ShrinkyDinkMe22

I am not sleeved yet. Just had my consultation. I heard of si but didnt think to ask because I have so many stretch marks who cares about 5 little scars. But when he explained it to me I was more happy about only having one incision to make sure doesnt get infected instead of 4-6. He measured my belly button to the tip of my sternum and said I'm right at the cusp meaning the tools are only so long. I did say that I was interested in it with the understanding that when I wake up I could have the normal amount and I said that was fine. I'm going to the Kane center in northwest burbs of Chicago.

.. for all the waiting. I know doctors run late but man. Guess I should get used to this while ore-op. Probably just a bad week but Wednesday had my 1st consult with my surgeon. The scheduler sent us to the wrong building. Once we got there we were only 10-15 minutes late. Not too bad! I was pissed because it took us 20 minutes to find parking but got over it. Then we waiting 1 1/2 to see the doctor! Not because we were late because he was. I am now sitting at the pulmanologist and waiting, waiting and waiting to see him. Happy Friday all!

Awesome. Thank you so much for posting this

That's what my letter said from bcbs. Same as what you posted.

i have bcbsil ppo.

you can call bcbs directly and ask them what their requirements are to get approved. i bypassed my gp and went right to the surgeon. i've been overweight my whole life currently 5'8" and 325lbs as of this morning at my consultation. my insurance doesn't require a referral so i went to a seminar on 8/4 and today had my consultation. i am also getting antsy so i am trying to do things to help speed up the process. bcbs of il sayed a bmi of 35 with 2 comorbidities or 40+ bmi w/none. i have a list somewhere from them of what they require. i sent them a question online and they sent me a letter that explained the above and also layed out all the pre-op stuff that is required for their approval. good luck!

to start this journey! had my consult today and it went well. dr said i am a candidate for single incision but i am right at the cusp. so if they get in and see that they can't do it then of course with will do it the normal way. i honestly don't care either way but i feel if they can hide the scars then great, if not, no big deal. i just want to do this! the dr seemed very eager to help me and do this as well. was very knowledgeable and serious about his decisions. i will hear in a couple weeks if between him and my insurance i get pre-approval. not sure of the exact wording they used but i have to wait to hear from them. i just wanna do this!

i know each plan is different but our plan covers 80% of in network once deductible has been met. anyone know roughly what a sleeve costs? do most places let you make payments on your balance before or after the surgery? i go to my consultation this week so i will get more answers soon enough...im just getting antsy and want answers .

Thank you both!!!!

Thanks That is all

I hear ya Robyn! I'm hit or miss with sweets. My big thing right now is cutting out coke. Day 1 is today!

And Gustavo- everything you said was perfect! Thanks

Thank you all. What all of you say really makes a lot of sense. I was definitely in a mood last night and I have definitely been more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth. But like I said earlier, with that is coming all these other feelings! But I do know this is the right thing for me to do! I have so much weight to lose! I have a BMI of 50 with no comorbidities and it's just time to get it under control and start living! Love this board so much!

You look awesome!

Thanks sherry! I see dr rantis Wednesday! I feel like its been the longest 4 weeks of my life

I would like to know as well about the fmla. Sounds like my work you can't use it for surgery. It would have to be an illness or sickness. Not planned or some crap...

Oops. Damn big fingers. The day my hubs and I were going to the seminar we kept getting stuck in little roads blocks that were preventing us from getting there on time. Both of us said maybe it was gods sign telling us not to get the surgery... So yes I understand

Glad you are ok! My brain works the same way

Awesome. Thanks for the help everyone!

See everyone talking about the pre-op diet shrinking your liver. I've never had any type of surgery before and I also haven't had my consult yet....what is the purpose of shrinking the liver and how do they know it's enlarged? I never heard that before coming to this site. Thanks!

Sherry can you provide a link to your hospital journey post? Thanks

Nice to see some of you going through the Kane center. Eases my nerves a bit . Good luck to all of you!

I have my first apt with dr rantis on 8/29. I went to the group mtg on 8/4. Good luck at yours! .

Hey there. I just posted this same question in the post op group. Hope this hopes! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/49008-acid-refluxheart-burn-post-op/

All these approvals are making me so anxious. I just wanna get things rolling and do this already . Have my first apt with the surgeon august 29 and I also already scheduled my pulmanologist August 31. Baby steps baby steps. I just can't wait to write that thread that I'm approved! This site has been so helpful already I'm so glad I found it! On another note I do get all nervous and think things like "oh thanksgiving and Christmas are coming, what am I going to eat if I'm sleeves by then". My hubs finally smacked me (not really) and just stated the obvious. He said one day I will be able to eat those things again just a very small portion. He also said eating like that put me in this position and he is so right! I know the first few weeks will be rough but I can do it! Happy Saturday everyone.