Bring It On

Use this as a gift!! Maybe this heart issue is something that could really have been devastating later. I would take this as a sign that you are on the right track in keeping your health in check. Good luck with your tests. Hope all goes well and you are able to complete your mission!!

Everyone is definitely different. Depends on the surgeon and your insurance company. Even people on here with the SAME ins. company have slightly different requirements, depending on what part of the country you are in. I am Tricare (military). I said "YES" to the program on July 7. Since then, I have had a nutrition counsel, exercise physiology counsel, psychological counsel, and after everything was turned in to insurance, they wanted a Pulmonary Function Test, which I had today. My last nutrition counsel is tomorrow. Hoping my ins will give me the thumbs up by the end of the week. The only thing I would suggest is the more co-morbidities that you have, the better. (Diabetes, HBP, high chole., sleep apnea) the easier the process. I have Diabetes, so I had my PCP write a letter of medical necessity to my ins. company, and I think that helped quite a bit. Lastly, the higher your BMI, the longer you may have to be required to have a special diet BEFORE surgery. This process shrinks your liver, so it can be retracted easier to get to your stomach. I know, TMI. Good luck to you. Keep us posted!!!

Does your "ex-boss" have a competitor? If so, that would be the FIRST place I would look for a job. Collect the unemployment for as long as you can afford it!! Good luck to you!!

Well, I bugged, and now I received word I have to have a Pulmonary Function Test. Hoping that is the only hurdle I will have to jump!!

Received word from my insurance company (Tricare) that they were wanting me to have a Pulmonary Function Test before approval. Since that is all they asked for, should I expect if my test comes back ok, that I will be approved? What is the possibility that they will ask for anything additional? So ready to get this done!!! If any of you guys have had this test, how long did it take to get the results back?

Good to hear everyone is on a steady course to fat freedom!! I am moving slowly now, after moving really fast in the process. My insurance has requested that I have a Pulmonary Function Test, so I am waiting for that to be scheduled. I guess since that is all they asked for, if it comes back ok, then I will be on my way to scheduling. My last nutrition appointment is this Wednesday. It would be really nice to get this going in a couple of weeks. So ready!!!

Thanks for all the input. I will certainly be trying them out!!

Hello! I am Tricare North in Kentucky. My packet was sent to Tricare for approval 11 days ago. I got a call from my WL clinic today and they wanted a "pulmonary clearance". I have never had any pulmonary problems in my entire life, so I thought this a little strange. Just had to call my PCP and have a letter sent to the WL clinic that gives clearance. They in turn fax it to Tricare. I met the co-morbidity with Diabetes. I had not tried "Weight Watchers" or anything like that, so my doctor sent a letter of medical necessity to Tricare that went with my packet. I guess that was sufficient since all they asked for was the pulmonary clearance. Hopefully, I will hear from them sometime next week. I was told that they generally take 21 of the 30 days requirement for approval. Hope this helps!!

Impressive!! Did you quit cold turkey? I am down to (2) Dt. Pepsi's a day. Surgery should be in a couple of weeks. Hoping to cut back to just 1 beginning Monday. I feel like after my RNY, I won't want another one anyway due to the carbonation.

They seemed really annoyed when I called yesterday. Just didn't want to wait the 30 days, only to find out I was denied. Just when I was starting to get down, I received a call from the WL Center. They had heard from my insurance and they were requesting a pulmonary clearance from my PCP. If that was all they wanted, sounds like I'm going to be having surgery soon. One quick call to my PCP for a fax to my WL clinic with the clearance was all it took. Hopefully, I will be hearing something sometime next week. Last nutrition appointment on 8/27. Getting my excitement back again!!!

Hi Friends, Getting ready for surgery soon. Wondering what you put in your bag for hospital use. I have already come up with the following: My pillow (for trip home), Anti-gas strips, Chapstick, Journal. Also a reminder for myself to take a "before" pic. Does anyone else have any suggestions?

Thanks everyone! Totally forgot about my phone charger!!

How are you since your surgery? Anxious to hear!!

There were 2 reasons I chose RNY over the Sleeve. 1) I am Diabetic, 2) I have severe acid reflux. I have been on Nexium for 5 years. My surgeon told me that most of his patients that he had done the Sleeve on had experienced moderate problems with acid reflux. It is my goal to get off ALL of my meds, so it was a easy choice for me. They were able to use my Upper Endoscopy that was done last year, but my surgeon told me that if I had been diagnosed with a hiatal hernia, it would have to be repaired before or during surgery. Good luck with whatever surgery you and your doctor decide is best for you!!

The pulmonary dr. I saw was for my possible sleep Apnea. Also, it could be to rule out any respiratory issues that you have (or could have). Asthma? Bronchitis? Don't worry, it won't be bad.

Good Luck!! Keep us posted!!

Wishing you much luck! Don't be such a stranger and post results often!!!

Keep up the good sense of humor, ladies. I'm going to need you when mine starts falling out!! I had cancer when I was 27 (I am now 54). I didn't lose my hair like they said I would, instead it turned a nice shade of gray. I have colored my hair since. At least this time, I am doing it by choice!!!

Thanks for your post Sue! I am looking forward to the day I can have mine, but one step at a time. My WL surgeon's PA said my appropriate goal (75% of excess body weight in 1 year) will be 75 lbs. At that point, she said it would be ok to undergo the TT, and then see where I stood from there (if I am satisfied, or want to reduce further). Just so ready for this!!

Just wondering about you sammibammi. Hope your surgery went well!!

I live in Richmond. Having surgery at St. Joesph's in Lexington. Finished all my "requirements" today. Just waiting for insurance approval and I'm ready to rock and roll!! Hopefully having my surgery by the end of August!!

Congrats on the tuck!!! That is definitely in my long-term plans. I am preparing for my surgery and have 100 lbs to loose. What was your time table like - how long did you wait for the tuck from the period you had your WLS? Let us know how things go? So excited for you!!

I agree. I think some people put these wild hair things on here just to get a reaction from someone who did the same. That would (or would not) give them the go ahead to do the same. I know that when I made the decision to go through with WLS, I knew it wouldn't be an easy road. There are some that are always looking for a short cut. That's the world we live in. The difference is to understand when and when not to take the "easy way." I know this journey is going to be difficult, but when I think of all the difficult things I have faced - cancer, divorce, miscarriage - this is going to be just another bump in the road to a healthier life. I will soak up what my doctor and nutritionist says like a sponge, and believe me, what they don't volunteer to tell me, I have learned enough jargon on here, I sure know what to ask!!! Thanks my new friends!!!!!

When I first started this process, I was doing the sleeve. It was through post like these that helped me change mind. This "pal" is the best!!

Hi. Glad your surgery went well. I am not near as young as you, but I am a retired RN. I live in Lexington, KY. Were you RNY or Sleeve? Would love to hear more about your hospital experience. I have my first apt on 8/7 with the surgeon. Just ready to get this party started! I will send you a friend request.