longer-life

Mustang thanks so much for your honest response. I wish you the best. Big hug to you.

Wow you just had surgery! Size 16 & 14 already?Congratulations. In regards to shoes, one pair at Payless or Marshalls won't break the bank. I don't wear snickers much, but a cheap pair might be a good idea.

This is worrisome. Have you felt this way since surgery or just recently? You don't sound too happy on your post despite such a huge accomplishment. I am pre-surgery and it is confusing to me why you aren't jumping up and down? Can you elaborate?

They are probably NOT a Bariatric Center of Excellence and she knows your insurance probably won't mind. She answered your question with another question, so she wouldn't have to admit the truth. Centers & Surgeons of Excellence promote that left and right. They are proud to have that distinction. I will admit I am picky and I am lucky to have a good insurance. Not everyone is the same and I understand. For ME a Surgeon of Excellence in a Hospital of Excellence is a must. My primary doctor, whom I respect, also recommended someone, but he is not a Surgeon of Excellence, so I didn't even call him. The pulmonary doctor that assisted me with the sleep study recommended a hospital that is "close" to being a Hospital of Excellence. No thanks. Below is the website where you can search for a surgeon in your area. if you wish. Best of luck in whatever you decide. http://www.surgicalreview.org/locate/

I just got approved yesterday. It took them less than 3 days. I hope you have the same positive outcome as I did. I wouldn't call them too much though . You don't want to make them mad. Best wishes!

Awesome!!!!!!!!! What an achievement!

I couldn't agree more! You look great! I loved the picture where you are sitting down. Your femininity popped out of the picture. Made me yearn for my surgery even more! Thanks for sharing!!!!!!

I hope it all turns out ok for you too. Best of luck. Please keep us updated.

:rofl: You made me laugh out loud!!!! Thanks!

I am sorry to hear this. I got approved today in less than 72 hours! Best of luck. I hope it all turns out ok for you.

I was given the results of my sleep study in 1 week. It is a shame they take so long at your place. Also, I suggest you read Aetnas "Clinical Policy Bulletin". It lists EXACTLY what Aetna will cover. I would not rely on PCPs. They are usually not familiar with insurance coverage. The bulletin is found on "myaetna.com". I called Aetna and a customer service rep. helped me find it. Then the insurance coordinator at my surgeons office confirmed it. Best wishes!!!!!!

I see a change in your face in the "1-1/2 month picture". That was fast! Great job. Congratulations

Well, how do I put it? I never intended to lose a lot of weight pre-op. I know this is a different approach, but from the outset I told my PCP I wanted to lose 4 pounds a month & I have. I wanted to have my food funerals & I am tired of dieting without the extra tool I will hopefully get. Luckily she agreed. As a volume eater, I would rather deal with hunger with the sleeve than 3 months on the supervised PCP diet. That is what works for me. (I have a 39 BMI) I am sure this approach does not work for most. I am hoping the insurance is ok with this. My paperwork just got submitted today. We shall see. BTW, I have been using myfitnesspal and it has worked beautifully. Good luck to all!

Hi there, I have Aetna as well and my paperwork should be submitted today. My BMI was 40 (now 39) with no comorbities but I have not been that weight for the last 2 years. I lost some weight on Weight Watchers last year so that counts against me. However I had a sleep study last month and I have severe sleep apnea. So weird to be happy about that, but I am. So now I am required a 35 BMI, not 40 anymore. Were you able to prove you have been over 40 BMI for the last two years? What were the results of your sleep study? Is high triglycerides one of the comorbities they list? I forgot them all. I know Diabetes is another one. My approval is not a sure thing either. One never knows what they can come up with. Best of luck to both of us!

Hi there Peacequeen! I just saw this post. You got great advice. People here are great, aren't they? I can relate. I am the heaviest in my family as well and even though they love me a lot and are kind, it is still hard. I gained weight for my sisters wedding years ago and I was the maid of honor! Ugh! I hope your appointment at the surgeons office went well. Big hug!

Once I researched about this surgery, I never doubted myself until my primary doctor made a comment. She has been incredibly supportive but for some reason after weighing me the first month, she said "maybe you don't need to do the surgery". AAAAAh That made me think hard for two whole days. (My BMI is 39.) Luckily I remembered all the weight I have lost & gained through the years. So I got over her comment and moved forward. I have been obese forever. I am ready to stop! In regards to recovery, search for it on this website. There are tons of threads about it. I haven't had surgery yet, so I can't help you there. Best wishes!!!!!! PS. Talk to your surgeon about the temperatures at your job and hydration. It is super important.

Exactly my thought. 6 months!!! Wow! Congratulations. You look healthy, you look wonderful.

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina & the Waves Break my stride I'm a believer- Weezer/Shrek I can see clearly now - Johnny Nash

Welcome both!

Thanks so much for posting. I am hoping to have surgery next month. Your posting is music to my ears. Please stop by once a while and brag all you want! Best wishes!

Absolutely beautiful! I hope I feel just like you do when I get a date. Best wishes and stop lurking!

Most of my family and friends have responded very positively, but something my PCP said, made me pause for a day or two. The weirdest thing is that she is all for it and has helped me all along! But yet, when I lost 4 pounds on the first month of her supervised diet she said "Maybe you don't need to do this surgery". WHAT? She has seen me yo yo diet with Weight Watchers for years and years and she has been cheering me all along! It took me two days of remembering how hard I have worked at Weight Watchers and still regained all of it, to get my head back in the game. I have good friends and family so I won't stop telling, but my PCP sure made me pause. Best wishes!

I couldn't agree more.