Countdown to surgery begins!

[mclorrie 219]

What a journey so far!! I just wanted to say "Thank you" to everyone on this site for posting all of your experiences, advice, and for all the moral support that helped me make it this far!!

Began on December 4 with an appointment with my PCP. I was seeing him for pain in my lower back - sacroiliac joint dysfunction was the diagnosis. The cause? My weight. I was the heaviest that I had ever been - 307 lbs! I was experiencing all different kinds of feelings - mortified, disgusted, sad, angry, all rolled up into one! And I had nobody to blame but myself. I told my doctor that I'm tired of my weight issues, and what I want most in life is to be healthy again!

At that point we discussed weight loss, and what I have I done to try to lose weight? Let's see - I've done Adkins, South Beach, and Weight Watchers - THREE TIMES - which I failed all drastically! I just couldn't stick with any particular diet, and I needed help! This is when he recommended weight loss surgery.

I have UHC - their requirement was to have a psych evaluation, and six - doctor supervised weight loss appointments. Not to mention the list of requirements that needed to be done in order for my surgeon to approve my surgery! Two psych evals - cardiac clearance - one group meeting. With every appointment I've had to go through, I've learned so much about what my weight problem has caused me! I have several co-morbidities - sleep apnea, hypertension, pre diabetic, arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction - I'm literally falling apart!

I'm happy to say that I have completed all the required tasks - with today being my sixth and final doctor supervised visits! I have successfully lost 17 lbs. on my own, and have not gained any weight in six months! This may not look like much, but is a big accomplishment for me!

Now the countdown begins! My surgeon and medical team will meet to discuss my case and determine if I'll be a good candidate for WLS. This will take anywhere from 1-2 weeks. I'll get the call from the patient navigator when she submits it to insurance for approval. Let the waiting game begin!! Hoping to join the losers bench in June or July!!

Lorrie

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Welcome and good luck! May your approval process go quickly and let your journey begin! Keep up the great work and see what you can lose while waiting. Every pound lost now is a victory and one that puts you ahead after surgery!

[Sleevefornellie 137]

Congratulations lorrie!!!!!! Just like u I started this process dec 2014 and had my last appointment may 4th.... I've tried every diet known to man and would only lose 5-7lbs... I've been overweight for many year and have yo- yo dieted for many years and have gotten no where.... I've regained every pound lost and decided that now is the time to take charge and do something about it... I have faith that everything will be wonderful!!!! Good luck!!!!! And keep in touch!!!!!

[mclorrie 219]

Welcome and good luck! May your approval process go quickly and let your journey begin! Keep up the great work and see what you can lose while waiting. Every pound lost now is a victory and one that puts you ahead after surgery!

Thank you! Ever since I started on this board in January everyone has been so helpful! And I agree! Every pound loss is shrinking my liver too! Still hoping to be on the loser's bench in June!

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

You will be! Can't wait to see you there! Saving you a seat!

[mallen1895 108]

Good luck to both of you. You have made the right decision. Two years ago I was thinking of WLS and decided I would try and lose weight on my own. Well a year later I had lost and regained weight plus more. At that point my doctor said this would be the best option for me. I started the journey last Sept. Got all my required test done by end of March including the 6 month supervised diet. My Doctor submitted everything to the insurance company and they approved me within a week. I had my surgery May 12th. The first few days after survey was not bad a little sore. But believe me it gets better everyday. I have my first follow up with my doctor today. So far I'm down 17 lbs this include the two week liquid diet that was required before surgery

My only problem is I WISH I was not afraid to do it two years ago.

Good luck

[mclorrie 219]

Congratulations lorrie!!!!!! Just like u I started this process dec 2014 and had my last appointment may 4th.... I've tried every diet known to man and would only lose 5-7lbs... I've been overweight for many year and have yo- yo dieted for many years and have gotten no where.... I've regained every pound lost and decided that now is the time to take charge and do something about it... I have faith that everything will be wonderful!!!! Good luck!!!!! And keep in touch!!!!!

@Sleevefornellie keep me posted on your surgery date! @@ShrinkingPeach - Thank you! Can't wait!! @@mallen1895 that's awesome that you got approved within a week! I hope that I hear back soon! Today marks my one week since my patient navigator submitted it to insurance. I hope it won't be much longer! The wait is making me crazy!!

Edited June 2, 2015 by mclorrie

[Sleevefornellie 137]

@mclorrie: my surgery date is June 24th not sure what time though I guess they'll let me no a few days before.... I'm going crazy with you!!!! Lol can't wait to see what date they give you!!! Please keep me posted!!!!

Edited June 3, 2015 by Sleevefornellie

[mclorrie 219]

I called UHC this morning. . . They received the packet on May 28, and It's still under review . . . Ugh!! Could take up to 15 business days to get an answer. I hope not!! I'm starting to think that I'll be a July sleever. . . Feeling discouraged!