So Ready!!!

I wish I had just kept down this path to start with, but I think I needed the couple of months on WW to realize this surgery is what I need to get healthy. 

I cannot wait for my dietitian appointment on Wednesday morning.  It's the first step to a better me!  I have so many questions for her:

1.  What if I loose too much weight in the 6 month program?
2.  What is the insurance company looking for out of this 6 month program?
3.  How do I prepare for surgery?
4.  What can I eat after surgery?
5.  Can I drink coffee (with splenda?)
6.   How does what I eat differ from gastric sleeve to the gastric bypass?

That is just some of the ones I can think of so far.  I really need to get a list together to bring! 

I've already submitted my letter of medical necessity to the insurance coordinator at the doctor's office.  All that's left is 6 month diet, and psych evaluation.  I have to admit...I am nervous that I will go through all of this and then the insurance company is going to deny me.  Completely unfounded, but it's an honest fear.

I'll update more after Wednesday morning's dietitian visit :)

Heard Back from Insurance Company!!

I am on BCBS of TX through my employer. We finally heard back yesterday (fairly quickly actually, just under a week) on what our next steps are to be approved for the surgery:

1. Get a letter of necessity from my primary physician.
2. Follow a 6-month doctor led nutrition program (this is offered at Celebration Health - the location of our surgery).
3. Complete a psych evaluation.

Once I do those three things, the insurance company will provide their preauthorization.

After preauthorization is received, I have to complete these next steps:

1. Set up an appointment with a Celebration Health nurse to determine what clearances I need to complete.
2. Complete required clearances.
3. Set up appointment for pre-op.
4. Schedule SURGERY DATE!!!

I also found out that BCBS of TX DOES cover the gastric sleeve surgery. This is the route I have decided to take. With the sleeve gastrectomy AKA gastric sleeve, they staple and then remove ~ 80% of your stomach. This leaves a banana shaped "sleeve" which causes fullness faster. It also removes the portion of the stomach responsible for creation of a hormone (gherlin I think) that causes hunger and cravings.

I feel this procedure is best for me because I don't have to worry about malabsorption with being pregnant. All three types of surgery allow for healthier pregnancies, and there are ways around the malabsorption while pregnant, but for me, I feel better with the sleeve.

I am SO SO SO SO SO excited. I cannot wait to start feeling better. The journey has started :)