dreamnslim2012

Thank you Cheri and GirlFriday. It sounds like that's one worry I can check off my list.

I've been having a protein shake in place of lunch for the last six weeks in preparation of the liquid diet. I found a powder from Ideal Shape. I found it online when I did a search for the best tasting protein powders. It's pretty good and comes in vanilla and chocolate. It's a little on the pricey side but I figure if I can get it down, it's worth it. I also bought extracts to add to make different flavors to change it up a bit.

Three denials and one last grievence appeal I am finally approved and can really start my journey! Due to a very timely cancellation, I was given a surgery date of August 6th so the next three weeks will be fast and furious with all the pre-surgery testing. I'm so ecited to FINALLY be moving forward!

Hello fellow Auguster's! I just got my surgery date set today...August 6th. So glad to meet you and and take this journey with you. I turn 50 in December so this will be a big year for the "renewed" me. I'm loving all the prep ideas you all are posting.

It was all my doctor's office that did everything on my behalf. I kept asking if there was something that I could do to help and they said no, that they would take care of it all. They are obviously very good at this.

Yes there is! Many people on the board told me to keep hope and not give up and they were right.

Thank you Storm! I was hoping I could connect with others who will be having surgery at or about the same time as me. It will be great to have others to take the journey with.

Texarkolina, Is the surgery considered elective surgery? That's what I'm worried about with my employer is that it will be denied because of that.

Well, I received the dreaded letter on Saturday from my insurance company telling me I do not qualify for the surgergy. I'm not fat and sick enough apparently. I don't thnk I have ever felt so sad in my life.

Wheetsin, thank you for all the great suggestions! It had crossed my mind this morning that I could possibly get my Internist to maybe help me push on this since she was very supportive of me taking this path for help when I mentioned to her. And, of course she has the records of all my bloodwork, etc. We have been struggling for the past two years trying to find a cholesterol medication that would work for me which might could help too. The weight gain, in spite of multitudes of attemtpts to get it down, has been steadily going to up by 6-10 lbs every year. It's simply in my genes. My brother got sleeved last July and he just looks great and is so much happier, energetic, and healthy.

Thank you so much!

I knew I could rely on the fabulous people on this forum to help me feel better than I have for two days and to keep my confidence and determination up. My skinny husband's response was "Well, at least you tried." Please know, he is super supportive of me and this journey but it just goes to show that people who don't have to fight this struggle everyday do not know how this feels and how it felt to get that letter.

Wow! It sounds like it does pay to be persistant.

Yes, thank you! I have a BMI of 38, 210/5'2". I am borderline on high blood pressure and diabetes but not on medication for either at this time. I did a sleep study and was diagnosed with sleep apnea. The insurance requires 40 BMI for automatic approval or 35 BMI plus one co-morbidity. Since I was diagnosed with Apnea, I am wondering if really is move one by them to see if they deny if I will give up.

Dorrie - I have a call into the insurance coordinator at the surgeon's office asking that question. Hopefully I'll hear back from them soon. I'm trying not to give up hope. It's so much money to come up with but I'll just have to try and find a way. I know very well what I face given my family history if I can't have this surgery. I've tried to hard for so long to lose this weight and I'm fighting a battle I just won't win without it.

I love this idea! I'm putting it in my preparation folder.

I'm in waiting mode as well. I've started making changes to my eating habits and portions hoping it will help with the two week clear liquids pre-op and, to help me be in better shape for surgery. I've replaced my lunch with a protein shake each day and want to work my way up to replacing one more meal with a shake before the pre-surgery diet. I am trying to put major mental effort into this now with the hope I will be better able to manage afterwards...and keep trying to help myself if I don't end up getting approved as I'm very worried about.

Hi everyone, I'm new to the board and in the very beginning stages of my journey to a new me in 2012. I have found so much great information from you all but I am really wondering about the psych evaluation. For some reason it has me a bit nervous and I was just wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect. thank you!

Absolutely normal! I guess it's the fear that they'll be trying to find a reason I'm crazy or make me think I'm crazy...like the "You'll be an alcholic after surgery" thing. I read somewhere that it's about a three hour process. True?