daring2dream

Yes praldous, I am having Dr. Hill. It has been a long journey for me. I went to the initial meeting March 2008, had all the test and about to send to insurance and I lost my job and insurance. Last June when I had insurance, I recompleted the tests and they were subitting to insurance. On July 11th I was diagnosed with stage 3b colon cancer...so now I have had the colon resection (at AMC) and 6 months of treatment followed by a 3 month wait for my CT scan...it was clear! They were excellent about only having me repeat a couple of necessary tests and I was approved right away by my insurance. I will be meeting Dr.Hill next week for the first time since 4 years ago...I can't wait. Everyone that ever has him for a doctor does nothing but sing his praises. How are you doing since surgery? Donna

Hi Ayrika! I have the same feelings...mostly excitement, but then some times get a bit nervous. I had a similar surgery a year ago in the abdomen area, so I am anticipating the same recovery(hopefully!). Best of luck and I will be thinking of you. Donna

I am from Vermont, but am having my surgery in upstate NY. There is a lake across from the hospital with the beautiful Adirondack mountains in the background, it is very soothing. I started my liquid diet yesterday, I was only required to do 9 days but wanted to make sure I had a handle on it by the time I needed to start. I don't mind it too much, I did a liquid protein diet 13 years ago...if only the weight would stay off after you loose it. I am very excited to get the sleeve done. Best of luck on your journey!

Hi Congratulations! I will be sleeved the same day.

Hi Barb, We have very similar stories. I started on this journey 4 years ago towards the lapband, then lost my insurance. One year ago I had new insurance and restarted, but wanted the sleeve(very glad I did not get the lapband). I finsihed all my steps and was ready to send to insurance when I was diagnosed with stage 3b colon cancer. I had surgery and 6 months of chemo...waited for my first clear CT scan in May, then went back into the program. I am going to be sleeved the day before you, on July 31st. Best of luck to you on your journey! Donna

Hi! I have been pursuing WLS surgery for 4 1/2 years. I had just finished my 6 month requirements and tests when I lost my job and insurance. Three years later I got new insurance and started the process over. I again just finished all my tests and was about to meet the surgeon and submit the paperwork when I was diagnosed with stage 3b Colon Cancer. That put a roadblock into proceeding further. I had colon resection sugery and did 12 rounds of chemo treatment. On May 15th I had my first CT scan since I finished chemo and it was clear, so I was given the go ahead to continue on with my journey. They only made me repeat a few necessary tests, then submitted my paperwork to my insurance and they approved me right away! I can't say enough good things about BCBS, they were excellent during my cancer journey, never denying anything, then encouraging me to continue on with this journey. My surgery is scheduled for July 31st! I go July 26th to meet with my surgeon, Dr.Hill, who will also be taking out my gallbladder at the same time as my surgery. I am very excited for my next chapter to finally be here!

Thank you milkD, I really do believe that it worked out how it was supposed to be...good luck on your up coming surgery as well. I will be looking forward to your updates!

Thinwithin, congratulations on your surgery and I am so glad you are feeling so well! Enjoy the beautiful day!

Hi Likasulema! I feel that it was all apart of the journey I was supposed to have. When I first started researching WLS 4 years ago I was interested in the lapband. I am so glad that I didn't have that done! I was preparing for the sleeve when I was diagnosed...I had lost 30lbs. and was much stronger. I had surgery one week after diagnosis. I healed great because of my preperation for WLS and the surgeon was able to do it laprascopic. I wasn't freaked out about it because I had been preparing for this surgery and swapped it out in my mind! I'm not sure that the cancer was even real to me until a week after surgery when the Dr, told me I was stage 3b and had to have chemo. I know this is a tool that I am going to have to put all the hard work into. I know it will not be easy, but am determined to be successful!

Hi everyone, my name is Donna and I am scheduled to be sleeved on July 31st! It has been such a long journey, I can't believe I really have a date. I feel that my world has gotten smaller as I have gotten larger...I go out less and do things with people less...I am so ready to make new changes. I will be thinking of you all!