ObesityHelp

Well, I went to my gynecologist appointment, and had a very good discussion with her about what had been going on with my "female parts" since I saw her last.  And we had a very frank discussion about my bleeding, and how it was getting worse, more frequent, and all of the not so good stuff that I have been going through with cramps... blah, blah, blah, you get the picture here.  I had saw her last October, after she sent me in for yet another trans-vaginal ultrasound, due to abnormal bleeding/spotting, and at that appointment, she said to stop taking my birth control pills, and when I started my period, to start them back up.... Long story short = I never took another birth control pill since.  So, with this visit, I had been keeping track of all of my painful periods, and symptoms, duration, and all..... and she asked me "Are you done having kids?"  I said Yes, we were done having kids... Unless we win the lottery... (Uh, there is no lottery in Alaska) And she said "Are you ABSOLUTELY SURE you are done having kids?"  And I replied "Yes, we are done"
She has been my doctor for almost 10 years.  So, she know me, and my body.  She said that since I was 37, she really did not see me lasting until menopause... she suggested that I think about having a hysterectomy.  I kinda knew in the back of my mind, that one was coming.... But, still.... I kinda feel like she suggested I cut off my boobs.  This is DEFINITELY a girl gut reaction, I know.  I had all weekend to let the news sink in, but it is still hard to swallow.  WOW.  So, maybe sometime this winter??  That surgery is on "the back burner".  My gynecologist gave up her hospital privileges 4-5 years ago she is semi-retired... so, she can refer me to another doctor for the hysterectomy surgery.  I will keep my ovaries, so I will still have the hormone parts left.

But, on to the "Letter Of Support" that I brought in, hoping to have her sign, in support of me having revision surgery from my RNY to the DS.  She did not feel comfortable doing so.... --->her point of view.... she takes care of my "female parts".  I completely respect that.  I have no problem with that, at all. 

So, the revision surgeon should have all of the necessary documentation to submit, I am hoping maybe sometime this week, they will tell me that they have submitted to the insurance companies........  My Primary insurance is an automatic denial, I already know that.  There is no suprise there.

OK.... here's the update.  My fingers ARE CROSSED.  I e-mailed my revision surgeon's office today, to check in, and let them know where I am with getting my "Letters Of Support" from my PCP, and my OB/GYN.  I wanted to hold back the submittal into the insurance, to get the letters of support because *I* want THE BEST shot with getting an approval.... and, from my mind's eye...... 2 letters of support from 2 different doctors who have known me, and have seen me struggle with obesity for over 9 years......  I figured it sure "Couldn't Hurt"  So.... here is the reply e-mail I got JUST TODAY from my revision surgeon's office:  (Giddy as I post this!!)

Also, I contacted your insurance and secondary says it is a covered benefit but primary still says no surgical coverage.  We will submit and see.

And, my PCP was very supportive of me pursuing a revision.  I had a letter of support for him to sign for submittal into my insurance company.  (I will be sending to my revision surgeon's office, for the insurance submittal) He was SO TOTALLY COOL!!! 
We had a discussion about my lifelong obesity, and just insurance companies in general.  (The stupid things that they deny -- not just me, but some patients that aprroval would BENEFIT... not weightloss, necessarily....)

We talked about my increasing knee pain, and how "The insurance company WILL to pay for all of the knee physical therapy, eventally total knee replacements..... but not the actual cause.... treating the obesity that causes the NEED for the knee replacements"  Shakes head as this is spoken.