toya7876

I went to my consultation yesterday 9/7/12. My surgeon explained all the WLS options to me and although the RNY would almost guarantee more weight loss I was still adamant about the sleeve. Surprisingly, my surgeon agreed with me. He said that I should do just fine with the sleeve and he was as happy as I was with my decision. I was also pleased that he took all of my concerns and questions into consideration and included my husband in the conversation. I also respected him for asking me what my ideal weight was versus the ideal BMI. I said about 180 is my goal. He said 140 is your ideal weight but you would look sick at 140 so 180 is great for you and should cure the hypertension and pre diabetes. I am even more confident and more ecstatic now than before. Step two is officially complete my friends! Any sleevers in NM, have BCBS (state), or sleeved by Dr. Ryan Tyner? * 6/29/12- After many attempts to lose weight I decided that WLS was the last option I had to achieve a normal life. *8/18/12- Attended a seminar on WLS. Initially was interested in the LapBand but had a change of heart. The Gastric Sleeve seemed to be a better fit. *8/25/12- Bariatric clinic verified insurance and called to schedule consultation. *9/07/12- Consultation and sleeve approved as an option by surgeon. Insurance requirements and payment options discussed. Blood work ordered.

Once I decided to have WLS I contacted a local bariatric surgeon and I signed up for a free seminar. I initially was interested in the LapBand but after the seminar felt that the sleeve would be the best option for me. After the seminar if your were really interested you felt out the patient paperwork and they said they would contact us two weeks later. The time seemed to be passing slow so on Friday (6 days after seminar) I contacted BCBS and was just asking some general questions about WLS and the representative was a bit rude and really had me thinking it was a no go. The next day exactly one week after the seminar I receive a call from the surgeons office and they scheduled me an appointment for a consultation with the surgeon. My appointment is scheduled for September 7 2012. I am just curious if the scheduling of the consultation is more than likely a giant step to surgery approval. I don't hear of many attending seminars but if you have had a similar story let me know. Any info is greatly apprieciated.

Thank you so much! Congrats and good luck to you. God is good always:)!

See I am pretty sure my insurance does require the six months but when I called bcbs they said the surgeon will have access to the requirements. All my benefits book says is that it does cover but needs pre-authorization. I have had many failed attempts at weight loss at my pcp has monitored me because we tried diet and exercise before bp meds and of course that was unsuccessful so bp meds it is:(...not sure if this past year will suffice as the 6 month requirement or if something more recent will be required. I guess I will find out Friday...thank u trying not to stress just super anxious scared excited nervous etc

Thank you for filling me in. So what test did you have to do with your PCP? Were you able to schedule your nut/psy eval fairly quickly? Did you have to do supervised weight loss or was history and health enough? I will contact them after the holiday and if you dont mind sharing what your bcbs policy required that would be very helpful..