New to this Site, and got approved today!
Hi Everyone,
I am a new OH member and still tryna feel my way around the site. I was referred by my sister in law who speaks very highly of it. Before joining, I would just read other's posts and look at before and after pics. So far I have been very impressed with all of the success stories as well as the overwhelming support by the members. I'm sure my story is not all that unique. Like so many, I have been on the weight roller coaster my entire life. I have tried just about every diet known to man only to wind up right back where I started and then some. Being diagnosed with hypertension and cardiomyopathy was the turning point for me.That and the 25 pounds I gained this year so far. Starting weight 230 lbs. BMI 39. After doing much research on WLS, I decided on VSG. I did everything that was required (6mos. supervised weight loss, dietitian, psych eval, etc.,) only to be told that my insurance still considers the sleeve "investigative," but they would try. I was crushed, but I was willing to settle for RNY if need be. My paperwork was submitted on Aug. 3 to BCBS, and I started calling BCBS on Aug.8. I was told that on Aug. 29, BCBS's policy would be updated to include VSG as a medically necessary. So even if my inital pre auth was denied, more than likely it would be approved after 8/29. I was sooo happy to hear that. To my surprise the surgical coordinator called me today to say I have been approved for VSG on my first try! I started crying I was so happy. My surgery is scheduled for 9/14/11. I will update as I go along. Thanks for reading my story. So glad to be a part of this community. Have a great weekend.
Robin
HW 238 Starting Weight 227 Surgery Weight 212 CW 155
Height 5'5" Lost 9 lbs. pre-op, and another 6 lbs. on the liquid diet.
