arenea

Got it! Thanks a bunch:) Have you had your procedure yet?

What if your weight fluctuate, but never go past your starting weight. Is that okay?

I called and they said they expect me to lose weight, and not to worry about falling below 40 bmi. That was a relief, but I do not plan to lose any more weight in these last 2 months. Just in case.

Hopefully I'll be sleeved by Jan:)

Well when I initially contacted optum, they asked me a series of questions about my health and wt. I wasn't too sure about my wt and they told me I didn't qualify for the program. I called back later with my exact wt and they assigned me a case manager and sent me the forms for my Dr to fill out. That's what I mean about pre-approval because they wouldn't speak with me about wls in the beginning. I hope I'll be okay. I have decreased the wt loss since my bmi is now 39.5... I don't want to risk the chances of being denied.

Hi everyone, I'm in Louisiana and excited to be sleeved January. I'm grateful to read all of the posts about what to expect. Will anyone else be sleeved Dec or Jan?

How did you guys get over the fear of being put "under"?

It's called versed? I've never heard of it, I will be asking about it;)

I can take a great bit of pain, my fear is the anesthesiologist. I have several questions for him/her. I wish I could be awoke during the process, but I know that's not an option lol

What insurance do you have?

I agree, you wouldn't imagine how many others have opted for this low carb high protein diet and refuse to tell the truth:)

Is the weight requirement only necessary for my initial PCP visit? Like is it okay if I'm under 40 bmi for the other 5 visits prior to the surgery?

I have the same concerns:)

Hello all, I am very new to the gastric sleeve process. I have united healthcare choice plan. I was able to search for surgeons on their website. My question is, do I make an appointment to see the surgeon directly or is a referral usually necessary? I am 5'5" 225 lbs and I'm afraid that I won't meet the qualifications.

Thanks you guys, this is very helpful

Ok, I recently completed my first interview with a bariatric specialist for my insurance. I am insured with UHC choice. They asked me my ht, wt, and about possible comorbities. I do not have any diagnosed comorbities, but my bmi is riding along 40. I told them my approximate weight which is 10 lbs shy of the 40 bmi that I need. I added the 10 lbs for the sake of the phone call. In the mean time, I am working to make that 10 lbs appear. I have an appointment with my PCP in 2 weeks. I was assigned a caseworker to aid in the process. They informed me that I had to complete 6 consecutive months of a diet plan. She stated that I had to meet with either my pcp, dietician or nutritionist and they have to document my weight and diet at least once a month. I am very excited to have started the process, I'm sure the next 6 months will breeze by, but I wish I was getting sleeved like next month????

What if they ask me to undress for a "true weigh in"?

Chris, we have the exact same b-day! I knew u were cool!!!????

I'm waiting for him to contact me, they said it would be less than 2 weeks. I will be sure to keep in close contact with him and update him as well. Thank you much. If you think of any thing going forward that can possibly help please advise because I would like to get approved the 1st time around:)

Thanks Chris-NYC, that's great to know. I am meeting with the surgeon very soon. I am also meeting with my PCP soon as well. Do you know if I should meet with my pcp before the surgeon? And do I contact UHC and tell them that I am pursuing the surgery?

I will be a January sleever if all goes well:)

That's what I need, I guess... I'm super close to the necessary weight

Thank you so much for the support. I cannot wait until surgery day:)

No, I think the reason being is because it's our family doctor and he treats my mom and my brother. They both have higher blood pressure so when he sees my pressure at 140ish, he doesn't fret much due to the family history. That's my guess.

Your plan sounds similar to mine, who is your weight loss doctor?