Doctor approval today

**GlennA18** · 06-14-2018 09:10 PM

met with the surgeon today. I'm approved for surgery. Next step is to finalize insurance approval. i'm not worried about that at all. My BMI is high enough, i have high BP and I have sleep apnea. I also met with the insurance lady (I actually work at the hospital that I'm getting the surgery done at, so I already knew her). I can't get hospital estimates until insurance is scheduled, but I did get dr. estimates. My max out of pocket is $5000. I've met $2000 so far and between my wife and I, we have probably $1500 in FSA money, and my wife gets an additional $2500 in FSA money on Sep 1. I should be fine.

My doc thinks it might be early september (which is OK) but the insurance lady thinks it might be a bit sooner. Although summer vacation for the doc might interfere. Insurance lady told me hospital would work with me on payment if I have surgery before Sep 1 since i've got $2500 FSA money coming then.

Either way, I'm happy. (don't get me wrong - i'm nervous - very nervous but still really happy. I'm down 30 pounds since I started this journey. My nutritionist wants me to lose an additional 6 pounds at least (i can do that). I'd be happy to lose another 15 pounds (or more before surgery. I still think my goal of getting to goal weight summer 2019 is realistic.

My wife is very supportive. I'm sure you guys can relate to this. I hate clothes shopping. I hate trying on clothes that don't fit or that i'm not comfortable in. I made a deal w/ my wife. As long as she supports me, encourages me and helps me on this journey, next summer she is in charge of picking out my new wardrobe. I trust her. She won't make me wear anything i'm really uncomfortable in, but she's excited to have a big role in picking out my clothes. I'm nervous about that too - but also kind of excited.

Hopefully I bump this thread in a couple of weeks with a surgery date!

Lastly, i haven't posted much, but i've read a lot. And I've learned a lot from the folks here. Thanks! I hope to be sharing my success story soon!

**Christie13** · 06-14-2018 09:29 PM

That is awesome Glenn. Hoping you get a sooner date rather than later. I know I could not wait to start my journey. Everything is so amazing when you start to lose the weight and feel comfortable in your own skin. Congrats!

**The North Sleeve** · 06-14-2018 10:36 PM

It is a great feeling when you are approved. That's when the nerves start to settle in. You are on the right track by dropping lbs prior to the surgery and I'm sure you will do fine during the process! Best of luck to you and you will feel amazing when it's all said and done!

**Shannon'sVSG** · 06-14-2018 11:17 PM

Hi GlennA18!

Many congratulations to you on your surgery approval! One large hurdle completed. Insurance is next, and that shouldn't be much of a problem in that most surgeons utilize a combination of terminology, patient information, and success expectations to finalize their proposals for patient insurance evaluation. Just know that this can and often times is a lengthy process. One that will find you wanting to pull your hair out by the roots in search of answers. OK...maybe the visual was a bit much, but I think you get where I am coming from.

Just hang in there. You got this. It just takes time (as you already know.)

**Stacey03** · 06-15-2018 01:42 AM

Excellent news Glenn. I was super excited about surgery too and skipped to the hospital! Women are very good at choosing wardrobes so you will be right there ;-)

**Gvn71** · 06-15-2018 08:52 AM

Congrats on moving closer to the finish line (or is it the starting line???)!

It is definitely an amazing journey. And I used to hate shopping for clothes too, but then something strange happened, I started to shop for skinny guy clothes and it became fun!

Stick with your plan and work the sleeve and you'll hit your goal in no time! You might even pass it!

Good luck, and I hope you get your date soon!