WLS has so many cycles:
1.  the "dawning" or realization that we need WLS and that it might be an option
2.  Pursuing the option.  The excitement of the possibilities and the worry of the surgeon and procedure selection.
3.  The Pre-Op insurance approval and surgery date "wait"....the time to rev up and read success stories and park on your surgery forum to chat with post-ops who have "been there, done that".
4.  The surgery!  Soooo exciting, Soooo scarey!  .....  Everything is exciting and every hiccup and every tear seems to be related somehow to our surgery.
5.  The weight loss honeymoon.  Could there ever be anything more exciting than dropping 100++ pounds with little effort (generally) and so consistently?!  The shopping adventures, and personal discovery highs....the kudos from zillions and the conflict with those who don't understand or who have jealousy issues.....the personaltiy changes and the milestones that are met...the new goals that are set....the exercise and activitity options that are now possible and amazing.....the worries from spouses that you'll stop loving them....the excitment of being flirted with.....the complete unveiling of endless possibilities!!!!  The health restoration and ditching of shots and medications and aches and pains......the plastic surgery hunt and new awareness of our appearance....Words like:  euphoric!  Surreal!  Unbelievable!  Handsome!  Gorgeous!  HOT!  Amazing!  are a part of your world!
6.  The end of the honeymoon.  The weight loss stops or slows down.  If you're at goal or near it then a new challenge of "maintenance" is presented.  Surgeons give you a plan with vitamins, supplements, lab schedules, support groups and set you free!  .....The kudos slow down or stop...the "new" gets routine......the celebration turns into a memory......Head issues may try and sneak back in....
7.  The struggle.....Regain, Workouts, Counting proteins, counting carbs, counting calories, DIET... (things we didn't think we'd have to worry about again).....Some are happy to be healthy, some want more loss and feel disappointed and like a failure that they don't weigh in at a normal BMI....some have graduated through the process to remain active and within their goal range and living life as a normal healthy person....some have complications....some are angry ....some have vitamin deficiencies...some need revisions....some get revisions.....
8. time
9.time
10.  Ho Hum!  .....  The place where most things have been worked through.  The weight is around the right zone and the health is fairly managed.  Maybe there's a few pounds to still lose...maybe there's a better exercise plan to try....maybe a fad diet sounds interesting....maybe you have the same clothes in your closet that you've had  for a few years and they still fit!  .....Maybe you'd like a little plastic surgery.....Maybe you still like to touch base with support groups to pay it forward, or learn about the newest "stuff" out there, maybe you like hearing the charged up newbies share their excitement, maybe you think you're past it all and it's time to just plain stop letting weight even matter.

This isn't a rant...It's not really a problem....it's more of a reflection and maybe just wondering....

How do we pull out of the "Ho Hum" and still keep the right focus?

What do you plan to do when you get to phase 10? 

What's beyond? ...........What "is" life after WLS?

Who is your pt advocate/ liason ? Give her a call and express your frustration .. Get an update on where she is at in the process

. Can you threaten to find another Dr if she cant/ wont do her job ?   just saying with this economy ..... 

Think I heard the average wait is about 6- 8 months - your well over that !

BTW - I now have a Pat Benetar Song in my head ...... All fired Up !!!

I'm sure you're right about that!  I started this process August 2009.  I feel like I've been pretty patient, considering.  Hopefully the ball will get rolling now that I'm so fired up!!! :)

I talked to Dr. Schlesinger's office today regarding an issue and all surgeries are being submitted by Bridges, whi*****ludes Juarez, Fang, Schlesinger and Sprunger now.  They are all using the same patient advocates.

Just another update:

Obtained cardiac clearance on 10/15/2010
Coordinator submitted to BCBS on 10/18/2010

Today we heard back from our coordinator that B CBS needs a two year history of weight loss attempts by the end of the day.  We have called back with the information.  Hopefully that means we will hear something in the next 1-2 days! 

Feeling anticipatory!