Ddavis5759

GeminiA, I am so glad to read about your experiences. I had surgery on Monday, August 30, and since I had surgery in the morning I had much of the day to get used to my new situation. First, this was a conversion from sleeve to bypass, I initially had the sleeve in February of 2014 after illness left me obese. In October of 2018, I was forced to stop working due to continuous, severe pain on my left side which was found to be due to CRPS, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. I required multiple pain and neurological meds, in addition to different types of injections which had little to no impact on my pain. With the pain and inability to do anything that involved my hands, I became depressed, gained weight and required conversion surgery. When I had gastric sleeve surgery, there were no post-op issues out of the ordinary. I was also able to keep the weight off until after I became ill and told I could never work again. Anyway I digress, on August 31, I went home, exercised a little, sipped 45 grams of protein, sipped water and took my medication. On September 1, only able to sip 30 grams protein, little water and some pain and discomfort. On September 3, abdominal aches and pain are worse and involuntary vomiting begins, and only able to sip water all day with a little broth. On September 4th, unable to sip cold or room temperature water without excruciating pain. In addition, my CRPS pain is off due to med schedule being off. At this point I am praying. I cannot drink anything without more pain and vomiting, including my meds. By the afternoon of September 4th, I started heating my liquids to see if temperature was the issue, and it was. I was able to sip hot liquids, harder to take pills but doable! Today, I am able to drink cooler liquids, no longer need to boil everything. Thus, the pain of September 3 and 4th were so severe, that I too regretted having this surgery until I figured out another way to resolve the issue of vomiting and pain. If we continue to read these foums, they can be helpful.

In reference to being re-sleeved, it is not feasible. I looked into this before finding out my only option was gastric bypass after having been sleeved. Some stated it was dangerous, and others felt that if it failed once, why perform the same procedure?

I understand how you feel...helpless and frustrated. When I had gastric sleeve surgery on 2/13/2014, it was in Tijuana (cost was less that $5,000 at the time)! This was because of insurance denying my initial attempt (I wasn't going to appeal since my health was in jeopardy. Now I need a revision to gastric bypass, I kinda expect the same response. Of course, now with COVID, Tijuana is high risk, if I was allowed to go and it was safe. But do not give up, nothing will change if you stop trying. Pain stopped me from working in October 2018, and due to lots of meds, I have gained almost all the weight that I lost, and kept off over five years. I share your frustration-let's keep going until we get what we need!

I am on Day 9 and I feel okay; you will get used to it. The low energy is because the protein drinks are low-carbs, which provides the energy. This process is good to adjust to the new you following surgery. I am getting through this because I know it is required to shrink my liver. My surgery is 2/13; in addition, I have to have clear liquids the day before and travel the day of surgery to Mexico! Now that will be challenging. Good luck on your journey.

I also have Aetna and just completed my six months of visits on January 10th. The doctor's office submitted my case for approval today. I am a little apprehensive, but who knows, I may get approved.

I plan to say...my weight was adversely affecting my health thus, my pcp referred me to a weight loss specialist who provided a tool to assist in controlling my weight.

I also do not have the two-year history of obesity, although since my physician is not submitting my file for approval until January 2014, he is hoping to have the two years (2013-14) count. Good luck!

I also have Aetna and just started the 6-month pre qualification phase, beginning with August. This is a requirement from Aetna; from what I understand guidelines vary from one insurance to another. Good luck on your journey!

I am required to do 6 months of weight loss counseling also, although my initial doctor visit was not until 7/23, my six months will not end until January 2014. I also have to complete pre-counseling; psych, nutritionists, pcp visits, support group neetings, etc. I am okay waiting and I only have to lose 8 pounds in the 6 months. I must admit, I am looking forward to attending a support group meeting for the first time.

Does the insurance cover BMI between 35 and 40?

I love your response. Although I have just begun my journey (waiting for insurance approval), I have also been reading the blogs and there is just as much negativity as there are positive responses. One of the things that people need to keep in mind is the implications of NOT having the surgery. Possible candidates need to weigh the pros and cons of any decision that affect his/her life. Once this is done, the decision should be easier to accept. For me, my final decision focuses on my trust in God. If it is meant to be and I have done everything that I can, I place my life in God's hands.

I wish you the best of luck! I cannot wait until I am waiting for surgery. My first appointment with the surgeon is on 7/23, which I am rather anxious about. If you continue to post, I am definitely interested in following your progress as you go through this wonderful, life-changing journey.

On the other hand, if I have to lose 10% of the weight I need to lose, I may no longer qualify? I am hoping that once approval is received, the weight loss no longer matters.

It looks as if we have some of the same issues. Have you contacted your insurance vompany regarding requirements? For me, if your bmi is between 35 and 40 you have one of the following: sleep apnea, blood pressure requiring three medications, or type 2 diabetes. I have the bp issue and I am scheduled for a sleep study on 7/19. I attended orientation yesterday and have my first appt with the doctor on 7/23. I too was wondering about having to maintain the weight during each office visit. That's a lot of food. ..

Bandista, I am also trying to keep my weight up for approval since I am borderline. And you are right, it does sound crazy. Although what other options do you have when you are relying on insurance to cover the cost? Do yoy have any other qualifying conditions?