bubbly_d

Hello Everyone! I'm Bubbly_D and I am on my pre-op journey with exactly 3 weeks until my surgery!  Since I have only told my closest friends and family about my plans, I thought that this would be a great outlet for sharing my experience, excitement, fears, etc.  Although I have a very tight support system, I am sure there is only so much they care to hear about this.     
 
I started this process in November of 2014 when I attended the informational seminar by Dr. O'Malley of the Bariatric Surgery Center at Highland Hospital.  I had already met with my PCP, had the support of my family and was ready to take control of my life.  
 
The pre-op process from start to surgery date at least for me has been about 5 1/2 months and consisted of the following:
Information Seminar 11/17 Group Nutritionist Appt 12/29 1st Individual Nutritionist Appt 2/2 Gall Bladder Ultrasound 2/2 Psychological Evaluation 2/4 2nd Individual Nutritionist Appt 3/12 Surgeon Pre-Op Consultation 3/26  
I have one last appointment on 4/15 for my pre-surgery screening and the big day, as I have mentioned is just 3 weeks away, on Friday, May 1st (YAYYYYYYYY  :D )
 
I would say that the two most nerve-racking parts of this entire journey have been the psychological evaluation and waiting for insurance approval.  I have never seen a psychologist so I was a little unsure as to what to expect.  However, an hour later, a few tears shed, and an honest look at my relationship with food and my expectations for how life would change, and I was approved!  Insurance approval caught me completely by surprise.  I have been obese my entire life (since childhood) with the exception of about 4 years throughout adulthood that I had a handle on my weight, and have continued to yo-yo ever since.  I exceeded the BMI needed for insurance approval but was still did not want to get my hopes up.  I had my consult with Dr. O'Malley at 10am on 3/26 and by 5:30pm, I had received a call from Excellus BCBS saying that I had been approved!  In fact, I left my appt and got on the a plane to NYC for work, and was in the elevator on the way to an event when insurance called to let me know the news and to expect a follow up letter in the mail.   I didn't even have time to process it all until 10pm that evening and I think I have been in a little bit of shock ever since.  
 
I am now counting down the days and could not be more excited.  Thank you for reading and I look forward to continuing to share my journey with all of you and learn about your experiences as well.
 
XOXO,
Bubbly_D