anumrzvee
My journey pretty much began like this:
I've pretty much been a "big girl" all my life. From the time I was a little girl, you know, the one who was usually picked last for the ball team in gym. During my early 20s, I always said I was comfortable with me. Comfortable and confident, but that was then...and this is now. Middle age has set in, along with the arthritis, amongst other things. And I have 4 children ages 17 (daughter), and sons 15, 10 and 9. I want to be around to appreciate my children, and EVENTUALLY (not trying to give any of them any ideas) my grandchildren.
In August, I decided I had had enough of the "old me." I picked up my phone and called the local bariatric surgeon, was scheduled for my initial appointment for that Friday (where I spoke with the insurance coordinator) and given a list of all the things I needed to do before I would be approved for surgery.
The first thing I needed to do was have clearance through my primary care physician...got it! Then I had to meet with the surgeon...done! Next, the nutritionist...check! I need to see a psychologist...did it! And finally, the long, drawn out process of getting the insurance to approve of the surgery...
By now, it is November, and need I mention, my new out of pocket started over in January...UGH! I scrambled to get the approval, but to no avail. 2010 went out with a bang, and so did my hopes of getting the surgery by 11:59 pm, December 31, 2010.
January 1st, 2011, I lay in my bed, MAD! What is the problem with insurance carriers??? Don't they realize that in the long run they will pay more for the treatment of my health problems than the surgery itself? I mean between sleep apnea, high blood pressure, newly diagnosed diabetes and a list of things on the horizon, just pay the money! Isn't that what my husband pays his premiums for?
So, I waited...and waited...and waited...all the while staying in contact with my surgeons office, and they were waiting as well. Finally, January 14, 2011, I called the insurance company and was told as of January 1, 2011, approval from the insurance company was no longer needed for ANY procedure that would be "outpatient" surgery, with a window of 24 hours for observation. WHAT??? That's just what I needed, as lapband surgery has a 24 hour hospital stay (without complications)! LET'S GET THE SHOW ON THE ROAD!!!
My surgery was scheduled for 6:30 am on February 21, 2011. WOO-HOO!!! So, here I am...8 weeks post op... I succeeded with the liquid diet, soft foods diet and now that I am on the regular diet, I am doing quite well! I am 32 (YAAAY!) lbs lighter and loving the "new me"!!! I am more active, dropped 2 dress sizes already (I am 5'9", so the height really helps!) and looking forward to the rest of my life!
I have to thank my husband, my sister (who is joining me in my weight-loss...she had gastric bypass surgery in March), my entire family and my team of doctors. At long last, I will reach my goal of being fun, fat-free and fabulous!
