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okay, thanks for all the info -- and eeeeewwwwww!

Great going! My EKG read abnormal; so I went to a cardiologist - his read was normal but wants stress test, echo done....I'm hoping insurance doesn't give me a problem; I wouldn't think so but they haven't paid for the first EKG saying it's not covered. We'll see -- I'll deal with it either way.

I've just found out I've been approved for the surgery; by Anthem BCBS. But so far they are "pending" the EKG. I too have stuff setup for the rest of the clearances and am nervous. But I think I'll have the right to appeal any pre-op procedures once the connection is made between the two. The code on the EKG just said weight loss and didn't reference it as pre-op. Hopefully it will turn out okay.

My company's group originates in IL, Anthem BCBS, but I am in Florida so I use the Nationwide Blue Card. Anyway they said the same thing (though I never heard Thyroid test). My papers were submitted to insurance last week. I agree it sounded too easy - my Bariatric center said plan on 3 wks to wait and hear. But they also said I could go ahead and get my PCP clearance, blood work, EKG and once rec'd they could set a surgery date, subject to insurance approval. I'll let you know as soon as I hear. FYI, yours may be diff, but my psych eval wasn't covered (selfpay for that). Also, the Ctr forewarned me that some of the expenses would be over allowed amounts since not in network for everything for this reason my Ctr requires prepay and then I would submit on my own for the Surgeons fee portion (hospital covered as in network). So even if covered it's possible to have some out of pocket (which will be worth it in the long run right?)

I have recently attended the seminar, rec'd the med nec ltr from doctor and am working on other requirements. Please tell me I won't feel completely deprived if I do this! I've been a yoyo dieter all my life. I don't exercise because at current weight it's too tough and I end up injured. I keep saying if I can lose 20 lbs I would exercise. I'm at my top weight 235. 100 lbs over "ideal", but who's ideal anyway? I have a family with 2 small children, I"m trying to envision sipping at my meals, etc... Is the 6 weeks of deprivation worth it? After 6 weeks are you able to lead a normal life of attending meals without looking sadly at everyone else's plate?

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement; and the reality check. Instead of picturing dinner with the family, I've decided to picture a year or 2 out. With band, running and playing with the kids, getting into a swimsuit without fear of being sighted as a beached whale, etc.... Without, probably sitting in my house watching the kids play, checking my blood sugar, etc.... Thanks again, I'll keep reading but I'm definitely getting the big picture now!

Thanks, it helps to know. What about the port? Is it noticeable? Are you aware of it constantly, I'm thinking that might bug me to no end.