curlgirl

I had Dr. Nagle at Northwestern. Great hospital and team. Nurses were top notch. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

It took me a week to be able to cough or sneeze without discomfort. Hiccups still get me Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Flew out to Chicago from the west coast yesterday. I meet with the surgeon, dietitian, and pre-op nurse today. Surgery is 8/16. Over all I am pretty calm but lacking decent sleep. Excited to be in Chicago. Bummed deep dish is off the table. So ready to be on the other side. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Ok. I knew that took me a long time to get over. I miss Advil myself. My last migraine had me down for two days. My pharmacist suggested magnesium supplements daily as a preventative measure for migraines since NSAIDs are a no go. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Just asking to get info - Were you able to wean off of caffeine prior to surgery? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I know everyone's surgeon has specifics. For example, I have no liquid diet requirement prior to surgery, just two high Protein low fat, low carb meals and a shake for two weeks. Be honest and speak to your team tomorrow. It may be just fine. Good luck and breathe.

August 16th. You must be so excited! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

My goodness. What hospital was this circus at? Let us know how you are managing over the next few weeks. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hi all. In all of the investigation and research, I have never felt the need to share much. But woo hoo, this week has been a roller coaster. My investigation into bariatric surgery began in April of this year with a chance catch at the bottom of my insurance coverage. Read my thoughts in bold: Services Your Plan Does NOT Cover (This isn’t a complete list. Check your policy or plan document for other excluded services.) *Cosmetic surgery (unless reconstructive) - well craptasic applesauce, this melasma mustache isn't going anywhere. Google it. *Dental care (Adult) - cool, I have dental. *Routine foot care (limited coverage may apply) - k? *Infertility treatment (limited coverage may apply) - good? Babies at 40 aren't my thing. *Weight loss programs - da fu? Really. Not even when you can track success and follow a plan, huh? *Long-term care - getting old in America is going to suck. Good thing my husband came with a kid and he likes me more. Other Covered Services (This isn’t a complete list. Check your policy or plan document.) *Hearing aids - hmmm. *Private-duty nursing - hmmm. *Routine eye care (Adult) - nice. *Non-emergency care when traveling outside the U.S. - Is my passport current? *Acupuncture - this is progressive. Nice. *Bariatric (preauthorization required) - hmmm. *Chiropractic care - CRACK! ... Wait, what was that last one? Mention to my mom,"hey think my insurance has good coverage for bariatric surgery. Like, maybe the deductible and that's it." (Shoulder shrug) And BAM, the ball gets rolling. PCP calls. Centers of excellence calls. Appointments start. I tell random strangers what to do with me if I am in a vegetative state. My husband asks, "are you sure?" Yep. Schedule. Over schedule. Cancel. Try and find a willing doc for the psych evaluation. Call after call. Sleep eval. Endoscopy. (BTW I can't handle any opiate without vomit.) I have cramps. Call from the care coordinator, "sending you stuff through,but your sleep eval issue?" Huh? Magic same night cpap appointment available. BUT Not even worried. It will happen when it happens. Delays are no biggie. I can adjust schedules based on surgery date. Find sitters. Breathe. No rush. This is a big deal. Hell, I'm not even approved. Ummm. Where is my period? Seriously. I have an app for that. Where is it? It's never late. I am taking calls from intake doctors. Yep, everything is normal. Calls from appointment setters. Yes, that will work just fine. (8/16 BTW). But, where is my period?!?!? When I got married and was asked the inevitable, " when are you going to have a baby?" (Which is a question that deserves a punch in the face, BTW.) I always responded with, "it'll be by accident." Well hell, not this week! Not 4 years later. My goodness, The doctor stopped mid interview and asked, " you know you can get pregnant without using protection?" Duh (with an eye roll). And so begins my penance. No damn blood. BUT today was a crampy, blessed miracle. Thank the sweet baby jesus I do not personally believe in. I started my period. Happy Saturday y'all. I hope yours rocked as much as mine.

Very excited to have pre-approvals from insurance.For my program, I choose a Center of Excellence for 100% coverage. I also pay for flights, hotel, meals, and transport, and get reimbursed after submitting what is basically an expense report. Does anyone else have experience with BCBSIL (or your own insurance) with what is covered or denied in the end as far as incidentals. The economy flight, can it be flexible? Can it be economy plus? The meal coverage, can it include alcohol (not for me of course)? What was your experience? What did you have to fight to get reimbursed on? What went through with out question? I appreciate everyone's input. Thanks!

Thank you for your post @lipsticklady. Preparing for this journey puts a lot of people in a bubble. A needle to pop it always lets new air in. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations! I bet it's very exciting! I meet my surgeon the day before everything happens. So nervous. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I am scheduled for surgery on August 16th. I feel like my insurance works backwards. I have to chose the surgeon, get all the tests and appointments, get a date, and then they review the claim for approval. They just spent 7k on a whole bunch of appointments. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Sorry. I am wordy. Just a relief. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I sent this to my care coordinator today Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I will welcome you with my first post as well. I thought I'd sit back and glean what tidbits I could through the whole process, but I liked your honesty and thoughtfulness. Good for you for taking some very important steps for success. I hope to have a date near yours after a few more appointments. 3 months is nothing. You will breeze through it. Work on you. You seem to know what's important. Best of luck. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App