Pay offs of working hard towards getting goals accomplished...

This is just a rambling post....hope u do not mind

I just found out today that my short term disability company that is contracted by my job is going to pay for my entire leave of absense with my plastics!!!   They have an exclusion for "cosmetic surgery" so I really felt like I had no chance in heck of ever getting it approved.  However, I fought hard and with the words "reconstruction" used in place of plastic surgery and MUCH MUCH documentation from my doctor and phone calls from myself, I found out this morning they are extending it through my entire leave.. wow. 

It all started with gastric bypass.. many hopps with my insurance company.  Even tho i was 328 lbs, 5'4" and had diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, foot pain, back pain, stress incontinence etc... I had to fight.. fight hard.  They (the insurance company) put me through hell going through so many tests and also made me see specialists to get clearance.  See they wanted me to back down.  There were a couple times I wanted to, I would cry myself sick over it.  My husband who had RNY 8 years ago knew how hard many of his friends had to fight (he did not have to luckily) and said "do not give up.. keep going forth. They want you to give up. Are you a quitter? I know my wife better than that.. "  So I kept fighting and after 10 mos was finally approved. It was a joyous day getting that call, I will never forget it.  

Fast forward to plastics... 190 lbs down and lots of skin left over.. I had started the documentation process in september, they requested a lot of specific things.. pictures, montly doc visits, prescriptions being filled and showing that the rash was "refractory" to treatment - meaning not getting better or responding.  I was initially denied b/c I didn't have enough t's crossed and I's dotted so I had to basically start over somewhat.   Fight, fight, fight....I kept going forth.  I finally got approval for panni removal and went ahead and paid 10.6 k out of pocket for LBL... after all the figthing I still couldn't get a tummy tuck covered which I knew i wouldn't b/c I did not have a hernia.  It amazes me how easy ppl can get a full tummy tuck covered (certain plans especially) and they don't fight near as hard... makes me sick.  I am sorry I am venting here!

Then the disability thing that I posted above about... fight fight fight....

As much as it is a PAIN IN DA BUTT - I can genuinely say I have worked my arse off literally :P  FOR EVERYTHING - it makes me apprecite it that much more and makes me realize how SILLY it would be to ever go back to obesity.  I mean really.. after all the blood, sweat and tears... it is crazy to think one would even fathum going back there... so I think that is why I never give up the fight with my addiction too, I have so much to show for how far I have come beyond weight loss.  I have to thank my father especially as he taught me u just never give up.. and of course my husband for also instilling that in me.  I have good role models that way .

So I just wanted to toot my horn a bit, hope u don't mind.  

Ok, now back to our regular scheduled program.   Thanks for listening.

 Mel- GOOD for you....everything good is worth fighting for.....you are such a dear heart and have been such an inspiration for everyone....you deserve to have this go your way!

Awe thanks girlie, I appreciate that so much!!! I do not know where I would be without you guys, for real.

YOU TRULY DO DESERVE YOUR SUCCESS BECAUSE YOU HAVE FOUGHT SO HARD

THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A BIG INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US

MINI ME

Thanks Melissa!!! ;-)

Hi Melissa,

There is such a powerful message in this that I think you should post it on other boards too. So many give up on having surgery the first time they meet any resistance. We, as a group, don't, at least didn't used to, think we are worth much. But we ARE! And you have shown us to keep up the fight until we get what is right.

Now to have some money left over for a vacation? School is out in 11 days for us, and I can't wait to eat healthy on the road and in the air.

YAY! nancy

Thanks Nancy!! I cross posted on many other boards as well - I was pretty emotional when I wrote it! Tears of joy!!!  I felt very accomplished yesterday - a great feeling, well I still do!  

I am able to take vacation now two more times this year! I am so excited! Enjoy your 11 days off and your vacation time!!!  YAY!