Alrighty, below is my journey that got me to this point.  I'm doing very well almost three years to my anniversary.  I'm currently at 166lbs.  I've gained since my lowest weight of 148lbs on February 14, 2006.  I went through a depression a few months ago and just started eating and Eating and EAting and EATing....well you get the point.  I was getting really bad.  Fortunately I was blessed to realize what I was doing to myself.  So, now I'm watching what I eat and I'm in the gym working this out.  I'm doing so good too.  Cardio and weights is my thang.  I'll go to my first fitness class tomorrow.  I've always been scared to try them in fear of looking stupid.  Now, I dont care.  I'm trying to take care of me and get my weight down to 150lbs.  Guarantee it will be done!

Those of you who don't know.....the weight can come back!  I've been told I look better at my current weight because I dont look "sick." I'm still going to lose this 16lbs because it's for me and not anyone else!

Weight loss surgery has changed my life, my outlook and confidence.
I'm currently trying to get this tummy done.  Trying to see if UHC will pay for it.  If not I'm gonna have to struggle to pay $6300 out of pocket.  Where's a suga daddy when you need one?  Just kidding!  I'll keep you posted.

I went to my PCP's office and requested to have my medical records sent to Dr. Veninga's office. Also mailed patient profile I downloaded from their website. I've spoken to several bariatric surgeon's and this office is the first that made me get my own medical records. They are also the first who don't want to meet with me prior to submitting info to the insurance company. Guess they don't want to waste their time speaking with me if it's not a covered procedure. I'm a little apprehensive but Dr. Veninga has gotten some good feedback on this site so I'll see how it goes.

Called UHC spoke with CS Rep. They have not received pre-determination request from doctor's office. Okay, what's taking so long?

Called Dr. V's office. Spoke with Barbara who said they sent info off Jan. 5th to Care Coordination department. Now it seems like I'm getting somewhere. Curious to how long it will take for them to make a decision. I'm very nervous. I will be very disappointed if I'm denied. I will follow up with UHC to make sure things are moving along.

Called UHC Care Coordination Dept. they have not made a decision yet but was told to call back next week. I've heard that persistence get your a long way so I'm pretty sure I will be calling back before the end of the week.