Sleeve Goddess

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[font='lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif][size=4]I just got the call today before I left work that FEP BLUE approved my Gastric Sleeve. My surgery is scheduled for May 8 2013. I am elated, excited, nervous and scared at the same time. My first visit was on April 1 where I didn’t know what to expect. I had been doing research for years on the Lap Band which is the way I was leaning until I met with the Dr. Everybody at the office was extremely nice and welcoming. They answered all my questions and didn't seem annoyed with my type "A" personality. I had already had multiple discussions with my primary care doctor about my consideration for weight loss surgery and she recommended me to my current doctor. My insurance doesn't require a referral so this worked out great. I arrived early for my appointment with all the forms signed and completed. [/size][/font]

[font='lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif][size=4]When I met with the doctor i explained that I was aware that I am not morbidly obese however my BMI was currently at 36.2 and I had several comorbidities. After talking with him for 30 minutes he agreed and explained the three-month nutritional visit rule. By the end of my appointment with the doctor he was confident that I would have no trouble getting approval from the insurance company. The nurse came in to go over the requirement including the nutritional counseling, psychiatric evaluation and medical release from the primary doctor. During our discussion I if any counseling that received at the local strip mall weight loss clinic would be acceptable. She said possibly depending on the information that the recorded on each visit. I told her that on every visit the check your weight, blood pressure and discussed reduced caloric diet. [/size][/font]

[font='lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif][size=4]It took be about 15 days to complete most of the requirements including the four-hour psychiatric evaluation, visit with the office nutritionist, get my records from the pay loss clinic and meet with my primary doctor for clearance. Everything was done all I had to do is wait……26 days later I’m approved as schedule in less than 10 days. [/size][/font][/size][/color]
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