Pre-op Roll Call!!!

I saw this on the main board, and thougt it would be interesting to add here for everyone pre and post to view.     Name:  Kim
Age:  32 Weight:  363
Height:  5'7"
BMI 56.8 Type of Surgery:  RNY
Started Process:  July 2007
Surgeon: Margaret Inman Where are you in the process?  I have finished all of the pre-op appointments that my insurance requires (6 months dr monitored diet, exercise programe, and psych eval)
Most aggrivating?  Paperwork and WAITING.  Waiting to finish the diet, waiting for the psych eval, waiting for approval, waiting for the nurse to call with a date, and then waiting for that date .
WLS status: Waiting for the scheduling nurse to call with a date! WLS horror Stories:  Besides the risk factors that unfortunately have fell upon the shoulder of other OHers, my biggest fear isn't the surgery, but maintaining.  I love that OHers continue posting their journey many years after surgery, so that others can efit from advise. 
Positive WLS stories:  many!! I have a sister-in-law (1 1/2 years)She inspired me Is OH helpful:  More than anything.  Wonderful Support!  Great People Deciding factor in having WLS:  I had a visit at my PCP's, and she was going to refer me to a cardiologist at 31.  I couldn't believe my ears.  I didn't feel that my blood pressure was that bad.  But she informed my that blood pressure is a silent killer, and with my family history of stroke and heart....I needed to be referred on
Ins. Co:  Highmark BC/BS (Pennsylvania)
Ins. Hurdles:  Dr's diet, exercise, psych eval. 
I'm thankful for.....  OH and the many supportive people I've met here.  And my supportive husband and family...I am doing this for them and me.  Have A Wonderful Day!!!

Me too,

Shanna Brown age 33 height. 5'2" BMI 42 ( I have got it way down)

Type of surgery RNY

Doctor: DR Mattar weights stats. highest 299.5 pre pcp diet 284 current 240 ish  I have my 5th pcp diet appt. today! I have met with dr. mattar and Clarien has all my records. Check! I nut visit in CHeck! Need 2 support groups in. I have 2nd Nut visit and psych eval at end of month on the 28th. Insurance- Anthem BC/BS Why? Finally fed up with being fat! Went to my Doc's last Oct. for a small lump in my stomach. She said hernia, would prob. need surgery. Ok Wls surgery here we come.Diabetes! Need I say more. I know atleast 20 people who have had it, Worked at the Avenue for 3 years and lost most of my best customers to WLS. Biggest Fear-Having complicatons. I want to feel better not sick all the time. Hardest part (so Far):OMG the 6 month diet is a killer. Thaks have a great day, too. Shanna

Name:  Kimberly
Age:  34 Weight:  240 @ consult; 230ish now
Height:  5'5"
BMI 39.7 @ consult; 38.2 now Type of Surgery:  Lap RNY
Started Process:  October 2007
Surgeon: Christopher Evanson Where are you in the process? Insurance was approved one month after consult and my date was set for 3/26/08 about a month later. 
Most aggrivating?  Waiting for my date to roll around and seeing others get approved after me and have their surgeries come and go...I guess that Dr. Evanson is just that good though.  At least, he is eye candy and I usually don't go for the long-haired, surfer dudes.
WLS status: Approved waiting for surgery 3/26 WLS horror Stories:  no horror stories other than what we all see in the media and read on OH; I know what can happen but I am sick of not living my life and actually hiding from it. I have a beautiful one year old daughter and I will not saddle her with an unhealthy mom with unhealthy weight issues.  I'm going to get over this before she is old enough to understand.
Positive WLS stories: One of my BFF had WLS 8yrs ago and is an amazing success - while she is not stick thin now she is much healthier and happier with herself.  Two of my colleagues at work have also recently had WLS and are very supportive as well. Is OH helpful: This site is a great resource for information and support. Deciding factor in having WLS:  This is for me primarily but the benefit to my family will be overwhelming that it is hard to tease it apart.  I don't think my husband understands how much my weight impacts my self-esteem and then my depression, our relationship, marriage, etc...He just doesn't get it because he has never had a weight issue and even if he had it is truly different for a man in our society (unfortunate but true).
Ins. Co:  Anthem BC/BS of Indiana
Ins. Hurdles:   None - I anticipated hurdles but nothing. 
I'm thankful for.....  God, my family, OH for support.

Name:  Robin
Age:  31
Weight:  270 Height:  5'7"
BMI
Type of Surgery:  Lap RNY
Started Process:  Janurary 2007
Surgeon: Inman
Where are you in the process? Everything is into my insurance waiting for an approval. 
Most aggrivating?  The Wait WLS status: Waiting for approval Is OH helpful: I love this site!
Deciding factor in having WLS:  Couple of family members who have had it. Wanting to get healthy Ins. Co:  Anthem BC/BS of IL. Ins. Hurdles:   They required me to have 12 months of dieting with a doctor. 
I'm thankful for.....  The wonderful people here. My family

Name: Amanda
Age: 32
Weight: 223 at consult, 199 this morning
Height: 5'2"
BMI: 40 @ consult
Type of Surgery: RNY
Started Process: Consult in Sept 2007
Surgeon: Dr. Evanson
Where are you in the process? Scheduled for surgery on 3/19, nutritional consult on 2/19 and pre-op testing on 2/21
Most aggrivating? Waiting for the call backs and nerves (risks of the surgery and the long-term maintaining)
WLS Status: Waiting for the surgery
WLS horror stories: Nothing first hand, just worried about my health post-op (typical health issues) and ability to take care of my small baby
Positive WLS stories: Have a colleague with much success
Is OH helpful? Absolutely!  It is a great resource for information and support
Deciding factor in having WLS: Took a realistic look at myself.  For a long time, I've been denying how "big" I really am.  My husband was recently diagnosed with diabetes, high bp, and high cholesterol.  It scared me into thinking about my own health and how I am treating my body.  I have a small child (9 mo. old) and want to be a good role model for her.  I don't want to embarrass her or keep her from experiencing a full life because I have weight issues.  (Like me avoiding the pool b/c of wearing a swimsuit.) 
Ins Co: Anthem BC/BS
Ins Hurdles: Nothing too bad, just took about 6 weeks to hear from them after consult.  I had to wait nearly 3 weeks for a call back from Dr. E's office once my surgery was approved.
I'm thankful for...God, family, good doctors