First Post- 2 Questions- Insurance and being judged

[Amber Hannan 1]

So, I am 18 years old. I have been obese since the 7th grade. In 8th grade, I weighed 150 lbs, because I told myself that if I stayed at that weight until my adult years, that I wouldn't be too unhealthy.

I don't know why I put that, but I just wanted to introduce myself. I have used this website for a lot of help in my process. I only have to do 2 more things; Psyc Eval and 1 more Nutritionist Appt. I have been doing this process through my senior year in high school, and I have managed to keep all of my grades B's and above.

The reason that I am posting all of this is to ask, do any of you ever feel shamed about your surgery? I mean, everybody has their own story, but if I tell people, most of them are wishing me the best, but I always feel like some people are so judgy about it. Granted, it doesn't bother me too much, because if it wasn't considered medically necessary, I would not be where are am today. My second question is, how long did it take for you guys to hear back from your insurance? My nurses/nutritionist told me about 2 weeks, I just need it to be done before I go to college, 4 hours away from my hospital. I am shooting for July, since I have that month all free. I know this is a lot longer than necessary, I have never really shared my story before.

[Navigating the Wilderness 824]

34 minutes ago, Amber Hannan said:

but I always feel like some people are so judgy about it.

Stop. Only a complete psychopath would judge you negatively for making a positive life change. Do you really care what psychos think?

Different insurances take different times. Mine took under 2 weeks.

[HurricaneU 131]

Don't be ashamed. If a person is not in your corner, dismissed them and keep it moving! Do what's best for you, because whether you have the surgery or not there's going to be people judging everyday. Example. Say you don't have the surgery and continue to gain weight or not lose any weight. Somebody may walk by you one day and say to themselves "D@m girl you need that surgery". The point is, everyone judges, sometimes it's just human nature. You just can't let it affect the way you view someone. So go be the beautiful person you are.

Typically 2 weeks to get approval. All insurance company must give an answer with that time frame or request more information within the 2 weeks. What helps is the preparation and thoroughness of the paperwork your surgeon's office sends in. You can call your insurance company and have them give you a checklist for approval.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

1 hour ago, Amber Hannan said:

The reason that I am posting all of this is to ask, do any of you ever feel shamed about your surgery? I mean, everybody has their own story, but if I tell people, most of them are wishing me the best, but I always feel like some people are so judgy about it.

I know people are judgmental. I have prevented that by not telling people my business. People can't judge what they don't know.

I think you should push for surgery as soon after HS graduation as possible. Early June. ASAP. You need a lot of time to adjust. You need time to get your food and strength up so you can walk around campus. You need time to adjust to your new lifestyle so you can resist temptation at college. You want to be at least 6 weeks post-op when school starts, 10 would be better.

My insurance approved me in less than 5 business days. I went from first visit to surgery in 8 weeks.

27 minutes ago, Navigating the Wilderness said:

Stop. Only a complete psychopath would judge you negatively for making a positive life change. Do you really care what psychos think?

Different insurances take different times. Mine took under 2 weeks.

Unfortunately we live in a world filled with sociopaths, trolls and idiots. As a young woman who will be living away from in a college environment where people can be evil and petty. It is important to guard yourself from the outside world.

I'm not ashamed of my surgery at all. I talk about it all the time with the people that love me. The people that love me know all about my surgery. The rest of the world doesn't.

Strangers are not entitled to know your medical issues.

Edited May 2, 2017 by OutsideMatchInside

[Navigating the Wilderness 824]

4 minutes ago, OutsideMatchInside said:

I think you should push for surgery as soon after HS graduation as possible. Early June. ASAP. You need a lot of time to adjust. You need time to get your food and strength up so you can walk around campus. You need time to adjust to your new lifestyle so you can resist temptation at college. You want to be at least 6 weeks post-op when school starts, 10 would be better

I didn't want to raise the alarm, but I agree with this 100%.

As for having to guard yourself, I dunno. I have never cared what anyone thought about me, and with the exception of maybe junior high have never had anyone judge me just because of my weight. I get what you are saying, but I would think if anywhere, college would be the least judgmental place on earth.

[UpandAtom 126]

Thanks for posting Amber. First of all congratulations on making a huge life altering decision. Chances are very very good that you will be transformed for the better for an important time in your life. I wish I had done my sleeve surgery much sooner-I'd be a different person today. People will judge you. That's life. You will be judged for many things throughout your life. Just do your best to try to handle it with a positive attitude. Other people's judgements have no bearing on who you are.

Best of luck to you, stay positive and enjoy your college years and more!