KatieD6982

I also have BCBS and I'm thinking I will be sleeved in February as well. I have my "month three" check-in this week and my behavioral class the first week of November. I still have to do a support group meeting and labs this month also. Add me as a friend, I would love to talk to others who will have surgery around the same time as me!

I did a search on here in case this was asked before but I couldn't find anything... Can anyone tell me the benefits of having gastric vs the sleeve? Or, vice-versa? Here's why I'm asking. In my nutrition class, I was the ONLY person opting to have the sleeve, everyone else in the class was having bypass surgery. Some ladies looked at me in horror and I thought "Am I missing something?" To each their own, OF COURSE, but why do some people choose the bypass over the sleeve? I like the sleeve option because it doesn't involve the re-routing of your digestive system and there isn't malnutrition issues. I know the weight loss can be slower because the "pouch" is bigger than the "egg-sized pouch" of gastric bypass.... I'm wondering if people think you're more likely to stretch out the stomach if the pouch is bigger? Someone, please educate me Please and Thank you! -Katie

Good thought about the surgeon. We have to travel to a larger hospital about an hour away for our surgeries and they are rated the best of the best in bariatric surgery and have done many MANY bypass surgeries and sleeve surgeries. But, good point, I didn't even think of that as being an option. I truly think most people don't understand what the sleeve is. I'm wondering if they think it's like the lap-band. Thanks EVERYONE!!!

Wow, thank you for your info! Yes, I'm definitely leaning towards the sleeve as well. I'm so glad to hear you've done so well with it!

Thanks for weighing in, I really appreciate it. I guess I was just so convinced I was missing something.... Maybe people in my area opt more for the bypass only because it's what they are most familiar with? -K

I'm back from my first appt! According to that office, BCBS Highmark still has the 6 month supervised diet pre-req. when I told her that I heard it was changed, she said she check to see if there was an updated policy. HOWEVER, even if my insurance doesn't require it, they do. Well, sort of. The timeline they gave me was spaced out into six months but I don't think it is exactly 6 months to the day until they submit. As soon as I have all my pre-reqs done, I should be good to submit. I was really hoping that I could possibly schedule a December surgery but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. My "homework" is to log my food and concentrate on one aspect I can do better this month-for instance-get in my water, or cut back on portions....and on September 17th, we'll go over my food log and I'll have my NUT class and hopefully I can squeeze in the Support group meeting next month too.

Ughhhhh, I went to my first visit this afternoon. According to my doctor's office Highmark BCBS still DOES have the 6 month requirement (also filed under "Highmark Select Blue BCBS") and even if it didn't, this particular doctor's office has a 6 month program. Darnit!! Hopefully I can get everything finished before the six months..... lol. They did say they would check for an updated policy for BCBS though.

My first appt. is today. I just read on here that someone that has the same insurance as I do, that they waived the supervised 6month diet. I'm hoping that means I can move through the process quicker than 6 months. Can anyone share how long it's taking them if the 6 month diet isn't required? -K

I'm somewhat keeping it a secret, mostly because I just don't want to hear other people's rude comments. My parents know, my hubby, and two girls at work. Well, I've told one good friend who seemed shocked so that's when I decided I'm not going to be telling anyone else. Our society is so judgemental and I am very sensitive. I know I will have to deal with comments afterwards but I feel as though I'll be better prepared.

OH MY GOSH!!! THANK YOU FOR THIS POST!!!!! I have Highmark and my first appt is today. I was still thinking I would have to do the 6 month supervised diet. YAY!!!!!!!! You made my day!!!

Hi everyone, today is my first appointment! I am super nervous. I'm ready but the worry of approval is always on my mind. I'll check back in this afternoon!

I'm just in the very beginning of this process. My first meeting with the Bariatric team is on August 26th. -K

CONGRATS!!!!

Good luck, best wishes, prayers and positive thoughts!!

Wow. What a great question to ponder.... Being completely honest with myself... I didn't have a good upbringing. (My parents divorced when I was young and then both remarried and both divorced again so there was a constant state of change. I have never felt close to my mom and that is something I struggled with my whole life.) I turned to food for comfort, I 100% believe that. Food became my friend and it's a bad habit that has stuck with me my whole life! I know I have problems with eating my emotions and portions that are way too big. I believe I almost have to retrain my brain about food and hunger. Right now, I get a headache, I eat and feel better. If I'm angry, I grab a snack. It's almost automatic. I'm hoping my Bariatric team will be able to help me with this. I want to use the VSG as a tool to take back control of my life. I've tried everything, myfitnesspal, Weight Watchers, a local doctor ran weight loss program, and I've failed miserably each time. I've been able to overcome major hurdles in my life but my problem with food and weight remains.

I'm thrilled to say that none of the six had ANY problems whatsoever. None! Can you share with me, even privately if you want, what Geisinger is asking you to do? I'd love to know what I'm getting myself into on the 26th!

Awesome! I'm patiently awaiting my first appt on the 26th!!

I know of, no joke, six people who have had their Gastric Bypass surgery at Geisinger Danville! My mom had her's there in 2003. I will just begin the process on August 26th but if all goes well, my surgery will be at Geisinger Danville!

Sorry I haven't been on here in a few days! @@silvasnj4 !!! Yes, the process seems almost exaggerated in my area. I go to my PCP this Wednesday and the very first Bariatic Team meeting on the 26th. I'll be able to update you more when I know all the details.

Congrats on your successful surgery! I've heard the gas can be bad, ask if you're allowed Gas X strips that melt on your tongue, I heard those can be a life-saver!!

Oh ok, great! Best of luck in your process!

I have Highmark, too! My first appt with the Bariatric Team isn't until August 26th, so I'm guessing no surgery until around March of next year. Boo! I was hoping they waived the 6 month thing since other BCBS policies had...darn. Oh well, here's hoping 6 months goes fast. When they said "six sessions" does that mean 6 sessions with the Bariatric Team? -Katie

I'm just starting the process. I have my PCP referral appt. next Wednesday (it was supposed to be today but doctor called off sick!) and then August 26th is the first appt. with the Bariatric Surgery department. I'm pretty sure my insurance BCBS of NE PA requires the 6 months of visits, NUT appt, Psych eval, bloodwork. So, if I start in late August, I'm guessing I won't be approved for surgery until late Feb 2015.

Thank you for this post!!! I FINALLY was able to locate my policy regarding Bariatric Surgery!!! Anyone else have Highmark BCBS Select Blue or BCBS of NE PA?