The ball is starting to roll...

Well, I went in to my initial visit to my local doctor today to get the ball rolling. He was on board and very cooperative. I talked to him about a few of my other health issues, not sure if  my weight was contributing factor or not. I had a snowboarding accident a couple of years ago where I pulled my groin muscle really badly. But I gave it some time and it seemed to have healed up. But about 6 months ago, I noticed that about a week before my period, I would get those agonizing pains where it felt like when I walked, my right leg felt like it was trying to dislocate itself like right in the pivoting area. I explained this to the doctor and he is thinking that it sounds like a hernia that will need to be repaired. He said that when I go talk to the surgeon, I need to bring this up as this might be able to be fixed laparoscopically the same time as the band is put in. And I am thinking, hoping...that maybe this will just help me get approved for it all faster. That and most of all- I do want that pain to go away! I don't know how to even explain the pain. On a level from 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, when I get those pains, I would say that they are a good solid 7. But if I can go in and kill two birds with one stone, why not, right? But sadly, I was hoping that I wouldn't be off work for that long but I am sure that with a hernia in the femur area, it will probably force me to stay home awhile longer.  I have to go back in to the doctor's office first thing in the morning to have bloodwork done. I don't think that will take too long. They made an appointment for me in November but I called the surgeon's office myself and was able to squeeze in for the consultation visit in September. YAY! I just hope it goes really fast from there! I am SO excited! I can't wait to be able to do some of the things I haven't done in so long....from simple things to things I once was passionate about such as hiking and swimming. I still love swimming but my issue has been the whole self-image thing in a swimsuit that has prevented me from doing what I love. And I think one of the things that held me back from hiking was not wanting to tote my kids along when they were so young. (I have four kids.) But now they are at an age where they can not only hike and have fun, but they outdo me. So I want to be able to get back into it and enjoy that pastime with them and be able to keep up. And like someone else mentioned, it will be nice to be able to focus on my health for once and not my weight.

Hi, it sounds like you are getting closer to your surgery date. If you can get a copy of your health history from your family doctor for the last 3-4 years that would speed things up. Let us know how it's going. Mona

Well, I know that my doctor was putting together clinical notes yesterday and I think he was going to send them to the insurance co. and you. I guess I didn't find out for sure....but he had me come in this morning for some bloodwork to be done so maybe he might be waiting to send off stuff until the test results come back? I will call them this afternoon and find out if they have the results or about how long to expect to have them back and then ask them at that time about sending you my medical history as you mentioned.  Anything to help it go faster and smoother! Thanks, Mona! Edit: I did get ahold of the doc's office and requested that they send my medical history. So, that should be on its way. Bloodwork results should be in tomorrow afternoon.