Newbie-3/15/04!

Hey there, I've been reading the posts for a while now and totally enjoy the positive vibes thrown out over this message board. AWESOME! I've been coming on to get motivated and inspired for my upcoming WLS, which is March 15th. Getting nervous tho because my DH's insurance is self-funded, no exclusions on gastric bypass, and it seems like everyone gets an approval letter so they know this will be covered. I'm confused I guess, if my ins. co. gave the surgeon a precert number does that mean the whole shabang is covered? I guess I just can't believe the day is almost here after waiting since April 2003 when the first phone calls were made. Congrats on all *****ceived there dates and I'm looking forward to chatting with you guys! Wendy

When they made that date for your consultation, that was when you knew that you where approved. I am so happy for you and my date is on the same day as yours. So the both of us will be under at the same time. I'll say a prayer for you and everybody else that is going to have the surgery done. God is good so he will see all of us through this

opps, almost forgot. Does your surgeon require weightloss before surgery? Mine does & will even cancel your surgery if you don't weigh less than the consult. I've gained 10-12 lbs since that appt, which was in Sept. so I'm now starving myself, taking dexatrim & water pills, and trying to get on the damn treadmill daily to shed this before the end of month, which is when the consent appt is! I'm terrified that he'll cancel me and voiced my concern to his secretary, she said do your best! Okay, I just hopes he takes into consideration this weight was put on over 6 months. Isn't 10-20 lbs a year typical for "us"? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Hey Wendy, Welcome to the "Marchers"!! I just wanted to tell you that I never got any kind of approval letter. My surgeons office just called me to tell me that I was approved and that was it. So don't worry about, your fine and as long as your surgeon has your approval your all set. Also, I didn't need any kind of approval to go to my first consultation, So I don't think that means your Approved for surgery just caused they approved your first consult... Anyway, I wish you the very best of luck and hope that your surgery is uneventful, and you have a safe and speedy recovery. We are almost there! Kelley 28 days and a wake up!

Hey Wendy, being a nurse I would strongly caution you about using the Dexatrim. You don't want to get dehydrated before surgery. It's really important that your protein level be in a good range to promote healing. Try to cut back, but don't leave out the protein. Using the Dexatrim can possibly cause your electrolytes to get out of balance and cause heart problems, kidney problems, etc. I don't want to scare you silly, but just be very careful. You could cause complications that could delay your surgery. You'd be better off to eat small portions of regular food and drink lots of water to keep hydrated. Not trying to nag, just want you to go into surgery in the best shape you can. Blessings, Kathy

Hey Wendy, Welcome!! I was in to my docs today and had lost about 3.5 pounds. I've been trying the 'meal replacement' drinks for about the last 10 days. Having an Atkins drink instead of lunch. They're not bad and they seem to hold me better than slimfast. If I get hungry between meals I snack on beef jerky. I'm not real kissable after the jerky, nothing brushing my teeth won't fix though. Please be careful with the pills...a friend that's a pharmicist gave me a good talking too several years ago about the over the counter stuff. Meal replacement drinks, water, and lots of protein will help you more than any pill. Good luck, Va 19 sunrises to go until I start my new life.

Hi Wendy, You can call the insurance company and ask them if the procedure has been authorized. My doctor's office received a phone call with the authorization # but I wanted to be absolutely sure for myself and I called to verify it. And if your insurance is a Blue Cross/Blue Shield, you should be in good shape unless either the doctor or the facility does not participate with the Blues. And of course, it is subject to any copay you may have or deductible. AND . welcome to the Marchers AND . oh yeah . thanks for being another lurker .. now Kimmer can't keep calling me one Hugs, Mo (with the Happy Mo dancin' feet )

Can too! Watch! Mo was a lurker! Mo was a lurker! (MAJOR Congrats on the progress, my fiend. I never doubted it for a moment!! ) MO WAS A LURKER!!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-25 and counting

Glares at her fiend Kimmer love ya sweetie Mo (with the happy dancin' feet .. )

wendy, did dr Ballatyne do your surgery, not sure but i think you know my brother i seen a womans picture that looks just like you and she had the surgery done by him, made me know that I picked the right doctor