clegate
5/12/06
I began this journey last year in April when I went to my PCP and requested a referral for WLS. I was denied. I hesitated to appeal because I really wanted to have lap band surgery and my HMO will not cover it. I hoped that we would be able to get the money together to go to Mexico for surgery. In the mean time we bought a house and finding the extra cash to pay for the surgery just wasn't going to happen. I decided to try the HMO route again and see where that went. Last week I went to see my PCP with the same request, got a referral and was approved for the initial consultation. I don't really know what that means but it is scheduled to happen on Tuesday so I guess I'll know then. I'm really excited but after having looked at comments from others who have Group Health, it looks like there is a 6 to 12 month wait for a surgery date. It will all happen when it's supposed to but I would like for that to be on the fast track rather than the slow one.
5/24/2006
Much and nothing has happened the past two weeks. First I had my phone interview with the Consulting Nurse, Harriet, who gave me tons of information. She was wonderful. She mentioned that I am healthier than most of their patients. She said I had about a year's wait. Disappointing but not unexpected. She also told me to check with my HR department and make sure there were not going to be any changes in in benefits. Well, the next day I called and, ofcourse, WLS will not be offered in my school district after Oct. 1, 2006. And to boot, Harriet is out of the office until 5/25 so I can't even talk to her about it. I don't know if I just out of luck or if there's still a chance. I will be so upset and disappointed if this doesn't happen. I want to change my life so much.
I have an eight year old daughter who is missing so much time with me because I don't have the energy to do things with her. Sometimes my feet hurt so bad that I can hardly walk. It's not fair to her or to my husband who has to pick up the slack. I just want to be healthier and more energetic. I need this surgery so bad.
I should find out something from Harriett tomorrow.
5/27/06
Didn't hear from Harriet until Friday and then only that she would talk to the doctors and see if they could honor my request. I wish I could call them and tell them how desparately I want to have this surgery. How it would change my life. How I would become such a better mother for my child. How this is my only shot. I just don't think I could ever put my family in the amount of debt it would take to become a self pay. If there is anyone out there who reads this and knows how I can help make this happen, please let me know. I am desparate. I pray, Please Lord, please. The waiting is killing me. I keep second guessing myself. Maybe the length of time is a good thing. Maybe it's a bad thing. Maybe that I'm still healthy is working for me or maybe it's working against me. Maybe, maybe, maybe. I'd allow myself a good cry but what good would that do?
6/7/06
It looks like everything is going to work out. I got an email from Harriet on Monday that said they were going to try to make sure I got surgery before 10/1/06. I have an orientation date for 8/4/06. I meet with the surgeon and anesthesiologist then. Apparently this is pretty much for sure because she said I should go ahead and start the sessions with the nutritionist. She also said I should have a surgery date before my orientation date. I have completed all my pre-op tests except for the mammogram. I have finished the psych survery but I haven't had a meeting/phone consult with the social worker. I have had blood tests, urine tests, abdominal ultrasound (got some stones going there) and chest xray. So far everything looks good. Now if only this could all work out so that I don't have to miss any school.
6/23/06
Finally made it to the end of the school year. But best of all is that I have a surgery date. I have orientation scheduled for 8/4/06 where I will meet the surgery team and get all the information. Then in 4 short days I will have my surgery. I am scheduled for 8/8/06. So far I have not been nervous at all. I probably will be when it gets closer to time but not yet. My husband is worried that I will get thin and decide I will not need him. It's very exciting.
8/11/06
Post-Op. Wow, never thought I'd be writing that! I flew through the surgery with no problems whatsoever. Now I just need to learn how to juggle, pills, eating, and drinking. Guess that will get better and easier as time goes by. I'm feeling good if not completely back to my old self. That too will come in time.
10/20/06
It's been a long time since I have updated. I have lost 54 lbs. so far. I feel so much better. I have gone through nearly all of the "I'm going to get back into that someday" clothes that I have saved. I am down to only 4 pair of pants and they are a little loose. Shirts are not nearly as big a problem as I can wear them big but some of them are a little too baggy too. It will be fun to go shopping even if it is to the thrift store. I refuse to buy new clothes since I won't get to wear for long. What a fun time. My BMI is down to 37. I can't wait until I'm no longer in the obese range. I go back to see Dr. Bock in about 3 weeks.
1/22/06
ONEDERLAND! This morning the scale read 198. What a great day. I have done really well. The scale is moving in the right direction, I am eating healthier than I ever have in my entire life, I am exercising (although I could be a little more consistent with that). In short, I'm happier and healthier than I have been nearly all of my adult life. I go back to my doc for a 6 month check up next week.
2/10/07
Can't believe it's been 6 months already. Time sure has flown by. I have lost 90 lbs. Had my six month check up last week and it went great. I saw the PA rather than my surgeon. This was the first time I had met him so there was a lot of history to go over but he was pleased with my progress.
I am in a size 16 pants and it's beginning to get a little loose. I'm also finding I'm not terribly interested in food. Unlike I used to be where I looked forward to meal time, I just eat because I have to. Yesterday I delayed lunch for over an hour so that I could finish some paperwork! How unlike me.
The best changes are that my whole family has a different attitude to food and exercise. My daughter is award of ingredients of food and what are healthy choices and what aren't. Not bad for an eight year old.
