Just starting my journey

[Jenn B. 4]

Hello all. I'm 34 and just starting my journey. I've looked into the surgery for about 7 years but never had the insurance or the money to cover it. My husband finally got a new job with killer UHC benefits that cover the surgery and I couldn't be more excited. I go to my consultation on August 11th but the nurse said she knows she can get me in earlier thru cancellations. I have to go through the clinics three month program and see all kind of specialists. The bariatric nurse said she loves working with UHC because they are the easiest to get approved through. She said at earliest I should get my surgery by end of year but at latest February. Seems like an eternity away, but what's a few more months after waiting years already.

So I guess my question is? How do you mentally prepare yourself for what is about to come? And has anyone worked with UHC choice plus Ohio and how was the approval process?

I think my BMI is 44 so I fit the criteria. Also will I have to quit smoking? That is part off journey to quit but will I have to do that before surgery?

Thanks????????

[Dreamin Again 112]

Mentally you prepare yourself by learning everything you can about your surgery and spending lots of time on this site soaking up all the knowledge and wisdom from the wonderful people on here

I don't know about your ins co, sorry.

Some surgeons won't do your survey if you smoke, and some test you even right up to the morning of surgery so I would suggest quitting now so that you will feel good by the time of your surgery.

Good luck! Keep us posted how you are doing please.

[Jenn B. 4]

Thank you for your input. I've learned almost everything I can over the last 7 years of research. I've teetered between lap band and gastric bypass but I think I'm just going to go for it and do the gastric bypass. Go big or go home right...lol.

I'm nervous about quitting smoking and don't know if I have the will power but will do whatever needed to have the surgery. Although I might lose my sanity in the process...I think giving up diet Pepsi might also be the death of me.

I just wondered about the insurance because it doesn't state anything about doing six months of a doctor supervised weight loss program. Just wondering if the three months thru the program will be enough?

[Nikki Dawm 3]

Congrats! I am 32 and 7 months post op. I am down 93lbs. I am not a smoker but with my surgeon it was mandatory to quit prior to surgery. My Surg date was 12-12-14 so right in the middle of the holidays. This was hard for me. Not because I wanted the food but because everything we did was geared around food. I did start feeling depressed. Fortunately I have a very good and understanding husband to support me. You will always have judgmental people that will try and convince you not to do it or later on that you should have tried a little harder before the surgery. But just remember that we made the choice to do what we did because we truly knew it was the best choice for us. And that is all that matters. Hold your head high and keep fighting. You still fight the battle just from a different angle. Good luck!

[cvrobinson 4]

Hi. I'm 37, and I'm scheduled for surgery tomorrow morning. My birthday is in 10 days, so this is my birthday present to myself. I want to live better, get rid of the sleep apnea, PCOS, prediabetes, and all the problems that come with these illnesses. I have a lot of mixed emotions, but I will get through this.

[Jenn B. 4]

Thank you both so much for your reply. This is a journey and one that I am looking forward to tackling. It's scary, exciting, and nerve racking but something I know I can do. I look forward to hearing about your surgery and success!

[Tiffy1026 2]

Just starting my journey as well! Best of luck to you!!

[Jenn B. 4]

And best of luck to you dear!!

[Tiffy1026 2]

And best of luck to you dear!!

Thank you very much!

[Mia83 17]

I'm just starting my Gastric Sleeve Process. I have a my Consultation Sept 2nd. I also have UHC Choice Plus. @ Jenn have you received any confirmation or approval from your insurance? I had to get 5 years of weights and now I'm curious of the 6 month waiting pd ?? I wish you well, and keep in touch

[Jenn B. 4]

Mia83-no they have not submitted to insurance yet. They won't until I complete all necessary steps. So hoping for approval in October or November but we will see. I don't have to submit five years. It's not a requirement of my policy but I do gave to do the six months. Let me know what you find out and I'll keep you posted as well.

[ShrinkingSaraVSG 12]

I wish you luck Jenn. I have opted not to go the insurance rout (I love my father endlessly for all that he does for me :-) because I am not in a position to qualify with mine and I don't want to wait to get two secondary life threatening conditions before I have the surgery. I agree with what's been said here. Spending time in forums, info sites, and youtube is of great use. I love youtube. I plan on starting a video channel of my journey myself. I've just been given a surgery date for my vsg October 7th. I'm excited and scared. This is a big change a bit change that I have let fear keep me from doing. But I've let fear keep me from many things and that ends now. I'm 30 years old and have never, in the purview of my memory, known a weight lower then 220. Good luck. Message me if you want to share nervousness :-)

[Jenn B. 4]

Lingal- thank you for reaching out to me. I'm right there with ya girlie. Excited and nervous. Seems like this surgery has been an eternity in the making, and I'm ready for the finale. Couldn't be more excited for you! We will definatly have to share stories and nerves...lol! Good luck, keep us posted!

[teshadb 203]

I saw that you debated between the band and bypass. I had the band it was horrible. Now I have the sleeve and it's the best thing I ever did. Why are you choosing bypass and not the sleeve?