Nevermore

I'm with BCBS of Texas and there was no waiting or even asking. They said a big, fat NO upfront. They won't pay a cent on any WLS here. I hope it's better up there in Wyoming. Good luck!

caligirl3, I am curious as well about weight loss timelines. I'm 69 days pre-op and I'm a fact hound. We both understand that each person has their own journey and that we can't compare ourselves to others. We've been thoroughly indoctrinated into the VSG cult. Being curious about other people's timelines isn't a bad thing. This is all interesting information and each sleever is a role model. I shake my fist at the 3 month males on principle... how fair is that? lol At the 6 mo. to 1 year females, I cheer at their success and it brings me hope for my upcoming journey. It's inspiring and you ladies are all muses! And I marvel at the 1-year-and-still-not-there females. Your strength is admirable and encouraging. Seeing your stories prepares me for "the worst" and knowing that you are out there fighting my possible future fight steels my nerves for what may come. I know that if I fall, you'll be there with advice, empathy, a shoulder to cry on and an ear to b**ch at. My curiosity for this topic isn't a comparison... it's research and I'm thankful you asked. I was thinking of posting a similar topic but was leery of the "DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF!" backlash. Thanks!

deedadumble, That sounds like a complete pain in the butt. I don't know if I've been tested, but I'll definitely be asking my endo at my next visit if I have been. If I haven't been, I'll insist on it. I really hope I don't, My problems are sky high as it is. I'll be praying for you. I really know how it feels to do every possible thing you can and get little or no results. It's so frustrating!

deedadumble, I have no idea whether or not I've been checked for Hashimoto's. I've only actually heard the name a few times over my lifetime and didn't know until I just went to research it that it was a thyroid disorder. I do know that I get my blood work checked every six months and in that they always check my thyroid for a problem. So, I assume that it would turn up whether or not I had Hashimoto's. They also check me every time for Cushing's Disease. I have all the symptoms, but my levels always come back as a no. As for the gluten, that's an excellent suggestion and one I've already thoroughly explored. My husband has a gluten allergy and late last year, I changed us over to gluten free. I figure if he's going to do it, I might as well.. it can't hurt, right? Well, he started feeling better and better and I started feeling worse and worse. At first, we thought it was just gluten withdrawal.. but after six months, it never let up and I was sooooooo sick. Then I started eating some gluten and started getting better. Turns out, I have a non-gluten intolerance. heh... I've been trying to strike a balance of just lowering my gluten intake without making myself sick. It doesn't seem to have done anything positive that I can tell, but it might be a long-term internal improvement that I won't notice. I just have no idea. That has me hopping from foot to foot as much as the progesterone has. It's all a bit maddening. Believe me, I've tried everything and this is my last resort other than a hysterectomy and I'm still hoping for a kid. The hysterectomy would only prevent my severely high risk of endometrial cancer; it wouldn't help with any of my other symptoms at all or my weight. In fact, it would make my weight struggle much worse since I'd be thrown instantly into menopause. Oh, what fun! Thanks for the suggestions. I'm open to any anyone has! As tired as I am, I'm still willing to check out anything that would give me relief from my symptoms.

SeaLegs, Thanks for the info. I looked at the grant requirements and I do not think my bariatric surgeon meets them (for donating) but furthermore, I know I don't meet the hardship requirements despite not having the money. It says the doctor is allowed to ask for the grant for one person every three years. There are people out there who have it a lot worse than I do financially. I can come up with the money eventually... it's just taking a lot of time. I'd feel bad for taking the grant from someone who wouldn't be able to get the money even over time. It was a really good suggestion, though! Thanks! As far as my endo and my surgeon knowing each other. They do and they've been in contact with each other several times. This was the surgeon that came highest recommended by my endo (though I definitely looked into several others before choosing this one). And I completely agree with you about the quality of care going down the drain because of the corporate and now government involvement. It's gotten so bad lately and it is only going to get worse. My husband and I have been seriously considering moving to Colombia. It's bad when people would rather risk the Cartel than their own government. hah.. Thanks for all the help! I will definitely keep updating as my story unfolds.

I'm right smack in the middle of Houston! If you ever come this far, give a holler! I love meeting new people.

SeaLegs, Don't worry about upsetting me. I'm fairly easy going. I know that the doctor's office has contacted my insurance but hasn't made a huge effort. He's one of the top recommended for safety and success and his office is rocking busy. Unfortunately, that does mean that they don't have to work hard to keep business. I did contact the insurance company myself and appealed. Their policy is that they won't cover any WLS under the diagnosis of "morbid obesity" but my diagnosis isn't that. However, they don't have or accept any other codes for WLS. It's total BS. And even though my hubby and I are up to our eyeballs in debt (we were hit REALLY hard by the economy crashing), he makes too much money to qualify for any hardship programs. It's the whole rock-and-a-hard-place predicament. The good news is that his company just hired a health care advocate that starts next month. So, hopefully I'll have time to talk to them and see if they'll go to bat for me against the insurance company. I'll say a few prayers and put it in God's hands. I know it will work out somehow. I'm just very tired now. Know what I mean?

DangerousD, As they say here in the south, "You ain't just whistlin' Dixie!" It has been a very long, hard journey and it seems there's much more ahead. Thank you much for the prayers! I certainly can use all I can get. <3