Personal letter

Okay, I am trying to get some things done before my initial consultation on July 6th. My PCP is working on a letter of recommendation. I have an appointment with my endo. this Thursday and I will ask her to do the CBC, CMP, and H. Pilori along with the usually TSH, HbA1c and lipid panel. Now, I need advice on the personal letter I have to write to Dr. Greene. If anyone has advice on what I should write, or is willing to provide a sample, I would truly appreciate it. I am positive that WLS is right for me and want to get the ball rolling. I hope to have the surgery by this fall or at least before the end of the year. Am I being realistic? Elizabeth

Elizabeth, There is a "Guildelines" for writing the personal letter on Dr. Greene's web site, www.AdvancedWLS.com. Look under "documents". Perhaps there will be some helpful ideas there. As for timing of the surgery, Dr. Greene's office can give you a better idea, although a lot also will depend on whether you are relying on your health insurance to pay, and if so, how easily they approve you; or, if your insurance won't cover it, whether you're in a position to go self-pay. Leesa

Hi Leesa, I saw the guidelines on Dr. Greene's website, but it I think I need more details. Maybe if I saw what other people wrote it might help. I am not wanting to copy anyone's letters but I want an idea on how detailed and emotional the letter should be. I BCBS FEP and I was told by several people that they approve RNY pretty easily. I hope that will be true for me because I cannot pay for the surgery myself. The reason I would like to have my surgery this fall is that I have been accepted to nursing school for Fall 2007 and I would like to be in excellent health when I start the program. I figure I would have almost a year to adjust to the new lifestyle so it will be a healthy habit that is well ingrained in me. Nursing school and working full time will be stressfull enough and I will need all the energy I can get to keep up. Elizabeth

Elizabeth, My surgeon wasn't so structured about what he requires in our personal letter, I basically explained how being overweight was consuming my life in a bad way, how illnesses my Father had were already plaguing me and no matter how much I love him I refused to suffer like he did. I explained my family has a history of cancer and although losing weight won't stop me from getting cancer it will minimize the likelihood. It is important in your letter to keep away from the way the surgery will make you look, but explain the way it will make you feel, socially (more confidence, feeling less like an outsider, able to approach people easier) Physically (able to walk and exercise easier and more often, less chafing and all those things.) Mentally (just how it makes you feel, do you feel victimized) Medically (how will this help any illnesses that you have.) Be honest Kymme

Thanks Kymme. I hope to have my letter done by Tuesday and maybe I will post it on my profile for critiquing. Elizabeth

Okay, I got my letter posted a day early. Please take a look and tell me if I should add or delete anything. Elizabeth