REALLY SCARED AND NERVOUS HELP PLEASE?????

Hi everyone! I finally took the first step after a year of researching and thinking. I went to go see a surgeon, the office people were very helpful and nice. I made all my appointments and starting to get all my paperwork together. The thing is I cant sleep anymore. All I think about is getting approved. I have GHI and am trying to find out if anyone has had the Gastric Bypass who has GHI insurance. My biggest fear is that I will be denied. I have never wanted anything as bad as this. I have been dieting since i was 14, that's 16 years and my weight has gone up and up. I also have a 1 year old and wonder how long it takes recovery time where I can pick her up and take care of her on my own after the surgery, and how long before I can drive. Nobody in my family is supporting me on this, they all think that I'm crazy My older sister wont even talk to me anymore, and when we do speak, it always ends up in a fight My husband is the only one who supports me on this. he is definatley an angel! I hope someone out there can help me... i feel a little alone right now and can use the support.

Hi there and weclome to the board I have GHI and I was denied and denied and denied but I didn't really give up cause I really knew I needed this surgery.....or I would die before my time I too have been dieting since I was 13...... Now what you need to know is I was finally approved and I had surgery on Jan 31st 2005 and I can't believe how much my life has change....just remember this is a lifestyle change and not a diet, you can use your tool and get wonderful results, but everyone is different so the amount of weight will varies for person to person on how much weight you will lose. so never get discouraged.... Now you need to call GHI and ask them what is required, GHI usually requires 6 month supervised diet from your pcp and a letter of medically necessray. I hope this help you but please do not get discouraged by what is needed, you do what you have to do and get it done so you will be approved... I'm sorry your family is not giving you the support you should be getting but you will always get it here....so don't worry about anyone who doesnt' want you to have wls this is for you and nobody else. We are all here for you and you will get lots of support and information here... I wish you the best through out your journey to a healthier and happier lifestyle..... if you need any question answered please post them and many people will answer them Christine

Thanks Christine.... I did get a list of things that i had to do from my dr, the only thing that is worrying me is that i dont have a 6 month record from my pcp... i rarely went to the dr because of embarassment of getting on the scale. I did have a baby a year ago and the person who is working with me at the surgeon's office said that i can get my records from my ob/gyn.... due to me having to go to her once a month during my pregnancy and her advising me to see a nutritionist, i'm hoping that they will accept that.... my bmi is 46 so i know i'm qualified in that department... i just wish i had the energy to play with my daughter... it's so hard having to run around after her.... and she's only 1.... i could only imagine how much worse it's going to get... i too am always depressed.... my husband is really supportive, but i dont know how much of my depression he can take.... i try to fake being happy but he sees right through it... to top it off i have to go to my nephew's 6th bday party tomorrow only to hear people say how much weight i've gained since i had the baby, and i better start taking care of myself, blah, blah, blah.... i wish they could spend one day in my shoes to see how much it hurts... sorry, im blabbing....

hi gia i am a cooperstone patient too i had surgery in july.... first off your in the right hands he is an impecable surgeon and so is his staff.... second you might have to go to a weight loss doctor or nutrionist for the next six months to satisfy ghi unless you can get 6 weights and dates from your pc or other kind of doctor for me it was my liver specialist.... 3rd... try to refrain from telling anyone if you feel like venting or talking just come on the board and type away most people that decide to go ahead with wls usually take about the time it would take to get those 6 weights and dates.... but please do me a favor if this is somthing you really really want never never never ever give up your worth it.... i stayed away from negative people and i had people not talk to me i said walk a day in my shoes and get back to me...... i have never been happier in my life i look and feel like a kid again and dr cooperstone gave that all to me.... oh and fern is truly a wizard at these things she will help you..... Stacy 232/140.5/140

Nothing like a little extra pressure is there? From what i can see you an i are about the same age. I do not have your insurance, but i can tell you this... nobody every said insurance companies know it all. There are a lot of little skinny people who work there... (always a bad sign). As long as you have the support of one person, and your doctor thinks you are a good candidate for the surgery, keep trying. From what I have heard, the doctor's offices are very good at knowing what to do if you don't get approved. Non-approval does not equal Non-surgery. It just means it's going to take a while longer. The next time you can't sleep, think about bathing suit shopping. As for family problems, they are probably scared. Fear makes people do really stupid things and say stupid things. So, if i may summarize, insurance companies - skinny people. no sleep - bathing suit shopping. Only you know what is right for you. KC

thanks Kathryn.... i dont think ive ever owned a bathing suit!! I dont want to start dreaming of buying clothes or looking decent until I see the approval from the ins co.... I never accept no as an answer, so I guess i should prepare for the fight of my life right?

I am in the same boat...except, I knew not to tell anyone in my family. The overweight ones will just be jealous (and there's a lot) and all others think of wls as the easy way out! Even if that were true, after 12 years of fighting (I too have been dieting since 14), I think I would deserve it. I'm not going to tell anyone!!! My boyfriend is gonna be with me at all times! Since I live out of state, I am going to surprise my family when I visit them, and if they ask, I'll just tell them I've been exercising more and eating less. If you ever need anyone to talk to, let me know! I'm always available for my online family here! I know all about disfunctional families! Andi