How is everyone?

Ok, it's kinda quiet in here, so I'm posting. How is everyone doing in their journey (whether it be pre-op OR post-op)?  Any road-blocks or recent triumphs?  How's life in general?? I'm in the waiting stages right now.  My claim has been submitted to the insurance company and now I'm just hanging out waiting for "the call".  I'm slowly telling my family and friends about the decision and am pleasantly surprised--everyone so far has been extremely supportive of the decision.   Any pearls or words of wisdom?  Let's keep the post going!!!  Angela

Hi Angela! My surgery has been approved, and my date is three weeks from today!  One week from today I have to start my two weeks of Stage II diet... I am getting nervous about it, and beginning to be slightly depressed that I won't be able to eat a lot of the things I like... But I know that I'll get used to it, and nothing can taste as good as being thinner will make me feel!!! My husband is also starting to look into the surgery, so I hope I don't have a hard time with my surgery and scare him away from it.  He is going to his first meeting in July. My next step is that on the 27th I have to go to the Elliot and have pre op labs drawn.  Not sure what else they do at that appointment... anyone else from the DHMC-Manch program know if I need to do anything else at the hospital that day? Cindy

Hello everyone!

I am now 7 weeks post-op and feeling great!  Friends are telling me i am becoming a "hottie"  LOL  I have now lost 25 pounds since Surgery, and a total of 60 since January HOLY COW!!!!

Angela, if its been more than 2 weeks that you have been waiting for the insurance approval, get on the phone and keep calling them, let them know you are serious about this!  they love to make you wait!

Cindy, you will be fine woman!  Great news about Craig also looking into the surgery.  You will both feel soooo much better!  As of the testing at Elliot, be prepared for LOTS of paperwork!  They will take lots of blood, and possibily do an EKG if you have not had one done in the past 6 months.  Make sure you have the listing of all medicines you are on and their dosages.  As well as have the names and phone numbers of anyone who is to be allowed to receive information about you while you are in the hospital.  Also, suggest that you call Elliot the day before to make sure they REMEMBER you have an appointment. I got there and they didnt even have me on the calendar! (yet they had called me 3 days earlier??? WEIRD!)

Went shopping this weekend and the BF decided to buy me some clothes (said all of mine are much too baggy now- which is true!).  Could not believe i am now in size 16 tops and 18/20 bottoms!  Not worn those sizes since i was about 18 yrs old!  This is an amazing journey!

Thanks, TeddyBear... It will be 2 weeks on Friday, so I'll start bugging them then... Did you guys get a call from the insurance company when you found out, or did the surgeon's office let you know?  I'm so nervous now, I just want to make sure they can reach me! Thanks for the kind words--Cindy, you better keep us all "in the know" as you get closer! Angela

I received a letter in the mail from my insurance (Anthem) stating that I had been approved.  Dr. Gould's office submitted my paperwork on a Friday and I get the letter from Anthem the following Wednesday.  About a week later I got a call from Dr. G's office that they had received the approval.

Hi Angela, You must be getting anxious. I had Dr. Gens and he is great. Are you going to the support group meeting next Monday the 25th? I always enjoy those. I am glad your family and friends are supporting you. I have a great support system and know that it is important. We are always here for you also. Let us know when you get a date.

Take Care. Roxanne

Thanks, Ladies! I'm so glad this forum is here and that there is such support.  Roxanne, I will be going to the support group on the 25th.  See you there!  So, here's an update.... I called my insurance company last night and they told me that they hadn't received a referral yet.  So, I called my surgeon's office and you know what they told me...?!?!? They hadn't even sent my letter in!!!  The receptionist told me that she would be sending it on Friday.  SO, I start waiting again... She did tell me that my insurance is really easy, and I shouldn't have any problem getting approval, but I can't help being cautious--this is a BIG deal! Tentative surgery date..... JULY 31st! Thanks for all your insight and kind words.  You guys rock! Angela

Hi all,            I have been quiet lately. Feeling kinda........defeated???  I have had all but my PT appt, that is in 2 weeks, I had to wait till my foot was better (torn ligaments & tendons from a fall 3 months ago.). I really hoped I could have the surgery while I was out of work for the summer, I work in education.   I want so much to have this surgery for my health. I am starting to get the feeling that I don't even want to go anywhere cause I am so uncomfortable. Anyone else feel like this while they waited. Any of you have Harvard Pilgrim for ins? If so how where they?                                                            Linda 

hi I have Harvard Pilgrim as well and quite frankly I am just soo confused. Last night at the Frank Jones center the Dr.'s said to call insurance and 1. make sure it's a covered benefit and 2. find out if it has to be referred to as "medically nessessary" and please correct me if I am wrong on what he said. He said that they are two different things and they both have to be covered? Well I called my insurance today and between what they are saying and what the doctors are saying I'm just soo confused.

Hi,       I tried calling Harvard Pilgrim a few months ago to see what the scoop was with them and was told they would communicate only with my doctor. I know it is covered but for me I have to have comobidities since I am under 40 BMI but they would not answer me about that. I have read a few items here and there that they are good about okaying the procedure but I am antsy and hate to be running all these places for appts and putting out money for meetings and appts that I won't need if they won't cover it. Let me know how you make out.  Are you very far into the program??                                                              Linda