CarrieNita

No I haven't had surgery yet. Luck of the universe got a call from my surgeon's office - he is on indefinite leave of absence. They referred me to doctor DeWitt. grrrrr I am waiting for a call from Laurie to see if they will accept all of the paperwork I had already filled out for my original surgeon. I have already met the 3 month medically supervised diet part and the psychologist... Thank you so much for responding about your experience. Hearing from a doctor's patient is by far the best referrence. I am glad you are having a good experience. Carrie

Criney, Have you had your surgery yet? I will be using Dr. DeWitt also. I live in Centre.

Hey girl! I am sooo happy for you. You're def in my prayers. Also, I subscribed to your vlog on YouTube. I will probably do one too if I make it through the next 6 months :banghead: Hang in there! Holler at me if you need to vent. Carrie

Yay Apebrown! Congratulations on getting sleeved,,,

My insurance requires a 4-5 month weight loss program along with the usual psych, nutr., pcp approval. I am half way tempted to go to Mexico to have my surgery, I am horrible at waiting or delayed gratification. I am just so excited and want to get going on my sleeve journey. I have my first surgeon's consult on 12/1. I am praying for a miracle...lol, I want him to say I need the surgery so badly that he will write a letter to bc/bs telling them I have to have the surgery immediately. It won't happen probably, but I can hope and pray. :ihih: I am 50 years old and have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, lipidemia, and have become disabled with a diabetic ulcer on the bottom of my left foot. I am not allowed to put weight on my foot until it heals andhave to take blood thinners due to blood clots going into my lungs from being so sedentary. I am too young to be this dang old and sick. I have been obese since I was 6 years old and I don't know any other way to be. BUT I AM GOING TO LEARN!! Best of luck to all you sleevers out there. Your stories are my inspiration and solace right now. I look forward to getting to know you in the coming year. Carrie

Tonya, no worries...it just means your mind is going a gazillion miles an hour LOL. I am an Army brat and I remember what it was like waiting for my father to come home from VietNam. You are in my prayers. As soon as my foot ulcer closes I will be in the Water. I have to drive 26 miles to the Y, but it will be completely worth it. Meanwhile I will be doing chair exercises and anything else I can do without putting my foot on the floor. I am so ready to get un-kinked and stretch...

Wow! Thank you all for your wisdom and encouragement. I am going to follow through with all of your suggestions. I have already realized the experience of other sleevers is more accurate than most of the medical/insurance folks I have dealt with. I don't mean that disrespectfully - it's just they seem to try to fit us into certain categories and this is definitely not a 'one size fits all' situation. I loved hearing your thoughts everyone. I pray you all have the best possible journey. I look forward to reading your sleeve adventures. Carrie

CONGRATULATIONS RANOODLE !! Way to work that sleeve. You're a great inspiration.

Jasleeve, you just answered the question I had from my previous post. You sound like such a positive person and I look forward to your journey. I would be ready to burst with excitement too! You definitely have my prayers! Carrie

Thanks Jasleeve for the encouragement. I know you are right, and I am a research demon. I have been reading so much about the sleeve and watching other sleever vlogs. I lurked here for about a month before I even asked my pcp his opinion about the surgery. He is all in favor of my having wls, he has been my doc for years and has seen my struggle. He is overweight and really 'gets' the disappointment we go through. He didn't know a lot about the sleeve and started quizzing me. <snicker> He was surprised I was able to answer all his questions. He laughed and said "I don't think I could stop you if I wanted to" NOPE ! Are you going to have your surgery soon or are you 6 months sleeved?

Congratulations on your amazing weight loss!

This is a great thread. You have given me so much to think about. I pray for peace and healing for all of us.

I will admit I am crying as I write this post. This group has given me HOPE for the first time in years. I am a long term Type 2 diabetic with poor control. My body still produces insulin, but the cells no longer use it. That means even with taking oral meds and insulin my blood sugar does not come down. I am so thankful for having found this site and particularly this group. I look forward to the day I wake up from my surgery and begin my brand new life. God Bless all of you!

Has anyone had VS pushed through due to medical issues? My BCBS Fed requires 4 months of medically supervised weight loss and counseling, but I am an uncontrolled diabetic. From what I have researched a lot of my medical problems may go away very soon after the surgery. I would appreciate any info from the folks here. I am so glad I found this site. Carrie

Thanks for your reply MsDebi. I have gone through 3 training courses for different doctors in the last 12 years. I will check with the surgeon and my primary care doctor. That is a good idea. Take care!

Hi, my name is Carrie. I will be 51 by the time I have the surgery. I also have BCBS Federal. I am going to my first seminar Nov. 19th. I'm nervous because I have a lot of health issues. BUT I am very excited because this is the first hope I have had in a long time. I wish the best for all of us and I look forward to joining you on this journey.

Do all doctors have different programs? or is there a standard? Thanks, Carrie