First Post. Need Change. So Many Questions.

[BeagleLover 1,020]

So happy with the replies thus far. I knew the support would be there. this is going to be a great forum to use throughout my journey.

Healthiest adult weight I ever was at was 214lbs when I was about 22. I signed up for the Peace Corps and served for 3 years. dropped a lot of weight when I went into country, because the only life style was a healthy one. walked everywhere, fresh fruits and veg, and no processed foods for miles and miles. but that is not the world I live in. Granted I will still overweight but I loved the feeling of energy I had, and when I saw myself in the mirror after about 9 months with out looking in one (yes I lived in a very rural area with no modern luxuries) I was amazed. I want that back.

The only other time I much luck with weight loss was when I was 31 serving overseas in England, where I dropped 45lbs. since then all has come back plus more.

I think I am an emotional eater (and I like the bourbon!!!) and this will be an issue which I need to look into. I feel that I should be able to gain the support of my wife, and I think I may not tell the rest of my family until after I have my surgery (if I decide to do so). I am absolutely ecstatic about the insurance coverage. I had no idea that these were ever covered. I can't wait to discuss with my insurance provider (BCBS Federal). Oh so much to do, so much to read....

As far as getting your wife's support, I suggest she go with you to the hospital's informational meetings. I brought my husband, because I wanted his support. Later he told me that, if he hadn't gone, he would not have felt comfortable with my decision.

[Ginger Snaps 1,323]

@@Rovobay

Wishing you the best as you move forward in the process. Just a note -- you might not have to wait for an information session. I went to a different weight loss class at the hospital (wasn't for surgery) and from that just decided I wanted to look into surgery. My insurance doesn't require a referral but even if yours does, you might be able to just go talk to a surgeon directly. I did and at the first appointment he went over my history with me, talked about the different procedures and sent me out the door to "think about it". There was no thinking about it -- I was ready as soon as he said that he thought surgery would be the only way I will drop this weight. I'm scheduled for surgery June 9th.

Ginger

[James Marusek 5,244]

@@James Marusek Hey, I found your story you posted yesterday on this forum and just finished reading it. Thanks for your story, very nice write up. it offered me a lot of foresight into what can be expected.

Thanks.

[Rovobay 920]

been doing a lot of research here and found the requirement for which my insurance will pay. also found a new PCP who I will visit this coming Thursday. my main worry is that one of the requirements is that I have "− Diagnosis of morbid obesity for a

period of 2 years prior to surgery" what if I haven't been seen by a Dr. or those records are not available? how strict are insurance companies.