I'm back

Well, after almost a year of being gone, I'm back.  I had looked into WLS, but even with letters of recommendation by my docs, my HMO wouldn't budge.. I have changed doctors, and this new doc is even more against Bariatric surgery than my other doctor was.  I have changed my job, and now am working at the hospital in my community where these are done, and have a couple new work friends who have had the surgery.  They gave me tips, and which insurance plan I need to sign up for to get it paid.  I don't know, I'm pushing 60, but cannot live this way much longer.   I will probly need to change docs again (sigh), but it will be worth it if I can find someone who will support me. Thanks

I don't understand why some doctors still stand so hard against bariatric surgery. Especially Roux-En-Y that has studies that include patients out as far as 15 years that are still healthy on the order of 85%. Before surgery I had Angina, diabetes, sleep apnea almost to the point of being trached, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, acid reflux, degenerative joints and so on. Today I'm 175lbs lighter and I'm not any of that stuff any more. I don't take any medicine for any of that stuff any more. My BMI has gone from 51 to 28. Pushing 60? If you can get the weight off there is a good chance that there will come a time when you're pushing 90. Something that 11 months ago at the age of 44 and 387lbs I didn't have any hope for. Please accept my story of success in the spirit intended. To inspire you. To give you hope. Hope of seeing your great-great grandchildren. Don't give up this time. Just keep pushing until they get it straight.

Cheers,
Mark

Hi.  I am sorry this has been such a rough road for you.  I am lucky, I got approved through Triwest, but my mother has not been so lucky.  There is a problem with Medicare(she's 57) paying our surgeons office for the services....so until this is worked out, the surgeons office will no longer perform Medicare surgeries.  Go figure.  She is really upset, and did a bunch of the tests needed to be prequalified, and now.....nothing...postponed indefinitely.  Different situation than yours, but a bummer all the same. Regarding your Dr:  Mine was not too pleased with my decision, but I approached it as "I am deciding to do this for me, and I am not asking for your approval....but only for your support."  I asked that my doc provide a letter simply stating my comorbidities, and what she did to treat those conditions.......I didn't ask for more, and luckily it was enough to get approved.   I also made sure she knew I had researched extensively, and knew what to expect, and how this was going to completely change my life.   Honestly, if this Dr. will not support your right to choose for yourself, then perhaps it would be better to move on.   Good luck, and hang in there.