**Debbie** .

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Well the shrink appt went well last week.  She said I appeared intelligent(fooled her) and sane.  She did say some things that made me uncomfortable.

She said she didn't think I'd be approved because my BMI is low and I "only" have sleep apnea.  She said everyone had hypertension so that doesn't count.  She asked me if I thought about paying myself.  I mentioned Dr A in Mexico.  She said if I did that no DR here would touch me if I had any problems.  HUH???  Maybe BCBS wouldn't pay for care but someone would treat me right?!!?!?!

So after my appt she went on vacation and I have to wait til 10/26 for her to send her report to Dr M. 

Yesterday in a fit of boredom I called BCBS and asked them what surgeries they cover.  They said ONLY RNY, not even Lapband!!

I called Dr M's office and talked to Tiffany and she found that hard to believe since I'm on a "National Account" with BCBS.  She's supposed to call them and get back to me today.

Waiting....not very good at this but it's all I can do.

Well I can't believe it's already October.  My appt with the shrink is on Thursday the 11th.  I hope it goes well.

My friend Pam, that I met on OH, had her surgery last week with Dr Macik and everything went great for her.  She was so worried about complications and it sound like she breezed through surgery.  I'm so happy she's going to be a "loser" now!!

The letter from the shrink is the last piece of paper the DR needs to submit me for approval from BCBS.  Since DR Macik doesn't have permission to do VSG yet at Northside I don't know when I could have surgery.  Getting approved will be kind of anticlimatic since I won't get a date at the same time.

More after meeting with the shrink.

Well I had a phone consult with the dietician last night.  She had faxed me some info including meal plans for after surgery.  She discussed lots of stuff and she explained the "Why?" behind some of the food choices.  She will be sending a letter to Dr Macik soon.

I called Dr Macik's office today.  I had a few questions from last weeks meetings.  He was out of town but his nurse answered the questions for me.  I asked why he wouldn't do any surgeries til after the first of the year.  She said he had to apply to Northside Hospital to be allowed to preform the VSG surgery.  He's waiting for approval.  He has about 5 people lined up for VSG surgery.  Since he's a skilled surgeon and has been doing other surgeries for quite a while I guess he'll be ok.  I don't wan to be number one on his list.

I have a shrink apptment scheduled for 10/11.  I have to fill out forms first and fax in.  Good thing I'm not in a hurry.  I do want my approval by Dec incase Dr Macik gets his approval and can do the surgery sooner.

Well I met with Dr Macik today.  He's very nice and professional.  He explained both surgeries, Lapband and RNY, pros and cons.  After he finished I asked if he did the Vertical Sleeve.  He seemed pleased that I knew about this surgery and said he will after the first of the year.  Ok, he's one of the only surgern's in-network I can find, he's sort of close to home and he will do the surgery I have chosen.  He seemed to think I would do well with this surgery.  His nurse gave me a list of what they need to process the request for surgery to BCBS.  I have to meet with a dietician, a shrink, have my PCP write a letter and get a blood test for TSH(throid level).  Turn that in and give then $200 and I'm off and running to wait for approval.

I've decided to check out Weight Lose Surgery.  My previous healthcare in So Cal was Kaiser and even though I did a 6 month program with them and lost 25 lbs I was then too thin for surgery.  After moving to GA and having new insurance I'm trying again.  My insurance BCBS PPO will cover the surgery so now I'm looking for a DR in Atlanta that is "in-network" with BCBS.  I've found a Dr and will see him on 9/11, sounds a little ominous doesn't it.