Lisa1996

1 more day! The hunger isn't so bad- but the fatigue is crazy! I am only allowed clear liquids- no protein shakes. I'd give my big toe for some protein right now!

I'm 1 week pre-op. Now that I'm on the home stretch little worried are popping into my head. I know pain is a very subjective thing, but what was your experience like? I will have pain management in the hospital, but after all I willow allowed is Tylenol. I have had abdominal laparoscopic surgeries in the past (gallbladder removal) and it was pretty bad for about 5 days and that was on narcotic pain medication. Generally I'd say I'm not too afraid of pain, but I'm a little nervous about this one. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't had surgery yet, but they went over pain management at my pre op visit. No narcotics at home????

my surgeon thinks that ultimately narcotic pain relievers impede the healing process of the bowel, and digestive system as a whole.

Me too! Good luck!Me three, lol! May 3rd and start my 9 day liquid diet on Sunday. I am allowed to have 2 shakes, 1 Triple Zero Oikos yogurt w/ 1 scoop unflavored Protein powder, and broth, SF Popsicles and SF Jello.Haha, I guess we are the Three Amigos! I have my last Dietary visit today as well as the pre- op visit. I only have to do a liquid diet for 3days before surgery. It's certainly getting very real right now! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

May 3rd!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My husband and I are having gastric bypass. My surgery is scheduled for May 3r (hooray) my husband is waiting till January 1 (insurance deductible reasons). He doesn't want to tell anyone, I don't care who knows, I think people will guess anyway. Just curious who you all told?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for all you responses! I think mostly I'll just cross that bridge when I get there. I'm just so happy that it is happening soon!!!

I had my consultation a couple weeks ago. My surgeons office sent in for approval and have not heard back yet. I know they will deny the first attempt, as this is the only way for the surgeon to find out what specific criteria I need to meet. We have tried and tried to find out what criteria I need to meet, but the only thing they will tell me is that we need to submit and they will enter it into InterQual smart sheets (So much for transparency). I'm wondering if it is a good idea to just have my attorney write a letter right away? I realize I am getting ahead of myself, but already they have been a pain to work with. Has anyone here had any luck hiring an attorney to help them advocate their appeal?

I GOT APPROVAL TODAY!!!!!

You look fabulous and I'm sure you feel wonderful! Thank you for posting, it's so encouraging to see victories!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

That's my date as well! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

thank you littlered1293, that is reassuring to hear. I think we are finally getting some answers, I need 3 diet visits and a psych exam. I am still a little nervous because I am right at the cusp of a 40 bmi. there were times in the last few years I had dipped below. Do you mind me asking what your bmi history was? Don't feel obliged to answer that if its too personal.

Thank you for the responses! You all are amazing! Unfortunately every link brings me to the InterQual guidelines- which require a user name and password (my username and password do not work) to be used only with participating providers. http://www.wellmark.com/Provider/MedPoliciesAndAuthorizations/PreService_InterQual.aspx I have confirmed that bariatric surgery is covered under my plan. Do you think the plan document will have the criteria or just spell out that it is covered? In any case I will request a copy. The reluctance with information on the part of BCBS is unsettling.

I will check them out! We have prepaid legal benefits through my husbands employer. I will probably have them send a letter to BCBS (at no extra cost to me). Perhaps that will be all I need to do to get light a fire under them.

It is very weird. That's why I am contemplating getting my attorney involved from the beginning. It's like pulling teeth to get an answer.

Unfortunately Wellmark BCBS has zero criteria listed online. I will continue to press them until I get something that resembles an answer. Talking to them is beyond frustrating, although I will say everyone I have spoken with has been very pleasant, but not at all helpful. I think part of the issue is the plan is technically funded by my husbands employer, so BCBS is essentially a middle man for claims.

It's out of Iowa. I have tried several times to find out what I needed, and the surgeon has also tried to get a straight answer, with no luck.

I just had my consultation today. I'm very much looking forward to getting started on this journey! I have tried contacting my insurance provider (Wellmark) and they could not give me any specifics about the approval process. Has anyone dealt with Wellmark recently? What were the prerequisites? How long did the pre approval take? I'm worried that I have not had three years documented at my current weight. Thank you so much for helping!