Kathy K.
Like so many others, I've been fat all my life, well, at least since age 11. I'm 54 now (Oct 2005). My endocrinologist recommended GBP in Aug 04, but I thought he was crazy! It seemed so drastic, and I never even thought once about it as an option for me. I have severe insulin resistant diabetes which is why he suggested the surgery, to help with the insulin resistance. I'm on 345 U of insulin a day and still have A1Cs 8.5-9.5, poor control. I also am treated for hypertension (Rx ACE inhibitor + diuretic) and high cholesterol (Rx Lipitor). I looked at my insurance policy which excluded treatment of obesity so never gave it another thought. When he brought GBP up as an option again in Jun 05, I started looking into it, even if I had to self-pay. The medical literature really sang the praises of RNY for improving insulin resistance. Humana said they would consider medical necessity and my endo said he would write a letter why RNY is medically necessary in my case. Went to an information seminar on Jul 20, consulted with a surgeon Aug 8 (who by coincidence is a neighbor of my endo!), finished preop evals, including a colonoscopy and nuclear stress test by Sep 22, insurance approved Oct 4, surgery date Nov 7, 2005. Wow.
