My Story ( if anyone cares)

Well here's my story: I am 41 years old and have two children: 1 daughter- age 21 and one son age 10, and I've been happily married for 17 years. I weigh 270 and I am 5' 91/2 " tall, my BMI is 39.4 the highest its ever been. I am Assistant manager at Mooresville Midde School and have worked there 6 years. I have been over weight for last 15 years. I have tried varies diets with some success but always regained plus some. I have four dogs: 1 Chow Shepard mix and 1 Rat Terrier and 2 Pom's. I love my dogs they are my babies, probably because they don't care if I'm fat or not. I hate looking in the mirror or anyone taking my picture. I never feel like doing anything or going anywhere. Even going to the beauty shop is a chore because its hard to fit in the chairs in the waiting room. I went to the movies with my husband last week and the threater seat hurt my sides through the whole movie, I can't even go out and play with my ten year old son because I'm so tried all the time. I just want to live again. I was diagnosed with heart disease when I was 29 but never made a big deal of it until recently because my blood pressure is going up, up, up, I went through all the test and procedures to have weight loss surgery and was told all the way that everything was going well and that I definitely qualify for the surgery but when they sent it to my insurance(BCBSNC) they denied me. I was devastated and depressed and didn't know where to turn next, I could almost see myself thinner and happier but then there it was DENIED. I had never been through this before so I had no idea how things work and so after talking to my surgeons nurse, who told me that there was nothing I could do if I was denied) I just gave up. I mean there was no one to talk to because my family didn't really understand and because of my weight I had cut myself off from all my friends everything just seemed useless.Then I decided to reseach it and ended up appealing. Thats where I'm at now, waiting on an answer to my appeal. waiting is very hard, it drives you crazy, you think about it all the time and all you can do is wait, wait on another person to decide how you will live your future. I started looking for a support group in my area and to tell the truth it will be hard for me to meet with people because I feel so self conscious and I just don't know how to be around people anymore its very hard for me, But I want this more than I've ever wanted anything before.

Hi and of course everyone wants to know your story - thanks for sharing with us and you will find that this site is great for support.
I am sure you find it frustrating, but look at the end of the tunnel.

I, too, am miserable and have never been heavier.  I am waiting for my surgeon appt. on August 6th in Hickory.

Look forward to hearing from you again.

Shelia

We do care here for each other.
I am glad you were able to share your story here.
You also need to know that you are not the olny one who has gone through the almost unbearable waiting game.
I too was denied and had to appeal to BCBS.
It dosent seem or feel fair when this happens.
It took me 3 years to get a surgery date mainly because I switched surgeons.
I also know how you feel about being so self conscious around people.
As far as going to support groups I think you would be very happy if you did go because you would find out you are not alone on your journey.
If having this surgery is the most important thing for you then ask yourself what are you willing to do?
Personally for me if I had to walk over coals to have my surgery I would have done it.
I can also tell you at one time in my life I was 680 pounds.
So as you can imagine life then was pretty bad.
Check out my profile and pictures.
I still have a long way to reach my first goal but I have to remind myself where I came from.
Dont ever give up and one day soon I hope you will get to have wls.
BTW what is your name?
Hang in there and keep the faith it will happen.
                                                                     Annie

Thanks for your reply, it makes me feel so much better, my name is Jennifer but people call me Jenny.

We all care for one another here!  If the appeal doesn't work, how about changing to a Center of Excellence where the doc submits and it is automatically approved?    At least that is what i  have heard and others may want to pipe in if i am wrong!   I have heard that there was a Center for Excellence in Hickory and Concord.

You take care and lift you head up and keep aiming towards your goal!

Pam

Jenny
I'm saying lots of prayers for you with your appeal...Maybe now that Dr. P is a "Center of Excellence Physician", your appeal with sail right through.  When did you submit the appeal?  Did you put any new info. with it?  Dr. P's office didn't even help you with that?
I'm always here if you want to talk...my surgery is Friday and I'm scared to death.  Even shed some real big tears in front of Dr. P.  I'm so scared I'm going to die and my babies need me.  He said it was natural to be scared and gave me some words of encouragement.
Hang in there...I'm sure you'll get the answer you want and deserve!!!
Hugs,
Michele

Michele you sound so nervous, just relax and put things in the Lords hands, you will be fine and in a couple of months you will be well on your way to a happier,healthier, thinner you.
We will all be saying a prayer for you on Friday, let us know how you are, I'm always here if you need to talk.

There is also a COE in Winston Salem. The office I am going through had no trouble with getting my approval from BCBSNC. My BMI is a little higher but I am only 5'3" and weigh around 250 but have come from 320 in the last couple of years. It also helps if you call the insurance and ask them exactly why you were denied because it could have been something as simple as incorrect documentation. I am ten years older and have been married ten years longer. I wish I had done this sooner. I have 3 chihuahuas because all of my children are ages 21 and up and I have to have some kind of baby around. LOL!

Please hang in there, I too was initially denied by my insurance carrier, UHC.  My BMI was 39.5.  I asked my Dr to get involved and appealed the decision.  I don't know if it was my appeal or my Dr's phone calls but I was approved a short time later.  That was about 1 year ago, had my surgery in August last year, am over 100lbs down and feel like a new woman.  The process is painful but worth it all to be healthy again.  Keep us posted, this is a great support group.  I don't post often but visit and read posts weekly.  Take Care!

Jaime

Hang in there! You really have a lot more in common with all of us then you realize...we're all fighting the same battle - The weight our unhealthy bodies are/were carrying.
I too went through a denial/appeal process, it's very stressful waiting. Have you called your insurance to check on the status? I called everyday to see what was going on. And if for some reason you are denied again, APPEAL AGAIN! Fight for what you want!
I am woman..Hear me roar! LOL
Take Care!