Sweet Peaches

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Here is what has happened so far:
- On May 14th, I had my nutrition and exercise appointment.  It went well.  I basically described what I'm currently doing as far as how I'm eating and my exercise regime.  I am eating enough fruits and veggies and have replaced the sodas and juices for water, crystal light, decaf tea and decaf coffee.  I have to increase my dairy and change salad dressings.  My exercise regime is good; but I will need to increase time intervals as I go.  He also showed me some moves that I had not thought of.
- I made my appointment for the psych eval with Dr. Lee for June 1st.  That same day I will go back to see my PCP.
- I have called an EAP counselor to set up appointments with her because I have to have 5 visits to ensure that I fully understand the surgery, the lifestyle changes, etc.  She is yet to call me back; I will post when I here something.
- I called my surgeon's office to set an appointment for my upper GI.  It is set for July 2nd at 7:30am, which is TRULY early for me.  I'm still calling the hogs at that time (LMAO).  I'll also have the tobacco test done.
That's all the appointments for now; the only ones left are with the EAP counselor.  

I called Heather Kraus, the Harrah's liaison to the employees desiring to have bariatric surgery, to have her answer some questions that have been nagging me about the approval process and all the documents needed.  I first asked if a letter of medical necessity is needed; she said no.  I then asked if the 6 month diet is required; she said no.  She stated the only requirements necessary for approval is the completion of those forms within the packet put together by Harrah's which is distributed by Cigna.  Cigna's standards, guidelines, and/or requirements need not to be completed to be approved for the surgery.  The only thing that comes to mind is that there must be an agreement btw Harrah's and Cigna.  However, Harrah's has not, by any means, made it easy to gain approval for the surgery.  Since the 6 month diet is not required, I will not have to see my PCP each month.  I do want my progress updated in my PCP's file; so I will see her every other month.  Anyway, I called my surgeon's office to make sure they know what I just learned.  They were very aware.  Then I also wanted to know if my BMI had to be below a certain number; I was told that my surgeon will perform on anyone at any BMI.  However, I was told, as I know, that I could not gain any more weight and that I should continue with my current eating and exercise plan; it could only make me healther in general and for the surgery.

All of this headway is very positive and very encouraging.  I really appreciate the patience everyone has granted me, for I do call them A LOT.  It gives me a wonderful, happy feeling that I am coming closer to my dream.  Hopefully after the upper GI, I will receive a date for surgery.  My heart is not hurried for I don't expect a date any earlier than late September to early October.  So for now, I'm going to ride this thrill train.  Please continue to pray for me as will for you.  Until next time..............

((((((((((((((((((((((((( UPDATE )))))))))))))))))))))))))
I finally spoke with the Employee Assistance Professional (EAP Counselor) with whom I will have my 5 psychological readiness sessions.  She will be at my job site every Thursday.  I have decided to see her at 2pm every other week until finished.  I will complete my nutrition classes in July as well.  After that, my paperwork goes to the insurance company and the company liaison for approval.  At this point, I think everything is set.