depressed..

I'm 7 months into trying to get my surgery approved, and I'm feeling overwhelmed and depressed. I know I'm whinning but I just can't believe the hoops my insurance company makes me jump. It's like a full time job, and I am not very organized.. it's soo hard. I don't even want to go back for my check-up with the surgeon. I've gained weight from stress, and my therepist keeps telling me to get a hold of my demons before surgery. I think thats' funny. I quit smoking 4 years ago and that was a snap compared to trying to always eat well. I would apprecite some words of encouragement. Or maybe just some courage....

First of all...if it is important to you...get yourself organized. You need to rethink why you want this surgery and started all this just to quit in the middle of it! Honey I had a stress test which led to a heart cath and other numerous heart tests, I had blood work which found a few ailments that required meds and retesting, they diagnosed me with apnea (bull crap...I just snored then because of my weight...rarely do it now) and slept with that dang contraption for over a month before I could get clearance. Look at my profile so you can see the probs I have had since my surgery! I would do it all again and again as long as I was losing and getting healthy! It was all worth it because I wanted it that bad. I needed it that bad...despite all the set backs I was entitled to it and by george I was gonna get it!....YOU HAVE TO WANT IT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN....no matter what!  Can you say AMEN! ...Did not mean to get so preachy but dammit...everyone deserves this surgery and eventually the process is going to get easier....we are the pioneers and they are all learning from the process just like us! We will pick you up...hold you up...kick your butt...whatever you need...but first you have to help yourself! We are here....just find your desire to be here and join us! See ....we have a spot right here for ya!
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Hi Marcy,
I think almost everyone needing this surgery is/has/will/ is again, having some kind of depression.WOW you quit smoking, you should me so very proud of yourself. I gained  weight before my surgery, I don't think you & I are are only ones.All the support you need is right here. I read people who had and were waiting for approval profiles. It became a mission to me. To see if I was different. As I was reading I seen people wanting to be healthy, wanting to live but needed WLS to have this happen. I seen hoops,tears,waiting games,doctors, insurance its all there and this was only on my profile. Check in a lot if need to I am sure someone will be here,And just remember your first WOW moment started with your stopping smoking.
Hugs,Love & Blessings, Gail

Hi Marcy,
 You have to listen to Lee Ann she and you are not the only ones who will be telling it like it is. I had a 7 year struggle to get this surgery and I didn't quit. I thought about it many times, sure but my BFF died because of her weight and smoking. You have a least beat one of the demons that she couldn't. I wish to this day that this surgery would have been as popular then as now. Maybe she would still be alive and sitting here chatting with us both! SO DON'T YOU DARE GIVE UP! KEEP FIGHTING WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANIES! GO TO THAT SURGEON CHECK-UP WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH AND KNOW THAT THE O.H. FAMILY IS PULLING FOR YOU!
 If you ever need any advice this is the place to go that is for sure. I have been having a rough time of it financially and they have always encouraged me to hang in there. Also if you ever need to talk call me or email me! My email is [email protected] and I will give you my phone from there. JUST REMEMBER KEEP YOUR CHIN UP, GIRL! Michelle

It worth everything you have to do to get approved.  Keep your chin up and keep plodding away.  I don't know whom to give credit, but "The best things come to those who wait."  Hang in there.

Carol

I had my surgery in 2006. I went for my first consultation in 2004 though. All the effort required to get the surgery in 2004 seemed overwhelming, and not worth it. I gave up on it at that time. When, 2 years later, I hadn't been able to change anythign on my own, I reconsidered, and went for a second consultation. This time I was ready, and bound and determined to get the surgery. I concluded that I must not have really been ready in 2004.

That said, if you are sure you are ready, you have to get in gear. You have to get organized and keep records, and get your ducks in a row. You can do this, if you really want it.

DON't GIVE UP.  If you want it bad enough, it's worth doing what is required.  I started the process in 2003.   Did all that the center I had gone to required only to find out after six months of pre-op testing, paying out of pocket expenses for the physc test not to mention the time spent on the road (the center was in Phoenix AZ, three hours away from home) that my insurance company had additional requirements.   It took till October 2005 to get my surgery.  Was it worth it?  Most definitely.  I'd do it all again.This board has a lot of encouraging women (and men) on it.  Please use them as you go through your journey.Julie

DON't GIVE UP.  If you want it bad enough, it's worth doing what is required.  I started the process in 2003.   Did all that the center I had gone to required only to find out after six months of pre-op testing, paying out of pocket expenses for the physc test not to mention the time spent on the road (the center was in Phoenix AZ, three hours away from home) that my insurance company had additional requirements.   It took till October 2005 to get my surgery.  Was it worth it?  Most definitely.  I'd do it all again.

This board has a lot of encouraging women (and men) on it.  Please use them as you go through your journey.

Julie