IMSKINNY

I didn't have Aetna, but was told my ins used the Aetna criteria. I think that if you have a 40 or above BMI, co-morbidities are not required, but certainly help. Believe me, if you go through the battery of tests, they'll find something. I didn't know I had sleep apnea or GERD until this process began. I was approved on July 3 and my surgery is Aug 16. It will work out for you.

Wow! You look great!

The waiting was tolerable as long as I was doing something -- psych visit, gallbladder ultrasound, etc. The worst part was waiting for approval! But, it finally happened! Surgery in 6 days!

I submiitted a claim for my disability insurance with no problems. I got the idea from others on this site.

Yep, I'm up Thursday. I'm on a 2 meal replacement diet and have been for weeks. All liquids starts Wednesday and I am going to do the bowel cleansing with magnesium citrate on Tuesday after work. Not required by my surgeon, but the nurse said it can't hurt. Nervous and anxious!

I'm taking it too! It was prescribed before my surgery, which next Thursday. I don't like it either. I didn't notice the reflux before as much. Now, I really do! Yuck!

I decided the trade off was losing 100 lbs. The hair will return!

Thanks for the info, guys!

Has anybody used magnesium citrate to cleanse their colon before surgery? Were you glad you did it? My doctor is not requiring it, but doesn't disapprove. One of my friends did it before her surgery. What do you guys think?

The NUT suggested in our pre-op seminar not to weigh for at least 2 weeks after surgery because you may be as much as 10 lbs heavier because of the fluids given during surgery. Hang in there and focus on getting the water and protein in.

I'm next Thursday too! I'm nervous as well! I'd love to hear someone explain detail how you felt on Day 1 and Day 2!

Congratulations!!

I agree with the seeking counseling idea. I've gone to a counselor off and on for years. In some ways, she's like a life coach. She couldn't be happier about me doing this for myself. But, I can definitely see some problems in the long run, if unchecked. I've always turned to food when I was happy or sad. I think a strong component of any WLS procedure is nutritional guidance and counseling, if necessary.

It's not just you. I was offered August 4 and couldn't do it. I could have taken Aug 28, but then thought - let's just do this! So, I took Aug 16.

I've told 2 of my 3 brothers and a few close friends, but I have to admit that it has been eating me up not telling my parents. My brothers convinced me to tell my Dad something. So, I told him I was having a hernia repair (true), but I didn't tell him about the sleeve. I regret telling him what I told him. He's 83 and very active, but a worrier. My mother is 77 and worse than he is about worrying. Now, he's saying they will come visit after the surgery. I shouldn't have told him! I could care less about what the rest of the folks around here think! When weightloss becomes noticeable, I will share with people that are sincere in their concern. The rest will get the old diet and exercise story!

For mine, the first month didn't count. I started in March and the last visit was in June.

I would have gone alone too because I just would not have wanted to be distracted.

1. People don't recognize me because I have lost so much weight!

How do they get away with excluding dependents? Geez!

Although it sounds stringent, it sounds like what we all had to do and that is prove that it is medically necessary. A good surgeon's office helps you meet their criteria. If your BMI is 40 or above, then go to a surgeon with full service operation and try. If not, Mexico is a great, low cost option.