SHBP Insurance Frustrations
I asked her what if nobody in GA on the plan does the DS? She said it still will not cover any surgeon unless they operate out of the 3 hospitals, and you can't appeal!!!
Looks like I'll be going to Charlotte afterall. I was praying I would be able to do this close to home, but no such luck. I really don't have it in me to battle the insurance company on this. I figure all the energy I would spend on the slim chance they will make an exception, I could have gone and had it in Charlotte anyway.
I still sent my pre-op packet in to Dr. Smith today anyway. Just in case they do get approved to be in network like they say they will. I just won't be holding my breath on that. I'm gonna go ahead and schedule myself for the seminar in Charlotte next month with Dr. Voellinger.
So, today, I guess I'm felling a little down, but not yet defeated. Why does all this have to be so hard???
It's bad enough trying not to lose it over the trauma of half your insides being removed, losing my best friend (food), and scarring up my tummy, without all the barriers and red tape. You'd think they would make it a little easier on you.
Today is my 2nd pre-op supervised diet visit!!! Only 4 more months to go. Yahoo!!! It's also my 1st visit since being diagnosed with diabeties. I pray she doesn't tell me I have to take the shots. I'd rather die, go blind, be on dialysis, and have a kidney transplant!!! I HATE needles!!!
OK, enough venting for the day. I'm about to go take my daily Big Girl Pill, so I can get over it and move on... Sure would be nice to have a Margarita to wa**** down.
**** I AM AN OH SUPPORT GROUP LEADER ****
WHY I CHOSE DS: No dumping. Highest percentage of weight loss, Best long term results, Won't regain weight! Eat normal sized meals, 96% diabeties, 90% high blood pressure, 80% sleep apnea cured. I 
MY DS!
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four unless there were three other people. ~Orson Wells
Hello Sweetie,
Do not give up because you will get what you want. I know that you seem like things are not going your way, So YES go ahead and VENT all you want. I'm here for you and will try and look and see if I can find you some Doctor here in the Atlanta area that does the DS.
I'm too glad that you are doing another outing. I will possible be able to make this one since it is on a Saturday.
Hug's
Jeannie
P.S. I will RSVP just as soon as the HOLIDAY's are over.
OH Support Group Leader
RNY 07/27/06
sw358/ cw 175/ qw 175 to 160
I have been blessed with God's Help!
For those in GEORGIA come and join us at PEDMONT HENRY MEDICAL CENTER in the EDUCATIONAL BUILDING in Foundation Board room the 4th TUESDAY of each month at 6:30pm.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/jeannie4759_group/tab,0/page,1/#my_groups_main:1
LaShelle,
First, you've just been diagnosed with diabetes. They will play with different pills for YEARS before you ever have to take insulin shots (unless your blood sugars are running in the 500's and you are nearing diabetic coma).
Second, you wouldn't rather go blind, be on dialysis or have a kidney transplant than take shots! My 62 year young mother is totally disabled and has been living with me for 4 1/2 years. She's been diabetic about 20 years, insulin dependent for about 7 or 8. She has end-stage renal disease and is currently refusing dialysis. She has just enough kidney function to survive at this time. She is severely anemic due to the kidney disease. So, once a week she needs to take a shot for the anemia (which hurts like an SOB according to her...the insulin shot is nothing). She would never qualify for a kidney transplant due to her weight. Due to the kidney disease, she has no appetite (and just because she doesn't eat much, she still doesn't lose weight). Also because of the kidney disease, there are many things that wind her up at "Club Piedmont" where she is a frequent flyer. She's good for at least 1 5-10 day visit a year. Usually it's because of medication...morphine for pain gave her a heart attack because her kidneys couldn't process the meds well, so she still had morphine running around in her system when she'd take another dose. So, technically, she was overdosed. Because her kidneys couldn't process Lyrica, she ended up getting Parkinson like symptoms...ended up falling 3 times, had altered mental status and broke her wrist (not a simple break, it required surgery) in one of those falls. She was in sub-acute rehab for 7 weeks because of the severe weakness she had following Lyrica detox. The diabetes has also caused diabetic neuropathy in her feet. She can't feel her feet or ankles. Because of this, her gait is off and she is simply unsteady. Outside of the house, she has to use a wheelchair. She has taken herself off the roads because she can no longer feel the gas/break pedels of the car (and if you know anyone who wants to purchase a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport, let me know). She is extremely prone to foot ulcers and non-healing wounds. The new puppy scratched her leg slightly...we were at the ER 2 days later for a wound that was at least 3 inches X 2 inches big, and mom was in major pain. She has no less than 2 doctor visits a month...and I have to take off work early for every one of them.
I've watched my vibrant, independent mom become a shell of what she used to be. She's a homebody now (since she can't drive) and can only leave the house when I'm available to take her somewhere. I'll probably end up broke as we HAVE to go out to dinner once a week just so she can get some fresh air.
So, if your doctor says you need to start taking insulin, don't whine...just do it. Didn't you say you have a small child?????
-Elli
Highest Weight/Surgery Weight/Current Weight/Goal
426.4/356/216.8/165?
