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Maybe you can find another hospital--the one I went to is a Center of Excellence for Bariatric surgery--maybe there's one near you--it could make a difference--in the meantime, I'd appeal.

I have Anthem BCBS through my employer and it was fully covered at the Cleveland Clinic/Florida

I don't know what your husband's general health is, but I had my sleeve on 11/25 (Friday), came home on Sunday, and stayed home for a week, but drove and ran errands. I went back to work the following Monday 12/5. I don't have high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, but thought I'd share my experience. But--if you travel after the surgery, remember to take the Protein powder or get the bottled ones and have some broth available. It's tough to find liquids at hotels, etc. good luck in the marathon, c

Hi all, I've been reading posts since my surgery was approved, but haven't posted. I lost 22 lbs pre-op, and had my surgery on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Great recovery and very little pain; I was fortunate enough to have my medical insurance cover my procedure at the Cleveland Clinic Center of Excellence. I'm trying to stay hydrated, and still have at least one shake a day--but the road ahead looks good--I've lost a pound a day since surgery!! Quick questions-- 1. how do I put that cute weight loss chart on my profile? 2. Anyone found the best prices on Vitamins? I love the Oh Yeah! chocolate Milkshake powder and bottles--best flavor! Good Luck to everyone!! c

Are you taking a PPI like Nexium? I had gas and liquid bowels but just once a day, not all the time. Feel better!

I had a tummy tuck and lipo about 6 years ago after I had lost weight before. Positives: great result, almost no scar, wonderful surgeon. Really tight lower ab muscles, brand new belly button! You can even have your "lady parts" lifted a bit. It's outpatient, and I only needed pain killers for 24 hours, just tylenol after that It's going to sound like a lot of negatives, but the results outweighed: 1. cost about $8,000 2. minimum 2 weeks off work, 3 is better, but if you have lift anything at work, you;ll need to make arrangements 3. Have to sleep in a recliner for about a month 4. must wear a compression garment for about 3 months. 5. drains stayed in for about 3 weeks-- Overall I'm glad I did it. I got my sleeve last week, but don't think I'll need the surgery again, since I didn't regain any weight in my stomach. But my arms and thighs might be a different matter--but I'm going with weights and yoga. Let me know if you have any other questions. c

right after I got home, I could sip about 7oz of a shake and was really full. just chicken broth and water the rest of the day. today (6 days post-op) I had 2 shakes in one day for the first time. I still need to rest frequently, so take it a day at time. c

Hi --Go to the main home page and search for "ticker tutorial", you'll pull up a great post by LilMissDiva about adding the ticker to your profile. Great examples, step by step instructions. Good luck!!

good luck!

My doctor's office handled all the paper work, and I had a "tentative approval" right away. (While the doctor was talking to me about the procedure, the insurance specialist was on the phone with the insurance company. The approval came about 10 days after all the work was submitted.

I was very lucky--my first visit to the doctor was in late September--and I was approved at the end of October. I knew right away that the operation was covered, so it was a matter of putting together all the clearances, weight history, etc.

Thanks, great instructions--now I'm official!

My preop was 14 days--so maybe you'll lose between 5-10 lb rather than 22, but losing is losing. If you like chocolate try and get the Oh Yeah powder or bottles. Vitamin Shoppe carries them. Good luck!

Sorry you're having so much trouble--I'm taking a powdered Nexium (prescription) in a tablespoon of Water to reduce stomach acid. Might want to see if the doctor can prescribe it for you. Hang on, and good luck. c

Hi--I just started my pre-op liquid diet--I'm scheduled for the Friday after Thanksgiving, and I'm having an embarrassing problem with "the runs". Is this normal? I was using Lean Body shakes, but no more. Please tell me that it goes away....