clmomof2

I am 37 years old 338 lbs. mother of 2. I have struggle with obesity since I can remember. I have done if not every, almost every diet out there. I could write a book about diets. Yes, I have lost some weight and then regained it.
I have been pretty secretive about it and only shared it with a close group of friends, my husband, kids and sisters. My family is extremely critical, they mean well, but can be very hurtful. It is too difficult for them to accept and respect other people opinions. So to prevent the aggravation and besides all of them are abroad, I decided not to let them know.
I have been overweight all my life or at least since I can remember. Currently I high blood pressure, sleep apnea, shortness of breath, asthma, constant lower and upper back pain, knee pain, anemia and I am always tired.
For years I have thought about the surgery and finally stepped up and started the process in April 2013. My insurance does not require a 3-6 months supervised nutritional program. That factor made it ideal for me as I could see myself having the surgery done very quickly.
I selected a weight loss surgery center and did all of their required blood tests, urine test, abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy, psychological evaluation, cardiovascular clearance and PCP clearance. After the first consultation, I did not felt comfortable with neither the doctor nor the staff. I felt as if my surgery was being treated as a sale not an actual surgery. The doctor spent with me less than 5 minutes then called in the billing specialist. The specialist just went thru a the required list of testing that I had to do and quickly followed to the additional required out of pocket expenses including behavioral therapist consultation, nutritionist consultation and exercise psychologist. The first visit with those 3 was $280.00 which I paid and did as soon as they were available. All of this was done within a month. When I thought I was ready to be scheduled for surgery I was told by the staff that I was required to pay $300.00 for a 2 week Optifast Diet, $480 for subsequent visits with the behavioral therapist, nutritionist & exercise psychologist and $89.00 for the vitamins; however I did not have a surgery date or insurance approval. At that point I questioned the status with the staff and was told that I had to pay the $869.00 then they would proceed with the approval process and provide a surgery date. At that point I stop the process with them, felt scammed, got depressed and was about to stop everything…
Luckily, my sister and friends did not let me give up. I called Inova Hospital and they recommended Virginia Bariatric Surgical Center, Dr. Matthew Fitzer. Since the first time I contacted his office I fell in love with the staff. I was given an appointment for a consultation in 48 hrs. The staff is compassionate and caring. Then Dr. Fitzer examined me, suggested RNY, prescribed phentermine and asked to see me in 4 wks. to reexamine the size of my liver. If at the 4 weeks it had shrunk we would then proceed to schedule a surgery date. His staff contacted me a week later to inform me that my insurance required recent medical clearance from my PCP and cardiologist, as well as psychological clearance and blood tests, which I had it done within the week. They also scheduled me to see their nutritionist and obtained insurance approval for the visits. My surgery date is July 31[sup]st[/sup], 2013. I can not tell you how happy I am. However on the 17[sup]th[/sup] I will be examined by Dr. Fitzer, my liver better be within the required parameters.
I can’t wait to be able to sit on a chair without worrying if my hips will fit, walking around without being breathless, buy clothing at a regular store, being able to go to the amusement parks and ride the attractions, not having to use an extender while flying, bend without pain, do my own pedicures, run with my children at the park, ride a bike, play sports… There are so many things, that I cannot list them all.
I must admit that I am nervous, yet I have not been this happy in years.