Fireflyx

Glad you're finally getting sleeved! and thank you for sharing, if I get denied I will definatley appeal. I guess it's good to know I'm not the only one having trouble with the insurance Good luck on your surgery, hope it all goes well :)

When I started my WLS process I knew there would be requirements, both insurance and the bariatric center wise. But man Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota wants you to jump through hoops! I'm almost done with my 6 month supervised weight loss, almost at required pre-surgery weight, all the tests and appointments done. But they want a 2 year medically documented BMI of over 40, and although for the past year and a half mine has been 41.75 before that it was 39-40 and they won't accept that. I'm just not sure what to do next. I'm in not means giving up, it's just frusterating going through everything and having all this hope for the first time in years! Especially when I've been bending over backwards to meet all the other insurance requirements, just to be caught up on this one. Has anyone else had issues with insurance making your life difficult? Anyone else with BCBSMN?

I'm in my 6 month pre surgery as required by insurance, almost 4 months in. It does help to get on here and interact with others going through or who went through the whole process.

I feel like I'm losing steam lately. Don't get me wrong I'm still 100 % committed to this new lifestyle, I guess I just feel like there's soo many directions I'm being pulled in. It's getting easier to lose sight of myself. I'm focusing soo much on my nutrition and excersize, that It's starting to stress me out, and I can't understand why! I mean I want this for myself, I want to start living and expierence life for once, but at this point all I'm expierencing is appointment after appointment. Going to the gym, nutritionist, bariatric nurse, theripist, and what have you. And I know it's just part of the process and I'm really trying to push through but I feel like I'm going through this on my own. My support team (mom and sister) are great but they can't fully understand what I'm really doing with this change. I think I've been wayy too absent on the message boards and this site, maybe if i get more active I'll build my steam back up

It's been a couple weeks since my last post, I think I kind of was going through a "this is gonna take forever/what's the point!" phase. Glad that's over LOL. I had my first dietician appointment recently, it went really well. I was really excited to see the dietician too, I can't wait till it's just second nature to eat correctly. Although I'm embarrassed to admit that since the appointment I haven't made any changes It's partially financial reasons, and my lingering laziness! It's hard to muster up the motivation that I had earlier on in this process. I kinda feel like I'm letting myself down. But I did also have an exercise consult that went well also, and I'll be joining the programs exercise program. That won't start until January tho I don't know, I guess I'm still a little... disappointed I guess, that I wont be able to even see the surgeon for another 6 months. It just seems sooooooooo long. And I get it believe me, I need this time to make changes and prepare. Still doesn't make time go any faster

Thank you guys! I know it's just a matter of being patient and taking the time to change.

So today I told my dad and sister that I'm in the process to get the sleeve. I wasn't going to tell anyone, but that got hard and I never intended it to be a secret. I need all the support I can get and the stress of keeping it to myself was really getting to me! So I decided to at least tell them, my dad was hesitant but I expected that. I think he'll put his doubts aside and support me as I go through the process. My sister was ok, didn't say too much but asked questions and such. I figured I'd feel better getting it off my chest but for some reason I kind of regret telling them! I don't know why I'm feeling this way because the response wasn't negative. It just feels different, like they will support me but they don't get why I'm doing this, or really care. Maybe I'm just sensitive because this is a huge change in my life and I'm super excited about it. So has anyone else had an experience like this? Or how did you deal with telling family or not telling family? I really appreciate any input!

Thanks for all your input and sharing your experiences, It really helps to know you guys understand and have been in similar situations! Deeply appreciated

So inspirational, it's great to not only hear stories like this but see the people who live it. Thank you for posting this

First visit went very well! Got my handbook, or as they so affectionately refer to it as "the WLS bible" Lol. Learned a lot about the process ahead and got my questions answered so far. Now as per insurance approval I of course need the psych eval & tests, the weight diagnosis, and all that jazz. I'm fine with all of that, but the 6 months of structured weight loss!? Man it seems so long! I get it, I need that time with the dietician to re-learn habits and how to properly feed myself. But 6 months? That means it'll be at least 7 months before I'm even at the point to see the surgeon. I knew this wasn't gonna happen over night, and I completely understand the need for this process. But when I made this decision I figured it might go a bit faster. And all the other tests I have to do, sleep study, blood work, thyroid... the list goes on. Don't get me wrong I'm in no way complaining, well maybe a little I just can't wait to start my new life, the excitement is almost overwhelming at this point. But nothing worth doing is ever easy! I'm just glad I found this VSG forum, all the posts and stories really do help. They aren't kidding when they say support from others going through this is the most valuable resource! Just gotta learn patience now!!

Alright, so it's been months since I made the decision to have WLS. I did all of my homework, researched as I've never researched before & went to the seminar at Unity Hospital. Now tomorrow is my initial visit, and I'm super excited to get this process started. I'm also nervous. I know, I know. It's just the first step in all of this but it's still a big step. I'm ready to upgrade my life and lifestyle, I guess I'm just afraid I might be rejected. There's a lot to do with the insurance criteria, and the program criteria. I knew this process isn't an easy one but when you're set and ready to change you want it now! Lol. At least that's how I am. I know I shouldn't stress about it at this point, it's just new and soooooooo exciting! Well I'll leave it there for now. Future starts tomorrow!!

Hello everyone!! First time posting on the forums, just wanted to introduce myself. Tell you guys where I'm at and all that jazz! My name is Dayna, coming to you from Minnesnowta! :smile1: I have always been over weight no matter what I did. I've done the dieting (sometimes extreme) diet pills, crazy infomercial products, exercising, joining a gym, the list goes on and on. 14 years worth. Yet nothing seemed to work for me, if I lost a pound or two I'd gain it back plus more! Then a few years ago I heard about the gastric banding, nbut never looked into it, Figured I should be able to do it myself, stubborn lol. Then a couple months back I was weighed... 250, the most I've ever been! I've some how managed to get down to 242, but for my 5'4" frame that's still A LOT! So when my mom brought WLS up again I seriously started to look into it. And through all my research one thing grabbed me, There is hope for me! And ever since I've been comparing, researching, everything. Then last Tuesday I finally went to a seminar, informational. And decided the sleeve is right for me! Then called the insurance, got my list of requirements, and first nurse visit on Friday. It's exciting, taking back my life, but so many questions, and nerves. I'm soo glad I found this forum, because I know I need all the help, advise, & support I can get! Well That's it soo far, hopefully I'll have more soon!

I myself have only told my mom. I'm in the beginning process now. I know what you mean with the people think it's the easy way out, I feel like my sister and others will see it that way too. So I'm reluctant to tell them. And it is hard because I know there's nothing EASY about it!! But explaining it to someone who's never had a weight issue or older family members, i feel like they just won't get it. It's an extremely personal thing we're doing for ourselves, and having only positive, supportive people around is essential. I'm still not sure if I'm gonna tell anyone else :/