garseesmarie

Hello! I am Shelly, a wife and mother of two boys. I came across Bariatricpal while doing research online. I wish I would have known about this group a month ago. It's refreshing to know that I am not alone. A little about me: I have had trouble with my weight since I hit puberty. The last time I remember being below 200lbs was in 11th grade. Since then I have been as high as 268 & as low as 217. I have failed every attempt at weightloss or lifestyle change I've made. My 30th year of life was the year I was my happiest and most trying. I had my 1st child after losing 3 babies and my health went SOUTH! (3) surgeries for different issues over the following 5 months. I am surprised I made it to 31! LOL! I was diagnosed with RA at 23 and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the last 5months. I knew I had fibro for years, but didn't have the diagnosis in my records. Dealing with widespread chronic pain is terrible! It's not something that can be explained unless you have fibro. Its not how I pictured myself.

I am Absolutely BRAND NEW to this. So far have attended the Bariatric Seminar, Filled out new patient packet, verified insurance, recieved my letter of medical necessity from my pcp, collected medical history for the last 10years specifically weightloss related and transfered to my Surgeon's offices, and mailed it all in. Now, I wait on instructions. I believe I will meet with my bariatric Surgeon first. He is Dr.Christopher Edwards with Mercy Hospital in SPringfield, MO. He has excellent reviews and seems to be down to earth. I cannot wait to work with him and his team! I have Coventry Healthcare of Kansas and the Gastric Sleeve is a covered benefit. I'm not sure what to expect on wait times, but I have either (1) 6 month program of documented weightloss with my pcp or (2) programs at 3 months each in the past 2 years. I hope to have my surgery in March at the very latest. I meet the requirements and I am so very ready for this journey!

All in all, I am so very blessed! I have a supportive husband who has made it possible for me to stay at home while my little guys while they are small, and 2 happy, healthy, and beautiful boys!

Any helpful tips or suggestions are WELCOME!
Thanks for having me!