BobBayCityMI

I am through a privately insured group with work. We are self-paid. ConnectCare is the brand name. They have a HUGE set of requirements to be approved, but it is OK. Gave me time to think and know it was the right thing to do.

Yes. Many plans do consider the sleeve to be investigational, although it has been done in Europe for many years with very good, long-term results. It is just a way and a reason that insurances can use to deny the procedure. Plus, my private feeling (nothing to base it on at all) is that some of the insurance companies are in cahoots with the band suppliers. You will have to wait the weekend to get your answers, but know that you are not alone in this sometimes frustrating trek. I was thrilled beyond words to be approved on the first try, but I also know I did a helluva lot of work to make sure everything was done beyond the minimal expected requirements. And I had to have patience, and, goodness, I hate that!

Well, can you give us some details? Why was it denied? Was it something they say you did not do? Or not meeting their criteria?

Sex...hmmm. Fun thing? Curls the toes? Makes one scream loudly? Never heard of it. But I do hope that weight loss will result in intimacy increases. Might be easier to, well, ummm, dock?

Start my pre-op liquid starvation diet on Sunday. My, oh, my. It seems like one of my best friends (food) will be dying. But I also know it is OK. They warned us about the headaches, bad breath, grogginess, and irritability. To which my wife responded, "So what's new?" She does have a point. A fat, eating wrong Bobby is no joy either!

Am considering getting a magic bullet. So much protein stuff to mix!

That's a bummer, but as long as not canceled, just delayed, that is promising. The eight months I waited to get approved seemed like an eternity. Had to do a lot of one day at a time and pray for patience. Just think...will be one week ahead of you and can guide you through!

This may sound odd, but I do not want my wife to go with me when I have my surgery done. To me, this is my choice and I want to do this on my own. Yes, I know it will affect her as well, and that she has a vested interest in my doing well. I just am so torn. My pigheadedness is showing, I suppose. I just have disappointed her so many times in the past with my promises to lose weight, and although she supports my choice, she is not for the surgery feeling that I should be able to lose weight in more traditional ways. Just needed to vent...

Thanks all. She is going, but I asked her not to go to pre-op, to just go and wait. I want/need that time fro myself. Will be in for two nights and three days; she will be there, too.

We have discussed it at length. She is just worried that it is non-reversible and that I will croak. I know if I do not lose, I will croak. So she will go. I am lucky in that I would not be alone anyway as I have friends who work at the hospital I am having the surgery at and they will bug the hell out of me anyway!

Oh, she will go, and yes has met with the doctor and all. My problem is my not wanting her to go. But, you're right Susan...no need to hurt her with my selfishness. Have done that with my eating too often.

Heyas fellow Michigander. Way to go! I have my surgery on August 3 at Hurley in Flint, but am looking forward to the wonderful change in life as well.

*checks the plumbing..* Nope. Guy! Phew~! Would have to fill out all of those damn forms again...

I can feel your nerves...I have them too. But I know it is the right decision. I did the research, looked at the pros and cons, and know it is right for me. I talked with oodles of people who have had the three different procedures done and know the sleeve fits me best. I guess it is my relationship with food changing so drastically that has me the most sad. But this love is what has gotten me here! You have my good thoughts streaming your way!

I will be in two nights and three days. Luckily, I am a teacher and will have the remainder of the month of August to be ready. But, from what I understand, I will be exercising from damn near wakey wakey time after the surgery. Luckily, I am in decent shape overall, just fat.

What a great date! Mine date is.....August 3, too! A sister sleever! 8:30 in the morning I am gonna get sleeved, which is a lot better than being slimed. But because of it I will be slimmed. Oh, gotta love the language!

Thanks for the insights, all. I do know one of my main problems is portion control and being able to tell what a "normal" size is. If a little is good, a lot must be better. SO more to learn to break my bad habits!

August 3 is my sleeve date. Been a long process (or so it seems). Was originally looking at the lap band, but changed to the sleeve. Know I will have lots of questions, concerns and ignorance about this all, but also know I can find the answers here and from other reliable sources. Looking forward to getting to know some other former fatties. Happy summer!

My path was not quite as long, but same type hoops. August 3 is my date, so we will be operation soul mates! Congrats.

If I were to make it to the "proper" weight according to the tables, it would be around 190, which would require the removal of a limb, most likely a leg. In high school in top shape and thin I was 220. I am shooting for 245 now, which would make me a SKINNY dude (for me!).

Had my final meeting with my doctor today. Mike is actually a PA and has been a lead force in getting this done. Next week is my pre-op and nutritionist meeting. Insurance approved the surgery but have to have a special pre-op referral. What a bunch of crud! But for Mike I am a learning experience for him as well. Liquid diet starts on July 19. Birthday is July 25, so celebrating before the 19th! :cursing:

And we do NOT put down the seat in here. Fair warning :cursing:

OK...drainage tube? I know I will have a Foley (oh, joy of joys!), but first I heard of this. Congrats on your loss. Start my preliminary liquid diet on July 19. My birthday is the 25th *sigh* But it is worth it!

But $2500 for 22 visits to JH over two years? That would not even cover the travel fees! But, if closer, I would participate.

Another guy! Wow...two of us. And all these lovely women. Wow.