Reality Check

I have to admit that I normally don't visit this forum. I guess I don't want to accept the fact that I have a BMI of over 70. I just need some sound advice from people who can identify with what I am dealing with. Yesterday I had to face some reality. For the last few weeks, the bottom of my feet have been very uncomfortable. I was just chalking it up to my shoes. While I was at church yesterday, not only were the bottom of my feet hurting but my ankles began to give out as well as my knees. By the afternoon I was having to use my cane. The sad reality is that my legs are no longer able to support my weight. I need this surgery in the worst way. I can deal with asthma, hypertension and arthritis. What do I do if I have to resort to using a wheelchair? My letter of approval has been prepared but it has not been faxed to the insurance company. I am patiently waiting on the surgeon's office to submit it. Has anyone had to deal with this issue and if so, how did you handle it? Timmalynn

Aw Timmalynn--my heart goes out to you darlin'. I have a BMI of 62.9 and I too have dealth with lots of mobility issues. There are days when I just feel as if I simply CAN'T move. However, since I joined Changes for Women, my mobility is improving. It's a place without judgement and you only do what you can do. I'm sure there is a Changes in your area (or maybe Curves). Exercise does help you...trust me. Even if it's just walking to the mailbox and back. Get yourself moving. I can also recommend Leslie Sansone's walking videos. She has a 15 minute walking tape...I just tell myself "I can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes." Take it at your own pace and go with it. Of course, losing weight will help, too. My surgeon requires patients to go on 1,000 calories/day 30 days prior to surgery. I started on Sunday, April 2, and I can already tell a difference and I've only lost 15 lbs. My knee pain has disappeared and the stairs don't seem quite as daunting. My advice to you is to 1) Get proactive and GET THAT LETTER FAXED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY and in the interim 2) get moving--it will help. Best wishes to you and I hope we're both on the losing side SOON! A fellow NC gal...the Outer Banks... Phyllis

I had an exercise evaluation last month and I started to do the walking and resistance bands just like she instructed. I just can't seem to put much pressure on my feet. When I say they hurt, I mean they burn like I am walking on hot coals. I feel like I am trying to balance a refrigerator on a toothpick. As for the letter, I needed a copy for my employer and they faxed it to ME!!!!! How is it they cannot fax it to BCBS? I am really not understanding that one. I had my consultation on 3/2/06 and the doctor told me I was ready. I went to him with all my requirements done. The letter was dictated that week and printed on 4/13/06. I am trying to be patient because I realize that I am not the only patient he has. I have even thought about faxing it to BCBS myself. I am just trusting God to move this situation on my favor soon. Thank you for the advice and God bless you.

Why not fax it yourself? Something just may happen. I was in the same situation. My PCP's office was supposed to fax in my referral and they never did. Only because I knew someone on the inside of my PCP's office, they faxed the paperwork to me because I was frustrated and asked for it. I, in turn, faxed it to my insurance company after giving them a call and getting the correct fax number. At the same time, I set up an appt with my Dr to give him an earful about the lack of action in his office. To his credit, he seemed surprised that my paperwork hadn't been taken care of yet. Oddly enough, I got my approval in 2 days time. Imagine that! You need to be an advocate for yourself. This is your life and your health. Don't let them dilly dally with it. Good luck! Mercy 428/408/296/180

Last May, I started getting serious about WLS because I had a BMI of 87 and weighed 571 pounds. I knew that I needed to exercise because I wanted to hold onto the mobility that I had and also wanted to strengthen my heart and lungs so I would have the safest possible surgery. I started out doing one water aerobics class a week. I know a lot of SMO women and men are afraid of having people see them in a bathing suit, but there are worse things (like not being able to walk). I'm not an exhibitionist. I bought a giant bath sheet. It covers me as I walk from the locker room to the pool. Once you're in the water, no one can see anything. Water aerobics is excellent exercise for people with joint and foot problems. The resistance gives a great workout and the water takes all the weight off your feet and joints. Deep water classes can be very helpful when you're just starting out, and shallow end classes can be relatively high impact and really help your heart and lungs. The other thing I like is that most of the people taking the class are middle aged women, many of whom aren't in the kind of shape that would invite them to be overly judgemental. My classmates have all been very kind and supportive and are following my post-op progress. Our instructor had WLS and started doing water aerobics herself in preparation. She's at goal, and works out at least ten times a week. The best way around an obstacle is sometimes through it. Sometimes we have to do hard, unpleasant things to achieve our dreams. Good luck. Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions.

HI!! I have a BMI of 78 so I know your pain.. I agree with everything everyone else said. I just wanted to stress the importance of keeping your own records and doing your own leg work... Absolutely fax that yourself and yes you're not the only patient but you still matter and deserve to be taken care of!!! It's only a phone call and may just inspire them to git r done... I would also suggest a trip to the doc... the burning pain in the soles of your feet could be diabetes... Come back often.. we're always here for support or cheering on or whatever you need!!