New to OH

Hi everyone, I am new to this site. I am mailing out and faxing my information to the insurance company today. I was reading some of your postings and you have some of the same questions. I am writing my letter to the insurance company right now. Any suggestions on what to include or a some sample letters that I could look at? I am very nervous b/c I have only told 3 people that I am having the surgery. I was afraid that others would try to talk me out of it. No one seems to understand that I am doing this for me and no one else. I want to be around to see my boys grow up and also to actually be able to play baseball or basketball with them. I was very thin and active in high school, but things have changed drastically. Hope to hear from all of you soon. :spin: Becky

Hi Becky! Welcome to the boards! Where are you from? What surgery are you looking into? Who is your surgeon? What hospital are you looking at? Not to be too nosey but these are things we are all interested in, and could possibly help, or have in common with you! We are having a clothing exchange on saturday, maybe you could come and meet some of us wonderful losers, it really is a lot of fun, we have all been there done that, so it really isn't too awkward, as some may think, we have a lot of fun, and socializing! Please don't be afraid to talk with us here, this really is a great support here, we are family, heck some of us are closer to some here than their own bioogical family! Keep asking the questions, we will answer as we can! I don't have much help for you on the letters, my insurance company only required a letter of medical nessecity, and I went through no hurdles at all! Good luck yo you, hope to meet ya soon! Hugz dawn

Welcome Becky! Nice to meet you! Linda Vicory

Welcome Becky!! You have come to the right place... we have either been there or are int he process and we all like to talk!! I had the RNY April 26 2005 , lost 100 pounds and stopped.. but I have gone from a 32 to a 16 and I am happy. Playing with my grandkids and loving every minute of it!! I was fat while my boys were being raised.. rewarded them with trips to Waffle House, Taco bell and Cracker Barrel...how sick was I??? Now I make princess headbands for the girls and buy Jayden learning toys and actually sit with him and play them... Now that is quality time!! Welcome and best wishes!! Linda

Welcome Becky! There's always room for one more here!! I had my RNY on August 14, 2005, and so far have lost 130 pounds. Im very pleased with my success so far, and feel like I have a whole new life. Considering Im almost 60, thats a gift! My doctors office dealt with the insurance company for me, but I did need a letter of necessity from my family doctor, she gave me 2, and I gathered all my prior diet history and sent it as well. What diets I had been on, how long, how much I lost, and how much I regained. I had 2 pages!! Once they received everything, I was approved in 6 hours! Keep posting and keep us updated on your progress in your journey, we have been there and done that, and can relate to every step. Again, welcome!!

I live in Hillsboro, IN. It's about 20 minutes west of Crawfordsville. My surgery is also the RNY, Dr. RoseMarie Jones at St. Vincent's Bariatric Center. I actually started my process in August 06 but then in October of 06 I found out that my husband of 14 years had a girlfriend for about 6-8 months. He filed for divorce in November and he hit me on November 13th-the day I moved out with my kids. He hasn't paid me any child support thus far, but we go to court on Jan. 16th. I put everything on hold, but am doing better, much stronger, and now more determined than ever to have my surgery. This has never been about pleasing him or anyone else, it has always been about me and what I need to do for myself. I still have a great support system with the people that I have told about the surgery. It's nice to be able to talk to you guys, people that actually know what I am going through!!! I've read a little about the clothing exchange but would like more info. I have very few clothes that fit me. You know how it is when you're a mom, everyone else comes first. I never spent money on myself so clothing is limited. I am going to school to get my RN, but took this semester off due to the divorce and all of the stress. Thanks for all of the responses. Look forward to hearing from all of you again soon!!

Heh Becky, I just want you to know that you are not alone here, and also, just so you know, I have been through the same thing. I am glad you are doing better and feeling stronger, you need to put yourself in front for awhile. I know it's hard to do, but the better off you are, the better off your kids will be, and it appears you understand that. We are here for you. Welcome, Welcome, Welcome !!! Beth

Thanks Beth! I had a court date and it didn't go as planned. The judge called me a "pill popping mom" b/c I am antidepressants. How many women who find out their husband is cheating on them wouldn't be on something for depression. I have only take antidepressants twice in my life, the first time was the when I found out he was cheating on me 3 years ago and now again for cheating on me the second time. I guess the judge rewards loser dads and punishes moms who are struggling. Anyway, this week has been hell for me. I can't sleep, I'm grouchy all of the time. I did fax my information to the insurance company so I am going to follow up with them tomorrow. Thanks for all of the support!! It's nice to know I am not the only one that has had to deal with this. I just wish I knew how to make it stop hurting so much. Becky

Becky, Well, I wish I could make it stop hurting, but I can't, but I can tell you things I did to make me feel better, or that relieved some of my depression. I don't know if they will hel*****t, and some are very hard to do. I guess the first and the most important and is the hardest, is to give it to God. We really don't have control, and alot of times we don't handle things right when we do take control. I have to laugh, because I've been there many many times. But, when I yell at God, and asked Him to take it from me, He did. In the beginning I was able to do that with little things and it did help, but finally, I was mad and had to yell in the whole house while everyone was gone. Man did HE ever take it ! Again, not an easy thing to do. But, bottom line is who could know what is better for us than Him, so why not let Him handle it. I will pray for your strength to do that Hon. Second, remember, the Serenity Prayer: God, grant me the serentity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change those things that I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference. We can't change past, or change anyone, so it's at these times all we can do is help ourselves. I hope I haven't stepped out of bounds, and just so you know, I do care. As far as the judge is concerned, I don't get it!! Do you have a lawyer? Talk to you later Hon. Beth Second, I guess is to smile, even when you don't feel like it and take all the joy from your kids, which I'm sure you do.

Beth~ Thanks for the encouragement. I was on my way home last Friday and I knew that I was going home to an empty house and was upset. So, I called one of my friends and was talking and she told me to pack a bag and come stay with her. She has been going through a divorce for a year and a half. I feel so much better getting away for the weekend. I have learned to give things to God. I used to go to church when I was younger and started going again before the divorce. It was really hard to give things to Him because I am a control freak. But, I knew that I couldn't do it alone anymore. I found out on Saturday that I got the apartment that I was wanting-finally some good news. Yes-I have a lawyer and he was completely shocked with the judges comments. I have called him everyday since last Tuesday. My ex won't even give me clothes and shoes so now I am getting really mad. I told my lawyer that if I didn't get an agreement from my ex to go over and get my things that I was going to go get the local cop and have him escort me to my house. I feel like I just keep getting violated over and over again. I have a prayer box necklace that a friend gave me and where it all the time, I never take it off. I put a prayer inside, pray every night and I feel 100% better than a month ago. ~Becky