Starting the process to get Sleeved

[former_vbg 198]

I just found this site about a week ago and have found it SOOOO helpful. Not only in reading so many people's experiences, challenges and even some of the negative. Reading about the statistics available which appear to be limited since the Sleeve is still considered fairly new for historical data, but when I did the VBG so long ago, the internet wasn't really a tool to do research like this and I just went with what the surgeon suggested. The other issue is there wasn't any post-op support outside of clinical surgery follow ups from his office. I did manage to loose probably 70% of the weight I had hoped, it has come back over the years. I'm not blaming the surgeon, just wish that there had been support groups and a referral to a nutritionist back then because I think if I had access to someone to help me learn a better lifestyle choices, I may have had a better long term outcome.

I never even thought about being able to go through another WLS because my surgeon told me back then, this was a "one shot deal". I believed him. Then, a friend who had the lap band a couple years ago said I should look into it and see what my options might be. Since then, I contacted her surgeon and started the process a couple months ago. They told me first I would need to get my medical records from that surgery which took FOREVER... Finally got them last week. I called this morning and now they are mailing me out a packet to fill out and send in for the surgeon to review to see if he thinks I am a surgical candidate. I had hoped I could just bring the medical records in for him to look at with a office consult, but unfortunately not.

I also called my insurance company this morning (Aetna PPO) and they cover ALL of the WLS procedures (Sleeve, Lapband, RnY, DS, and something else she called Pancreatic something). I was a bit shocked. What's kind of weird though is even though it was just a phone conversation, I was nervous about calling. Not just because I was afraid of being said it wasn't covered, but just having to ask the question to a stranger wondering what that person would think. Oh well...

I would like to loose about 100 to 120#, think my BMI is 35. I'm really starting to get excited about getting things back on track!!

This website is awesome!

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

I was originally going for the Lapband. And, my NUT suggested the sleeve because I needed to lose more weight then the typical weight loss the band offers.

I found this site from the lapband forum I used. And, I quickly fell in love.

The people here are AMAZING. So helpful. Especially TIFFYKINS. She has been such a great blessing to me. I text her with all kinds of questions and she's always so nice and helpful!

So you're definitely in the right place.

I wish you luck on your journey!! Hopefully you'll be a candidate for surgery.

I felt my journey took forever. But, now that I'm sleeved I realized my journey was QUICK compared to others who go through insurance.

I decided in July. Seminar in August. Sleeved in December (which is what I REALLY REALLY wanted since I'm off work!!)

But, the waiting game sucks. Hopefully you won't have to play much more of that!

Good luck. If you ever need to talk, PM me! I'm newly sleeved so I'm still learning the ropes. But, I'd be happy to help as much as possible.

[former_vbg 198]

I was originally going for the Lapband. And, my NUT suggested the sleeve because I needed to lose more weight then the typical weight loss the band offers.

I found this site from the lapband forum I used. And, I quickly fell in love.

The people here are AMAZING. So helpful. Especially TIFFYKINS. She has been such a great blessing to me. I text her with all kinds of questions and she's always so nice and helpful!

So you're definitely in the right place.

I wish you luck on your journey!! Hopefully you'll be a candidate for surgery.

I felt my journey took forever. But, now that I'm sleeved I realized my journey was QUICK compared to others who go through insurance.

I decided in July. Seminar in August. Sleeved in December (which is what I REALLY REALLY wanted since I'm off work!!)

But, the waiting game sucks. Hopefully you won't have to play much more of that!

Good luck. If you ever need to talk, PM me! I'm newly sleeved so I'm still learning the ropes. But, I'd be happy to help as much as possible.

Thank you! I might just do that! And, yes I have already had a few exchanges with Tiffkins- she is a GREAT asset to this board. In some of my reading/ research, I read an article that talked about people who conceal weights in their clothes for the "weigh in" just to make sure they meet the BMI requirements. I'm kind of tempted to do that myself, although I think I might be in the range. I probably should have asked the lady this morning at Aetna what their requirements were but really just wanted to get off the phone. I should probably call them back and find that out. I haven't been able to find any of that info on their website. Plus, it might vary by plan...

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

Yeah, she's GREAT!

And, you should. I'm always around!

Hahah. If I was you I'd call back. And, ask the following:

I'd ask AGAIN if they covered it.

Then, I'd ask the requirements.

The pricings (how much you should expect to pay out of pocket)

And, I'd write down the person's name.

If you have any specific questions for the sleeve ASK!

That way you have everything you should need.

I have a binder that has all my Sleeve stuff in it. Helps me stay organized. I divided into PRE OP, which hold EVERYTHING I got about the surgery, insurance stuff.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Thank you! I might just do that! And, yes I have already had a few exchanges with Tiffkins- she is a GREAT asset to this board. In some of my reading/ research, I read an article that talked about people who conceal weights in their clothes for the "weigh in" just to make sure they meet the BMI requirements. I'm kind of tempted to do that myself, although I think I might be in the range. I probably should have asked the lady this morning at Aetna what their requirements were but really just wanted to get off the phone. I should probably call them back and find that out. I haven't been able to find any of that info on their website. Plus, it might vary by plan...

Usually its a BMI of 40 or between 35-40 with co morbidities like diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or triglicerides... there are charts on the internet you can check what you are at...

[former_vbg 198]

Yeah, she's GREAT!

And, you should. I'm always around!

Hahah. If I was you I'd call back. And, ask the following:

I'd ask AGAIN if they covered it.

Then, I'd ask the requirements.

The pricings (how much you should expect to pay out of pocket)

And, I'd write down the person's name.

If you have any specific questions for the sleeve ASK!

That way you have everything you should need.

I have a binder that has all my Sleeve stuff in it. Helps me stay organized. I divided into PRE OP, which hold EVERYTHING I got about the surgery, insurance stuff.

Thank you, those are good suggestions. I do know my only expense would be $200 (annual deductible) but that will actually be met by something else before then- and so the rest would be covered at 100%. I had knee surgery earlier this year and so it should be similar to that in terms of a surgical/ hospital visit. I will check though just to be sure. I HATE surprise bills... You know something interesting and although it didn't affect me directly, when I had my knee surgery, the surgeon/ hospital sent in bills for nearly $10,000 and you know what was paid? Just a little more than $2,500 in approved expenses. I wasn't responsible for the other because it fell under what was the negotiated rate between the hospital/ doctor and my insurance company. It does bother me though that they bill for this amount because they turn around and claim it as a loss on their taxes. Inflated bills only drive the cost of healthcare up more. I know there are MANY other reasons for this, but if healthcare was more affordable people wouldn't feel they have to travel to another country to get healthcare.... Ok, off my band wagon.

I will call them tomorrow, things will be slow at work with people out on vacation- so I should be able to take care of that.