Hi from Vermont - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

scottishLass · 09-16-2009, 02:57 PM

wow, I'm so overwhelmed and yet very new to all of this.
i have been wanting this surgery for years but never had the insurance that would cover it. i found out earlier this year that my insurance (BCBS of VT) does cover it and in a lot of cases doesn't even require the six months wait, as some insurance companies do, for the insurance to be approved.

i went to my first orientation in June 09
had my psychological evaluation done in last week of July 09
first visit with surgeon first week of August 09 (met nutritionist at the same appointment)
endoscopy done mid August 09
and i have another surgeon appointment tomorrow.

I'm hoping to have the RNY but not sure if my doctor will do it, he seems to be leaning more towards the lap band.

can anyone give me a general idea, based on the above timeline, if I'm even close to getting a surgery date. i know its not much time but it just seems like everything is moving so fast.

I'm so impatient LOL and so thrilled that my life is blessed with this opportunity

Montano · 09-16-2009, 03:16 PM

I have BCBS also and it took about 6 months total from first visit to surgery. I went fairly quickly and hassle free (almost).

I went in wanting the lap band, but after the orientation I knew I was going to have Lap RNY. It's my doctor's preferred surgery and was better suited for my needs.

Good luck and welcome

mistymee · 09-16-2009, 03:21 PM

YAY! Another vermonter!! Whoop whoop! LOL

I had my surgery back in Jan 08 when I lived in MA so I don't know too much about how BCBS of VT is..

As for the doc leaning towards lapband. If you feel you're being railroaded into lapband I would look to get another doctors opinion. But that's me. Just the hesitation I read in the post has me concerned. Anyway.

Welcome to TT. Where in VT are you located? I'm in the NEK

Ag Man · 09-16-2009, 04:04 PM

I have BCBS of Minnesota. They require 6 mo with the dietician before I could even meet my surgeon........but every State is different. Welcome to TT, if you have specific questions use the search otherwise just post a question, there is a lot of experienve on this site.

Marella · 09-18-2009, 03:12 AM

Welcome to Thinner Times, ScottishLass. Looks like you've done so much in your journey already, I wish for you that the time will fly toward the date you'll receive very soon.

Between the RNY and the band, which surgery would you prefer? Find out why your doctor prefers the band for you. Make sure that you know what is required of you post-op with both procedures so that you know which fits you best AND then discuss this knowledge with your doctor.

If he does both procedures, discuss with him why you prefer one over another. Research as much as possible and compare the info you find with your personality and your current eating style, your trigger foods, and why you cheat and frankly, why you are overweight. Though the band works for many, it does not work for all. I honestly want to cheer you on, but IMO, you need to be totally psyched into being banded.

What are your weight stats? and your BMI? If you don't have too much over 100 pounds to lose, the band is probably a great option. Too much more than that and it gets difficult for some in that weight range.

How did your appt with your surgeon go?

Crimson Kittie · 09-18-2009, 03:30 AM

Howdy Neighbor

I'm just one state over

Welcome Aboard!!!!

scottishLass · 09-18-2009, 05:07 AM

locals!!! i was starting to think i was the only one in VT going through this LOL *wave* Mistymee i'm in central Vermont, Below Montpelier. the NEK is beautiful, you are in for a great foliage this year.

i saw my surgeon yesterday and i am on cloud nine right now. i can see light at the end of the tunnel and its very bright. He gave me the results of my endoscopy and they were great, no problems there. Now he's looking at either november or december for the surgery. (two months earlier than i expected) the only thing holding me back is me. i need to lose 19Lbs before he will perform the surgery and todays is the start of my own personal journey. I went to the store last night, bought raw veggies, sugar free coffee creamer, a cafe steamer and blueberry cottage cheese (single serving) this is just to get me through my very first day of this at work then i can spend the weekend plowing through here, looking for recipes and advice and map out my entire week next week.

i have weighed everthing and packed it all up ready to go to work with me. i don't want any temptations and if i need to snack i have the raw veggies to snack on with a little fresh salsa for added kick.

thank you all for your words of advice and your support. i will be getting the bypass as it is the way that i know will work more effectivly for me to help me get my life back. this amazing tool will be the one thing that helps to save my life.

now i better take my packed lunch and head out to work.

once again thanks
Donna

Marella · 09-18-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottishLass

this amazing tool will be the one thing that helps to save my life.

Donna... you're on the right path to success when you identify WLS for what it really is: a tool

Glad to read your excitement, and that your surgery is earlier than expected. I wish you all the will power you can muster to lose those 19 pounds. People here at TT, who have had to do that requirement, put their minds into losing it "as if you're life depended on it".... which if surgery was canceled due to not complying with the order, would have crushed them.

I know the mindset of "wanting it soooo bad" -- that was me, and though losing weight was not a requirement, NOT gaining was. I was always terrified that surgery would not happen. It was my hearts desire. I wish you every success.