Chris G.
Not Bad News, But Not Great News Either
May 28, 2007
Okay, so I just called the surgeon's office.
My insurance company wants me to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for a full evaluation before they'll approve.
Whew, not as bad as an outright rejection, right?
I have no problem with this at all. I'm actually curious to see what he'll say. I have a psychologist that I went to for a year or so a couple of years ago when I'd fallen into a bad depression, and I'm going to see if I can get back in with him. He was great and really helped me a lot. I'd still be seeing him, but I just didn't need to anymore and couldn't justify spending the money just to go visit and chat.
Okay, I need to relax. I got all nerved up when I had to call in and now I'm overly wound.
ETA>>>>I called my therapist and he is a psychologist and he can do the full eval for me. I'm going in tomorrow morning to fill out the book (honestly, they said it will take about two hours to fill out the eval survey) and then I'll see him on Tuesday afternoon next week. He'll make a full evaluation and send it to Dr. Moon's office.
My insurance company wants me to see a psychologist or psychiatrist for a full evaluation before they'll approve.
Whew, not as bad as an outright rejection, right?
I have no problem with this at all. I'm actually curious to see what he'll say. I have a psychologist that I went to for a year or so a couple of years ago when I'd fallen into a bad depression, and I'm going to see if I can get back in with him. He was great and really helped me a lot. I'd still be seeing him, but I just didn't need to anymore and couldn't justify spending the money just to go visit and chat.
Okay, I need to relax. I got all nerved up when I had to call in and now I'm overly wound.
ETA>>>>I called my therapist and he is a psychologist and he can do the full eval for me. I'm going in tomorrow morning to fill out the book (honestly, they said it will take about two hours to fill out the eval survey) and then I'll see him on Tuesday afternoon next week. He'll make a full evaluation and send it to Dr. Moon's office.
What!!??
May 27, 2007
My husband told me last night that he had forgotten to tell me that the surgeon's office called late on Friday afternoon! He doesn't know if they were calling to tell me I was approved or if it was for something else. They told him to have me call them on Tuesday morning.
Now I'm all excited but nervous at the same time! What if they're calling because there's a problem?? What if it is to say that I'm approved and now we need to set a date? I'm dying to know!!!!!!
I love my hubby, but I could ring his neck for not telling them to call me directly at work!
Meanwhile...I'm not losing any pounds and I'm supposed to lose ten. Dammit. I knew this was going to be a problem. I've upped my exercise from zero to some, and I've upped my water intake and avoided unhealthy food choices...but so far, no weight drop. I'm just going to have to keep increasing the exercise and eat less and less until I start to lose.
Now I'm all excited but nervous at the same time! What if they're calling because there's a problem?? What if it is to say that I'm approved and now we need to set a date? I'm dying to know!!!!!!
I love my hubby, but I could ring his neck for not telling them to call me directly at work!
Meanwhile...I'm not losing any pounds and I'm supposed to lose ten. Dammit. I knew this was going to be a problem. I've upped my exercise from zero to some, and I've upped my water intake and avoided unhealthy food choices...but so far, no weight drop. I'm just going to have to keep increasing the exercise and eat less and less until I start to lose.
One Step Closer
May 14, 2007
Had my physical this morning. No problems found.
Found out that I will NOT require the endoscope or the PFT. I had to have my blood drawn for the labs, so I got that done today. When the labs come back, they will officially submit for approval. My insurance company is one of the ones that gives an answer within about a week.
I could be approved and get a date within the next three weeks! Wow!
Found out that I will NOT require the endoscope or the PFT. I had to have my blood drawn for the labs, so I got that done today. When the labs come back, they will officially submit for approval. My insurance company is one of the ones that gives an answer within about a week.
I could be approved and get a date within the next three weeks! Wow!
Guilt and Hope
May 03, 2007
My oldest daughter is 13 years old. She's about 5'6 and weighs around 140. She's athletic, runs cross country, track, and plays basketball. She's a solidly built girl and this year as she's fully entered puberty, her hips have gotten wide and she's put on weight in the butt and belly.
Her father and I have been obese since before she was born (him since childhood, me since late teens/early 20's) but we've always done our best to set our girls up for a healthier, more fit life than the one we've experienced. We don't buy junk foods or soda, we avoid fast food, we encourage exercise and physical activity. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about the genes we passed on, and as my daughter grows I see more of the "build" that she's been genetically gifted with. The hips? They're from my side of the family. Her long, but thick legs? Totally from her Grandma on her Dad's side. The little poochy belly? Exact replica of the one I sported my whole life before I got pregnant with her and my little pooch became a three piece set of luggage. That butt? A carbon copy of Daddy's.
Last night, as I watched her push herself thru the end of her 400 meter, I almost started crying right there in the bleachers. (it doesn't help that I'm PMSing like mad) I'm not sure that I can explain what made me so emotional...I think it was a combination of pride and guilt. Pride because my baby was out there working her ass off to get around that track. Guilt because, I feel like I've failed her by being this obese, tired all the time, couch-potato of a mother. I could have done better and it hurts to know that. Even though I've made some good choices and tried to guide her down a healthier path, I've also allowed too much of the "bad" by way I've chosen to live my life. I didn't get to 270 by eating salads and exercising regularly, and no matter how much I've tried to do good by my kids, my bad habits have had their effect.
One of the many reasons that I'm having this surgery is because I really want to change my lifestyle. I hate the way I physically feel. I hate being winded and exhausted from a simple walk. I hate that my daughter has always had to run alone because her mother can barely walk down the road with her, let alone run. One of my goals after I've lost enough weight, is to start jogging with her.
Being obese for as long as I have, and prior to being obese never having been athletic (I was a sad, lonely teenager who sat in her room and smoked while listening to Pink Floyd and writing bad poetry) in my life, I have a hard time seeing myself as "able" to exercise.
In my mind, the idea of regular exercise is about as realistic as winning the lottery every day. I just have a hard time believing that I'll ever be able to do it! I'll be very honest, I sit on my ass all day and all night now. I work at a computer, I drive everywhere, I sit on the couch at home and watch TV or movies or play on-line. I NEVER walk or do anything requiring much exertion. I'm afraid that my sedintary habits will be the hardest thing to change after surgery.
I'm afraid that even if I lose the weight, I'll still be "lazy" and not make exercise a priority. I really, really need to focus on that when the time comes. I will not go thru this entire surgery and drastic physical challenge without working on my mental attitude. If I have to go to therapy to learn how to change my thinking, I will.
Her father and I have been obese since before she was born (him since childhood, me since late teens/early 20's) but we've always done our best to set our girls up for a healthier, more fit life than the one we've experienced. We don't buy junk foods or soda, we avoid fast food, we encourage exercise and physical activity. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about the genes we passed on, and as my daughter grows I see more of the "build" that she's been genetically gifted with. The hips? They're from my side of the family. Her long, but thick legs? Totally from her Grandma on her Dad's side. The little poochy belly? Exact replica of the one I sported my whole life before I got pregnant with her and my little pooch became a three piece set of luggage. That butt? A carbon copy of Daddy's.
Last night, as I watched her push herself thru the end of her 400 meter, I almost started crying right there in the bleachers. (it doesn't help that I'm PMSing like mad) I'm not sure that I can explain what made me so emotional...I think it was a combination of pride and guilt. Pride because my baby was out there working her ass off to get around that track. Guilt because, I feel like I've failed her by being this obese, tired all the time, couch-potato of a mother. I could have done better and it hurts to know that. Even though I've made some good choices and tried to guide her down a healthier path, I've also allowed too much of the "bad" by way I've chosen to live my life. I didn't get to 270 by eating salads and exercising regularly, and no matter how much I've tried to do good by my kids, my bad habits have had their effect.
One of the many reasons that I'm having this surgery is because I really want to change my lifestyle. I hate the way I physically feel. I hate being winded and exhausted from a simple walk. I hate that my daughter has always had to run alone because her mother can barely walk down the road with her, let alone run. One of my goals after I've lost enough weight, is to start jogging with her.
Being obese for as long as I have, and prior to being obese never having been athletic (I was a sad, lonely teenager who sat in her room and smoked while listening to Pink Floyd and writing bad poetry) in my life, I have a hard time seeing myself as "able" to exercise.
In my mind, the idea of regular exercise is about as realistic as winning the lottery every day. I just have a hard time believing that I'll ever be able to do it! I'll be very honest, I sit on my ass all day and all night now. I work at a computer, I drive everywhere, I sit on the couch at home and watch TV or movies or play on-line. I NEVER walk or do anything requiring much exertion. I'm afraid that my sedintary habits will be the hardest thing to change after surgery.
I'm afraid that even if I lose the weight, I'll still be "lazy" and not make exercise a priority. I really, really need to focus on that when the time comes. I will not go thru this entire surgery and drastic physical challenge without working on my mental attitude. If I have to go to therapy to learn how to change my thinking, I will.
Cleared for Take-Off!
May 01, 2007
Had my one-on-one's with the nutritionist and social worker today. They cleared me for surgery!!! I have my physical on the 14th. Less than two weeks! The nutritionist said that I'm on target for surgery within 6 weeks or so. Holy cow!!!!
I'm so excited!!!!!
Oh yeah, I also lost two pounds since February when they weighed me. I was 270 today. Need to lose another 8 to 12 now.
I'm so excited!!!!!
Oh yeah, I also lost two pounds since February when they weighed me. I was 270 today. Need to lose another 8 to 12 now.
Measurments
Apr 29, 2007
Here it is, the ugly truth:
Man, that's harsh. I had to do it though. Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, "Wing" means that very fat, hanging part of my arm that flaps like a wing.
I also had my girls take all of my before pix. In underwear and in clothes. Nice. I'm sorry, but I'm gross. I realize that this surgery will not make me hot and sexy looking, but my gawd, it's got to be an improvement over what I'm looking like now.
| Body Part | Date | Measurement |
| Neck | 04/29/07 | 16 3/4” |
| Bust | 04/29/07 | 51 1/4” |
| Waist | 04/29/07 | 47 1/2” |
| Hips | 04/29/07 | 55 3/4” |
| Thigh | 04/29/07 | 28” |
| Calf | 04/29/07 | 17 3/8” |
| Arm | 04/29/07 | 14” |
| Wing | 04/29/07 | 18” |
| Forearm | 04/29/07 | 11 1/8” |
| Weight | 04/29/07 | 272 |
Man, that's harsh. I had to do it though. Oh yeah, in case you were wondering, "Wing" means that very fat, hanging part of my arm that flaps like a wing.
I also had my girls take all of my before pix. In underwear and in clothes. Nice. I'm sorry, but I'm gross. I realize that this surgery will not make me hot and sexy looking, but my gawd, it's got to be an improvement over what I'm looking like now.
Intakes
Apr 21, 2007
My appointment was the group one. We had to be there at 8:30 on Tuesday (it takes me just over an hour to get there from where I live) and I arrived at exactly 8:30.
There were five patients, three men, myself and another woman. One of the men had his wife with him as well, so there were six people in the room. We started with a video and a woman who went over some basic info with us.
Oooops. I wasn't supposed to mail my letter in directly to my insurance company myself. I was supposed to send it to her. They like to gather every single bit of info and only submit to insurance when they are certain that it will be an approval. I may have hurt myself by sending in that letter. Damn. But the case manager told me not to worry too much. They know how to deal with stuff like that.
After she was done, the nurse case manager came in. Her name is Joanne and I liked her a lot. One more person who made me feel like this is the right thing to do and that I'm putting myself in good hands.
Then the nutritionist came in and after her the clinical social worker. We were there for a full four hours. It was basically just an informational meeting where they were able to introduce themselves, tell us what to expect, and answer any questions we had.
I go back on May 1st for my individual appointments with the nutritionist and the social worker. Should be interesting.
If they approve me to move on, then I think the next thing will be the endoscope and probably the pulmonology (because of the stupid apnea).
From the sounds of it, it's going to be at least June before I get everything done and get my physical. I'm thinking that surgery probably won't happen until late July or August. I really need to push to have it before September so that my husband can be home to help me. He's a teacher and is home in the summer. When school starts it's almost impossible for him to take time off until Christmas break....so I would really like to have surgery before the end of August. I need to tell Joanne that because she is the scheduler.
There were five patients, three men, myself and another woman. One of the men had his wife with him as well, so there were six people in the room. We started with a video and a woman who went over some basic info with us.
Oooops. I wasn't supposed to mail my letter in directly to my insurance company myself. I was supposed to send it to her. They like to gather every single bit of info and only submit to insurance when they are certain that it will be an approval. I may have hurt myself by sending in that letter. Damn. But the case manager told me not to worry too much. They know how to deal with stuff like that.
After she was done, the nurse case manager came in. Her name is Joanne and I liked her a lot. One more person who made me feel like this is the right thing to do and that I'm putting myself in good hands.
Then the nutritionist came in and after her the clinical social worker. We were there for a full four hours. It was basically just an informational meeting where they were able to introduce themselves, tell us what to expect, and answer any questions we had.
I go back on May 1st for my individual appointments with the nutritionist and the social worker. Should be interesting.
If they approve me to move on, then I think the next thing will be the endoscope and probably the pulmonology (because of the stupid apnea).
From the sounds of it, it's going to be at least June before I get everything done and get my physical. I'm thinking that surgery probably won't happen until late July or August. I really need to push to have it before September so that my husband can be home to help me. He's a teacher and is home in the summer. When school starts it's almost impossible for him to take time off until Christmas break....so I would really like to have surgery before the end of August. I need to tell Joanne that because she is the scheduler.
In My Hot Little Hands
Apr 14, 2007
I got my letter today! Finally! Only took about eight months. I'm so excited. I need to make a couple of copies of it and then I'm mailing it right out to BC/BS.
This Tuesday is one of my intake appts. down at the surgeon's office. I'm excited.
Just got back from a week in Florida. It rained buckets and was cold every day except for half of Wednesday. I got a terrible case of pink eye and my eye feels as if it might explode every time I move it or blink.
On the way back my in-law's car broke down, so we lost half a day's travel time. The whole trip was a nightmare and I'm never going down there again. We've been there so many times, I'm sick of it and just want to do something else next time. Maybe a cruise or a trip out West.
This Tuesday is one of my intake appts. down at the surgeon's office. I'm excited.
Just got back from a week in Florida. It rained buckets and was cold every day except for half of Wednesday. I got a terrible case of pink eye and my eye feels as if it might explode every time I move it or blink.
On the way back my in-law's car broke down, so we lost half a day's travel time. The whole trip was a nightmare and I'm never going down there again. We've been there so many times, I'm sick of it and just want to do something else next time. Maybe a cruise or a trip out West.
Better Now, Thanks
Apr 04, 2007
I talked to my nurse today. She said that the letter has been dictated and she's just waiting for it to get back to her so she can mail it out.
I almost cried when she told me that. It's been soooooo long that I've been trying to get this letter...I was starting to think it was never going to happen.
We're heading down south for vacation, and when we get back I have my first intake appointment. I can't recall if it's the group one or the individual...I'll find out when I get there.
This week I have felt huge, gross, and completely uncomfortable in my body. I can't wait until the day when I can walk across a parking lot or up a flight of stairs and not feel as though my chest is going to burst.
I almost cried when she told me that. It's been soooooo long that I've been trying to get this letter...I was starting to think it was never going to happen.
We're heading down south for vacation, and when we get back I have my first intake appointment. I can't recall if it's the group one or the individual...I'll find out when I get there.
This week I have felt huge, gross, and completely uncomfortable in my body. I can't wait until the day when I can walk across a parking lot or up a flight of stairs and not feel as though my chest is going to burst.
God I'm Pissed
Apr 02, 2007
Since it's been a couple of weeks, I decided to check with my insurance company to see if they've gotten the letter yet. No they haven't.
What the hell? I'm so pissed off right now I could spit. I just don't understand why this is so difficult!!!!
Is some higher power trying to tell me that this isn't supposed to happen for me?
So, I sent an e-mail message to my doctor's nurse asking her what was up, and we'll see if I hear back.
I just want to hit something right now.
What the hell? I'm so pissed off right now I could spit. I just don't understand why this is so difficult!!!!
Is some higher power trying to tell me that this isn't supposed to happen for me?
So, I sent an e-mail message to my doctor's nurse asking her what was up, and we'll see if I hear back.
I just want to hit something right now.
About Me
Upstate, NY
Location
28.5
BMI
Surgery
08/06/2007
Surgery Date
Jul 05, 2006
Member Since
