jbassett
Pre-Surgery gitters
Mar 07, 2007
Well, I have my date. March 16, 2007 is the beginning of the rest of my life.
I am SOOOO thankful for the wonderful support system I have in my life. The entire program at Johns Hopkins has been simply wonderful from the very first day. I am collecting the various items, chewable vitamins, B12, calcium and protein supplements. I am trying various samples for taste now - most seem ok, and while I have not landed on a favorite yet - the search is on.
I started this adventure on 8/16/06 when I first saw Dr. Magnuson. My initial visit was just a referral by my Primary Dr. to learn more, see if I was even a candidate. I was encouraged to attend the Hopkins Bariatic surgery support group, which I did, with my BEST support (my wife Patti) at my side. We learned that EVERYONE was extreamly positive and willing to share their expierences and offer support. Throughout the entire journey, everyone has been positive and helpful.
I called my insurance company (Aetna) to determine the requirements, and they pointed me to the documentation on their web site. I printed the document, and began the task of meeting each requirement. I didn't have a documented physican supervised diet history. I noticed that a 3 month " multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen" - I figured, I could actually DO this for 3 months - the 6 months simply felt overwhelming. Johns Hopkins has such a program, and I enrolled. My insurance even pays FOR A PART - that part that is specifically broken out as the Dr visit. So, while it was a little bit expensive, I actually lost 47.5 pounds.
Once I completed the 3 month program, and met all the other requirements, we submitted the paperwork to Aetna, they approved in 1 day. So, it can be done.
I don't mind saying, I am both excited, and alittle nervious about next week. The surgery is NOT my concern, it is more the recovery for that first few weeks that I am rather anxious about. I KNOW however, that with the terriffic support I have, this will all be behind me soon.
I am SOOOO thankful for the wonderful support system I have in my life. The entire program at Johns Hopkins has been simply wonderful from the very first day. I am collecting the various items, chewable vitamins, B12, calcium and protein supplements. I am trying various samples for taste now - most seem ok, and while I have not landed on a favorite yet - the search is on.
I started this adventure on 8/16/06 when I first saw Dr. Magnuson. My initial visit was just a referral by my Primary Dr. to learn more, see if I was even a candidate. I was encouraged to attend the Hopkins Bariatic surgery support group, which I did, with my BEST support (my wife Patti) at my side. We learned that EVERYONE was extreamly positive and willing to share their expierences and offer support. Throughout the entire journey, everyone has been positive and helpful.
I called my insurance company (Aetna) to determine the requirements, and they pointed me to the documentation on their web site. I printed the document, and began the task of meeting each requirement. I didn't have a documented physican supervised diet history. I noticed that a 3 month " multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen" - I figured, I could actually DO this for 3 months - the 6 months simply felt overwhelming. Johns Hopkins has such a program, and I enrolled. My insurance even pays FOR A PART - that part that is specifically broken out as the Dr visit. So, while it was a little bit expensive, I actually lost 47.5 pounds.
Once I completed the 3 month program, and met all the other requirements, we submitted the paperwork to Aetna, they approved in 1 day. So, it can be done.
I don't mind saying, I am both excited, and alittle nervious about next week. The surgery is NOT my concern, it is more the recovery for that first few weeks that I am rather anxious about. I KNOW however, that with the terriffic support I have, this will all be behind me soon.
