*******Jan 15,01** Sence I changed my surgery from RNY to DS, I hope it will still be easy for me to get approved, I also changed my surgeon from Dr. Waits to Dr Smith to Dr. Gonzalas but they are all covered in my PPO, so that is a good sign. I know that God is in control and things will work in my favor! I will keep you posted *****UP DATE***** March 5-01 I AM APPROVED TODAY! The insurance will pay 100% for the surgery! I Thank God Almighty!!
**UPDATE**4-23-01 Had my consult today in Winston Salem. Dr. Gonzales was everything I expected and more. He made me and my husband feel so welcome, and he gave us a very good presentation, answered all our questions and gave me a stomach and heart exam. We discussed my pre-ops which will be on may 7th-01 and my surgery will be on May 8th-01 around 6am. He is doing open DS for me and he said it would take about 2 hours, he will also remove the gallbladder, at my request. I will return to him for my first post-op visit and every 6 months there after. He said he wants to see me at least once a year for the rest of my life. I like him a lot. Dr Gonzales said that he purposely does not take pictures, because he does not want his business and his concern for his patients advertised like a commercial. He takes what he does very seriously. But he did agree to take one with me. I will keep you posted . This is a wonderful adventure and I know, that I know, God is doing this because everything is falling right into place
***UPdate** May 8-2001- MY SURGERY**** My surgery took 2 and a half hours, but to me it seemed like 5 minutes from the time I went to sleep until I awoke. My first 2 days were really rough and painful, but once I started getting out of that bed I felt better everyday. Everyone at the hospital were so nice and helpful. Dr. Gonzales did a beautiful job with the incision and I will only have a very thin scar when it fully heals. He was in my room to visit me every single day. He even came by in the middle of the night one time to check on me. He has such a wonderful bed side manner. And I just read a message he posted to me on the NC list the night before my surgery wishing me the best, I thought that was toooo awesome! I thank God for this precious man everyday. His compassion for his patients and his God given talents as a surgeon are truly a blessing to many! **********
I will keep you posted . This is a wonderful adventure and I know, that I know, God is doing this because everything is falling right into place 
but once I started getting out of that bed I felt better everyday. Everyone at the hospital were so nice and helpful. Dr. Gonzales did a beautiful job with the incision and I will only have a very thin scar when it fully heals. He was in my room to visit me every single day. He even came by in the middle of the night one time to check on me. He has such a wonderful bed side manner. And I just read a message he posted to me on the NC list the night before my surgery wishing me the best, I thought that was toooo awesome! I thank God for this precious man everyday. His compassion for his patients and his God given talents as a surgeon are truly a blessing to many! 
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