heleneval

I am having plastic surgery Dec. 19 of this year. My sleeve surgery was July 14, 2015, and I've lost 100 pounds and am now at my goal weight....actually a few pounds below goal. I am having a tummy tuck and a breast lift/reduction and CAN'T WAIT. I am paying out of pocket, but my breast reduction is minimal. Insurance would never pay for it, for the small amount I am having removed, and I don't have any back pain. Just am tired of DD cups and want smaller, and since I'm already having the breast lift, the doctor said he could easily take out some mass while he's working on them at no additional cost. Apparently insurance companies have really gotten stricter on breast reduction requirements. A certain amount of mass has to be removed before they will pay, and you have to prove you have tried other things before surgery (weight loss, pain relievers, etc.). Check with your insurance for their specific requirements. It would be awesome if insurance covered that, because while you're already on the table, it would probably be economically feasible to have tummy and more worked on too, since you would have the hospital fee, anesthesia, etc. already covered by insurance!

Hi everyone, I am being sleeved in about 4 weeks, and I am self-pay. I know complications aren't common with a sleeve, but still…if there are complications, they could very likely get extremely expensive. Does anyone know if there is any type of insurance package you can buy just in the unlikely event of complications? I have an e-mail in to my surgeon's office but am always looking for first-hand experiences if anyone knows of something. Thanks.

Just an update to when I started this thread. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago, self-pay here in the U.S., with no additional insurance coverage. So far, so good. The self-pay contract with my doctor is not a problem (he covers all complications that may arise within 90 days), but it's the hospital I was worried about. I feel great. His office did not work with any of these insurance plans that others have mentioned.

Having my sleeve done with Dr. Jawad on Tuesday!

I love the group here on BariatricPal too, but I honestly spend a good part of my day on Facebook so it's just so convenient to have the group there. The group started this morning and we already have 17 people in there. It's fun!

There is a brand-new group on Facebook for July 2015 sleevers! It is a PRIVATE group, so none of your friends will be able to see you are in the group, in case you're not sharing with others yet. It is not a searchable group, so if you'd like to be added in, you need to send me a friend request and I'll add you. You can find me at www.facebook.com/heleneval BTW, I am July 14….next week!!

For those of you on Facebook, I just started a PRIVATE Facebook group for July 2015 sleevers. Since it's private, your friends will not be able to see that you are a member of this group, for those of you who are keeping it secret. It is not searchable, so the only way to join is to send me a friend request and I will add you. You can find me at www.facebook.com/heleneval

Hey everyone, I couldn't figure out how to join the other Facebook group, so I started one. It is a SECRET group, so none of your friends will be able to see that you are in it. It's not searchable, so the only way to join is to send me a friend request on Facebook and I will add you. Please go to www.facebook.com/heleneval and add me as a friend, and I will add you right into the group. It's for all July 2015 sleevers!

I called my surgeon asking about insurance to cover any complications, and they are not associated with any of the plans. I know that leaks and other issues are relatively rare, but I can't help but be concerned about that. I'm in Orlando.

I am SO glad to have found this thread! I spend most of my time in WLS Facebook groups and not so much this board, but now I'll know to check here regularly! I am scheduled for July 14 and already on Day 5 of pre-op diet (replace 2 meals a day with a shake, then a healthy protein/veggie meal). "Snacking" is SF popsicles, jello, and broth. It's surprisingly easier than I thought. I saw that several of you are self-pay. I am too! $14,100. My biggest fear about everything is that I'll have complications that will cause me to be in the hospital longer, and I won't be able to afford it. I am not too worried about post-op eating, pre-op diet, etc. But I could be in a huge financial debacle if something unexpected happens. Coming up with $14,100 was a major ordeal…what happens if I have a leak, or infection, or some other complication? So that's my fear.

I also can't find the group, and I'm hoping that's because the group is set to "secret" so it isn't searchable and our friends can't see us in it. If that's the case, send me a friend request on Facebook so I can join! You can find me at www.facebook.com/heleneval My date is July 14, and I'm in some WLS Facebook groups but would love one for July sleevers!

I went to the psychologist that the surgeon's office employs. I wasn't worried going in, but I felt really put on the spot during the session. After hearing my history of binge-eating and losing/regaining, she kept asking why I think I haven't been successful at keeping weight off, and when I answered she kept telling me that those things won't go away after surgery, so what makes me think it'll be different this time? I seriously thought she was going to recommend I not have the surgery. Then I mentioned the fact that I had previously seen a therapist who specializes in weight issues, and I'd like to start going back to her. The psychologist loved that answer LOL, and suddenly she eased up on the questioning and started smiling at me. I left there saying I would go back to that therapist (already have an appointment!!) and also participate in the group sessions that the surgeon's office regularly has, and she told me she thinks I'll do great, and she wished me well. So my suggestion is to be honest, and to be open to therapy and group support.

July 14 here, and I start my 2-week pre-op diet tomorrow. My surgeon's guidelines are Protein shakes to replace 2 meals/day, and then for one meal we're allowed a lean protein and veggies. I'm sure most people pick dinner for the meal with the protein/veggies, but it really doesn't matter which meal it is as long as 2 meals are replaced with shakes. Then we're allowed things like broth, SF Jello, SF popsicles if needed. Today is my last day before the 2-week diet starts, so….well…let's just say my husband is taking me to Outback Steakhouse tonight LOL. I'm actually really ready for tomorrow and to get this ball rolling.

I went in on June 4 to finalize everything and get my date, and I was scheduled for July 14. So what's that…about 5 weeks? That was his first available date. But I'm sure it varies by surgeon and whatever happens to be going on at the moment (doctor vacations and such…).

My surgery date is fast approaching -- July 14. I'll be sleeved with Dr. Jawad. I start my 2-week pre-op diet next week and couldn't be more ready. I'm off of work all summer, so it's perfect timing. I'm really enjoying "talking" to everyone on the Facebook groups and here on this thread. As great as my doctor's office is, it's the real talk with real people that is comforting.

Hi luvj0j0, My surgery is in Orlando, FL with Dr. Jawad. I have about another 10 days before I start the pre-op diet. Where are you located? How's the diet going?

My surgery date is July 14 and I'm super excited for this change in my life. I'm a self-pay so I didn't have to jump through insurance hoops. I have pre-op on July 10, and my 2-week diet consists of 2 Protein shakes/day and then 1 sensible (protein like chicken or fish, veggies) meal per day. The day before surgery is Clear Liquids only. I really only have one worry. I'm not worried about the 2-week pre-op diet. It won't be easy, but it's easier than many who have to do solely liquids. I'm not worried about the pain…it's temporary and I can get through it. My biggest concern is possible complications, since I am self-pay. I know that complications are relatively rare with the sleeve, and my doctor has an amazing track record, but if I were to be in the unlucky few with complications, I don't know how I'll afford it. I really don't know what will happen. It's nice to talk to other July sleevers. I need to do a better job of checking this forum. I'm in a few Facebook groups for bariatric surgery and tend to spend my time there. I need to remember to keep coming here! July is coming up SOON!

I will be on July 14! Getting excited and beginning to prepare for the upcoming pre-op diet. I have some shake packets to try, ordered a Ninja for blending and even bought Jello already LOL. To say I'm excited is an understatement.

So excited to hear from others in Orlando who are with Jawad/Teixeira! Are you open to keeping in touch outside of this forum? I am getting closer to my surgery too and would really love some locals to chat with. You can find me at www.facebook.com/heleneval or heleneval@aol.com. Feel free to contact me!

Hi everyone, This question is probably waaaaay premature, but I am a planner and love to have all the facts. I am going tonight for a group consultation, so I have not started the process yet at all, but I am seriously considering bypass. Like most of you, I suppose, I tried everything….only to come back with more weight on. I feel like I have exhausted all options. I am 47 years old and have been overweight for 40 years. It's time to get this under control. Anyway….my plan (Cigna) seems to require a 3-month medically supervised diet plan, or whatever it's called. Here's my question…right now, I barely hit the 40BMI (with clothes on, and after drinking Water, I hit it). I don't have any other weight-related issues, so I need to be at 40BMI. After my 3-months with the medically supervised "diet," what happens if I then drop below 40BMI? I know I'll ask my dr. this question when the time comes, but inquiring minds want to know LOL. Do you know if the insurance company goes by your initial weigh-in, or your weigh-in after the 3-month wait? Seems ridiculous to try to GAIN weight to qualify…but I'm at a point where everything else is failing, and I am miserable. My weight holds me back from so many things, and I can't get it under control. Was anyone else in this situation?

Most of these posts are old, but I hope someone is still here! I am in Orlando and just starting the procedure. Have my first appt next week, after going to the group info session last night. I'll be with Orlando Health. Would love to chat with some locals! Or…is there a Facebook support group? I spend most of my time on Facebook (ha ha) as opposed to this website, and would love to chat with others there, in a group or just by private message. You can add me as a friend: www.facebook.com/heleneval

I went to the group info session last night, and have my first appt with the surgeon next week. Right now, I am right at 40BMI. So I don't know what my insurance will say if I lose a few pounds during the supervised diet procedure and drop below 40. I'm sure the insurance specialist at their office has suggestions. So silly. OF COURSE I can lose weight on a supervised diet. We all can! But how many times do we regain the weight, plus more, afterwards? But, I'll play their game if that's what I need to do.

Hmmm, I might be in trouble then. My BMI over the past 2 years is just under 40…I've creeped up to 40 just in the last few months. No, my doctor's office hasn't asked for BMI history because I haven't even had an appt yet. I have my first group consultation tonight. Just information gathering right now.