Chris1345 19 Posted June 15, 2020 So I finally made the decision...I had been contemplating surgery for years. I am 34 years old and have struggled with weight since I was about 10 years old. Up and down...up and down...then regain of more than I lost each time. Every diet you can think of. You all know the list! In 2011 I started going through the insurance process for weight loss surgery. I had lost 95 lbs on my own (with phentermine help) and started going to support groups and such. I had gotten down to about 290 from 380-385. However, while I was in the process (before being approved) - my insurance stopped covering weight loss surgeries. They have not covered it since. Well, you guys know the routine...after that, I started gaining a little weight back here and there...by 2014 I had gained back probably 50 lbs. Then fast forward to 2019 I got way past the initial 95 lbs. lost and started gaining rapid weight. I went to the doctor and was shocked to find I had gotten to 502 lbs! I was horrified at that number and literally thought I was about 430, as I had basically stopped weighing...I just KNEW it had to be an error and even asked to be re-weighed. In August 2019, I started doing Keto and by January 2020 - I had lost 86 lbs...back down to about 417. Much better than 502, but so far to go. Well, during quarantine I have re-gained about 30 lbs back and again was so mad at myself. I had a morbidly obese friend pass away suddenly at 35 years old, a few weeks ago. She was probably about 700lbs+ and I had always worried about her health. This was a wake up call for me...I have had many before, but this one really hit home. So, I decided...I will no longer let insurance decide my fate. I will FIND A WAY to finance this myself. I contacted a recommended surgery group in Atlanta that some friends had good experiences with. Last week, I met with Dr. Lytle from Northside Hospital/Bariatric Innovative Solutions of Atlanta. We had a great meeting about surgery. He feels I am a great candidate for gastric sleeve. I also met with a nutritionist and she has recommended a pre-surgery diet. My next steps are EGD and psych evaluation. I also have to meet with the nutritionist again in July and another meeting with the surgeon in August. If all goes well by August, I will be approved for surgery! I have also secured a loan and the money was deposited today. No-one or nothing is getting in my way of this! I know this is what I need to help me! It seems unreal. I am already thinking about all of the things I will be able to do once I lose weight - that I have been physically limited from doing over the years. I want my life back. I am not nervous about the surgery. I am more nervous about not getting approved / something getting in the way. Is that normal to stress about that part? Thanks for letting me share my journey (so far) with you all. 1 1 ms.sss and Suzi_the_Q reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JRT Mom 919 Posted June 15, 2020 (edited) What a great story you have. You are young and it is great that you are changing your life and your health for the better. I wish the very best for you--please keep us posted on your journey. You got this! ps I am sorry about your friend. Edited June 15, 2020 by JRT Mom Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlwaysCruising 100 Posted June 17, 2020 On 6/15/2020 at 8:46 AM, Chris1345 said: So I finally made the decision...I had been contemplating surgery for years. I am 34 years old and have struggled with weight since I was about 10 years old. Up and down...up and down...then regain of more than I lost each time. Every diet you can think of. You all know the list! In 2011 I started going through the insurance process for weight loss surgery. I had lost 95 lbs on my own (with phentermine help) and started going to support groups and such. I had gotten down to about 290 from 380-385. However, while I was in the process (before being approved) - my insurance stopped covering weight loss surgeries. They have not covered it since. Well, you guys know the routine...after that, I started gaining a little weight back here and there...by 2014 I had gained back probably 50 lbs. Then fast forward to 2019 I got way past the initial 95 lbs. lost and started gaining rapid weight. I went to the doctor and was shocked to find I had gotten to 502 lbs! I was horrified at that number and literally thought I was about 430, as I had basically stopped weighing...I just KNEW it had to be an error and even asked to be re-weighed. In August 2019, I started doing Keto and by January 2020 - I had lost 86 lbs...back down to about 417. Much better than 502, but so far to go. Well, during quarantine I have re-gained about 30 lbs back and again was so mad at myself. I had a morbidly obese friend pass away suddenly at 35 years old, a few weeks ago. She was probably about 700lbs+ and I had always worried about her health. This was a wake up call for me...I have had many before, but this one really hit home. So, I decided...I will no longer let insurance decide my fate. I will FIND A WAY to finance this myself. I contacted a recommended surgery group in Atlanta that some friends had good experiences with. Last week, I met with Dr. Lytle from Northside Hospital/Bariatric Innovative Solutions of Atlanta. We had a great meeting about surgery. He feels I am a great candidate for gastric sleeve. I also met with a nutritionist and she has recommended a pre-surgery diet. My next steps are EGD and psych evaluation. I also have to meet with the nutritionist again in July and another meeting with the surgeon in August. If all goes well by August, I will be approved for surgery! I have also secured a loan and the money was deposited today. No-one or nothing is getting in my way of this! I know this is what I need to help me! It seems unreal. I am already thinking about all of the things I will be able to do once I lose weight - that I have been physically limited from doing over the years. I want my life back. I am not nervous about the surgery. I am more nervous about not getting approved / something getting in the way. Is that normal to stress about that part? Thanks for letting me share my journey (so far) with you all. Hi! I am with the same group (except Dr. Gorjala). My surgery is Thursday (sleeve). So feel free to ask any questions - hopefully I will have a few answers before this is all over. I can help lead you to some good options on the psych (trust me, this I know really, really well 🤓). Anyway, good luck to you and damn the torpedos! 😊 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StaceynHorton 8 Posted June 20, 2020 (edited) I am also having my surgery on Thursday Edited June 20, 2020 by StaceynHorton Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris1345 19 Posted June 21, 2020 I have my EGD w/ biopsy on Friday. They are requiring me to get a COVID test on Wed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ann777 16 Posted June 21, 2020 Congratulations on your decision! I, too, was self-pay sleeve three weeks ago and I was initially nervous about something going wrong like what if I text positive for covid or what if they find another health issue, etc. It's totally normal and let nothing Detour you. It's your time to really live your best life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
