ObesityHelp

Surgery scheduled for May 14th at UCLA. 

I made the decision to have weight surgery 2+ years ago.  After a lifetime of battling my weight, I felt I had to admit I needed to take the next step.   And I mean I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING!  Weight Watchers, Diet Watchers, powder drinks, vegetable drinks, acupuncture, yeah, I have done it all.

It was not easy to get a doctor to support me in my choice.  My PCP told me it was "in my head" and refused to listen to me.  I felt it was wrong to doubt my doctor.... So I didn't.  Instead I began to doubt me... And my hopes.  Finally I began to stand up to my PCP and left him!  It took awhile to weed through PCP & find one who would support my hope and dream.  But... I found it! 

At 395 pounds I was referred to Cedar-Sinai Weight Loss Program (Beverly Hills).  I attended classes... monthly appointments... testing...testing...testing....  My BMI was 65+, a bariatric center was unable to measure my BMI.  Crap -- how did I let this happen to me? 

Well... after 8 months Cedars-Sinai referred me for surgery ... but with a stipulation:  lose 100# before the would schedule the surgery.  I was able to lose 75# and then... the unthinkable....  my husband was laid off.  This resulted in changing insurance plans.  Translation? I as to begin the journey from square one.   I had to find a new PCP who would support my goal for WLS.

So... the journey began again... from the beginning.  My new insurance did not work with Cedar-Sinai -- they used UCLA Medical Center (Los Angeles).  So.. on January 7, 2012, I attended the class at UCLA in January.   I met with the most wonderful man on the earth (other than my husband)-- Dr. Amir H. Mehran -- my surgeon.  The team at UCLA was amazing.  Dr. Mehran, Dr. Scott Um & crew cared and supported me beyond my dreams.  I shared with them the weight loss with Cedar-Sinai, they said I had proven I could lose weight and not keep it off.  That was enough for them.  So, from the date of my first appointment (1/17/2012) I was scheduled for surgery 5/14/2012.  In fact, they were ready to do surgery the first part of April -- I put it off due to work obligations.

I am so very blessed my husband is my biggest cheerleader!  My blessings in my life have FAR exceeded any disappointments by having a wonderful and loving husband.