New here... beginner questions...

Hi All!

I'm Shannon from Elk River. 35 years old, married, mother of 3 boys all under 5! I'm 5' 9" and this morning weighed in at 300 pounds even. Very Sad! I work full time sitting behind a desk.

Thursday I'm meeting with my PCP to tell her it's time to talk surgery. I've lost and gained 30-40 pounds half a dozen times in the past 3 years and I know that's not healthly. I can barely keep up with my kids or the housework as I'm tired ALL THE TIME.

I'm over a hundred pounds overweight, BMI of 43, High Blood Pressue, and constant back, knee and foot problems from the weight. My hubby was recently diagnosed with diabetes... I know I'm not far behind him.

What if my PCP tells me to just try diet and excercise again? I can't handle that! If she does give me the OK to pursue, how long is the typical wait to see a surgeon, get in for a psych eval, etc., and (I have HealthPartners) for insurance to give a decission?

I've enjoyed reading many of your stories and am grateful for the info I've already learned from what you have shared!

Many thanks,
Shannon

 Shannon, I cannot speak about the doctor part of your post. Our doctor left the decision to have surgery to us. Knowing your history, your PCP should give you good advice. My wife and I are are both having WLS. We went to a seminar put of by Abbott and from that time, it took us about 2 months to see the surgeon, although his staff had started making appts for the psych evauation. At this date we are still waiting for our surgery date. As with all things your cir****tances will vary and the length of time will be different

Hi Shannon,

I could have been you 6+ years ago. I know exactly how you feel.   I weighed what you weigh but I'm only 5'6.  I've been at or around my goal for 5 years now.  It's a whole different life for me now.

I never had to have approval from my PCP.  Unless your insurance requires it, you should be able to choose a program and go to their info session.  It's always better to have support from your PCP, but as along as your insurance covers WLS, you should be good to go!

Good luck!

If your PCP tells you to just  try diet and exercise again?  Ask her - "how many times should I drive down that road before you realize THAT DOESN'T GET ME WHERE I NEED TO BE?" 

Seriously, if your PCP does not support WLS, FIND ONE WHO DOES.  Go to a couple of different info sessions, and find a doc who has had patients who've had lasting success with their WLS! 

Good luck to you - keep coming here for encouragement and support.  It is WORTH THE FIGHT!

Hi and WELCOME!!!!!!  I hope things work out for you.  Just keep on em and let them know how serious you are........... Good luck to you!!!!

 I am a mom of 3 under 5-1/2!!  Life is busy!  I know exactly where you are coming from and how you feel, cause I feel the same way!  We are moving up to ELk River at the end of the month so we'll have to maybe meet up and be support for each other.  I am nearing the end of my nutritionist appts and should be having surgery in Late Oct. or early Nov. We'll see  :)  Like everyone else said find another Dr. if your doesn't support you!

Atousa

Shannon, with due respect to your PCP, she is not the one who is on the path, but merely a sign post along the way.  If you need to turn and go down a different street, so be it.  Everyone maps out from A to B.  You may encounter detours, construction, stop lights, dirt roads, and highways.  This comes in the form of orientations, insurance, psychs, nuts, surgeons preferences, your preferences, support from others, criticism, fear, tears, wows and you name it.  The HARDEST part of the journey is taking that first step.  Then get out your roadmap and NEVER give up if you hit a red light.  Remember, you can turn on red.

Good luck on your journey.  Keep coming back here and GET yourself to a coffee group.  Maple Grove is full of nut cases who have been there.  We meet every other Saturday at Byerly's.  This coming Sat is our on week.

Paul

Sorry to hijack -- but which Byerly's?   Coffee sounds fun!

The coffee Paul is speaking about meets in Maple Grove, inside the Byerly's there is Caribou. They have a cafeteria type area where you can sit and visit. That is where the MG coffee group meets.

There may also be coffee in Roseville this weekend or Eagan. Watch the board closer to the weekend for exact locations.

PAUL - that is an effin' brilliant way to put it! Love the analogy of construction/roads/etc. It's SO true!!! You rock!