New here, looking for friends/support!

 My name is Robin, and I live in Muskegon. I'm 36, married, and have two sons ages 11 and 14. I had my consult with Dr. Gluck this past Thursday, and am in the midst of getting all of my testing done to submit my request to my insurance company for surgery. I have enjoyed reading here (and on the main board) and am learning a lot from all of your posts. I thought I would jump in and (hopefully) make some connections to give and receive support through this journey.  Please feel free to add me to your friends lists, especially if you're a patient of Dr. Gluck's - but even if you're not!

Welcome to the board!! I am one of Dr. G's. my date is march 3, 5 weeks from tomorrow.... its a great choice you have made!!! :) I have added you... keep in touch and let us know how things are going and do not be discouraged with the process Kandy

Thanks, Kandy! I appreciate the warm welcome.  I have added you too.  I think this journey will be much easier knowing I'm not alone in the whole process!!

Welcome Robin....happy to hear your with Dr. Gluck...he will take good care of you. I had surgery on Jan.16.  and doing very well. My ins. co. was priority health........whats yours. Wishing you the best with approval...its a journey....a year for me. colleen

Hi Colleen! I have priority health also. Dr. Gluck didn't sound all that concerned that they would turn me down, and actually told me that because they required prior authorization to even have the initial consult, most of the time once they authorize a consult, they don't turn down the surgery itself... but I'm still worried. I will definitely rest easier when I know they've said yes! In the meantime, he has asked that I try to lose about 40 lbs pre-op, so I am going to proceed as though it's going to happen in a few months. I'm currently debating whether I should be replacing all of my meals but dinner with protein shakes, or if moderation and common sense will get me to that goal. The last thing I want is for him to think I'm not serious about this!

Hi robin.....did you have to go through the Mercy medical weight loss program at Mercy for six months?  Priority said I had to do that which I did. After that I got approved for everything...wow, what a process!!  I wish you the best on your weight loss before surgery...it won't be easy but just your best.  If you have problems I would suggest you get a hold of there office and meet with the nutritionist....that way they know your trying and serious about all this. Hugs, colleen

Colleen, they have not (yet) said that they want me to go through the 6 month program at Mercy. I suspect (maybe?) that's because my weight is SO high, and my ability to do the amount of exercise necessary for me to be successful in that program is limited at this time.    I have read about instances where Priority has made an exception because it was deemed urgent for the patient to have the surgery sooner rather than later. (And once the pounds start dropping, activity levels can increase accordingly.) But, I won't be totally surprised if they do make me do the 6 month program first. Did they tell you that you had to do this BEFORE your initial consult? Or not until you had your consult and requested that they cover the surgery? Thanks for your well-wishes! I'm going for my first nutrition class tomorrow, and I will ask then about meeting with the nutritionist about my individual needs/goals.

Welcome Robin!  I did not have Dr. Gluck but wish you the best of luck with the approval process.  I am 32, married with 3 kiddos, 2 boys 12 and 10 and 1 girl 7.   Keep us posted on your progress.

Thanks, Kim!!

Hi Robin, My name is Tracy and I live in Muskegon also. I am married too. And I am also 36, and Dr. Gluck is also my doctor. We have a lot in common!!!  My oldest son is terrible 16, my daughter is even more terrible 15, and my baby (who is not a baby anymore) is 12. Even our kids are almost the same age. I have nothing to say about Dr. Gluck but good things. I even like his staff. Everyone has been VERY nice to me. Dr. Gluck requires a lot of tests before surgery. I was pulling my hair out waiting to have everything done. But it does make you feel safe he is so thorough. I am glad I pick him. My surgery is Feb. 18th, three weeks from today!!! YEA!! I am so excited. I go from my teaching meeting on Thursday. I start my fast one week from today. I am not looking forward to that. lol. I will be glad the weight will start coming off to stay off. I am a little nervous about the fast though. I hear it makes you really sick for a few days. I will let you know how it goes for me. Anyways, I will stop boring you now! I do look forward to hearing from you though. I have not lived in Muskegon long and I get kinda lonely for girl talk. Talk to you later, Tracy