Getting Serious

Apr 12, 2008

Last week I met with an insurance specialist at the Bariatric Surgery Center @ Baptist.  My PCP had recommended Dr. Spaw because he does all three types of WLS.  I found out my insurance covers all three with minimal red tape.

I have to meet with their dietitian, have the psych eval (uh oh!), and get a letter from my PCP.  I may (but got the impression probably won't) have to do up to a six month "weight study".  Once approved surgery is scheduled within a month!

Today I went to a seminar to hear Dr. Spaw explain the procedures and do a Q&A and the first thing I have to say is...I am so glad I went...and the second thing I have to say is...I may be more confused then ever.

I really thought I wanted to have the lap-band since it is less invasive...but now I really am considering the Roux-en-Y.  I don't want to go through surgery and it not be "enough" and I think band slippage would be a real possibility for me (I once injured myself vomiting).  TMI?

The one thing he explained that I had always been curious about was hearing doctor's requests patients lose weight before the surgery.  But understanding how the size of the liver complicates the surgery (and can make the difference between laparoscopic and open surgery), obviously I want to avoid open surgery if at all possible.

I didn't mean for this post to get so long, haha, sorry!

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