Hi, I am sooooo NEW!

[Chrisanna 27]

Hi, I am sooo new because I haven't even been to my seminar yet. It is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2017. I have been reading some of your posts on here and they are so encouraging. You all really lift each other up. I know I am going to need all of the support I can get. I called our insurance and surgery for the gastric sleeve is covered!!!

My name is Chris, female, I am 62 years old, I weigh 300 lbs and am 5'2" tall. I live in Indiana. We have 3 grown children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Our kids have been busy. LOL

Initially I was going to get the Lap Band Surgery. I had an appointment with my family doctor Monday. She questioned me about getting the Gastric Sleeve instead of the Lap Band. I asked her why. She told me all about patients of hers that had the Lap Band done and was NOT happy with it at all. They didn't lose the weight they thought they were going to lose, some had problems with it, some were getting the band removed and going for the Gastric Sleeve. So, I did some research on the Gastric Sleeve vs the Lap Band. I am pretty sure the Sleeve is the way to go for me.

I am already nervous and ready to get the ball rolling. How long does it take from the seminar to getting surgery? I am anxious and scared. Probably just like a lot of you all were.

I will keep checking in with you all. Thank you in advance for any and all of your advice and support.

God Bless!

[JamieLogical 8,708]

Welcome! We all start somewhere, so don't feel self-conscious about being new to the site or WLS in general. I think a lot of sleevers started out like you, researching the band only to find out that it's kind of been phased out over the past few years. That's where I started too! I had never even heard of gastric sleeve until I started researching lap-band.

As for how long it might take to go from your first seminar to surgery, that depends a lot on your insurance and the surgeon. Both typically require some sort of process with various steps, tests, appointments, etc. Some take upwards of 6 months. Some are as little as two months. It really is different from plan to plan and program to program.

[orionburn 1,024]

I started the same way. Thought lap band would be what I wanted but that was short lived and opted for sleeve.

I went to my first seminar in May of last year. Both the clinic I am going to and my insurance required a 6 month program. To be honest I'm happier for the delay to get mentally prepared for it. My surgery is next Wednesday but really should have happened in December. My paperwork got caught up in the end of year rush and by the time it was approved there were no more dates available in December.

The length of time might seem discouraging, but it goes by quick and it was good preparation for the road ahead. Good luck to you!

[strengthin#ers 195]

It mostly depends on your insurance companies requirements. I have BCBS LA , and they have NO REQUIREMENTS!! (GO ME) Just have to do the test that Surgeon requires. Psych evaluation (done) . Doing other test on Feb 1 &17th. surgery date is 2/20. Very excited and nervous at the same time. Just trusting God.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using the BariatricPal App

[sonkat5355 70]

Hi, I am sooo new because I haven't even been to my seminar yet. It is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2017. I have been reading some of your posts on here and they are so encouraging. You all really lift each other up. I know I am going to need all of the support I can get. I called our insurance and surgery for the gastric sleeve is covered!!!

My name is Chris, female, I am 62 years old, I weigh 300 lbs and am 5'2" tall. I live in Indiana. We have 3 grown children, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Our kids have been busy. LOL

Initially I was going to get the Lap Band Surgery. I had an appointment with my family doctor Monday. She questioned me about getting the Gastric Sleeve instead of the Lap Band. I asked her why. She told me all about patients of hers that had the Lap Band done and was NOT happy with it at all. They didn't lose the weight they thought they were going to lose, some had problems with it, some were getting the band removed and going for the Gastric Sleeve. So, I did some research on the Gastric Sleeve vs the Lap Band. I am pretty sure the Sleeve is the way to go for me.

I am already nervous and ready to get the ball rolling. How long does it take from the seminar to getting surgery? I am anxious and scared. Probably just like a lot of you all were.

I will keep checking in with you all. Thank you in advance for any and all of your advice and support.

God Bless!

We are similar in age....62 in may! Scheduled for Jan. 31. Now on liquid diet since Tuesday, 17th. I like u researched apps, sleevers sites on FB, testimonials. They all help but be careful not to be scared since everyone's body is different! Good luck! BTW, sleeve is better than band and bypass is more extreme. Sleevers keep their nutrients!

????sonkat5355????

[sonkat5355 70]

Ps. I am self pay so no real waiting saw my surgeon Dec 12 and set appt. And did all the pre requisites.

????sonkat5355????

[Chrisanna 27]

Thank you all for your support. That is exactly why I'm here. To get help and to see how everyone else is doing before, during and after surgery and of course to help cheer you on as well.

My insurance is United Health Care. I don't know as of yet if they require anything. I hope not. I want to get going.

Thank you again.

Chris

[sissiegirl 33]

Hi Chris,

I'm the same as you, going to my seminar the 25th. Can't wait to get started. I am 65, 1 daughter, 3 grandkids, 13 1/2 great grand kids. My biggest concern was my age, but hey, if I don't do anything, I won't have to worry about age. I am 5'6" and 250. My BMI is 41.3. Hope we can share our journey. Good luck!

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[SarahSleeve 170]

I had my seminar last May and should be getting a surgery date in the next couple weeks (hopefully for Feb/March) - but the long process was my fault. My insurance doesn't require much and is easy to work with and I've been done most of my surgeon's requirements since October. I've been having trouble losing the weight my surgeon required, but i finally got to that goal this week - that was the last thing holding me up!

Good luck with the process!!

Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

[Chrisanna 27]

Hi Chris,

I'm the same as you, going to my seminar the 25th. Can't wait to get started. I am 65, 1 daughter, 3 grandkids, 13 1/2 great grand kids. My biggest concern was my age, but hey, if I don't do anything, I won't have to worry about age. I am 5'6" and 250. My BMI is 41.3. Hope we can share our journey. Good luck!

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thank you so much for responding to my post. I told my mom last night that I HAVE to do something. She said to just do what the doctor tells me to do. I live in Indiana and she lives in Tennessee on the AL. line.

I just need to improve the quality of life I have left. When we married I weighed 105 lbs. But, 46 years later....We want to retire next year and I want to be able to do things. Right now I have an issue with my right knee and my lower back. Maybe weight reduction will help those issues as well.

My family doctor recommend Dr. RoseMarie Jones for the Gastric Sleeve.

Where do you live?

Yes we can share our life's journey together. I really need someone to chat with along the way.

WELCOME! My NEW friend. <3

[Chrisanna 27]

I had my seminar last May and should be getting a surgery date in the next couple weeks (hopefully for Feb/March) - but the long process was my fault. My insurance doesn't require much and is easy to work with and I've been done most of my surgeon's requirements since October. I've been having trouble losing the weight my surgeon required, but i finally got to that goal this week - that was the last thing holding me up!

Good luck with the process!!

Sent from my Nexus 5X using the BariatricPal App

Congratulations to you! I hope everything goes well for you. God Bless!

[_Kate_ 2,224]

@@Chrisanna Welcome to a very exciting time of your life. Read as much as you can, question as much as you want and best wishes for the process to be quick and easy. Keep reading and posting

Kate

[Chrisanna 27]

@@Chrisanna Welcome to a very exciting time of your life. Read as much as you can, question as much as you want and best wishes for the process to be quick and easy. Keep reading and posting

Kate

Thank you so much Kate. God Bless!

[sissiegirl 33]

Hey Chris,

Well, 3 days to seminar. I had an mri Monday. Dr. Calls today (Sunday??) to let me know he got report, they have recommended aerotic sonogram. So they are going to schedule it. It's beginning to feel like my monkey wrench has shown up. I'm like what does my back got to do with aeota? Still going to seminar. I have been so hyped. My husband will be retiring also. Same thoughts. He's thinking maybe sooner. He's been trying to make it 2 yrs because of differences in SS income. His shoulder and knees give him trouble, so might not make that long. I am in NW Pa. So you are not far. Enjoying our warm winter ); Waiting on my Steelers to come back today as winners. Lol chatting is always good for support. Good luck

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[TammyLee66 152]

Hi Chris I am new too.

I am hoping to get my orientation this week or next week I have Kaiser so I don't know how long the process usually is I know you have to do a 12 week class and then I'm not exactly sure what else is involved I am super excited as well.

Good luck to you.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App