healthy-me-in-Az

Hi, I am in the Peoria area. I chose Scottsdate Bariatric Center. Dr Robin Blackstone will be doing my band July 10th.

Hi everyone! Those of you who had insurance pay for your surgery, did you have to pay your portion to the surgeon before surgery? When they called me friday to tell me I was approved and schedule me, they said I will have to pay my portion when I attend my pre-op class. I know someone will call me and go over all this but what should I expect? I have BCBS of Az. They cover 90%. Thanks!

July 10th!!!!

WooHoo! I am a July Jewel!!!! My surgery is scheduled for July 10th. I am sooooooo excited! A little scared, but mostly excited. Oh and I just did this siggy... so let's road-test!

YAY! I got my approval today! Only took my insurance 3 days! My surgery date is July 10th!!! I am so excited, I can't stand it!

Hi Tish! Nice to 'meet' you! Good luck on your journey here.

I just had my psych eval this last Wednesday. Basically, I had to take a written test of 350 questions. The questions focused on drugs and alcohol issues, self esteem, suicide etc. Then I had a 40 minute session with the psychologist. He asked me some medical history questions. Asked about my attempts at weight loss. He asked a lot of questions about my family. What kind of relationship I had with my mom, dad, siblings. Then asked about my relationship with my husband. What he thought of my wanting to have WLS. I was robbed at gunpoint at work several years ago so we discussed that. And it was only brought up because on my paperwork I had to disclose that I had been in therapy before. The psychologist is part of the Scottsdale Bariatric Center. His job is to evaluate me to see if I am ready for any WLS or if I have any issues I need to deal with first. His other function is to help my surgeon determine which procedure would be most beneficial with my personality and medical concerns. It was decided by both my NP and the psychologist that I am a perfect band candidate. I think a major part of that is the fact I have done a lot of research (here and on my own) and I have a very realistic expectation. I would say just be honest and don't worry about it!

Hi everyone! I had my initial consult today. I took my psych test. I saw the exercise physiologist, nutritionist, psychologist and the NP. The psychologist and the NP both agreed the band is the right procedure for me. I am glad because I really wouldn't have considered the bypass or sleeve. I have to call my gynecologist and get 5 years of weights so they can submit to my insurance for approval. I am crossing my fingers that my insurance is as good as I think it is and it will sail through. I am really hoping for surgery sometime in July. I found out my surgeon doesn't do a special pre-op diet. They just ask that you lose 10% of your excess weight. For me, that is 10 lbs. They set exercise goals and nutrition goals for me at my appointment today. They are very realistic and do-able. So far, I am really impressed with my surgeon and her staff.

Hi everyone! I am new here. After considering WLS for a few years now, I finally decided I wanted to do this. Something 'clicked' in my head and I just knew this was the right choice. I always held out thinking, 'if only I worked just a little bit harder on my diet'. But, after we being morbidly obese for the vast majority of 15 years, I decided I need some help! I am 36 years old, I have 8 year old twin boys. I was diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 20. I have about 110 lbs to lose. I can lose weight on my own, just can't keep it off for more than a few months at a time. I need help. I need to get off this roller coaster and be healthy. I saw my family doctor May 5th and told her I wanted to do the banding. She supported my decision and wrote me a referral letter. I had already chosen a surgeon, she comes highly recommended by several people I work with. Her name is Robin Blackstone of Scottsdale Bariatric Center. I had my seminar on May 17th. They called me for my 4 hour consultation appointment on the 19th. It is this coming Wednesday. I am very excited, nervous etc. I will see the psychologist, nutritionist, exercise physiologist and the physician's assistant during this appointment. My husband isn't totally on board, but he told me this was my decision and he would support me. I am counting on that because I am going to need it!