jenxcat
***Introduction*** 7-18-06
I just turned 22 years old on July 11 and have been diagnosed with PCOS. I have been seeing my primary care physician for 3 months now once a month to weigh in and discuss any changes in diet and exercise that I have made. Within 3 months I have managed to loose 8lbs on a strict South Beat Diet and exercise plan. Along with being my PCP Dr. Saba also specializes as a weight loss advisor. After extensive blood tests including thyroid and a full physical there was nothing "physically" wrong with me as to why I was unable to loose my extra weight. I currently weigh 321 lbs.
I decided to have a full exam with my ob-gyn in May and everything appeared normal, except for the fact that I ovulate every 3 months and sometimes for as long as a month. I had a full pap smear and sonogram and nothing appeared wrong. I was put onto birth control pills and diagnosed with PCOS (Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrom). After extensive reading on PCOS I discovered the severity of some of the medical risks which are considered co-morbities for bariatric surgery approval. Although I don't have diabetes or infertility(I am not positive that I don't have this as I have never attempted to get pregnant) YET, they are a definite possiblity.
I am upset and very scared about this diagnosis. The more I read into it the more I begin to scare myself. I tried to speak with my parents about the possibility of going ahead with bariatric surgery as I have been reading up on it for nearly 2 years and even attended an information session at GBMC with Dr. Von Reuden a few months ago and recieved a call for my first consult and never returned the call. I have always and still am being discouraged about the possibility of weight loss surgery by my parents. My mother tells me I am cheating on my diet and I am "only fooling myself". Nothing is more discouraging then your parents telling you that you are cheating on a diet that you try so hard to stay on plan with.
I feel as if I have no support in my attempts to diet and the lack of weight loss prompts everyone including my PCP to believe that I am cheating and not doing all that I can to loose weight. I will be seeing my PCP on the 26th of July and plan on discussing this problem with him. It's very hard for me to talk about it because I get so emotional. The first time I met with Dr. Saba the issue of weight came up and I started crying and couldn't stop. I have been overweight my whole life and I know that there is a skinny girl inside of me dying to get out. I don't know where to being in my process of gaining approval from my insurance company.
My dilemma and reason for not yet going through the approval process is that being that I am still a college student the insurance is not in my name. I am under United Healthcare Empire Plan in my fathers name. I do not know a number to call to gain knowledge on the specific requirements to surgery. Also, I feel that I have no support and even if I get approved I will not be able to go through with the surgery because my parents wont let me. Another concern is that PCOS alone will not be enough of a health risk for my approval even though it allows for more serious potential health risks. I hope that my seeing my PCP monthly for weight loss consults will boost the chances of my being approved even though the chances of getting a letter of recommendation from him are slim to none being that he is not a supported of the surgery.
If anyone on here has United Healthcare Empire Plan OR has had surgery with just PCOS as a health issue I would love to hear your story.
Bottom Line....I need help and I am alone on my decision. I don't know where to start.
