glitzandglam

So, my PCP suggested I see the surgeon. I am 225lbs 5'4. I have high blood pressure that I just can not seem to get under control with the medication. The medication makes me feel awful and I am on 3 different pills. My mother passed away from complications due to HTN at age 45 and the closer I get to 45 (I am 39), the more anxiety I have. Well, I saw the surgeon yesterday and he said I can start the process! I spoke with the Financial/Insurance person. She says I meet the criteria set by my insurance company (Aetna-Innovation Health). She said that it is a fairly simple process for my insurance company. I have to have a psych eval due to me taking Zoloft for anxiety (I am a veteran) and take the 90 day supervised nutrition class which I start on next Wednesday the 14th. I also have to have an upper G I, which I will do in a couple of months. I can't believe that I am getting this opportunity. I have struggled with my weight for so long, I had almost given up on ever getting control of it. I also have to stop smoking, I haven't smoked in 2 days but I pray this isn't going to be a big challenge. I asked myself, "Do you wanna ruin this opportunity for yourself or do you want to take charge of your life?" I know I can do it! Soooooo.......lets see how this goes!

Can't Wait! See you there!!

Good For You!

I also had to get cardiac clearance. My EKG is abnormal 2 out of 3 times. I have had 4 stress tests in the last 10 years- always looks good including the echo. That works out nicely that you can get yourself in quickly! I hope that everything goes well! I understand about your BP issue being a reminder. I feel like their have been so many changes in my body in the last year- as if it is giving up. Just in the last month- BP, Diabetes and now an issue with my thyroid. I am looking forward to getting healthy! I start the liquid on Tuesday the 24th. I see him the 26th also- what time is your appointment? Mine is at 8:30 but I will be there most of the day because I have to wait around for the 2:00 group nutrition class. I have the class at 2pm on the 26th as well and I see him after the class at 4:30.

I saw my PCP yesterday to work on getting clearance for surgery. My blood pressure is too high,155/110. She also did an EKG and later told me I would need to see a cardiologist for clearance due to changes since my last EKG in 2015. She put me on a beta blocker and told me to come back in a week to follow up. In the meantime, I will be seeing a cardiologist on Friday and am anticipating a stress test or an echo or both. Luckily, I am the supervisor for the Cardiac Diagnostics scheduling and registration department so I anticipate being able to get this all done before I see the surgeon for the last time before surgery on the 26th. Everything is moving right along. I will go and pick up everything I need for the 2 week liquid diet tomorrow. I will be starting this on Sunday. Time is going by really fast. The hiccup with the blood pressure really reminded as to why this is important. I am so tired of dealing with this issue.

February 6th!! Omg.....it is happening so fast!

I just got my surgery date- feb7! We might be in the hospital at the same time! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Cool! It's nice to talk to someone who has the same surgeon!

My first consultation visit was September 4th. Started the 90 Nutrition Class on September 14th. Finished Class on December 14th. Did my Psych eval on December 27th. They submitted to my insurance on December 27th (Aetna Innovation Health) Got an approval on January 5th and scheduled for February 6th. I didn't realize all the things I would have to do leading up to surgery. I have to get an EKG and Blood Work, an upper G.I., surgery clearance from my PCP, a phone interview, an online course, another nutrition class, another dietician appointment, and I have to have all of this done before my final physician appt that is scheduled for the 26th. I also have to start the liquid diet 14 days prior to surgery as well. I am also pretty sure my PCP is going to require cardiology clearance for my blood pressure/cardiomegaly. I like the fact that I will be busy getting things done up until my surgery date, hopefully there won't be too much time to get anxious. I am still in shock that this is moving forward and it feels like it happened so fast! Good Luck!

Wow....I haven't updated since October 4th!!! Well, I got an approval and a surgery date!! Feb 6th......nervous and excited!

So, I have completed 2 of the nutrition classes. 1 to go. I have not smoked in 25 days.....Almost a Month! I am really getting anxious. I see all these success stories and I am excited to join in. Still here.....ready to keep moving forward!

I had my consultation yesterday 9/8/16. I will start my 90 day supervised diet next week on 9/14. I will have to pay about $3500 out of pocket. My plan is to use my HSA for most of it so I prefer to wait until after the new year to schedule the actual surgery. I am excited! Do you have a flexible spending account or HSA you can use. They usually give you access to the funds at the beginning of the year and you contribute each pay period. I don't know if this is an option but I am hoping so!

Excited with you! I am just starting the process........stay positive!