For Me!

[xavtay2 85]

Hello everyone I have been on this forum for a couple of months now and decided tonight would be the night for me to share my story.

My Name is Blannie and I will be starting my pre-op diet on tomorrow. My surgery is September 10th, 2012 with Dr. Marema. I have not always being fat and it wasn't until I was in my 20's when I started this love affair with food. I have had so many disappointments when it has come to men in my life that it is ridiculous. I have tired every diet known to man and had some success but would always gain the weight back and most times double! I am tired of hearing people say when they find out about me having WLS..YOU ARE NOT THAT BIG or why are you taking the easy way out!!!! I have learned from being on this forum that WLS is NOT THE EASY way out!!! I a lifestyle change it is a daily commitment to change your life with the help of the sleeve. We still have to do the work in conjunction with the sleeve and I am so grateful for it.

I am doing this FOR ME and I don't care what anybody has to say or think....

So here it is my story: My journey started back in 2010 with me pursing the lap band. After going threw the 6 month pre requirement, nutritionist and pysch evaluation we submitted to my insurance. After a week I was informed that my claim was denied. I was very upset and frustrated because after all why would my insurance deny me? It was during this time that I found out about a requirement that was not told to me while going threw the process. Apparently my insurance (CIGNA) has a requirement that states in order for them to pay the surgeon has to be working at a Cigna Certified Center of Excellence facility. I tried three different ways to have the decision changed. I contacted the State of Florida department of insurance and issued a complaint. I went threw my human resource department and filed a complaint and I wrote a letter of appeal directly to the insurance company. After several weeks of working with my HR advocate I was advised to find a physician that already met the insurance requirements! Thus I found Dr. Marema with US Bariatrics. He was such a nice guy and his staff so accomodating with all the problems I had experienced in the past. He talked about the sleeve and I decided to switch to the sleeve. After meeting Dr.Marema Cigna approved me for the surgery at any facility in FL but I choose to go with Dr. Marema. I am finally excited about something in my life. Other than being a mother to my boys this opportunity to have the sleeve is one of the best things that I had done for myself. Actually it is one of the only things I have done for me..usually I am the last one in my life that I do something FOR! I am so looking forward to being healthy and have NSV's like everyone else... I just would like to be able to wipe my butt and not feel like I am having to lean over and take deep breathes... (I know TMI). Thanks for the support on this page and the information has been priceless. I know what to expect and I am praying the best for everyone on the forum!

Blannie

[mrscastillo 32]

welcome blannie.... Congrats on your decision.... best of luck to you!!!!

[Sassygirl06 962]

that is so wonderful that you are finally able to begin your journey. welcome! and congrats!!!

[iPrincess 39]

Congrats and best of luck!!