Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I wanted to share my journey that involved highs, lows and severe gutter blows. I have been overweight for about 10 yrs and gradually became obese before I knew it. I knew when I saw a pic of myself, I did not know that person That was photographed with my family...Who was that? What happened to my 100 lb body that I had just 11 short years ago? I felt sad and disgusted for allowing myself to look like that. I begin layering clothes to hide the bulge, advanced to sweat pants and my husbands T-shirt. About 1 yr ago in March I finally decided to get VSG- I was paying out of pocket 100%. Paid my deposit, paid anesthesia, then death in family. Had to reschedule, paid all deposits again, came home, my husband said I was being selfish for doing that to my body and spending that amount of money on what he saw as frivolous. Weekend of arguing, gave up and cancelled surgery. I was so depressed . Quit my nursing job that I had for 21 yrs, Started a new job. Obviously, still in public eye, and feelings of disgust that hid behind my cracked, fake smile. New insurance. Sit down with hubby 25yrs and he agreed I was unhappy and he knows I have exhausted all other avenues, including: exercise, medical directed wt loss program since 2008, multiple drugs: phentermine, belvique and Contrave. I was carried by my husband’s insurance and the policy lacked WLS. Great. So signed up 11/30/17 last day at work to get insurance. Planned to go see dr ASAP. One of my close friends secretly got sleeved. I was so jealous and angry at her for doing that. Met with new surgeon, brought all of my records and he was impressed, didn’t have to wait normal 6 mos. 3 denials from insurance co., and all I have left is 1 appeal. By the way-the Inursing I do deals with ins and coding for payment- so I know all the rules and had everything worded perfectly; no avail : DENIED!!!!! I cried. Phoned coordinator 2/25/18 told her it was denied again, requested surgeon file an appeal. On Wednesday 2/28/18 I received a call from coordinator, all she said”are u ready to get excited, u are APPROVED”!!! Elated! Received letter of approval for inpatient procedure on My Birthday! Scheduled surgery. 3/26 day before surgery, medical center called and said my portion was $25k need it before surgery.... WHAAAATTTT??? Called insurance straighten out everything, phoned medical center and instructed her who to contact. Wow, I got sleeved Tuesday 3/27/18. Wooohooo!!! Now, what the heck did I do? Lasted 5 mins then was delighted. So I am 4 days post op, still hungry, but I fought so hard for this, I have this under control! Besides, I was out of pocket almost 10K. my husband agrees it was the best $ we have ever spent! Happy Silver Anniversary. Stats: highest wt 170 Ht: 4’10” BMI 35.5. Pre surgical wt 168.8 and current weight 160.0. Moral of my journey: Fight for what you deserve and make it happen! Looking forward to the rest of my journey and becoming the person I know I am! Sorry for being so winded; I have kept my procedure from everyone except my husband and kids.
