SoCal_Girl_79

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     I feel that I am very fortunate to have the support that I have. Both my Aunt Laura and cousin Anese have had WLS, so I can turn to them as my mentors. I also have the support of my Grandmother, who raised me. I also want to thank my husband Ray who has stood by me through so much and loved me unconditionally. He supports me in all that I do. My emotions have been up and down lately and I am thankful that he is here for me.

     In the summer of '06 I had attended a seminar for a surgeon that was close to home. I knew of him because my cousin was having surgery through him. She is doing well now and speaks highly of him, so it just felt comfortable. I sort of put things off for awhile, but unfortunately when I decided I was ready his office told me that they didn't accept my insurance. I have Medicare/Medical w/ IEHP. He accepted medical only. I thought it was strange that they couldn't just bill medical. I was disappointed and was a little upset that they did not bring this to my attention before I had attended the seminar. I thought that I was screwed because I found that many bariatric surgeons are this way as well. I called IEHP and shared with them my problem and they promptly called me the next day and not only said I was approved for the consult, but that they found a surgeon. I was amazed by how well IEHP responded to my needs. My insurance recomended Dr. Peter LePort's group called Lite Demensions. Leport himself is the Director of the program, and there are three other surgeons available through this program. Any one of these surgeons I have heard great things about and they are highly experienced, and I have met a couple of them. I have a lot of confidence with their program. One of the things I liked about them is their extensive aftercare program, and the way their staff is very prompt in being responsive. One of the girls named Brandy helped me out a lot with many questions I had and I thank her for that. There were certain requirements that I had to meet like attending one support group, have a Psych Evaluation done, and do the nutrition class. I was approved by IEHP within a few days. I was shocked once again by how prompt they are. My surgery date is 4/26, and someone from the office will be calling me about the pre-ops that I must now complete. I could have had the surgery sooner, but I decided to go with Dr. Ali and he is not available untill that date. I decided to go with him because all the feedback that people had left him not only on the internet, but also the positive things people have said about him at support groups (all though I have heard many positive things about all of them). I am now waiting and I feel like it's so far away, but It is better this way anyways because I have more time to prepare myself mentally and physically.