MawMaw56
This journey started for me two years ago when my (then new) primary care physician told me he thought I should seriously consider gastric bypass surgery to get my weight under control. I had heard about it, but also had heard it was tough to get insurance to pay for it. We discussed it on several occassions because I wanted to know as much as possible about it before I made up my mind to have it done.
When I decided, I contacted my insurance company to find out who was in my network that could do this type of surgery. Dr. George Kerlakian is my surgeon, and at first I wasn't sure about him. But I went to a seminar and was really impressed with his team and what they had to say. I made an appt to go see him and talked to him and he said he wouldn't consider me for lap band because my BMI was too high. I thought about that for awhile and talked to my PCP about it. I talked to my family, and didn't get much support there. So, I thought about it some more, and went for the beginning psych eval and started going for required counseling. Six months later, I was approved for that. But I'm glad I had to do it because it's helped me get where I am and helped prepare me for what's to come.
I went back to see the surgeon this April and saw the nutritionist and the exercise therapist. And my paperwork was submitted to my insurance company. Within ten days I knew I was approved and couldn't wait to get my date for surgery. I couldn't believe it went through for my insurance the very first time. I was elated.
By now my son, who wasn't sure about the surgery a year ago, had see first hand how well his best friend's mother-in-law had done and decided he was all for me getting it done. He's been wonderful with support since. I'm so grateful.
Now I am two days into my liquid-soft diet before surgery and going nuts with hunger, and anxiety. I read a few entries today that others are in the same place I am, and that has helped a lot. I'm very happy I'm finally in the place I am and have less than two weeks to go before my real rewarding journey begins. I'm so grateful I have this site to communicate with others who are just like me. And going to join the others who have already been through the surgery and have succeeded with their weight loss. One day, one hour, one step at a time. 
