RavensAngel

I started my bariatric's journey back around August of 2012 with a conversation with my insurance company. They advised they would pay for my surgery in full after I completed the requirements of 6mth nutritionist and physiatrics appointment. They then set me up with a direct counselor. My counselor was a bum one and everyone I spoke to said I had to talk to her before I did anything else. Before you knew, almost six months went by and I called back they said, they would get me a new person. I instead got the same bum counselor. Finally, I called a fifth time and got a new person who said I didn't need her at all it was only for reporting purposes. HEAD BANG! Finally, I started checking around and getting setup with a nutritionist and got that done and my psychiatric appointment. I think it makes me sad it was delayed so long over a mis-communication. The insurance company, doctors, and counselor do not communicate very well. The one big benefit is that I have had all this time to discuss it with my family, research, and read everything I could on the subject. I had finally completed all my requirements and was approved by the insurance company for moving forward. Geesh that took forever! When I saw my surgeon for the first time, we discussed my options he learned or tried to convince me to do an RYN because my metabolism is so slow. I said I would consider a sleeve but knew without a doubt, not an RYN. I initially went in wanting a lap band. However, he's a teacher, so he did lots of surgeries and went over the complications of lap bands. We agreed that my metabolism was bad in our session. I eat really well these days. Rarely do I eat anything processed or packaged. I cook everything from scratch, and I have spent my time with nutritionist customizing that and listening to my body. I now stop when I am full I don't keep eating. Which was a big deal for me. My surgeon required 50lbs before surgery. I've lost a bit and gained a bit but nothing near what he required. I spoke to the nurse at his office, and she said without a doubt I had to loose at least that to setup a follow-up for blood test etc. It's kind of discouraging being stuck at this point I feel like I have to starve myself to get past this last hurdle to continue on with my life. Some people have recommended doing just shakes for awhile though I have thought of that and said it might work others have stated I would be worn out on a liquid diet for so long. I understand the surgeon requires two weeks of liquid diet pre operation, and I believe almost 6weeks after surgery. I know all doctors are different. I think he's a stickler for making sure the new stomach doesn't leak. It took me a long time to convince my girlfriend to compromise and allow me to have this surgery. She loves the surgeon I have now because he's so meticulous and through. Not sure how to proceed... I'm stuck in approved status for a resolution to my problems, and my problem is preventing me from being free!

I tried to get some additonal providers today and the insurance company failed! I will try again tomorrow and make some calls see if I can't get a quicker turn around time.

I wondered if he was just overly strict compared to others. I saw one person say that they saw their surgeon on a Tuesday approved by Thursday via Medicare and having surgery on Tuesday of the next week with only a one day liquid diet preop. My girlfriend and I have been together for over 9yrs. She's a spouse in all likes of the word, but we haven't taken a big step. I am making a life changing event it is not one I would do without her. It took a lot of positioning on my part to convince her it would be okay. Though it is my body and my life, we share a life together. I did yes have to have her approval first. I wonder if I start the liquid diet and document it since it would be before someone telling me too do it and look at other surgeon options in the meantime. Maybe they will give me credit for the liquid diet days I've already done? That's way out there but who knows I suppose.

Michellew1 I don't think the insurance is concerned with how much weight we have lost or if we lost weight. I believe they only want to know that we are able to dedicate and learn a new way of eating and or lifestyle.

I complete my six month nutritionist pre-op requirements. I have gained 10lbs. My doctor requested I lose 50?!?! Ugh I learned mindful eating and portion control. I eat relatively good. I am awaiting my psychologist to get approval and my psych test. Then checking with doctor insurance approval and scheduled date. I have waited for almost two years for this. I am nervous excited and scared all at the same time. I try to read and research everything I can find on the topic. I have no idea what my doctor is going to say ;( about weight gain it's strange I haven't gained in years all of a sudden here I am gaining?? I'm glad I am not the only one having issues with the pre op dietician diet, I was thinking I was a total failure everyone else can do it why not you??