Another newbie

[Pelicanlady 122]

Hi everyone,

I have finally had it with the weight loss roller coaster ride and decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery. I have an appointment with a bariatric surgeon this coming Monday. I checked with my insurance and they cover it with the requirement of a BMI of 35 (no problem there), and have been considered "Obese" for at least 5 years. I asked they had any requirements guild lines if a person had an illness that weight loss would help. They suggested I have my doctor write a predetermination letter. I have only had my current doctor for about 1 year and my previous doctor is not longer in the area. I really hope my doctor is able to convince the insurance company that this is the right thing for me. I have osteoarthritis, osteopenia, peripheral neuropathy, high cholesterol, and blood pressure that is getting higher.

I am so happy that I found this forum. I want to find out everything I can about the surgery. My step-daughter had it Jan 2013 and is giving all sorts of information.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Monday can't get here soon enough.

[pinky4652 38]

Good luck to you :-)

[DeniseNCC1701 306]

Welcome! You'll finds tons of useful information here, as well as a great place to just vent when you need to. Good luck on Monday!

Be well…

[seattleslew 36]

Welcome PelicanLady -- If it helps to know it, the only co-morbidity I had beyond my BMI was osetoarthritis in my knees.

I was approved w/Cigna after completing their nutritional counseling requirements working w/my NUT. Easy-peasy. Getting into the Doctor I preferred, that was a much longer wait!!

I just tried on a pair of pants I haven't worn in two years. They're too big!!

My surgery was Mond 21st, went home Tuesday night (pretty scared & sore) but by Thursday morning I was feeling good.

Today I did laundry, took my short walk and have started weaning off the pain meds.

I know I have a long road ahead, but I feel so happy. Good luck to you on Monday & Welcome to the loser's bench.

[Pelicanlady 122]

Thank you everyone for the welcome. Looking forward to my visit with the surgeon on Monday.

[NMJG 1,266]

Welcome and best of luck to you. You have enough comorbidities that it *shouldn't* be a problem. Just be prepared that we 50's often lose slower, but you'll still lose.