February 8th, 2005 FINALLY got approved!

I'm having SO many mixed emotions right now. I have fought so long and hard for this (or at least that's how I feel ) I stared this process back in June of 74, and it has not been easy jumping through ALL the many hoops my insurance Co. required. Along the way, I was denied once, - but FINALLy after writing a 7 page *lol* appeal letter, they called last monday and gave me the go. While she was talking, I had a strange mix of emotions - I was both elated - and then nauseatingly scared. I am thinking this may be normal - I don't know. I'm still going through the same up and down. BUT, I AM very excited - I'm praying that it will bring an end to my type 2 diabetes. THAT's what i'd like more than ANYTHING. I'm terrified of this disease and what it does to people. Don't get me wrong - 'm also very excited about getting smaller, feeling stronger, being able to have a REAL life - instead of the self- isolation i've inflicted on myself. There are so many things i've dreamed of doing - and now, - I see those things waiting for me on the other side & feel so blessed to have this chance. For those who pray - I would greatly value and cherish your prayers - more than I can say. For peace in my spirit - I want to go into this just resting in His grace, knowing I am His and there's no better place to be. Thanks to all who have been so loving, encouraging, and supportive God bless you all as your date draws near, and I look forward to hearing from everyone when we are post-op =) I'm routing for all of you! Susan

Congratulations! The diabetes factor was a huge part of my decision to have the duodenal switch surgery over the other choices. It has a 98% cure rate for diabetes. I've seen what the disease can do and I already have some problems with my feet and eyes, and I've had one heart attack already. I think we all have mixed emotions. I'm happy, anxious, thrilled, scared, manic, depressive, you name it. Here's to our health! Jeanie in MO DS 02/11/05 "Duodenal Switch: My New Beginning"

Thanks so much for your reply Jeanie =) Yes, I know what you mean about Diabetes - Diabetes is what made me finally take a long look at my past dieting history and admit to myself that NO, I HAD tried dieting - but I always gained back what i'd lost and then MORE. I had to get honest and realize that while I was trying to battle my obesity - my diabetes was going to blind me, give me neuropathy, maim me - and ultimately kill me. I needed to do something - something even some would consider radical, in order to fight for my life, and hopefully remove diabetes from my body. I HATE this disease and what it does to people. I have seen what it is doing to my older brother, and it's NOT pretty. This disease is a killer - and it kills a little bit at a time, and for a LONG time - it's SILENT - because you cannot SEE what it's doing to your body. But then, it shows it's ugly face one way or another. You lose feeling in your hands and feet, or develop an infection, or an unhealing wound, - or your eyesight starts to go - it WILL finally show itself for what it really IS. I tend to think of it as an actual person- and in my mind, it has become the most vile being you could imagine - and I realize it is out to kill me, and I MUST win - I must destroy IT first. Maybe that will seem a strange, unusual way to think, for some reading this - but, it's how i feel about diabetes, and it has helped me so far, (hopefully) to stay one step ahead of it. THAT is why I want this operation - because I want to bury the enemy & I will do whatever I possibly can to WIN. =) Thanks for letting me "vent" it really makes me remember just WHY i'm doing this God Bless, you most definitely will be in my prayers & thanks again for writing! Susan

Wow, Susan. That is a very good description. I feel the same way about cigarettes. They'll kill me if I go near them and they are the enemy.

Congrats on your date!! We are on our way to a healthier life! You have fought the hard fight and now it's time to get healthy! I was so afraid of insurance denial and was pleasantly surprised to have an approval in 2 days! I am also going through all those different emotions (I guess we all do), but more than anything, I just want to be healthy. I can't wait to hear from you on the losing side. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery. God bless! Hugs, Kelly