lovestohike

I have chosen to only tell my husband and our parents (And I only told them because I have needed their help watching our children during all my doctors appointments). I am not telling anyone until I am post op and have reached a point that I am ready to discuss it. I am doing this for me and I didn't want to deal with negativity. So far I think keeping quiet about it has been best for me.

I had to sample Protein drinks at a support group meeting. I normally dislike shakes but I was pleasantly surprised that I like he Syntrax Matrix Protein Drinks. I liked the chocolate, Cookies and cream, vanilla, and Peanut Butter cookie. Good Luck in finding something you like

Hey everyone I had my first appointment with my surgeon in May. I'm using my insurance so I was given a long list of requirements that I have to complete before I can submit a request for insurance to pay. Things like sleep study, medical records, attend a group session, 7 month weight loss program, etc. The hard one of the list is the 7 month supervised weight loss program. I am lucky that I have a great doctor that is supervising my program. With me just being at the beginning the time frame of when my surgery will be seems like such a LONG time away. I am having difficulty getting motivated during this process. Do any of you have any suggestions for surviving the insurance requirement process? I really want this to be a positive time for me and to use it as a time to get healthier before surgery and not just wishing it away.

I can definitely relate to feeling like I am just going through the motions. I had my first months weigh in today. 1 lb down, 6 more months to go to complete my 7 month program. I have my sleep study next month. Then I'll just have to attend 1 support group meeting before the end of my 7 months and my packet will be complete for the insurance company. I am hoping to be ready to submit my packet in December. I have small children so I don't want to wish the next few months away, but with my current weight and the summer heat I'm finding myself miserable and guilty of wanting time to speed up. I am hoping I will have a better outlook in the fall when I'm further into the process. Currently focusing on the tasks I have on my list are helping somewhat. Good luck. Hopefully your time will pass quickly.

Thank you!!!! I have to keep reminding myself that I am closer than I was before I took the first step. At least now I do have a timeline. I am hoping for a January surgery. One of the things I am struggling with is that my patient advocate with my surgeon told me my insurance company doesn't really care if you loose (just not to loose big #'s), don't loose, or even gain. They just want a 7 month program completed. Which I guess is good because it doesn't put any pressure on me, but it also makes the process seem really pointless since there aren't any specific standards. I've set a personal goal of 20-25 lbs and to focus on establishing clean eating habits.

I recently created myself a binder "journal" and printed off calendars of the months until my hopeful surgery month. I'm tracking appointments and weight loss goals. It seems to be helping me focus on the present and not just wishing away the next 7 months. I like the idea of going a little deeper with it and journaling my thoughts through the process.

Hello everyone After weeks of thinking it over I am calling the doctor back tomorrow to set up my first consultation appointment. I've spoken with my insurance company and the surgery is covered but an initial 7 month doctor supervised weight loss program is required. I am a little nervous about the insurance approval process, especially knowing it will be a long process. I think it would help me mentally to have a realistic idea of what I have ahead of me. Would a few of you that did the insurance process mind telling me about your pre-surgery experiences? Also I'd love to just hear about your overall surgery experiences. Thanks so much.