New at all of this please inform me!

Hi all, I have just started coming to this web site 2 days ago when I found out that my insurance could cover this surgery. My mother had it done and I always thought that it was cheating and I thought i could do it without any surgery, but now i am at 333 lbs and know i need help! I take back everything negative that i ever said about the surgery, it really is the last resort! So here i am getting started and awaiting to go to the seminar! I can use anything any one has to offer !

First off, welcome! You are def. in the right place for awesome friendships and support. As I'm sure you figured out by now, this surgery is hardly "CHEATING", or the "easy way out". You'll have to do your part to make the change. Yes, you have a tool that will promote weight loss, but you can def. STILL "botch it". Anything you said negatively before was only done out of not being educated about this surgery. Every body does it. Heck, I'm sure I had those thoughts some time back also. The best gift you can give yourself is to DRENCH your self with knowledge, pro's and con's, about this surgery. You'll be a happier, healthier post op because of it. Read the question and answers board. Profiles are ALSO a huge wealth of info. Local message boards are also good, and easier to wade through then the MAIN message board, but that too, is a good place to "lurk". My profile is long, but I'll tell you, I went through HELL and BACK with Cigna. They denied me all 3 times and then the external review board ALSO denied me. It was a blatantly STUPID oversite on their part. Like not having 26 weeks of dieting, which was BULL, as all 26 weeks of my weigh in's and dates were included with my paperwork!! The other thing they TRIED to deny me over was not having a Psych eval, which was ALSO crap, as I had to have that before Dr. Blackstone would even SEE me!! These reviewers simply don't READ the information that we give them, nor do (most of them) care. I have never been so frustrated in all my life, but I got it overturned. I am NO QUITTER. I got my husbands employer involved, and they got it overturned. Had they not had luck, I also had Senator Kyl and Senator McCain's office on my side, and ready to go to bat for me. One thing was for certain, I was NOT going to be silenced and go away, OR give up. I let Cigna know that, each and EVERY TIME I called...LOL Here I am, soon-to-be 4 months post op, and down 46+ pounds. While you don't have Cigna, (and thank GOD for you) I can't see this being as easy road for ANYONE anymore. It's HELL to get approved through ANY insurance. Just realize that this is going to be a frustrating challenge. If you prepare your mindset for set backs, you'll be fine. I wish you well!!! Michelle 11/21 post op

thanks michelle, I plan on taking anything offered from you all in this site for I have read most of your stories and have to say they are helping me with lots of questions i had myself. Like i said i would love to hear more so anyone with more to say please ad!

Michele is so right, she went through H** getting approved, and look at her now, wow. You do not say the surgeon or what hospital that your insurance approved. Each surgeon has it's own rules that you have to follow. I had my surgery with Dr. Zahn at St. Lukes in Phoenix, and the first thing was the seminar then I had to see the Pschologist that he referred me to, and I had to pay for that, then I got my first consult with Dr. Zahn. The whole process from start to surgery took me 9 months, some people it takes longer, then your surgeon always has a wait list. I volunteer at Scottsdale Healthcare were Dr. Blackstone and Dr. Doxey are with, so I can tell you that they have a excellent program including post-op and pre-op education classes and continuing care and programs. I would find out about local support groups and start going now, they can give you so much important information. Coming here to AMOS, is a excellent way to get support, and this web site is a deep well of information. Good luck, and having WLS is the best thing that I have ever done for myself. Cindy Smith Open RNY 8-6-03 -112 lbs

well i havent been exactly approved yet, but my pcp seems to think i will be, I was reffered to Dr. Simpson, haven't met him yet anyone got any opinions?

Hi Cassandra, I will having my surgery on 3/19/04 @Mt. View Hospital in Las Vegas. I have been through it all and I would be willing to talk with you anytime. Since I live in Ft. Mohave we are neighbors. I have alot of knowledge about this program and Physicians in the area. Drop me an e-mail if interested and we can talk by phone or in person if you wish. As the others have said, Focus, learn, listen, explore every question you might have. Knowledge is the best thing to help you and put your mind at ease. Best wishes, Gene

You sound just like me!! I was naive about WLS, and always thought it was an easy way out. Boy was I wrong!! It's anything but easy! My best friend had WLS in January and I've learned so much through her process and progress. I've tried everything, like you, and am now at the point where I know WLS will save my life. I have 180 lbs to lose myself. Ugh.... I'm new here as well. Found this a few days ago. So I welcome you here! Everyone here is so friendly and open and informative. It's great!! Welcome aBOARD!

Hi Trisha, You have stumbled onto a gold mine of knowledge. This is a great place to get information from all types of people with every type of history imaginable. They can and will help you decide if this is really for you. This is a very big step and all the roads are not without speed bumps. But I think for me this is a life saver. I embrace it as a tool to help me maintain a healthy body. Stuck around, the worst thing that could happen to you is you might make a few friends, and when I say friends I mean true friends that will not judge you about how you look. Best of luck on your journey and I will remain only a click away from you. Gene

thank you and same to you ! will you be going to dr. simpsons seminar on tuesday, that a good place to start I hear his seminars are good! I will be there, taking the long drive tomorrow and staying over. Anyone have AP/IPA?