First Set-back

[Just_Jim 15]

I started my journey with my first orientation on June 24. Following the orientation, I was still up in the air as to whether VSG was the path for me. On July 03, I was able to take my daughters to Universal Studios for the first time (after years of alimony and child support, I was finally able to afford it). We waited in line for 2.5 hours to ride Harry Potter. When I was just about to board, I was pulled out of line in front of my girls and asked to sit in the "test" seat to see if I would fit. My girlfriend was then called over to help the attendant push the harness down low enough to engage the safety restraints. I was just barely able to go, but the feeling of being made a spectacle in front of hundreds of people, more importantly, the possible embarrassment to my daughters, and the fear of being told I could not take the ride with my kids. Coupled with a life of battling weight loss and depression, this was my rock bottom.

I took my daughters back to their mom's that Sunday and on Monday, July 10, my life changed. I began following the book provided by Kaiser South Sacramento Bariatric and have lived it to the letter. I have completed the required courses and groups, had my initial visit with the surgeon, and my visit with the psychologist. With my first visit with the surgeon, he informed me that I had already achieved my surgical goal weight (thanks to my adherence to the book). Last week I met with the psychologist. She did not provide much information but said she was concerned because I admitted to being a binge eater.

Yesterday I received a follow-up call and was told that I have to prove myself for six months before they will approve surgery. I was devastated. I am now being assigned to more psych visits to learn what my "triggers" are. Well, my trigger was the psych yesterday and I did just fine.

Having spent a lifetime fighting weight and always ending up on the losing end, this frustrates me beyond belief. I have lost over 35 pounds since June 24 (I find out officially this afternoon when I weigh in). I am excited for the weight loss and extremely proud of the progress I have made. But, for long term sustainability, I feel I need this valuable tool. My concern now, is if I am able to keep up with this pace of weight loss, they will deny the procedure when I prove I won't binge.

Just wanted to vent a bit. I know it is probably me just overreacting, but ... not much place else for me to get it off my chest.

[Sosewsue61 3,185]

I have no idea your insurance stipulations or the surgical group, but they are in the business of bariatrics and you will probably be approved even if you continue to lose weight. The psych visits are to help your head match the sleeved stomach because unless you address the binges you will circumvent the sleeve (eat around it and not lose or keep it off). We all have to face whatever food demons we have in order to make it work.

I am pre-op and needed the 6 months to evaluate my relationship with food. I have a month left, it goes fast.