- Name: Lisa S.
- Username: cowgirldiva17
- Location: NV, USA
- Member Since: 11/30/2011
- BMI: 47.5
- Surgery date scheduled
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A little sad... 1 day ago
I have been feeling sorry for myself ALOT lately. Yes...my insurance has finally cancelled. Therefore no surgery for me. I have a tentative date for the sleeve in Mexico. But we can't afford it. I am praying that by some miracle the funds appear. I have thought about fundraising, robbing a bank (j/k), begging, and borrowing. I just have to leave it in God's hands. Its funny - If I had cancer and needed treatment I am sure family and friends would help. Its totally different being obese. Its like we did it ourselves so we have to suffer the consequences. Its true to a point. But what about the severe joint pain that has now become unbearable?? Or the liver disease?? Or the high blood pressure?? Every single day has become a challenge for me. I can't remember the last time I had a pain free day. I keep on though. I have a family to take care of. I have a church family that I love to be involved with - Awana's and Sunday School. I am looking forward to the day that I can wake up in the morning and not feel the familiar ache in the back and knees.
For all of you who have already had the surgery, I hope you each truly realize what a gift you have been given. I know every day is a struggle for y'all as well - food choices, exercise, demands of work & family. Just know that I feel each of you has been blessed. You all did something so brave and positive. I support each one of you whole hearted. Don't be discouraged if the scales don't move, or move in the "wrong" direction, or if you eat something that is a no-no, or you didn't get in your exercise. Tomorrow is another day. Keep looking forward as well. And just know you have a cheerleader rooting for you...ME!!!
Be blessed!!
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Denied...surprise surprise. on May 3, 2012 8:18 am
My requesty for pre auth was denied on 04/24/12. Therefore my surgery date has been cancelled. I wasn't surprised. I am just really disappointed. My cardiologist said I need to fight it. It seems this whole process has been a battle. But I am in tears everytime I hear someone tell their story about getting a date so quickly after starting their journey - tears of jealousy, tears of joy for them and tears of frustration. I feel so stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I CAN NOT afford to self-pay. But I am afraid I can not afford to put it off too much longer either. I don't remember the last time I had a day without pain in my knees or back. I realize that WLS can not reverse the damage already done. However losing the excess weight will certainly make a difference. I have a tentative date for sleeve surgery in Mexico in September. But only a miracle can make that happen. Its $4500. I had my psych suggest HCG and a friend at church recommend "ideal protein" diet. I am just kinda numb right now - trying to figure out my way in all this. Please keep me and this situation in your prayers. And thanks for letting me have my pity party.
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My approval is pending..... on April 18, 2012 11:01 am
Ugh...I feel like these last 7 months have been more like 7 years. My surgeon has submitted a request for authorization with a surgery date of 05/30/2012. Woo Hoo!!! I feel scared, nervous, frustrated, excited and scared some more. LOL. I am afraid that I won't be approved. This past month, physically, has been the hardest to deal with. My back pain is so bad! I know the surgery won't heal it. But it sure will help. I just need to stay positive and know that my God will work it all out to glorify Him... not just to make me happy. Be blessed y'all!!!
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Re-submitting on April 17, 2012 10:07 am
Okay...so my insurance is in effect again. Not sure for how long though. Ugh!!! I called my surgeon's office this morning and asked her to resubmit. The positive person she is responded, "They are going to deny." Nice huh. So much for being positive and encouraging. That's okay. I anticipate that. I am getting my appeal ready. Please keep me and this situation in prayer. Have a great day and be blessed!!
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Can I get any more frustrated??? on April 10, 2012 5:03 pm
Okay...so my insurance DID cancel me effective April 1. They were suppposed to keep me active during this whole hearing process. But they didn't. I talked to about 4 different people today to try and make some sense out of it. That is the problem...it just doesn't make sense. Anyhoos...they are re instating me. And this is where it gets good (I hope). I was told I would be added to straight medicaid. Well if that does happen then I am good to go. I have met ALL the requirements. If they add me back to the group I had before, then its a battle again. They require the 3 years medically supervised weight loss. I will have to appeal that one. So..my prayer...they add me to straight medicaid and my surgeon submits asap. We will see how that goes. I see my surgeon again in 2 weeks. He wanted an April surgery date. Its too bad he wouldn't just schedule me anyways and work out then insurance mess later. 
I know alot of you have had your own struggles as well. I am complaining. But I appreciate all the hard work each one of you had done to get where you are. If this whole insurance thing does not work out then I am going to go to Mexico to have VSG. Its not in my budget- AT ALL. But I am afraid that my health won't wait too much longer. Thanks all in advance for your prayers. I will keep y'all updated. Be blessed! 
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My Story
I had no idea that my health had been seriously compromised by my weight. I suffer from the following: hypertension, dyslipidema, hypovitaminosis D, cholelithias (gallstones), gastroesophageal reflux, fatty liver disease, Degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel, osteo arthritis, depression, asthma, metabolic syndrome, heart arrhythmia and obstructive sleep apnea. I am shocked and saddened by my health. In my younger years I was very active. I participated in cheer leading, dancing, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, hiking, camping, swimming, etc. I was able to play with my kids. Now it is an effort to walk long distances without knee and back pain. My quality of life is compromised. I can not (comfortably) interact with my own kids or the amazing kids I teach at Sunday School and Awana's. My weight has affected my self confidence. I DO NOT allow photos of myself to be taken. I have purposely avoided careers in which image is important - legal and medical field. I feel I can not be a good role model to my children. My relationship with my husband is also compromised.
This past September I obtained insurance thru Nevada medicaid. After researching, I learned that gastric bypass is a covered benefit and an answer to prayers. So my journey began; monthly appointments with a bariatric surgoen, extensive lab work with my PCP, mental health counseling, change in diet (my kids aren't too happy with that, LOL), gym membership (Praise God for our scholarship at the local YMCA!), physical therapy, ultrasounds on spine and liver, more lab work, mammo, etc. I finally met ALL the requirements for surgery. My doctor submitted the paperwork for pre-authorization. Oh no!!! My insurance has been cancelled effective April 1st. I feel like I have been punched in the gut!! I am afraid that if I don't get the medical intervention that I need now, I will be "one of those fat people you see riding in the scooters at Wal-Mart". Our finances make it impossible to pay for the expense of the surgery ourselves. I have researched and located a reputable surgeon in Mexico that has the self-pay price of $4500 plus travel costs compared to my surgeon's price of $17k plus the hospital fees here in Vegas. I submitted all my paperwork to Dr. Mario Almanza. His response, "Everything looks great and your patient history form was approved for surgery by Dr. Almanza! Congratulations! Please bring your C-Pap machine with you." and, Your surgery date is approved and is still available at this time: September 19, 2012. "
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