MelindaG

How things can change in a week! A week ago on Friday I learned that my chosen doctor was not a participating provider with my insurance company, even though my first phone calls told me he was. I felt that I was back at square one, and all the poking and prodding that I went through for the pre testing would be wasted. I called the surgeon's office, and they told me they would "look into it" and get back to me. I never heard from them. I decided to call the case management department of my insurance company. The nurse they put me in touch with was wonderful. She listened to me and researched who exactly was covered and participating. She gave me phone numbers and contact names. I was put in touch with Orange Regional Hospital in MIddletown, NY. They have been nothing short of amazing and wonderful. The care coordinators have worked closely with me to get all of the information transferred, and to set up the remainder of the appointments. I actually have a tentative surgery date set for July 18! I can't believe it! Right now I am going back and forth trying to decide between the sleeve or the bypass. I thought I was ok with my decision to do the sleeve, but the new surgeon made some good points, and I have started doing more research. My support group feels that the sleeve is the best, but I'm not sure anymore. I'm hearing people are hungry all the time after surgery. I'm thinking that this may be more psychological....my body is so used to eating (and in my case eating too much!), is it just craving what it can't have? I know the sleeve removes the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, does that really make a huge difference? One of my most favorite things to do is to go out to dinner, especially at the end of the week. I guess this can still happen, the shrimp cocktail will become the meal, not the appetizer. I can't stand the way I look, and I don't believe I'm making a hasty decision. I have researched and soul searched. This is the right thing to do. I worry I'm not emotionally strong enough to stick to all the life changes I need to make. I want to be healthy. I want to look better. I want to have energy. I want to be able to shop at Victoria's Secret, instead of being told "we don't carry larger sizes here". I want to find outfits I love, not just things that "will do". I want to develop a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food. It sounds easy enough. I guess it's like smoking though. I used that as a crutch for years. The cigarettes were there for me during stressful times. I will have to learn a new way of thinking, and new ways of socializing and relaxing.

Hi, I'm Melinda, a 47 year old social worker and nursing student. I have contemplated weight loss surgery for years, but didn't have the right supports until now. My family is amazingly supportive, and I have done so much research and questioning of myself that I know it is the right time to go through with the surgery. I contacted my insurance company (CDPHP ***), and they sent me their policy. Based on this information I qualify. I was referred to a specific doctor by my nutritionist. First the insurance company told me the doctor was covered, but not the hospital they work out of. The doctor's office then said that the doctors also go to another hospital, and that one was covered. I was so excited! I made my appointment, went to the information session, had my first meeting with the doctor, and he felt I was an excellent candidate for surgery. He gave me my to do list, and off I went to get my medical clearances. I have met with pulmonology, cardiology, psychology and nutrition. I have had x-rays, pulmonary function tests, atrial blood gas tests, x-rays, and blood work. I have a couple more follow ups, but all appointments seem like they will be done by the end of June. I have worked very hard getting all this done in a timely fashion, because I start my nursing clinicals in September, and wanted to have the procedure completed before then. Just to make sure I was on the right track I called the insurance company to make sure I wasn't forgetting something. This is where they almost broke my spirit. The customer service representative told me that my initial information from them was wrong. My surgeon is approved by them, but not for weight loss surgery. The hospital is approved, but not for bariatric surgery. I now have to find another hospital, and the closest ones are about an hour and a half to two hours away from me. The prospect of having to go through all of the meetings and tests again seems daunting. I am a single mom and I work full time. I have already had to take a lot of time for all of these different appointments and I don't know if I can do it again. I suppose I can speak with the doctor to see if he will accept the test results. Last night I cried. It has been so stressful getting everything done, and now it appears its all been for nothing. On the other hand, I can't give up. I want to be healthy and energetic. Does anyone have any ideas? Where do I go next, to the doctor or the insurance company? Thank you for your time.... Melinda