Starting my journey...
Hi All,
Like many of you, I've been overweight all of my life. And, like many males, I had always been able to drop 20 or more pounds whenever I wanted to. However, at nearly 47 I can't do it any more. In addition to weighing more than 300 pounds, I have high blood pressure(taking Lopressor & HCTZ), painful arthritis in my knees (Synvisc injections & Celebrex), pre-diabetic (metformin), and generally feel like crap most of the time. I have no energy and have little or no desire to take part in any of what used to be my favorite activities (golf, softball, camping, attending sporting events, etc).
So, today I took the first steps. I called my insurance carrier to get their criteria for them to cover WLS. It looks like I meet all of them: BMI > 40, Co-Morbidity, Previous non-surgical weight loss, documented obesity > 5 years. The representative also said that there is no mandatory waiting period. However, I'm well aware that it may take several months for approval.
I have an appointment to see my PCP next month get get things moving from that point. My doctor is also a very good friend since we were in 1st grade together. He knows my life-long struggle with weight and weight loss. Infact, he first mentioned WLS to me 3 years ago. I feel confident that he will be all for my decision to pursue WLS now.
I'll let you all know how things go. Thank you in advance for your support!
Take care,
Jim
Like many of you, I've been overweight all of my life. And, like many males, I had always been able to drop 20 or more pounds whenever I wanted to. However, at nearly 47 I can't do it any more. In addition to weighing more than 300 pounds, I have high blood pressure(taking Lopressor & HCTZ), painful arthritis in my knees (Synvisc injections & Celebrex), pre-diabetic (metformin), and generally feel like crap most of the time. I have no energy and have little or no desire to take part in any of what used to be my favorite activities (golf, softball, camping, attending sporting events, etc).
So, today I took the first steps. I called my insurance carrier to get their criteria for them to cover WLS. It looks like I meet all of them: BMI > 40, Co-Morbidity, Previous non-surgical weight loss, documented obesity > 5 years. The representative also said that there is no mandatory waiting period. However, I'm well aware that it may take several months for approval.
I have an appointment to see my PCP next month get get things moving from that point. My doctor is also a very good friend since we were in 1st grade together. He knows my life-long struggle with weight and weight loss. Infact, he first mentioned WLS to me 3 years ago. I feel confident that he will be all for my decision to pursue WLS now.
I'll let you all know how things go. Thank you in advance for your support!
Take care,
Jim
The first step can sometimes be the hardest. But it may be the best decision of your life. I am only ten days out surgery and I don't regret a thing. My bloodsugar is down and I haven't taken any blood pressure med. for three days and blood pressure is still normal. I wish I had done it sooner so I could have been enjoying my life. Good luck with everything and hope to see you on the loosing side.
Bobbie
Bobbie
RB is right, the first step is the hardest. Have you decided on a surgery or a surgeon yet? There is lots of info on these boards and it looks like you have been around for a while, so you probably know that.
Hope things go smoothly. Crystal
Hope things go smoothly. Crystal
First fill 11/4/08 3cc's Second fill 12/19/08 2cc's
Third appt 1/27/09 rescheduled
Third fill 3/24/09 1 cc= Total 6cc's