Keenikwe

I'm down at the Mayo Clinic with my husband for his appointments and remembered that I hadn't heard back about my referral. I called and there must have been a glitch. I've been accepted into the program... and they had an appointment available today for the first initial appointment. I'm nervous and excited. I'm surprised they had an opening, but weather is bad right now and I wonder if a cancelation came up. But I have my psychology and dietitian appointments scheduled for tomorrow morning. I have to take a class next Wednesday that's a basic informational class. Things are rolling... in curious what the timeline will be. I hope they can provide that much so I know what to expect and so I can plan a bit more Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've now been smoke-free since that information came to light. It's from my insurance company so I want to make sure I document it properly so I don't get denied. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there, I spoke to my insurance and I feel like I knew all of the qualifications except for being smoke-free for 6 months prior to the surgery, I have BCBS FEP, I can quit today, I really only smoke in the evening with my husband so the smell of him smoking doesn't bother me. Prior to that it was a serious contention in our marriage. We'll figure out what we'll do... but how do I prove that I quit? Do I need to join smoking cessation program? The doctors office knows I have about 1 cigarette a day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Okay, that's good to know. My husband doesn't smoke in the house, but he is willing to keep it as far away as possible. I'm actually encouraging him to quit, but that's up to him entirely. I know he's trying. He bought the gum last week... I talked with my husband and since my insurance requires 6 months... I figure we have to document that somehow so I made an appointment with my primary. I figure if she can monitor it and I can go back in each month or every other month to document that I haven't smoked...? Too much? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes I'm going thru Mayo in Rochester. Over the last two days I saw the endocrinologist, psychologist and dietitian. I met briefly with the endo again at the end to ask follow up questions and he wanted to make sure this program was what we had in mind. I start the 12 week behavioral weigh management with a local provider today! I believe, if everything goes right, I'd be looking at surgery around late summer/early fall. I contacted my insurance to ask a load of questions and found out I have to be 6 months smoke-free. I do smoke 1-3 cigarettes a day and I'm ready to quit, yesterday! But does anyone know how to prove that I quit? Should I work with a cessation program? I'm sure I'll have to have documentation Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm starting the 6 month program. I believe tomorrow is day 1... so I'm 6 months or so they will submit the request for approval to my insurance company. I think... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm in Woodbury... anyone nearby? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi there! I'm new and taking a look around. I've made an attempt to request a referral back in August... but I didn't return the centers call. My husband just went thru cancer treatment and it seemed like too much for our family. So now I'm trying again. The journey begins. Here's a recent picture of me from Xmas eve with my kids and husband.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you everyone! I called Mayo and had to coordinate with my primary to send my referral over again. It took some digging for both clinics, but after a few follow up calls everyone connected the dots. My referral is now in and just waiting for it to be reviewed. I'm not sure what happens next, but eagerly standing by! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi I'm in Woodbury! I have BCBS FEP and I believe the preferred Center of Excellence is Mayo Clinic. I had started at my primary back in August and they sent a referral to Mayo, but when the center called I was in the midst of my husbands' cancer treatment and felt it was just too much for our family to take on an elective surgery... now that my husband had his RP and is on his road to healing I figured it was time to look back into my own journey. I plan to call Mayo today. I sent an email back on 12/15 and haven't heard from them yet... I just have to go for it. Any insight into the program would be greatly appreciated! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I live a fairly crunchy lifestyle... I definitely feel like the odd one out. I'd like to eat my healthy choices, shop and enjoy the lifestyle without the judgement. I also have certain styles I want to try but won't until I've lost the weight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App