Good News!

I was finally able to speak with the patient advocate at my hospital, and she4 told me that my state's medicaid has a new option for insurance. Aetna is now in WV, and they only require a six month supervised diet. So I called and got my coverage changed over. It goes into effect on July 1st. So I should be having surgery before the end of the year!

My boyfriend is not happy with me for changing my insurance without talking to him first. He wants me to put off the surgery for as long as possible (for years, if he had his way. Or better yet, never), and doesn't like the fact that my waiting time has now been cut in half. I told him that I've been planning on having this surgery for ten years, I've done all the research, and I have an excellent surgeon. I'm not going to change my mind. He's scared that I'm going to die, either during surgery or from complications. I'm trying to reassure him, but he suffers from anxiety and won't do any research himself because it makes him too anxious.

He'll accept the situation in a few days. I know that. But it has put a cloud over otherwise wonderful news.

Congrats on your good news. Is there any way you could take him to any support group meetings or seminars that your surgeon offers prior to surgery? That might help to ease his mind if he can interact with post-WLS people who are living good lives :)

I've offered, but he just says he'll think about it. I'll keep the offer open, though, just in case he feels ready.

Another suggestion that I read years ago about a completely different topic and, of course, you know your partner and I don't, so this might not be useful for you.. but I once read a suggestion to "leave reading material on the back of the toilet."

That way, it's there, but you're not pushing/asking for your partner to read it. But they might pick it up out of desperation and glance through it. :)

I like that idea! Thanks!

So happy for you that you've been able to switch insurance& reduce your wait time! Once you're mentally ready, waiting is challenging. Situation with bf is challenging as well, but good for you for staying strong! You have to do what you know is right for you. Good luck!

For what it's worth... I put this surgery off for more than 15 years. We - my wife and I - had two friends die as a result of similar surgeries. She was of the opinion that she would rather have me die fat later than die on the table sooner.

I got to the point where I had to do something. She was reluctant at first, but after some classes and initial research, her opinion changed. For the almost two years since I began this process, she has been extremely supportive. And it has been successful, way beyond what we imagined. Everyone is different. Maybe your boyfriend will come along. And maybe he is a boat anchor. I don't know. You do. You decide.

Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies is what helped my DH accept that it was a relatively safe surgery. Maybe leave that on the back of the toilet?