Brand-new and considering sleeve surgery

**Modernlady** · 11-12-2015 02:36 PM

I'm brand-new to this. I live in the East Bay of California and considering the sleeve surgery. I see Dr. Chin in walnut Creek in about two weeks to see if am a candidate for the sleeve. I have tried numerous of different diet plans and have been on prescription diet pills for years and my weight continues to go up and down. I'm 5'3" and weigh 200 pounds with chronic back pain and high cholesterol. I have Blue Shield of California for insurance HMO. I would appreciate any recommendations or information. I would like to also have any feedback if anybody's used Blue Shield of California. Thank you DJ.

**mtngrl** · 11-12-2015 02:46 PM

Welcome!! Search the site for some great information about the sleeve.

**RehabNurse** · 11-12-2015 11:35 PM

Welcome!

My stats were not too far off from yours...I am 5'1 and weighed 218 on the day I got sleeved. So far I have no regrets about having gotten the sleeve.

My insurance company was Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas. The approval came relatively quickly, within two months.

**Modernlady** · 11-13-2015 12:51 AM

I hope that I qualify for the surgery. My BMI is 35 and I only have chronic back pain and high cholesterol. I heard that blue shield of California HMO, that they want a six months wiegh in with the dr. I will see the dr. in a few week and I will see if I qualify. The cost is $17,000. Thanks

**rathgirl68** · 11-13-2015 07:44 PM

I started at 5`3 and 206 I was right at the cusp of 35 BMI I have Blue Cross Blue Shield from Illinois I just had to show I had tried alot of ways in the past. I didnt have to do the 2 week diet before surgery because I had to have the 35 for them to pay. Do you get Migraines or have sleep Apnea or Depression? That might help for them to approve it. I sure hope you get some good news and be on your way !!

**Modernlady** · 11-13-2015 08:02 PM

Thank you. I just seen my regular physician and he is going to start the process for me. I do have high cholesterol and I'm going to have a sleep study done. My BMI is almost 36. I have a six month waiting period, I have to be weighed every month. He said last month and this month will count as two. I'm hoping my insurance will pay because I'm tired of living my life as being heavy. Hopefully in a couple days I will hear from the nutrition for my first class. Thanks for your info.