MissJDVSG

I believe the original poster has Medicaid, like me. I feel like with Medicaid, it is less about changing eating habits or proving that you can lose weight, and more about trying to deter a lot of people from wanting Medicaid to pay for the surgery. My surgeon's office said that the Medicaid insurance requirements for the surgery are some of the toughest. My personal feeling is that they think people will see that long list of requirements and either save up and self pay or give up on bariatric surgery all together. But, maybe I'm just being cynical. I'm still glad that I had to do the 6 months because I've learned a lot about post-op life and changed my eating habits to essentially match post-op eating. Nonetheless, I don't feel like that's the point of it. A lot of private insurances require a 3 or 6 or sometimes even 9 month diet period too, though. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yup, same here. I'm Illinois Medicaid. It's only about a half hour phone call. No biggie. It's nice to get closer to and closer to this surgery! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

These are legitimate concerns. Actually I did the online one (bariatricpsycheval.com) too because of my less than stellar insurance. I think that for people who don't have a history of mental health issues, this kind of evaluation is fine. That's not to say that we won't need a good therapist after getting sleeved. I know that a lot of the mental work that comes with massive weight loss happens postoperatively. But honestly the psych eval just seems to be a box that you need to check off to get the surgery, either because of insurance or surgeon requirements. Plus the online evaluation still makes you take some tests, and then you have a phone call with a psychiatrist where they ask you about your weight, family issues, issues with food, mental health issues, if you have a support system, etc. I think this would qualify more as telemedicine than purely "online". Regardless, as someone who is a full time student and who works pretty ridiculous hours, I'm grateful that this service exists to get this requirement taken care of without having to meet in person or go through several appointments. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi Talking disability.. I got partial favorable. But the social security office made. Me re apply . Is this true ? And why I already was in front of judge .. please and thank you for info . I know it's not advice Linda BYPASS 10/17 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Hmm, I'm not sure about this. I've seen some partial favorable decisions where the person needed to reapply and some partial favorable where they did not need to reapply. It might depend on individual circumstances as determined by the adjudicator or administrative law judge. I'm not a social security lawyer (I only worked there for a bit while I was in law school-and I'm still in school so I'm not a licensed attorney yet), so I'm defiantly not an expert. But if you have questions about your rights in terms of your benefits, I recommend seeking out a disability attorney. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Best of luck to you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There are also medical loans you can take out to finance the surgery if you can't get it through insurance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When I wanted to do self pay (before I realized that my insurance would cover it) my surgeon Dr. Rami Lutfi out of Presence St. Joseph in northern Chicago quoted me 16,000 for the sleeve. I'm not sure about any centralized database. I doubt it though, since it all varies by state, surgeon, etc. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Well, if you apply again and get approved, you can always get off of disability at some point when you are feeling better. I understand where you're coming from. I'm 27, and although I don't have diabetes or the other conditions or disabilities you listed, I do have a lot of back pain if I'm walking around a lot or on my feet a lot (like during working out). When I lost a bit of weight a few years back (I went from 350 to 320) my back pain improved so much. Of course, I gained the weight back and my back is painful again, so I'm hoping WLS will help with that. I'm sorry you're struggling with all of these issues at such a young age. Hopefully WLS will be the tool that helps you lose weight, which in turn helps alleviate these conditions. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I used to work helping people with Social Security disability. You have to not be working for 12 consecutive months to apply for Social Security disability, generally. There are some exceptions but not many. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to get approved (depending on denials and appeals). First, if you're under 50, they will make their decisions based on all jobs in the economy. For example, if you are doing a moderate to heavy physical labor job, if they think you can do a desk job, you may get denied (regardless of whether you have the training to do a desk job). If you're over 50, it's a bit easier to get approved. Second, you need to have thorough medical records. Feeling something but not having it documented by your doctor means it doesn't exist as far as what Social Security looks at. It's not easy, unless you (unfortunately) have a terminal or totally debilitating illness. You should do it if you feel that it's what is best for you. I just wanted to give you some information from my experience. This information is not intended to be legal advice. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Haha, I love the reference. Congrats on your progress! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm also hoping for a January 2017 date. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Right! They are so good, everyone at that office. I'm done with my requirements in December, I'm so excited for the surgery! let me know how your journey goes! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

How did your appointment with Dr. Lutfi go? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look great! What is most important is that you clearly feel great! Thank you for being so inspirational! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Haha, I was reading this whole exchange and that was my first thought! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't had my surgery yet, but I'm 4 months into my 6 month insurance required diet with Dr. Lutfi's office. I also just had my EGD, which Dr. Lutfi does himself. I totally recommend him. You might have a slight wait during your first consult (I think he only does new consults one day a week, because he does bariatric surgery the other days, and regular gastrointestinal surgery on the other days). But other than that, everything has been smooth sailing with him. But what is most important is to find a surgeon that makes you feel comfortable. Good luck! Let me know how it goes with Dr. Lutfi! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I know how you feel! This will be my first surgical experience so it makes me nervous. But I try to remind myself that there are always risks in life and (as we are all aware) there are also serious risks associated with obesity. It's totally normal though! We can do this! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look amazing! Congratulations! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't had surgery with Dr. Lutfi yet, but he is really good (and Board Certified) from what former patients have told me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

You look fantastic! Hard work pays off. Also, I love the red lip! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Loyola's part of the lakefront is certainly beautiful too! Thank you so much! I will definitely take you up your offer. I'm doing my best to be as educated about everything as I can beforehand. If you have any bariatric wisdom to offer though, I'll take it! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I grew up in the suburbs but moved out to Rogers Park for college. And I've stayed there ever since (almost 10 years now, but I'm thinking of moving closer downtown in the next year or two). Yes, I love the city, especially the early fall non-humid weather! I'm hoping to be sleeved around early January/February, and I'm so excited! I used to run a lot as a teenager so I'm excited to get to a point where I could do that without grinding my knees to powder, haha. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Chicago as well. I can't wait to get to the point of being able to walk, or even jog, along the lakeshore! Thanks for the inspiration! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's based on your insurance or if you are self pay. My insurance requires 6 months of nutritionist appointments on top of a psych eval, pulmonalogist visit, and cardiologist visit. But don't worry, they go through all of that on your first visit. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

He told me that he has done over 800 sleeves. I know he does the other WLS too. And he does regular surgery too, I believe. I have a lot of confidence in him. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I started my insurance required 6 months of NUT appointments in July. I should be all done by December. I'm hoping to have the surgery in early January or February 2017. Yes, I can't believe I'm (almost) already two months down from when I began the process. It is going to be so fast! Here's to making the best choice for our health and happiness! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App