Missed a lot

Wow, I'm away from the boards for a week and everything changes...  No real surprises for this group, but I am so frustrated with all this doctor stuff! I didn't tell many that I had a tentative surgery date for July (I wanted to schedule while waiting for records because my kids have some events this summer I need to be well for, thinner ideally, but at least not recently post op). I've lost the mid July date because the office staff at my pcp's office are incredibly stupid (they sent my notes from the most recent visit, nothing from the 10 years I've been a patient in that office)! Maddening! The situation is further complicated by a communication glitch at the surgeons office. July is no longer a possibility for me. Due to the kids, August is probably out of the question as well. I started the process in early May, I'm already driving myself crazy and there is still the possibility all the diet attempt records aren't in place... Anyway, I bounce around between incredibly discouraged, attempting to diet, and just hanging on. Physically I don't feel as if I can wait too much longer, I'm afraid I'm going to have a stroke or heart attack while I'm waiting. Then I think I should diet and excercise aggressively, but if I'm successful (again) will I lose my wls surgery opportunity until I gain it all back  (speaking historically I won't lose it all and I'll gain back more, not unlike everyone else). In the darkest parts of my mind and emotions I feel like the monumental effort all this is taking also takes a physical toll and it's so much easier to do nothing... I've been to the surgeons office, I've been to my pcp's (twice), I've had blood drawn, I've been to the ObGyn's, I'm going back for an ultrasound Thursday, my ovaries have disappeared in the fat apparently. All the while physical therapy 3x a week for another weight related issue, and the medical bills are rolling in. I feel defeated and I've hardly started and the kids are home from school already and they are BORED. I can't do stuff with them, sometimes the frustration is like road rage, I want to hurt someone, I want to scream, I want the drive through at Taco Bell, or DQ, or both. Thanks for listening. I know all of you "get" where I am. Lexia

Lexia - I feel your pain and frustration. It can be absolutely "madening" going through the pre-op stage and dealing with insurance and communication with doctors offices. I had a lot of "issues" as a preop that messed up my approval. I finally got so disgusted with ppl NOT doing the job that they were being PAID to do - that I took matters into my own hands.  I went to my pcp and got copies of my own records. I then delivered those to my surgeon's office. I became my own advacate and I took control of my own health and surgery!  I ended up having to do my own appeal but it was worth it because it got done right! There were no missing papers and I got my surgery approved.  Get yourself busy with summer activities and that will help pass the time away as well. It seems like it will be FOREVER, but it does happen.  Best of wishes to you on your wls journey!!!!!

Lexia, Please don't give up! My sistuation was almost the same as yours. I bugged the hell out my doctor and finally got through to them.I went myself to pick up all the required paper work gave them the sample letter and said This is what I would like you to do. after all you or your insurance company are paying them. And as far as getting a aug date I just had my Lap RNY 6/5/07 and I felt great ! I have only taken pain medication for the ride home and the first night home. If it werent for my incisions you would never know I had major surgery! I am 53 years young and can't believe how great I feel!  You can do it girl!!!!!!!! Go for it!                                                                         Hugs, Suzie

Don't give up !!!!!  Your right , there is a lot of us who know how you feel ... this feeling you have is what lead  us to wls. I don't think any of us felt like it is an easy process to be approved once we make the decision to have wls.  So what you do while jumping through there hoops is start thinking about how you want to live once you have it..... Then you start to live it.... YOUR going to have it !!!! YOU just have to do the requirements.....So while your waiting start living your life like a WLS post -op......In order to do that you have to educate your self in both the physical,  and mind thought process ....Spend lots of time on the edu. web sites.....Get involved more in living the life you want with your family .......it may not be in all the ways that are possible after WLS  but,  you"ll get to them. Do what you can now...... I guess what Im trying to say is make your life full and the time will pass and before you know it you ll be a big loser...lol     And as far as worrying about when the best time to do the surgery ......If you have it lap less then 2 wks and I was feeling great and started back to work..... 4 days and I was back to normal in the house......My normal  lol Good luck and remember to read others stories and process your not alone!!!   Jenny B  Wise  

Lexia, I can completely relate to your situation.  I was in exactly the same place you are right now at the same time last year.  I remember well the feelings of rage I had at having finally made this tough decision and then having to leave my destiny up to others.  My only advice is to not give up.  Your time will come.  Keep your chin up! Jenn

Thanks for all the kind words. I didn't mean to imply I'm giving up, I won't. Tenacious is my middle name... I didn't do the drive thru either, although I was tempted... I stuffed my fat self in a bathing suit and took my BORED kids to the pool... the water park in Ypsilanti tomorrow.  I have made some changes with regard to being a future wls patient, daily supplements, no carbonated bevs, and let me tell you how hard it was to give up the pepsi main line... more excercise, excessive chewing (when I remember). I'm okay, I'm just really mad, and if I can't vent to those who know... anyhow, much love and thanks for the support. I'm still in the game just neede a time out! Lexia