What Do I Do Now?

Ok I have had the surgeon send the request letter in to the insurance company, the insurance company sends back that they need a request from my primary physician, weight loss history for 5 years, pysch evaluation, etc. Well to help out with the insurance requirements my primary physician has put me on a supervised diet for 6 months ( 5 months to go). What do I need to do now? I am frustrated and miserable, my joints hurt constantly and I get winded so easily. Anyone have any advice?

i know it's not something you might want to hear - but at this point since you're required to have the 6 month diet history - keep up with all your nutritional appointments and requirements. The goal here is to get all that is necessary information out to the docs/insurance company so that that doesn't impede on your approval process...so unfortunately you must wait. I pray that all goes well...I guess if you've had your joint hurt for "x" amount of years or other co-morbities then waiting for the next 5 months or so - won't be so bad (though I know you're anxious)...think of it..that you will have an end to this soon. I will say a prayer for you that the time will pass quickly. Hang in there!!!!!!!!

Thank you. Yes I have had joint pain for several years now, in fact my primary physician said the next time I come in to see her she is going to schedule x-rays for it because as she put " Your knee is shot". She made a few comments about replacement surgery. (NOOOOO) Having surgery on my stomach doesn't scare me, having surgery on my knee terrifies me.

You can feel free to check out my profile and "borrow" the PCP letter I got from this site, change it to fit your own story and bring it to your PCP. Be sure your doctor is writing monthly notes and not just this letter. You have to have monthly office notes. Be patient. You've been obese longer than 5 months and most of us have had to go through this waiting period. Spend that time getting mentally ready for the real work you have to do. Research what's going to be expected of you post-op. Get your psych eval done. Attend any support group meetings that may be available in your area and see what you can do about exercising now, that doesn't impact your knee, of course! And visit this site and post often! Good luck! Jan