kthorn1

Hi - I just had VSG on July 21 and used FEP BCBS. It took me about 6 months to complete all the of insurance requirements but there was no written rule that you had to wait 6 months. The only specific timeframe requirement relates to nutritional counseling, which states you have to undergo nutritional counseling for atleast 3 months prior to surgery. You also have to have documentation of obesity for atleast a full year before surgery, but I had my PCP write a letter stating how long I've been classified above the obesity BMI and that sufficed for that requirement.

Congratulations for getting to this stage! I know for me, this period is the hardest to stay patient. lol. I echo what others have said - every program/hospital seems to be different. My last clearance appointment was on June 6. The bariatric coordinator called me a couple weeks later to schedule the surgery. It's been scheduled for July 21,

Welcome! I'm new(er) to this community, as well, but it's been great so far to learn from others who are or have been in the process. I had my initial consultation in January of this year and completed all of my pre-op requirements at the beginning of June. My surgery is scheduled for July 21. I'm having VSG. I'm 31 and live in Florida. No children but I do have the cutest, most spoiled English Bulldog.

Three times?!? Oh no - that sounds awful. The worst has to be behind you and FOURTH TIME WILL BE THE CHARM.

Woo - can't wait to join the losers bench with you. Will be nice to have this board to come back to and check in on how everyone is doing as we recover

Hi everyone! I’m having the sleeve on July 21. My two-week liquid diet starts a week from tomorrow.

I've read about so many success stories from people having surgery in Mexico - I'm sure you will be one of them. I know it's a long shot that we live in the same area, but would love to have a local friend going through this process, if so. I'm in NW-ish Florida.

Hi everyone! I'm a little late to the convo but am happy to meet some fellow June sleevers. My last pre-op appointment is June 6th, and my bariatric coordinator said the surgery would likely be 3-4 weeks after that (putting me at end end of June/first of July).

Hi everyone! My surgery is projected to be in the first couple weeks of July (my last pre-op appointment is June 6th, and the coordinator of my bariatric center said the surgery is usually around a month later, barring limited issues with insurance). I currently live in Florida and am considering flying to Pittsburgh the week of Labor Day to attend a football game of my undergrad alma mater with friends and visit family. However, I’m hesitant to book the trip because I don’t know how I’ll feel 6-7 weeks after surgery. I know everyone is different but I would love to hear from you all about your recovery experiences. Would you have been able to fly, stay outside for 3+ hours, be social for a weekend (:D) approximately 2 months out? Thanks in advance!

Good advice! I can't wait to be at a healthier weight so that I can comfortably do all the fun outdoor activities our state has to offer!

Same to you (as my reply to the original poster). Would love to make some new virtual friends through this process. I was born in WV and lived there until I was 24. Spent ages 18-24 not far from you...in Morgantown.

Hi there. I know this was posted almost a month ago - but would love to make some virtual friends to go through this journey with. I'm almost done with the VSG pre-op process, and although I don't live in WV anymore, I was born and raised there, so always looking for more fellow West Virginians to connect with through this process.

That's a great point! Thank God, even though my starting weight was 436, I've always been able to do the things I'm hoping to do the weekend in question (I'm fully mobile, can fly, walk around an airport, attend a game, etc.). BUT there was pain involved. My back would hurt or I'd have to stop and catch my breath if walking up multiple bleachers. Definitely looking forward to NOT slowing down my friends in the future. I'd been thinking about surgery for over a year, but one of my major turning points was a few months ago while I was on a vacation to the DR. I went on a snuba trip, and the boat didn't have a full ladder to climb back up, like I'm used to. It had a single step. I couldn't pull all of my body weight back up, so I had to have someone help pull me back on the boat. Talk about embarrassing......but it led me to making positive changes.

Sounds like it was a wonderful trip!

That's so good to hear - makes me look forward to being where you are.

Reading about y’all’s experiences makes me hopefully! I have FEBBCBS basic and am almost done with the pre-op process (last appointment is June 6). I was worried I’d have to wait many weeks to get approval.