Looking for a buddie

After months of research and talking to countless patients I've decided to start my WLS journey, I met with the Dr. who will be my surgen (Dr. Warnock of Wichita Falls Tx.) yesterday. I'm very pleased with him, he was very reassuring and gladly answered all my questions, he took his time explaining in great detail exactly what the procedure consisted of and what his processes  are. All in all a great experience so far. Now for the bad news....due to the strict regulations of my insurance company I have to be on a different kind of program that's monitored by a family practice Dr. for 12 consecutive months, if I miss one month...I have to start all over! So now I've got to find a Family practice Dr.  and start a diet and exercise program. What i'm looking for is someone who's in my shoes....waiting shoes. Or someone who has been there and can tell me about their experience.

Well the cool thing about posting here is that you're gonna have a hundred buddies who wll be there to answer your questions and help you get through the tough questions that you will encounter.  These girls and guys are a tight family of people who have asked embarrassing questions and general questions alike.  So you're welcome in our little place ....


Big love,

T.

Well, I'm not wearing waiting shoes, thank goodness!  I'm almost 3 months post-op and I was self-pay so I didn't have to jump through the insurance hoops.  (my insurance won't cover wls no matter what!)

It is the pits to have to wait 12 months and do the supervised diet but, that being said, it will certainly put you in position for a successful surgery if that is what you end up doing.  Being patient about stuff like this is not my strong suit!

Please ask any questions you have as I am all ears and will help you in any way I can.  You will get support and information on your 12 month diet journey.

Much good luck and positive thoughts headed your way!

Kim

Your PCP should qualify as a "family practice" doctor.  I have to do the 6 month monitored diet.  Are you currently taking any medications?  Something that I have done is that I currently only get one month's refills so that my insurance will pay for the visit AND I am sure to go each month.  My doctor is cool with that and says whatever it takes to get it done :)  When I go in, I get weighed and my vitals taken just like any other time, she asks me how the diet is going, if I'm exercising, and if I've went to any support group meetings.  She takes those things that we talk about (I'm also quick to point out any aches or pains that could possibly be put down to weight to be documented) and puts it in her notes, then next month after my last visit she'll send all of those notes to my surgeon, where his office will write up my letter of medical necessity and submit it to the insurance company for me.

Oh, and I should have said that I would love to be your buddy!  Contact me any time!  My email address is [email protected].

I had the VSG.

Thanks you guys for your kind words of support! It's great to have a place to read about other people's experience! Thanks for the Contact info Giltergal! I'll be in touch soon.
Kathpf, unfortunatly my insurance company won't allow my surgen qualify as my general doctor...talk about paranoid. So i'm on the hunt for a good one. One that believes in WLS and will help me reach my goals.

Do you have a primary care physician?  If not, I'm sure some of the people in your area could put in suggestions as to who their PCP was and if they were supportive of the surgery.  Best of luck to you !

EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT IN THE END. YOU WILL HAVE A LOT OF BUDDIES FROM HERE CHEERING YOU ON INCLUDING ME!! GOOD LUCK!

Congrats to you on beginning your journey!  Hold on, as it can be a rollercoaster...scary as hell, but SO worth it!  Although I am not wearing those waiting shoes, and haven't for some time, I can sympathize with what you are going through at the moment.  I think the majority of us have been there at one time or another.  Please, never be afraid to ask questions and seek answers.  Many here are very open and have no issue expressing thier beliefs and opinions.

Good luck to you!  I have several aquaintances who have used Dr. Warnock and are SO pleased with him!

J

Welcome!  My pocketbook lost a little weight too thanks to no insurance coverage-I HAD insurance, I had documented proof with a WL doctor (non surgical) but his notes weren't adequate....jerks.

Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck.  I would suggest a pro WLS doctor who can provide the type of support you need.  Not allowing your PCP is just crazy.