hopefulvspgirl

It looks like you are in Michigan which fortunately is a state that requires insurance companies to cover the surgery. My first step if I were you would be to call my insurance company and find out what their requirements are. Mine only required a psych eval, meeting with a nutritionist, and a surgeon consult as long as my BMI was over 40. However, like some have mentioned, other require diet plans and most require comorbidities if your BMI is under 40. For me the process began on 06/22 and my surgery is 08/01, very quick considering I am an insurance patient. Good luck!

You know what really, truly convinced me to go ahead with the sleeve? Instagram. I had been considering it for a few weeks and then I discovered the WLS community on Istagram and was convinced. Finally, I could see women like me who made a choice to change their lives. And change they did! These women look and feel great, and support each other every step! I highly recommend searching the VSG hashtag on there when you are doubting what to do, it is so inspiring. I did attend a seminar before I had my first consult. I attended a seminar at my 2nd choice clinic, and it really cemented two things for me. 1. This was the right surgery for me. 2. My #1 Clinic was the right choice. I just didn’t feel comfortable amongst the people I met at the seminar.

I love your phone case! Keep up the good work!

I'm also August 1st! What is your pre-op diet? Mine is just low carb for two weeks.

Mine was, in my opinion, a waste of time. She basically asked if I knew the risks involved with the surgery, if I knew it was permanent, and if I was aware that I won't wake up the next day a size 2. Then when I said no to her asking if I had any history of anxiety or depression, she told me I just knocked a half hour off our session and sent me on my way.

@@lisakreature I was specifically told no on the berries because the seeds can get stuck in the staple lines. Didn't hear anything about spinach though...

I got my approval today too!!! I don't have a surgery date, but my first appointment was 06/22. Everything is going so quickly!

My insurance doesn't require a diet plan or anything, but I almost wish it had. I have similar concerns to you, and also picked up similar bad habits while going to school. For me, I've been wanting to prove to myself that I can do this and be successful. The surgery isn't magic and one day I will be able to go back to fast food if I make that choice. My biggest vice at this point in my life is probably Coke. I could drink it like Water if it didn't kill you dead, but after surgery this will be a no-go. Therefore I have given it up. I craved it like crazy the first few weeks, but now I'm fine with water or iced tea if I'm feeling frisky. I highly encourage you to start changing your habits now to make it easier on yourself after surgery and to prove to yourself that you can do it! Now, that isn't to say there aren't healthier choices at fast food places. Surgery changes your appetite, but not your lifestyle and I know how hectic life can be. Some good choices I've seen for after surgery (and you can incorporate these now): Panda Express Mushroom chicken Jimmy Johns Unwich (sandwich wrapped in lettuce with no bun) Chick Fil A Chicken salad or Grilled Chicken Bites KFC Grilled Chicken (and the mashed potatoes aren't TOO bad at only 120 calories) Burger with no bun Chipotle Chicken - Avoid sour cream (hard for me!) and tortillas

I have BCBSIL and my last appt was 06/28, and when I spoke with my insurance company they said they received it on 06/29. I'm hoping for a similar experience to Outside MatchesInside Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Dang girl! You are killing it! Keep on keeping on! Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hooo boy, I would not be ok with that. My very first appointment was a consult with the surgeon and I requested a different surgeon than the one I was originally scheduled with. It is important to me that I get on well with the surgeon and not have a sliver of doubt about their abilities.

Hi Kelly! I'm pre-sleeve, shooting for Aug/Sept. One of my biggest concerns is hair loss! What was your experience?

I'm really, really nervous about the timing of my surgery and I could really use some encouraging words or advice. I am currently on my parents' insurance and it covers the sleeve, but I get kicked off their insurance on November 1. My surgeon's office says I am likely to be going in for surgery in September. My problem is that I am getting married in January (January 28th) and going on our 3 week honeymoon immediately afterwards. Is it completely insane to have surgery in September and only have 4 months post op before the wedding and honeymoon? If I had the ability to wait for surgery, I absolutely would, but the insurance (through work) I would switch to on Nov 1 doesn't cover bariatric surgery so it is basically now or never.

Wow, no she didn't explain why... This is really interesting and I will try to speed it along as best I can! I thought I was at the mercy of the insurance company, but it's encouraging to know they can reply quickly. Thank you!

I want to go to an amusement park. I can now, but I want to go and sit in the rides and not wonder how tight it's going to be.

@@OutsideMatchInside I would be so excited to have surgery sooner, but that's dependent upon my insurance co's timing. The coordinator at my surgery center is estimating 2 months for approval.