Ugh... (the WAITING game)

I think I'm going to drive myself nutso. Has anyone else worked with Vocational Rehabilitation to get this surgery funded? I have non-existant insurance, so I'm trying to work with VR to show that my obesity has been a reason for my inability to get a job, etc. That along with my tiny income, and they will pay for the RNY surgery. But it's been so slow-going. I had my first VR orientation mid July, and the first meeting with the counselor the first of August. Everyone's like "Oh, it'll take a month or so", but I just found out I need to have a Functional Capacity Evaluation, so now I'm waiting on Cone Hospital for that. Along with that, I haven't heard a word from Susan Butler since the first of August. No surgery date, no ultrasound date, nothing. I definitely understand that this whole WLS process isn't a speedy one, but it's frustrating as a college student. I took the fall semester off from classes, and if things don't hurry up, I don't want to be stuck with taking the spring semester off too...I only have ONE semester left, anyway! ...Sorry, it's just frustrating....I know once things start, they'll probably happen fast. But with all this waiting, I haven't even taken the time to really start changing my diet. My head is in "Stuff Yourself!" mode, even though I know that in the long run, I will probably be able to eat many of the same things, just in moderation. Thanks for reading my whine/rant.  I think I may be going insane....

Some people do zip right thru the process... others, like myself, dont. It took me 9 months from when I went to the surgeon to get my surgery... for me it took long because it took forever to get my 5 years of medical records.. the testing and whatnot when easy... but then I had to battle with the insurance company for 4 months for approval. It would be nice if it would into your schedule but just dont get your hopes up... keep following up and contacting the people you need to be working with. Keep in mind you are one person worried only about yourself - whomever you are dealing with (id assume) is dealing with many people and its been my experience arnt always 100% on top of everything... so you need to be! I would honestly start to change your diet... you dont have to be drastic but start working on small things.. cut back on soda, limit fast foods.. start exercising.. even if its walking 1-2 days a week. Those small changes will make HUGE differences for you post-op. Also the more healthy you can be when it comes to surgery time the smoother your surgery should be. I would also start working on mental issues as well... start attending WLS support groups if there are any in your area... start to understand what food is to you (a friend, comfort, stress release etc) and start working on changing those behaviors. This will keep you from being overwhelmed post-op!

Hi Sue, Congratulations on choosing to have wls. The waiting game can be a real %^^&&**( and very frustrating. I did the samething you are doing about food before my surgery I had it in my head I better eat it now because I wont after all is said and done. I ended up hurting myself in the long run. My BS got up to 235 and I had to encrease my insulin. It is a good idea to try and get yourself into the right mind set about eatting healthy before surgery. I know there are certain foods like foods with sugar I may not ever have again. I am ok with it because all you have to do is dump one time and you will not want to do that again. When I am in the store nowI just breeze down the cookie isle and know I wont eat them and it is ok for the first time in my life. Become friends with Splenda and try increasing your fluid intake now. If I am busy during the day and havent gotten in much of my fluids I find I am missing them. Keep on top of VR the squeeky wheels gets oiled first.                                              Annie

I know people who have gone through VR. It was a process for sure, but I'd say keep your eye on the prize. You've made the decision to pursue surgery and all the time involved is time you can use to get in the right mind set and insure your long term success.

I know the waiting is hard. I see Dr. Fernandez too. I have BCBS so I don't know about the program you are using but once Susan sends your paper work in she will call you right away to tell you and set a date for surgery. Then when you are approved she will call back to confirm that date and tell you what else you need to do. I got two calls from her this week. Monday to say she sent my paperwork and Wed. to say I was approved and confirm my Oct. 15th date. I was so happy and it was worth all the days I spent waiting for the phone to ring. I hope you hear something soon. I know you want to get back and finish school as soon as possible. Good luck. Beth

Wow, you already have a date? Do you think it'd be wise to call Susan next week and see if I could get a date, and then wait for the approval from Rehab? I mean, if she gave you a date before the final insurance approval, I'd REALLY like to get a date asap. I already told her it'd be either VR or self-pay. So if I could go ahead and get a date and get my ultrasound and everything out of the way, it would also be another factor for VR to know. (Having a surgery date might help speed up Rehab...?) I'm just SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO tired of being in the dark!!!!!!