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Changed from DS to RNY because of BCBS-NC (State Health Plan)!!!  I have my surgery date set as June 7, 2011 and I am sure there will be no problem with approval.  That is exactly 3 weeks away and I am soo ready.  Spent the morning planning my next 3 weeks so I can have my work done before I leave...  My co-workers will have some things to handle but most of it I can get done ahead of time.  Hopefully, I won't be out too long but realize that is not up to me.

Well, it seems the Disability Insurance with Supplemental Medical Rider, I have had since 2008 will provide some benefit when I have surgery.  Can't say it will pay me,  because I feel like I will just be getting my own money back since I have paid on it for years.  But my Mom encouraged all of her children to get DI after she was hospitalized and placed on life support.  All of it was pretty much, quick and unexpected due to a series of events.  So, one more plus in all of this...
I have not started my appeal letter yet but figure I do not need to wait.  I can only pray that they will approve me due to the need to take NSAIDs but probably not...  Those of us with the SHP will just have to dig in and fight for a better tomorrow for all of those facing this journey.
I believe and choose to remain positive no matter what.
Life's too short...

Well, I had my consult today.  Got my bloodwork done, met with Dr. Applegate for psych consult, met with dietician (Liz), and met Dr. Sudan and his staff, Nurse Sheila Peeler and NP Williams.  Great day and great staff!  But they took a lot of blood (side note-she gets 5 stars cause she hit my vein first time!!!) and it took forever.  I got there at 9:00 am and walked out the door at 1:35 pm.  Set my appointment for my pre-op stuff for Thursday, April 21.  I will get the barium swallow done and have an EKG and chest x-ray.  After that, it is hurry up and wait for denial.  Dr. Sudan is still trying to get BCBS to add BPD-DS for those with BMI under 50.  He did say he had just sent an email out with information.  Based on our discussion, I should push for what I want and actually what is recommended for me due to the osteoarthritis and need for NSAIDs.  I guess we will see what transpires over the next few weeks.
I am going to call tomorrow and see if my Disability Insurance and/or riders will provide any money for the surgery and such. 

I am excited and relieved but realize there are still hurdles and obstacles.  Only time will tell...

I am ready for my initial consult with Dr. Sudan.  I was concerned I would have to go through an appeal because I want to have DS and my BMI is 44/45.  Reading yesterday online it dawned on me that I have a documented history and current prescription for Mobic.  So, hopefully my years of chronic pain and having to take NSAIDs will have a silver lining.  If this one issue gets me approved then all I have dealt with through the years was worth it.  And good for plea for DS, but bad for me is that WLS will not resolve the current back, knee, hip, and foot pain.  Hopefully it will help some but I was told in 1990 when I crushed my foot that it would continue to get worse.  Well, for now it has given me a glimmer of hope that my DS will get approved the 1st go round.

I received a letter from BCBSNC regarding approval for my psych/mental health appointments at Duke.  Not sure they will cover all of it just based on past history.  It was nice to know things have already been submitted to BCBSNC.  It's hard to believe my first appointment is fast approaching.  I remember all my partner went through getting approved and so on when she began her journey in 2008.  She told me it took her 9 months from first appointment to surgery.  I could not remember but I do remember how hard it was to speak with anyone at Duke.  My journey so far seems to be vastly different than hers, from a financial and communication standpoint.  I definitely look forward to this continuing on such a different course than she had to experience.   
I cannot say I am excited yet...  I am not sure I will be excited until I am down at least 40-50 lbs.  I am only impatient at this point but even that isn't too bad.  Actually I think I am kind of in a fog.  I am now into my 3rd month or so with no anti-depressant  of any sort.  I am still learning to handle life and experience life differently.  Mindfulness helps and I think it will totally benefit me with this whole process.  Oh the changes and possibilities....  Life is good even when it's blah...

I finally got a call from Duke today and have my New Patient Evaluation and Psychologist Appointment on 04.18.11.  I am debating having my primary care doc do the necessary tests since I need a physical.  I am somewhat excited but definitely ready to get going.  It is hard to believe my partner had this surgery in January of 2009 and I am now headed down the road to surgery myself.  At least I know pretty much what to expect.  The administrative assistant for my doc said that a couple of other patients (BCBSNC) with BMIs under 50 were on appeal with them to have BPD-DS.  She said by the time I have my 1st visit they should have a better idea of how BCBSNC is going to respond.  My BMI is 44, and I was not sure Dr. Sudan would even do the DS on me since Duke does not even really acknowledge that the surgery is done through the DWLS center.  Well, we will see....

I am impatient and keep wondering how long it will take to get a surgery date.

Remember...  Life's too short....