Process Started!

Hi Everyone!

I can't believe that after 10+ years I am finally ready to start my WLS journey!

I began researching this site while in my mid-40's, but my insurance wouldn't cover it & I didn't have the money to finance it on my own. Plus, I was still 'healthy' enough back then to convince myself I could do it on my own.

Fast forward to 2012. I am continuing to gain weight although I have managed to stay with a 15 pound up or down range. But I still get diagnosed with uterine cancer & Afib that year. It is known there is a strong link between certain cancers & obesity & uterine cancer is one of them. My doctor also advised me there is a strong link between a-fib & sleep apnea which is often related to being overweight.

Surprise! Surprise! My denial is finally behind me...I cannot do this on my own, and untreated will result in death if I don't act now.

I went to my 1st WLS seminar last night & have my 1st consult w/the surgeon on Tuesday. I am SO ready to get this thing done!

My only disappointment is I am required to attend 1x/month nutrition classes for 6 months before the pre-testing can be done & then a surgery date scheduled. So much for my visions of a bikini summer!

Wish me luck as I begin my travels. Can't believe I am on my way!

Kathy

Good luck!  Even though the classes for 6 months seem like a drag now, you'll be really well prepared by the time your surgery rolls around and that's invaluable!  

That is what ppl are telling me & I do need the classes bad. I just can't seem to retain info regarding terms like 'simple & complex carbs' that are referred to frequently on the boards. It's just that I am impatient and want to get this done. Thanks for the input.

Take lots of notes :)

You sound like I did a year ago! I was sure that as long as I stayed on top of my testing and paperwork, I would be thin by summer! Well, that was January 2014 and I still haven't had my surgery. I had to do 4 months nutritional visits and the rest was a hurry up and wait game. I was forever frustrated with my surgeon's office and I even considered switching to a different surgeons office, but just after I attended a seminar for the other surgeon, I got the call from mine. I still can't stand the office staff at my office, but I trust the surgeon and my regular doctor has been urging me to tell the surgeon. I am going to wait until after my surgery to do that. Anyway, my point is, unfortunately the timeline is out of our hands and we are at the mercy of our insurance plans and doctors. I personally think 5 months start to finish is a good amount of time so that you have time to get all of the nutritional counseling and all the information. I feel that a year is too long because it is difficult to keep important information fresh in your mind. I hope your journey will be speedier than mine. I'm sure it will be. Congratulations on taking your first step in the right direction! Today is the first day of the rest of your life! My surgery is scheduled for 2/17. Once you get that date, you really start to get excited! 

Wow...I went to reply to your post and see your surgery is today! Woohoo!       I am SO jealous! Hope all goes well for you.

I am still ticked at the long process, but as everyone is saying it's a good time to get things together.

Thanks & good luck!

Good for you!!!  My process was nearly 7 months once I decided on WLS.  I have been frustrated with the delays but as I am days away from my surgery date, I realize only now am I really ready for success.  Keep us posted and congrats!!!

I understand your frustration with the long timeline. 

January 2014 I asked for a referral to our local weight loss program (I'm Canadian).  May I started the six week nutritional classes and then had appointments with the nutritionist and the psychologist. In October I was officially put on the "list" for consideration of surgery. I got a call early January for a consultation with an internal medicine specialist and he rushed me through for a few extra tests and a follow up with him two weeks later.  

A week and a half ago I got an email confirming that I still wanted surgery and scheduled the next available appointment for my case review. Its not until March 25th but at least its  on record. I've heard that after this appointment it could be 6 weeks or more than 6 months. In order to avoid being disappointed, I'm putting in my mind that I will be lucky to get a surgery date by the end of the year. That will then have the pre-surgery stage of the journey at just under two years.

Two years seems like forever when I have finally made this decision but in terms of the rest of my life its a small delay. I'm learning a lot from other WLS people and taking all nutrition classes I possibly can so I'm starting the rest of my life on the best possible footing.

Good luck!

Linda

Thanks for the reply, Linda! It's nice to hear others have experienced the same frustration!

Like I said in my original post I began considering this over 10 years ago, and at soon to be 58 feel like I need to act on this ASAP before anything else 'goes wrong' as a result of carrying this weight.

But the insurance companies rule these days & I can certainly use the additional time to prepare myself for a huge life change!

Thanks for responding. Let me know how you make out!

Kathy