonder how long he'll wait to even submit the paperwork after I've completed all of the testing. I know I'm jumping the gun but today I just feel super nervous mixed with some anxiety. I have IBX and was told that they generally approve. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Onward and upward right?!