ObesityHelp

August 2, 2003...Can't believe that surgery is complete and I'm going back to work tomorrow. At my post-op appointment (1 week and 1 day after surgery), I had already lost 19 lbs! I was so excited! Everyone at Plano Presbyterian Hospital was great and so nice and treated me with kindness. They were very supportive. Dr. Hamm and his staff have been nothing but kind and helpful.

July 20, 2003...Here it is...the night before surgery! I still can't believe it. I enjoyed a great "last supper" with my roommates and I'm looking forward to being on the losing side after tomorrow. Many thanks to everyone who have sent their thoughts and prayers. Your support is truly appreciated!

July 15, 2003...I'm finally in the home stretch with 5 days before surgery. Went to Plano Presby for pre-op testing and all went well. I couldn't believe how nice everyone was! They all wished me luck and made me feel like they really cared. I think right now, I'm more worried about making sure all is set with my job than I am the surgery! Oh yeah...I actually lost 10 lbs from my last weigh in! Go figure! I figured with the feeding frenzy I've been on that I would have gained quite a bit. Counting down!

July 3, 2003...with less than three weeks to go, I am EXCITED!!! I cannot wait for my surgery...I'm even looking forward to all of the pre-op testing just because I know it gets me that much closer!

June 25, 2003...very much a roller coaster day of emotion. First, my employer said we were probably switching insurance companies effective July 1. Second, call from Dr. Hamm's office with a possible surgery date of July 21. Third, waiting and waiting to hear the final word on the insurance situation. THANK GOODNESS! We are keeping current insurance company for now so I'm scheduled for July 21st!!!!!!!!!!!!

June 21, 2003...received letter from Dr. Hamm's office that insurance company approved!!!!!!!!!!!!! Next up, psych evaluation. I'm so HAPPY!!! :-)

June 2003...Dr. Hamm's office sent in paperwork AGAIN. They did receive this time.

May 2003...Insurance company lost info from the doctor.

April 2003...After visiting with my primary care doctor, she felt there was some changes and suggested having Dr. Hamm's office resubmit. I'll be sending my records from her office to Dr. Hamm. Keeping my fingers crossed.

December 2002...Was denied again. The insurance company wants to see more medical records from my regular doctor.

November 2002...Sent for medical records from old doctor (out of state).

October 2002...After Aetna "lost" Dr. Hamm's letter, they denied the request for gastroplasty. They wanted more medical history.

August 2002...First visit w/ Dr. Hamm. Very informative and done in a group format and then one on one. At first, thought the group appointment was weird, embarrassing, uncomfortable but quickly realized others had questions that I hadn't even thought of.