Another Newbie!

Hi there! I too am a new poster. I have been 'lurking' about, following your stories, since the tail end of July when I discovered this beautiful site while researching WLS. I have found this site, and you wonderful people, a God send. I am currently waiting for a consult date which will probably be in late December. I have a high BMI, type 2 diabetes, high BP (mild), (both medication/diet controlled). My concerns/worries/fears have nothing to do with the tests and surgery, or the 'restarting' of my life as a 'loser'. They are all 'paperwork' related(insurance etc) But I will cross that bridge when I get there. My siblings are all in favor of the surgery. I haven't told my parents, as they had a fit when my cousin had it done a year ago (she had no complications and has lost 120lbs). So not sure yet how to approach them. While I know that is is my choice, I need them to be 'ok' with it. Must be a respect issue.....I don't know..... At any rate, I want to thank you all for being here with your positive attitudes and honestly and openly caring about everybody else!

Welcome Sheila! My paperwork "nightmare" was very uncomplicated> perhaps it was just luck, but being prepared helps tremendously. Know your ins policy and its limitations. Call your customer service number and ask them EXACTLY what their critieria is and then follow it to the letter! How do your parents feel about your cousin now after she has lost all her weight and had no complications? There ARE a lot of risks but that's why you usually get such an extensive workup BEFORE surgery. You may never gain your parent's approval and you may have to accept that. I don't think my parents, had they still been alive, would have approved either. Your parents acceptance may not come until your success with surgery "proves" to them you made a good decision. At least you have your siblings support. Hang in there and do what you feel is right for you. Looking forward to seeing more of you in the future!

Hey Sheila, Hi from a somewhat mid newbie. First of all you are doing this for you! Your family cares about you and that is what you are hearing is that love and concern. Second the paperwork has actually gone pretty well. I just called my PCP, he set me up with the initial information meeting, after that my consult to the surgeon, they sent in the paper work and I actually got my approval letter in the mail about 8 days later, the surgeon's office called me two days after that to say I was approved so now it's the pulmonologist and then I get the surgery date. So Just hang in there, think POSITIVE and things will work out how they should.

Sheila, Welcome it is always great to have another new face here. I agree with Michelle have all your ducks in a row with your insurance know what they want to approve you and usually your doctor will handle it from there. I did make a spreadsheet of past diet history how long I was on the diet what it was and how much I lost. I had also gotten copies of all my medical records which in my case was not much but it showed that I wanted this and I think it helps to speed the process. About your parents I'm sure you would like their approval but you must do this for yourself because there are always risks to be pointed out but you must weigh the risks vs. the life you have now. Best of luck to you and keep us informed. Ann

Welcome, Wow really July? You have been lurking that long? As you can see there are alot of new faces here. We welcome you with open arms. It is not easy to tell family members or friends. You never know for sure how supportive of they will be. But that is why you have your online support group. I hope we can help make this easier for you. Everyone has a differnet story and I would love to her yours. welcome again. Lisa Jordan/-38pounds

Hi Sheila! From one newbie to another, welcome!! The only ones that know that I am having the surgery is my husband and my mother. My husband supports me because he knows it is what I want and need. My mom supports me as well, but she is frightened for me as well. I am her youngest child and she is over 75 years old. Out of all 5 of my siblings, I am the closest to her, both in distance and in relationship. She also knows that I have many other health problems that will shorten my life by an extreme amount of time if I do not lose the weight, that is why she supports me. Actually, the only reason I know that she is frightened for me is that she confided in my niece, who happens to be an R.N. Thank goodness that she is in favor of WLS. My point is Sheila, it ultimately comes down to you! What can you LIVE with? And how LONG can you live with it? My health is what is making me crawl through broken glass to have this surgery (at least that is what it feels like ) Good luck with whatever decision you make and I hope you find the support that you need with your family. And if you don't, and even if you do, you ALWAYS have us, O.K.? Hugs, good luck, and Blessed Be!-Sherry