struggling to be patient in Mattawan

I am trying to get approval for rny. I am in the midst of sleep studies, stress tests, psych results, and diatician appts. My family physician has already written a letter of medical necessity and I have consulted 2x with my surgeon and he thinks i am a perfect candidate. I am 5ft7in and weigh 280. I have severe back difficulties and i don't know what i am going to do if benefit source doesn't approve me. In my mind, i don't see why they wouldn't. Diabetes, HBP, high cholest, cancer, obesity all run in my family. I only have the obesity part this far but if i stay this heavy, i am sure the others will come. Many days i feel anxious. I just am sooooo ready to begin a new life, a healthier life. I really need some support here. I'm feeling alone in this. Do you have any insight as to what I can do to hurry things along? I trust that God's timing is the best and I find peace in that. I just don't know what else I can do right now.

Dear Lori, It does take time, and what is hard to remember, sometimes we don't see why it takes so long. That's because we seldom remember, we are not the only patient these people are working with. However in your upset, you might consider calling who you need to call every single day of your life and be persistent to get the approval done and the surgery scheduled if that is your wish. Persistance may pay off but in the long run I can tell you from experience, I started my research on RNY when it was new about a decade or more ago, and kept researching and then had to wait for what seemed like forever--- because of jobs and insurance I couldn't get it done. Then, when it all seemed to be perfect, my father was diagnosed with cancer, the person who had agreed to care for me in the hospital and afterwards backed out and befriended me, and then I nearly cancelled my surgery because I had NO one to take me. Had it not been for my best friend coming 145 miles to me from Kalamazoo, I would not be where I am today. And what's more, I only had help for the first two days I was home, after that I was pretty much on my own. So though you are on a waiting list for what seems like an eternity, I am now 9 months post op (ok, on April 19th I will be) and have lost 75 lbs and 100 is what I wanted to lose total so I have 25 more to go to goal, and all that in less than 1 year. It does take time, but you can move things along by phone calls. I wish you speed.....and patience grasshopper!

Lori ~ I see you are with Saber. Trust me when I say that they will do everything to help you BUT know that Saber is VERY VERY thorough! Take heart in this because he will not do anything to put you at risk. Everything must be complete and in order. I was in pre-op, IVs and all, when they noticed there was something amis with my sleep study paperwork and right there on the spot, they cancelled the surgery. I'm grateful he did because it very well could have saved my life. 6 weeks later, I was back on the table and he did a remarkable job! If you leave it in God's hands and Saber's, you will be just fine! Good luck on your journey! Sheryl In the Zoo

Hi Lori: If you read my profile, you will know that I am an expert in the waiting to get the surgery! I am now a year out (I was with MMPC in Grand Rapids) and down nearly 116 lbs. You will be able to do this and get it done when the time is right for you. You are doing the right thing by keeping in in prayer! I'll do that for you too. If you need an angel or someone to talk to, let me know. I live in Paw Paw and will give you my number if you e-mail me at: [email protected] Take care and Take HEART! Love, Pam Rhodes