littlebits

Congrats and good luck!

You sound like you are doing great! We are always harder on ourselves. The slower weight loss may be a blessing in disguise...you probably won't have hanging skin. I hope that you start to feel better about your situation soon!!!

Thank you so much Kathy! I can't wait to be on the other side. Thanks for all of the advice & encouragement! It was definitely a rocky road!

Hello everyone! I recently finished up most my clearances for BCBS of DE...I just have one nutrition class left in May. Immediately following my 5th nutrition class I stopped to speak with the nurse to discuss a possible surgery date. At this time, I was informed that my insurance company still views the sleeve as a two part procedure; therefore, they require a BMI of 50 or higher. My BMI is 38. I'm not really sure why it took five months for someone to share this information with me, but I am absolutely livid! I have HBP, Type II diabetes and (discovered during one of my clearances) sleep apnea. In addition to these issues, yesterday, the cardiologist (another clearance) informed me that I have a slight heart murmur. Has anyone else ever run into a situation like mine? Were you able to get approved? What did you do??? I'm so desperate. My PCP isn't concerned. He is sure that I will get approved & he plans to fight for me. I don't know what to do. Nonetheless, if all else fails, I have a backup plan... My company's open enrollment begins on May 2nd. I could change to Aetna at this time. My new insurance would be effective on July 1. Aetna requires six additional nutrition classes, but that won't be too difficult. It would just push my time frame back. Does anyone know if there is a waiting period if you switch companies? I'm a teacher & I would like to have my surgery over the summer. I wanted to have it in June. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Addition vent---The only issue, at this point, is the BMI requirement. I have been very proactive in trying to find out what I can do to get around this road block. The surgeon is wonderful, but his office staff is horrible. He is the one who suggested the sleeve in the first place. I went into his office to discuss Lap Band, and I have since realized that this is not an option. He suggested the sleeve b/c I have to take anti-inflammatory medication for my ankle & back (from a bad car accident). I asked if it was possible to speak with the surgeon or receive a call back. The office manager refused to let me speak with him & insisted that I would not be approved. I'm sorry, but this is not her call. BCBS of DE told me that they base their decisions on a case by case scenerio. (Just an fyi of how rude the office manager is--there are three surgeons in the office & she also tried to convince me that the female surgeon was my surgeon. I have never met her, but I have met both of the males.) She was absolutely horrible. Anyway, I waited two days & still had not received a call from my surgeon so I called back. She never sent him the message...Smh!!! I'm sorry, when you are stressed or sick, you don't need the office staff making matters worse!!! The nerve of her! I will be reporting her next week... So sorry for overloading you with so much information...I'm so stressed out right now. :'( Little bits

I purchased the Ninja Master Prep Pro. With my coupon, I paid $39.99 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I haven't tried it yet...but I hear good things about it. If I like it, I will get the more expensive blender.

Shanice, I wish you the best of luck. My process has been less than desirable. The office staff in my surgeon's office has been horrible, but I took care of that yesterday. They wouldn't submit my paperwork because my bmi was too low, according to my insurance company. Long story short, I finally got my approval and surgery date yesterday. My only regret, is that I didn't do this sooner. It is good that you are being proactive at such a young age. I'm sure that everything will be fine!!! Keep us posted!!!

Thanks to you, I am going to start my pre-op diet early. I want to lose as much weight as possible pre-surgery. Thanks!!!

My doctor's office requires you to do Opti-Fast. It's expensive...I spent over $180 yesterday for two weeks worth of shakes, soups and bars yesterday. I am not looking forward to the pre-op stage, but I can't wait for post-op!!! Good luck to everyone!!!

You're doing great! 20 lbs will be gone before you know it!!! BTW, I fell asleep...sorry. I think that all of this excitement overwhelmed me. I'm a nervous wreck now...lol! Call you later. Little Bits

Thanks giving it my all! Little Bits

@ Kamrie Yes, I'm extremely nervous all of a sudden. But, I couldn't be happier. Little Bits

Congrats Little Bits

Congrats! Little Bits

Thanks Little Bits

Congrats! Little Bits

Thank you!!! Little Bits

Congrats! Little Bits

Thank you!!! Little Bits

Thanks, I'll definitely keep you posted!!! Little Bits

Thank you! Little Bits

Yay...congrats!!! I got my approval and surgery date today. It's on June 19th.

Thank you so much!!! I am so happy!!!

Thank you! Everything will be work out for you. I ended up having sleep apnea. It has been hard adjusting to that CPAP machine. Hoping that the surgery will help... Little Bits