cybregrrl

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Ok. I found Corinne Bailey Rae and she sings what could be my theme song. 

I've been proceeding, slowly, towards having everything together for approval. My surgeon is waiting on new labs, my nutritionist evaluation and my psychological evaluation. I had the blood drawn last Wednesday, called my nutritionist to fax the evaluation and am waiting for my therapist. I meet with my therapist Monday, so I'll know how my progress is progressing. I'll place my weekly call to the surgeon's insurance coordinator on Monday, as well.

I've already called my insurance company, United Healthcare - Choice Plus Plan, and found out their requirement for WLS. The require:

1. A BMI of 40 or higher
2. Over 21 years of age.

I am sure co-morbidities will help, and I do have them, but it's nice to know that even without co-morbidities that I qualify.

Hopefully, I'll be submitting for insurance by the end of the month.

*knocks on wood*

 

I've been working on preapproval since August 2006. I've had my initial consult with the surgeon, Dr. Melkonian. I'm VERY excited to have him on my team; he comes highly recommended. Dr. M thinks I'm an excellent candidate for the surgery. I had lap gallbladder surgery done in 2005 by one of his partners, so I am familiar with and feel very comfortable with the practice and the staff.

I've had three visits with my nutritionalist and my GP is on board, as well. In fact, when I mentioned that I was going to have Dr. Melkonian perform the procedure, my GP told me that if Dr. M did not think I was a good candidate, then I should NOT shop around for a doctor who did think so.

I've actually had to go thru several therapists, but I've found one that I really like and feel we'll work well together. I'll be seeing her on Monday and, hopefully, she will give me the release for the surgeon! I've got my fingers SO crossed!

I saw my GP today and got new blood work done. I haven't lost any MORE weight, but I have maintained at 270. Considering the last time I saw my GP was before Thanksgiving, I'm very pleased that I maintained instead of gained over the holidays. My BP is 110/80! That's a nice improvement from 125/95. Doc'll have the results and the consult from the staff nutritionist faxed to my surgeon as soon as possible. Hopefully, no later than the end of next week. I guess it'll depend on how speedy the lab returns results.

On the downside, I've managed to get athlete's foot on the sole of my right foot. I've no idea HOW I got it, nor on only one foot. As I've never had it or seen it, I didn't know what I had when my foot broke out in nasty blisters. Since I'm gearing up for surgery, my GP refused to prescribe anti-fungal pills and insists on my using the OTC stuff, even though the directions state it's not 'proven effective' on anything but between the toes. Doc has taken me completely off of EVERYTHING: Crestor, Wellbutrin, Flonase, Claritin. While he didn't spell it out, I believe he wants to ensure I have no risks of drug interactions. 

Once again, Doc stressed that this is a TOOL and that there are very definite, serious risks with the surgery. He told me of another patient he's caring for who had GBS two years ago. She lost a ton of weight and proceeded to put it right back on.  She's currently at 385 lbs and is in the hospital, bedridden, has open sores on her body and is in very serious condition. 

Of course, EVERYONE says: That won't happen to me! But I do consider the possibility. I willingly ate every bite that made me this weight. 

What I do know is this: 

I know that I do not like the life I have right now. I don't like the world I've created for the 'fat' me. I've lived half my expected lifespan in this state and do not want to live the other half the same. This might sound harsh, but I'd rather risk death than continue as I have.

I know there are risks with the surgery, during and after. If I hadn't had three very successful surgeries with no side-effects or complications, I'd be MUCH more concerned about the surgery. However, I've done my research for my doctor, the surgery, my new lifestyle and eating/food. I feel prepared - or as prepared as one can be without actually going through the process.

I know this requires a committment. I've never really made a committment to myself before. I've always just 'tried' things. But I read something very interesting that really applies here:

The definition of insanity is to continue to do the same things over and over while expecting different results.

That's what I've been doing with my yo-yo dieting and bingeing. 

I feel surgery is the tool to ultimately take control of my food, my body, my life.

There are other tools at my disposal, too. I have my doctor, my surgeon, my nutritionalist, my therapist, this board, my family and my friends. I know I'm not alone in this, nor will I be alone in this.