katieroybal

It depends on the individual Cigna plan. I got my approval pretty quickly. Once it was submitted, it was only a couple of days until I got the approval.

I was also worried about it because I was on the cusp of 40 BMI. My doctor told me that insurance looks at your original BMI as the qualifying BMI. I was approved even though my BMI dipped down to 39.5 after the supervised diet.

I don't have a pre-op diet either. Just a one day restriction when it gets closer to April 5th. But I also started one just to get my mind in the right mood. To prove to myself that I can do this!

On a rare day, when the moon is full and the planets are all in alignment I can find that elusive beast. That 1 pair of size 18 W in JC Penny, Worthington brand, Short. They fit just perfectly on my 5'2" frame. If the elements favor me, I can find 2 pair on the same day in the same store but rarely in different colors. Seriously though, JC Penny for work wear. They are budget friendly, last at least half a year and their short style is pretty good. If you have a rounder mid section, buy the 18 W. The regular 18 short are on the tight side.

I'm set for April 5th. I was originally set for September 2016 but one of my pre-opt tests showed an issue I needed to address. That's done and I'm finally rescheduled and hopefully on my way. Fingers crossed!

@@Monet08 I too am worried about that. I haven't gained since my original assessment but I'm not down to the goal he originally set. Last Monday I cut out all carbs, alcohol, and really upped my Water intake. I'm having a small Protein rich Breakfast, half a Protein Drink as a morning snack, a really light lunch (sometimes just more protein drink), raw veggies for an afternoon snack (and for the fiber) and a super light dinner. Protein and cooked veggie only. I lost 2 pounds. That's something but this is really difficult. I just want to get to my last appointment before the surgery and weigh in. By the way, I'm also scheduled for September 14th.

@@Armygalbonnie ME TOO! It's like I could have written that. I'm over waking up in the morning and feeling ALL THE GRAVITY pull me down as my fat settles into place. I'm over the pain in my feet that I feel with every step. I'm over looking at myself in store windows as I walk by and think "frick, did I really get that big?" I'm over my mother telling me I'm going to die of a stroke because I'm overweight. I'm over feeling ashamed for being fat and I'm over being ashamed for not being more body positive. I'm over feeling hungry all the time as I lose weight in this stage. I'm over people saying "you aren't even that big" when I talk about surgery. I'm over self-esteem, ugly clothes, and poorly constructed shoes. Mostly, I'm over my son pointing out every diet/weightloss commercial and saying "you should do that, mommy." I love this kid but he sure can be brutally honest for a 10 year old. Gah. So over it.

@@Gaby86 I lost 2 lbs at my first weigh in, gained 2 in the second, lost 1.5 in the third, lost 1 more in the 4th and got approval. Don't stress it. My nutritionist kept saying, "we want to see that you are making healthy choices and working towards weight loss." That being said, I was told that if I net gained (ending up heavier than I started), I would be denied. I worked so freaking hard to lose that 3.5 pounds. I biked, worked out, barely ate, drank massive amounts of Water, did I mention barely ate? Now I'm working hard to not put it back on before my surgery (sept 14th). It's hard for me to give advice on losing weight because I've obviously never been successful at it. The only thing I can think of is to follow your plan and don't let yourself get close to your triggers. For example, if I go too long without food and get hungry, my blood sugar drops and I get insanely ravenous. I will reach for chips, fries, a pizza... anything to satisfy that crazy craving. Right now I don't let myself get too hungry. I drink half a Protein drink in between meals or snack on veggies. I hate it. I really do. But I do it anyways.

@ I'm also scheduled for that day. Interestingly, my doctor has not prescribed a liquid diet at all but, in order to kind of clear out my head and prepare myself for the liquid stage post-op, I'm putting myself on a sorta liquid diet for a couple of weeks. Just to prove to myself that I can do it. Good luck with surgery and congratulations.

Congratulations! Isn't it exciting? Good luck with your surgery.

ZOOOOMG I got my approval call today. I was originally told it would take 15 business days so when I got the call, I was in shock! September 14th is my big day. Now to process all the second guess feelings, anxiety, guilt and the other crap emotions that always show up after I make a big decision. Every day I wake up and wonder if I'm making the right choice for me. Then, when I get out of bed and feel all the weight of my body settle in with gravity and start to ache and hurt, I'm reminded that yes. Getting rid of this weight is the right choice for me. I had Cigna with a <89 days doctor supervised weight loss. 41 BMI with no co-morbidities.

Thank you all for the congratulations. I'm scheduled for September 14th for the Sleeve. I did the 90 days so my insurance would cover. I lost only 3 pounds of the 8 that was my goal but I worked really freaking hard for those 3 pounds. I didn't drop below 40 BMI but my insurance only takes the first weigh in, not the end weigh during the diet phase. @@olamae keep at it. I mean I really worked ridiculously hard to loose those 3 pounds. Extra walking, bike riding, going to the gym. I was really kind of pissed off that I didn't lose more for as much as I've been working at it.

This is my favorite Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is fantastic!!! I've never heard of roid cream being used for skin forming. Hahaha. Do let us knowing it works. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, my name is Katie and I'm a marketing professional who really hates Oprah's weight loss journey. It's like she's lost and gained the same 80 pounds over and over. That's like several inner skinny people (weight watcher's ad). The fact that I've done the same only makes me hate her more. Actually, I like Oprah. I just despise diet advertising of any kind. Nothing like making me feel worthless and hopeful all in the same 30 second spot. Hi, my name is Katie and I finally reached my breaking point. I've finally accepted that my obesity is hurting my quality of life. I've finally given myself permission to do something about it. (Besides crazy diets that never work). In fact, it was Oprah's recent Advertisment on WW that inspired me. After watching her rejoice over her recent weight loss with WW while still eating bread, I thought to myself, "daaaammmn, if Oprah can't keep it off with all her millions and access to the best personal chefs and physical trainers, a hometown girl like me is doooomed." So here I am, 1 week from my consultation, drinking a gin and tonic, ordering Chinese take out and righteously shaking my fist at the diet industry. One week, Oprah! One week and I will show you and the diet industry that I love myself enough to make the most radical life changing decision of my life!!!!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've been on the fence with body acceptance. On one hand, damn right! We should all love ourselves and forget anyone who has anything else to say about it. On the other, I feel awful and don't want to accept how I am right now. I think the movement is good for bringing awareness to the shame that society puts on obesity. Public health tried to shame people into quitting smoking until it realized that shame doesn't equal behavior change. So I mostly agree with the body positive movement while keeping an eye open for societal change effects. I'm curious to see how it is playing a role in marketing to plus size men and women. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You are all great encouragement. I've been lurking for a few weeks so I know I will fit right in with this group. Spleeeeee! And that Oprah parody? Hilar! I can't wait to share on Facebook. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App