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  • Username: dispencer
  • Location: Sherman, TX, USA
  • Member Since: 3/19/2008
  • BMI: 58.4
  • Learning about surgery
  • Surgery Type: VSG
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dispencer has 7 Friends

faith321
lac123
csonion

Wendy B.
JDR
J. R

Ladysweetthang
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Goals

Weigh under 300 lbs.

15 People
 in progress, 
28 People
 achieved this

Wear my wedding ring again!

28 People
 in progress, 
76 People
 achieved this
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Just a mom wanting to keep up with her two boys.

dispencer's Blog
dispencer's Blog


I'm Back - Big as ever and gotta do something!
on August 11, 2008 5:39 pm
I've been gone for a while.  I didn't have surgery in June, but have got to do something!  I'd like to pose a question for anyone who has encountered this,,,  If you are a private pay surgery person and there are complications or something arise later that the insurance in someway can attribute to your WLS which they did not approve nor pay for, can they deny coverage for the resulting health issues? 
1 comment | Leave a comment.

Wishy washy me
on May 19, 2008 2:10 am
OK, I've come to a conclusion this morning OH SO EARLY after putting my 2 yr old back to sleep...  I am going to call the surgeon's office in the morning (or later this morning as the case may be) and ask that they submitt an approval letter to the insurance for lap banding instead of the VSG.  I have been so nervous about the VSG surgery and am much more comfortable with the banding surgery.  I have no idea why I'm more comfortable with it.  At the risk of sounding like a comlete nut, I've had that feeling that those people on the news must have had when they are interviewed after a plane crash saying "something just told me not to get on that plane".  Also, there is a chance that insurance will pay for lap banding where the VSG would be private pay.

I just hope that the surgeon doesn't say that I'm too much trouble and he doesn't want to work with me.  But I suppose if he does he just does and I'll find another.  

This will undoubtedly push back my surgery date as we wait on approval from insurance.  But I feel that God has been working on me in the area of patience as well as trust.  I know things will work out for the best, I just have a tendancy to hold on to them and worry about them as if that would help the situation.  I'm reminded yet again to lay this at His feet and watch Him work.

Anyway, I believe that this is the best option for me.  It addresses my fears, my finances, and my faith.  I have a peace about it.  That may sound simple to some, but it has taken a weight off my shoulders and in time will take weight off everywhere else.

I'm going to continue to do research (which mainly consists of getting feedback for you all) about the different options.
1 comment | Leave a comment.

I have a date!
on May 2, 2008 12:34 pm

The office just called and set my surgery date for June 5th.  Is this as big a deal as I feel it is?  I'm really nervous!

1 comment | Leave a comment.

...and Closer
on May 2, 2008 8:02 am
I've gotten funding, I'm just waiting for the office to call back to schedule my surgery.  The more I think about it the more nervous I get.  I've been considering doing a will before I go in (I know - I should have one of those already anyway).  Good grief, I've had two C-Sections, why can't I get ahold of myself?  Maybe it is the excitment of it all that heightens my nerves.  So, now we wait... 
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Getting Closer!
on April 29, 2008 2:23 am
I got a call from the bariatric coordinator yesterday.  She has recieved the psych report and will write the letter to insurance but has already talked to them and they will not cover the sleeve surgery.  So, now my husband and I just need to figure out funding and I can schedule the surgery.  She said it usually is about 3 weeks to surgery depending on mine and the Drs schedules.  Wow, this is coming on fast!  It's very exciting but very scary also.  I regret that my life has come to this.  But I know it is the best thing I can do for myself.
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My Story

I am a 41 year old mother of two boys (6 1/2 years and 22 months).  

I have been overweight all of my life.  I remember first realizing that I was larger than the other kids in first grade.  Looking back on pictures from high school I realize that was a time in my life when I really looked great.  I was just really developed - had hips and boobs - but because I had always been known as the fat girl that is how I saw myself.  Food has always been what I turned to for comfort.  And, as I have recently discovered, what I used to put a barrier of fat between myself and others.  

Anyway, I now want so badly to keep up with my boys.  My oldest is really involved in sports - soccer, baseball, basketball, mountain biking, and has been asking when he can play football.  My youngest just wants to do whatever brother is doing.  I want so badly to keep up with them and particpate in thier physical activities.  But I just can't.  This is the first time in my life I haven't been able to do something because of my weight.  Before I just muscled through and participated in everything.  

So, something has give.  I'm in the process of being approved for weight loss surgery.  I think that the gastric sleeve surgery would be best for me and address more of my issues.  However, as I understand it, insurance rarely pays for this procedure.  Although I know several people who have been through lap banding, I know no one who has had the sleeve procedure.  I feel kind of alone and ignorant of life after the procedure.  I would love to hear from anyone who has had the gastric sleeve procedure!