Rena's got this

I'm just getting started, but I'm not wanting to do this just to be skinny. I want to be able to tie my shoes without getting exhausted, I want to be able to walk to my mailbox without my knees screaming at me. I want to avoid the diabetes that 3 grandparents, mother, 2 brothers and sister and multiple aunts and uncles have. I want to have a conversation with my dad without him chiding me...once again...about my weight. I want to be able to go to amusement parks and not have to sit out on the rides. I want to.... live! ...and it wouldn't hurt to be able to look good in my clothes again.

Very much a newbie. I have my first consultation on March 28. Had knee surgery in December. I'm hoping that I won't get denied, since I'm right at 40 BMI. The past 3 years I've been between 35 and 40 BMI. Co-morbidities are iffy.... pre-diabetic, on thyroid pills and cholesterol pills. My main complaint is my knees. I'd rather have half my stomach removed than to have knee replacement surgery. I live in Auburn, and will be seeing Dr. Wes Turtin. Anybody know him? I have BCBS of Alabama, administered through Auburn Univ. I may decide to check to see if I have sleep apnea, since I snore something awful.

This really worries me. I have BCBS of Alabama, and I'm just getting started. I'll have the initial consultation with my surgeon in 2 weeks. Any advice would be appreciated in order to avoid what you all have gone through.

No, I haven't had the same experience....yet. I'm just getting started, but I have BCBS of Alabama through my university, and am worried about what they will cover. My first appointment with my surgeon is in 2 weeks I haven't started the 6 month supervised diet yet. Did you have to find your own supervised diet program or did your surgeon recommend one?

I'm kind of worried also. I have insurance through my university(which is self insured through BCBS of Alabama). I know they pay for bariatric surgery, but they have a 6 month wait period where you have to try and lose weight through another program first. They also have requirements of a minimum of 35 BMI with 2 co-morbidities, or a BMI of 40. They also reserve the right to go back and check your medical records to see if you have had a BMI of 35 for 3 years or more. I am a smidge over 40 BMI right now, but I know 3 years ago I was probably around a 35. I may have some co-morbidities, but barely. I am pre-diabetic, and was on metformin pills for a while, but am off them for now. I have a low thyroid, and am on meds for that, and I have high cholesterol, and am on meds for that. My cholesterol and pre-diebeties seem to be in the good range for now, and I don't know how that will affect insurance. I also have bad knees, and in December underwent surgery for torn/worn cartlidge in my right knee. Guess I'm just apprehensive whether or not they will pay, and I don't have the funds to go to Mexico.

I can see it just fine. Pretty cool actually! It looks larger than I thought it would be.

If I were you, I would do it now, before you get into your 50's. It will be one less thing you have to worry about once you have it done, and it is obviously a big concern of yours. Its not going to go away, unless you do something about it. Be bold, you already have with the sleeve. You can consider this to be a part of that whole process. Take charge and "get er done!"