The start of a journey

 

Today I called my Authorization specialist to see if my insurance company covers WLS. I was informed that United Heath Care covers my VSG surgery, for that I'm very happy. I'll have to start a medically supervised diet, if requested by the insurance company. Psychology orientation is next, then I can do all my other test. This is the beginning of my journey, hopefully by next year I can join you on the losers bench. Please keep me in your prayers.
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Awesome. I am so happy for you. Good luck on everything. It will seem like a long time this next 6 months but believe me it will go b faster than you think. If you have any issues or questions don't hesitate to write me a note. I am back to work now so it may take a couple of days to respond but I will.

 
Hi: Becky
                The first person I started working with is on vacation, after not hearing from her I decided to call the surgeons office to see how things were going with my approval. I Finally got to the right person, she put me on hold, called my Ins. co and in less than two minutes she gave the good news, your health ins will pay for your VSG surgery. Before hanging up she made my appointment to see the nutritionist next Thursday. Six months will work for me, this way school will be out and I won't have to think about school for the whole summer. One thing I am not telling a soul yet, until I have all my ducks in line and then only to a few people. Now my 12 yr old daughter who lives with me, sees me on the computer reading OH stories and has asked me what I'm doing visiting this site. I told her this is just one of many sites I visit on a daily bases. Can this be considered a little white lie. As a christian gentleman I don't like to lie, but I'm not ready to tell anyone yet. Just last night my daughter had to help me clip my toe nails, because it's hard for me to do. She knows my medical conditions, I just hope that in the future she understands why I'm doing this.
If you are back to work, that means you're feeling better, I'm happy for you. I know you started eating regular foods, how is that going for you ?
Well until here, God Bless.
Lou

Congratulations!  Good for you!  

I have my RNY surgery on November 21st and I'm thrilled with my decision.  It is NEVER too early to start your diet.  The more you lose before your surgery, the healthier you will be (especially if you have a lot to lose like I do).  It can only make things easier afterwards - your recovery, your continued weight loss and your continued success!  

Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!

Suzanne  

Thank you for your words of support, looking forward to my journey.
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Six months and a handful of medical clearance appointments will come and go before you know it.  I have just one more Dr. appoinmtent for my medically supervised diet apt. and should be in line for surgery.  Very excited and nervous at the same time...  Start with small steps to get ready for your procedure...  like stop drinking all sodas if you drink soda...  it will be easier when the time comes...  plus you'll feel so much better....  also try not drinking with your meals...  that is pretty tricky...  i'm still working on this task...  and put your fork down between bites...  have a nice converstation at the table...  Something that my family tends to do is celebrate achievements and acomplishments around food....  try celebrating without food...  it's hard...  but can be done...not to mention that's how i got myself into trouble to begin with...  finish your plate and lets celebrate...  with food...  always around food...  we have tried to bring family around Just Dance Wii game...  or the basketball hoop....  i do what i can..  but it's neat to see the family on board with physical activities rather than having pie all the time...  Anyway...  keep an eye on the road and stay focused...  great things are ahead of you...  (me too...  )   Welcome to the beginning of a new journey... 

Hi:  What do you actually have to do when you see the nutritionist ? Is she going to put me on some new diet ? Thanks for sharing your experiences.
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 As far as the nutritionist goes she will really go over what kind of diet u will need to be on prior to and after surgery. She/he wont put u on a diet per say just talk to u about how to start changing your diet for the long run. Eating food for me is going nice and slow but good. Work is challenging but I am managing. As far as your daughter and telling her about your decision that is a truley personal decision. I will tell you this that u will be surprised that she may have already figured it out. I think she will be very supportive when u tell her. she sounds like a very sweet child and she loves her daddy and wants him to be around for a very long time. When u explain the health benefits she will be happy for u. Good luck.
Becky

Hi: Becky
               Now I have a better idea what to look forward to, when I see the nutritionist. In reality we don't have a choice, we just have to follow the insurance companies requirements. If these six months get me to surgery I'm okay with that. At my age of 63. I have been blessed with a wonderful daughter, who loves and cares for me. You're right she will understand when I tell her about my WLS.
Thrilled to hear you are eating even if it's slow. How are you handling your fluid intake ? 
Have you had any complications since your surgery ?
Thank You for all your advice and support.
Have a Blessed week.
Lou

Hi: There are many bad habits that I have to change, like not drinking sodas. Something that is going to be hard for me is not to drink soda or water while eating.
I don't eat alot, but whatever I eat stays with me forever, how is that ? Right now I'm at 255, 5' 6" 63 yrs old with a BMI of 40.5, wow. I would like to get down to around 150 lbs, lean and mean, just joking. My main reason for WLS is to get off all my medications and maybe add a few more years to my life.
Thanks for your support.
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