I'M DOING THIS!!!

Hello everybody! I have very recently made up my mind! I am going to have surgery (lap RNY)! I have been debating it for a couple of years, but I have finally decided this was best! I am going to have Empire BC/BS HMO insurance. Anyone's help with this would be greatly appreciated. I like to be prepared for everything. I am so nervous, though. My heart starts beating faster just talking about it! Don't know if I'm really SCARED, yet. I think that will come after setting up my appt. I hope everything works out! Sorry, this is so long, I am just needing to ramble a bit! Any thoughts or ideas would be helpful! Thanks guys for this great site and family! Andi

Hey Andi Congratulations, when I finally made up my mind and decided to do this, I never looked back and it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I used Dr. Macura/Lazarro at Maimonides they were/are awesome. What doc are you using? Being nervous is so normal, keep busy and the time will pass and before you know it you will be four months post op. Good Luck! Tina

i had blue cross hmo as well i was approved on the first time i think if im not mistaken you need six weights and dates consecutive from either a weight loss doctor or any doctor in my case it was my liver specialist they are very good about approving but if your serious i wouldnt wait cause i believe they all will be cracking down and making it harder good luck in whatever you decide your in the right place for answers Stacy 232/140.5/140 1/2 lb away from my personal goal

your in the same boat as i am! I actually made the first call today to the bariatric surgeon. I am waiting on paperwork to be sent to me and i go from there. the down side is he is so busy/booked i wont get to meet with him till the end of summer. i am bummed about that, but hes the best in my area from the info i have gathered. now i sit and worry. I get inspiration lately by just checking in here every night and hearing everyones success stories!

Andrea, Congrats on your choice to move forward..... I am still Pre-op and seeing my surgeon for the final visit on April 14 and then I wait for approval and a date. Let me tell you the very first time I made my appt I got so scared that I canceled it.... now I can laugh but at the time I was just a wreck. I knew that if my body was so stressed over that then I was not ready. I waited about 1 1/2 months before going to see the surgoen, of course now I wish I didn't but at time I was not ready.... I have found that since I am at this stage it is a very different kind of nervous feeling, I don't know if anyone else feels/felt that way but I sure do....... Hun I wish you the very best and please always vent, chat, and ask questions here....... Take care Debra P

Thank you so much for all your support! This is such an incredible place and you are all so great!!!!! I know that Dr. James Sapala (Cori Center) is in my hmo network, so I have a seminar that I signed up for! It will be this Saturday, so I'll have some sort of idea how he is. I've been researching various drs, (i.e. checking licenses, disciplinary charges, previous patient satisfaction, etc) and have found three that I like on paper, but would have to meet with. Dr. Sapala is in my network, so I wouldn't have to play the waiting game as long *cross my fingers*, so I will meet with him first! I know that's a long paragraph, but stay with me...I'm just so excited!!!! Let me know if there's anything else you can think of that I might need to know! Andi

Andi I don't know anything about your insurance, but just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to proceed with the surgery so you can begin a new, healthier life. I am pre-op still as my surgery for today was cancelled. It is very normal to be nervous about making such a drastic change. I was more nervous about going to the doctor's consult than I am about having the surgery. If this is what you truly want, do not let anyone or anything discourage you or keep you from reaching your goal. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda

Hey Brenda! I had been reading thru the posts last night and read about your situation. I know you've heard it a million times, but I'm sorry! I wish there was something I could do to help you. I know how excited I am about making this go quickly, although I am really, really busy right now with life in general. But, I know that God has plans. Sometimes we dont' see them right away, sometimes we don't see them at all in this life. But, he's got his plans! I had to learn that when my nephew past away a year and a half ago. Keep your head high and no matter what, keep smiling. That's the difference between a good day and a bad day.... If you need someone to talk to, please let me know! Andi

Hey Andi Congratulations! I'm sure you thought long and hard about this to have come to this point. I know it's a very hard thing to do. Trust me I just had my surgery 5 weeks ago. And if you have any questions please feel free to e mail me. I hope all works out for you and just keep your faith in God. He will lead you to where you need to be God Bless Maria

Hey Maria! Thanks for the post! I have already read your profile and entries! I found your story to be very interesting and you seem a lot like me!!! I am just nervous about stupid stuff right now, but am putting it off. I figure I am just going to go to the seminar and start from there! I'm so glad you posted everything about how you were feeling and your recovery! It helps to know what others went thru! I have to get back to work now! Will talk to you later! Andi btw--Congratulations on your weight loss! You are such an inspiration!!!!!