MickATL

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I talked to my insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and they have received the pre-approval request.  I was told my my case worker that since the surgery is done outpatient, it should be reviewed quickly.  I am hoping to hear a decision by Friday.  Depending on how quickly they decide, that will impact my ability to move forward quickly.  I have a wedding in California to attend in early April.  

Not sure how long the recovery will be and if it's smart to fly just following laproscopic lap band surgery.  I guess I will discuss this with the surgeon once my insurance company gives me the green light.

Then I have the 1/2 day of medical testing, 1/2 day nutrition class & the upper endoscopy to go thru prior to scheduling a surgery date.

Stay tuned!

So it's been about a month since my last post..  I have now completed all of the paperwork and steps required by my surgeon's office for insurance approval.

I had to meet with a psychiatrist and complete a lengthy questionnaire.  Next I met with a nutritionist.  I actually found that very informative.  He had me keep a diary of my food intake for 4 days and then reviewed it with me.  What I liked is he didn't judge what I ate or tell me what not to do.  He suggested I try to implement new eating habits.  They were as follows:
 - East 5 small meals (1 1/2 - 2 cups of food)each day
 - Use a 6" plate
 - Try to make at least 1/2 the plate fruits or vegetables
 - The other 1/2 of the plate is for protein, complex carbs and fats
 - Try to eat like this 3 days of the week
 - Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day 3x a week

Overall, I didn't think that was too big of an ask.  But I have not been sticking to the 3x a week.  I also haven't been exercising yet. 

I had to document all my previous diet attempts, weight lost and regained.  Then I had to get a letter of medical necessity from my primary care physician and a letter stating I'm medically cleared for surgery.  That required me to have some blood tests & a chest x-ray.

Now I wait.  I wait for the insurance company to review all this documentation and then decide if they'll pay for my surgery.  I hope this process continues to move forward.  If they approve me, then I have to go for a 1/2 day of medical tests and a 1/2 day nutrition class.  Last step, an endoscopy into my stomach to make sure I don't have any ulcers or issues that my surgeon would be concerned about.

I'm anxious to get this going.  I try to eat healthy and eat small portions but... I slip.  I have cravings for sweets.  It's hard to exercise when you're 310lbs.

I went to the seminar put on by Emory University a few weeks ago.  I cannot believe how quickly they followed up with me to schedule an appointment with the surgeon.  The seminar was very informative and explained the various surgical options and I really liked Dr. Lin, the presenter.

I scheduled the meeting with the Psychiatrist & surgeon on the same day last week.  Both appointments went really well.  The Psychiatrist asked me a variety of questions and gave me an in-depth questionaire to complete.  I guess they want to ensure I am not psychotic.

The surgeon expressed concerns about my previous abdominal surgeries and the scar tissue that may be in the way of my stomach.  I am very worried about going through with surgery only to find out they couldn't complete the lap band due to complications.  I am currently researching other people who have had my type of abdominal surgery and if their lap bands were successful.

Next steps... meet with my primary care physician and share where I'm at in the process.  Get a clearance for surgery and some additional bloodwork.  Then it's waiting for the insurance company to approve the surgery and scheduling.

I am excited to think that I am making progress!