Don't know what to do.....

For starter's....Hello everybody I'm new here, and I've been checking out this site for some time. You all seem so caring and willing to share your thoughts, idea's, etc. So here goes I'll make this short and sweet. I've always been heavy been battling the ups and the down's...tried this diet pill and that one...tried this diet and that one...you know the routine  So when I went to my doc last week she told:  "We need noooo we have to loose some weight little lady!" I have about 5 health issues going on at once, hypertension, chol., and cronic foot/ankle pain. I stand for 8 hrs at my job so by time I get home.... I'm   she referred me to MMPC "but" I haven't called yet!  I'm scared.... I've been doing research and so far the Lap Band sounds most to my situation. Now I don't know do I go through with *maybe* the surgery because I don't think my insurance will cover it...I don't know, they don't even cover diet pills for crying out loud!  OR....do I just try to bite the bullet and start walking even if it kill's me by time I"m done (feet/ankles) and try...try very very hard to watch what I eat and how much.  Everyone say's "Ohhhh it's so easy."  Ya easy for them maybe! I just don't know what to do...maybe it's just because I'm scared I don't know, I don't want nothing serious to happen but I know I have to do something...I have got to get this weight OFF!  Thanks for lisenting to me ppl's, I really appreicate it! Hugzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Butterflykisses  aka  Molly

Hi Molly-   you have questions to ask.  First, find out if your insurance covers WLS.  You won't knw untl you ask.   Research the daylights out of the arious types of surgery and see which might fit you the best.   Ask yourself if you can commit to a surgery.  This is not easy, it is as much work as dieting.  The difference is, the results are there!  And yes, you can stretch it all out and re gain all your weight and then some.  If you really want to do that to yourself.  Surgery is a tool but you have to be able to commmit to it.   Guess the most important question of all is, can you commit to YOU? Good luck on your journey hon.

Hi, I want to encourage you to review your options.  Meaning, educate and read on all the procedures out there.  My insurance would not cover lap band, so I had to have RNY.  There are MANY MANY wonderful WLS programs out there besides MMPC (although I know Zeeland is close to Grand Rapids) -- I highly recommend Barix in Ypsilanti.  That is their specialty.  That is what they do.  That is their primary focus.  And I know many people who have gone elsewhere. U of M in Ann Arbor has a wonderful program as well. First and foremost, you need to research the type of surgery you want. Then find out what requirements your insurance has you do. Find out all you can on pre op, surgery, post op, and after the wls happens.  This is rollercoaster ride and can be magnificent and horrifying - no lies here.  I'm not sugar coating anything. We all have our stories.  Read peoples profiles.  Ask questions, and don't stop educating yourself on what is out there that would be best for YOU.  Not the neighbor, not your doctor, not anyone but YOU.  You are the one who will do the work. You are the one who will be managing each day stronger than anything.  You are the one who needs to benefit from this, not anyone else. There are hundreds upon hundreds of sites on line that can offer insight and education on the various types of surgery. I can tell you from experience that you need to find the surgeon who meets your needs and can be supportive of you, and is someone you can talk to.  The program will differ no matter where you go.  And the program for the surgery pre op and post op is something else you will want to educate yourself on. This is all about making a change for the greater good of your health.  Do whatever it takes to find out what would be best for you. No question is silly -- and the more you ask, the more you learn. Good luck to you, and if I can be of any help, please send me a message. Stacey W

Thank you so much ladies for posting your thoughts and encouragements...I greatly appreciate them!! I know it's going to be a long/hard struggle and a major decision I'll have to make, it's going to be a life long change that I have to be willing to make for myself! Thanks again ~Molly~

Molly: Here's what I would suggest you do: #1 - call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically if they cover bariatric surgery (don't call it obesity surgery).  Most insurance will not cover "treatment for obesity' which is why they won't cover diet pills ... but they WILL cover medically necessary procedures that will improve your health conditions.  Once you find out that it is approved, ask them to send you the written requirements you need to fulfill --- better to have that information in writing in your hands so you can refer back to it often. #2 - buy the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies".  this has been my single best resource for information about WLS.  Not only do they cover information about all the different types of surgeries, but they also walk you through the process of picking a surgeon and hospital, what to expect with pre-op testing, what to pack to go to the hospital, a grocery lists, menus, etc.   It's a great overall resource that I think every WLS patient should own.  Good luck! Pam

Hey Congratulations on your surgery date !!!!!!  Its been a long time coming !!!!! Good Luck Pam!!!!!! Jenny B Wise

Thanks Jenny.  I'm excited.  :-) Pam

OMG Pam....I am so so sorry!! I was thinking you already had your surgery....not that it was coming up in November....I am so bad! So.............CONGRADULATIONS!!!  ~Molly~

Molly - Thanks a bunch.  I'm re-reading my WLS for Dummies book and doing lots of research on post-op menus and vitamin regimens and grocery lists.  Just happy I finally made it after 18 months of trying.  :) Pam

Awesome!!! Thanks for the tip's Pam....greatly appreciated! I know on the MMPC's web site I went over their Insurance links and they say the Insurance Companies cover it BUT almost all of them have a "obesity clause" or loop hole as they call it...in them!  And I'll check for the book on e-bay I bet they'll have it Thanks again ~Molly~