Hi ladies, Just thought I...

Hi ladies, Just thought I'd share some of what's going on with me. It helps to get it out and I would bet some of you have gone through the same thing. The basic problem; I don't know if I am going to be approved for surgery. My insurance company is very strict and I went to a class on Thursday night and of the people there I probably had the least weight related problems. I am 5'9" and weigh 270 lbs. but I am pretty physically fit and I don't really have comorbidities yet except arthritis in my knee. I have a HUGE history of diabetes in my family so it is just a matter of time. So I feel the surgery is really for me. AND, I really don't want to wait till I have diabetes and heart disease and I am really unhealthy!!! That just doesn't sound right! Why wait? I don't understand why the insurance will let you get totally unhealthy before they help! It is frustrating! I have recently (in the past couple of months) lost 14 pounds with out changing any of my eating habits. I just increased my walking from 3-4 days a week at 3 miles, to 5-6 days a week at 4 miles. While this sounds cool, I think it gives me a false sense of security that "I can loose this weight." Been there, done that, gained it all plus! The good thing about this is that if they don't approve me for the surgery then I have some motivation. But I've been through this before, I can loose a little, but not nearly enough to be close to where I need to be. I really need to contact my PCP to see where I stand. If I have PCOS (I got all the tests done last week) then I have more of a case for surgery, otherwise it is going to be really difficult! Anyway, I am feeling frustrated, so I thought I'd share! I hate this waiting game! Well, on a good note, I am really looking forward to conference! By this time (the time I am writing this) some of you have already seen the whole first session! I can't wait! Have a good Saturday everyone! I'm glad to have a place to share my frusterations. Thanks everyone. Billie

Hi Billie - insurances can be really hard and discouraging. A piece of advice I have for you about anything you have to document for your surgery - Be very honest but accentuate the negative. For example if you are asked if you need help getting dressed. You don't say "no" - you answer honestly and accentuate the negative saying something like "I can no longer wear anything with a zipper in the back because I can't reach around and zip it up" or "I can no longer wear shoes with shoelaces because I can't bend over to tie my shoes". Things such as that. Again I want to stress that you need to be honest, you just need to accentuate the negative. Many insurance companies want a documented account of any weight loss attempt. Make sure you document the name of the diet you are on (or have been on), how long you are on the diet and any results from that diet. Be sure to docuemtn what kind of weight gain occurs when you stop the diet. Document if your activity level has stayed the same and yet the weight still was gained back. Good luck. Pray about things and see what kind of answer you get. It will happen if it was meant to be. Melody