Ugh... just when I thought all was well I took another blow.

So I went to my orientation last night and it was extremely informative. I left the meeting informed and geared up for my VSG surgery on the 15th. Not so fast there, today I got a call stating that they never had me down for a VSG surgery ?????????? (my first reaction was what?, how is that possible?) Well after a little more conversation it turns out that my insurance had denied the VSG (investigational surgery) but approved me for the Realize band. Hmmm... with 14 days to go before the  surgery I can't help but wonder why no one told the patient that his surgery had been changed? I am feeling so down right now munching on a sugar-free Jello. I almost at that point where you throw in the towel but I owe myself and my family the chance at making this work. Now I am left with the decision of going forward with the Band or going through the entire process again as a Gastric Bypass patient. I am peeved at the whole process and stuck because on one hand I don't know if a band can get me to my goal and on the other not thrilled about going through with a Bypass (no offense to anyone who has one).Pffff..........

Sorry to hear that.  What a total lack of communication on their part. I hope you voice your dissappointment with the office.  I have the realize band I will be 1 year out on October 24th.  To date I am down 78lbs.  Something I never thought would be possible to accomplish.  No matter which option you and your Dr decide is right for you remember this is only a tool it is not a cure all.  Don't throw in the towel it sounds like you have come to far to go back now.  Look into the band there are lost of people who succeed and or fail with which ever WLS option they choose, it is us who have to make the right choices to be successful.   Good luck and stay positive!                          Lisa

Thanks lisa,

I stepped away from my PC , called my wife to vent and then I knew what needed to be done. My reserve has been stregthened and I will have this surgery. 14 days and counting until I begin my journey. Time to update my profile with the Realize band. I also want to take a sec to thank everyone for all of the support, I vent a lot and I know you may be tired of hearing about all of my ups and downs.

Thanks
Omar

On a side note,

My wife got her approval today and she is set to roll on Oct 13. I am really excited for her and now we will have each other to lean on even more now.

Vent ALL you want.  That is why we are here.  Who ELSE would understand?

We are here to share ALL the ups and downs of this journey.

Congratulations to you wife too.  I hope you have help with your surgery dates 2 days apart......

Whoops, sorry that should have read October 13.

Hey Omar-sorry you are not getting the surgery that you wanted. We all have been on here to vent once in awhile so do not apologize for that. It's a long process and things happen. There are plenty of band patients who have lost 100+ pounds with the band. Just remember it is a slower lose and that  you have to work with the band and not against it. With you and your wife having surgery you will have each other and us for support. You can do it, we are here for you. Maybe someday in the near future I will get a chance to meet you and your wife at a support group meeting. Wishing you an uneventful surgery and a quick recovery!

My oh my.

I am convinced my sugeon is a good surgeon but so afraid something is going on since thins are progressing so slowly and I am not hearing from him.  I have had that happen to me before where things were going slow and then I got a letter that the pulmanologist wanted to give preferance to the PPO he was a member of.  Then the next pulmanoligist I got was great for about a year and when I went to make my next appointment he canceled three times and then I got the letter that he was moving to pure academics.

Good news is. Oct. 13th is my birthday!!! Thats a great day. lol
Keep up the mental strength, you'll need it.
God Bless,
Kandi

 Omar

I am so sorry to hear about the "setback"  One thing I have learned about this process is that it is two steps forward and one step backward.  Things seem to happen for a reason so maybe there is a reason that you should have the band instead of the VSG.  This may be the best thing for you.  

I am glad you are finding peace with this change.  Change is never easy.  

Congrats to your wife for getting her date as well!  

Wow you and your wife are both going to be new people! How great!  Together you will be eachothers strenght!  Good Luck and take each day 1 day at a time.  These boards are made for venting and recieving inspiring strenght!

Lisa