Beginning the Journey
Hello folks! I am new to OH and wanted to introduce myself here. I am Amber, 34 (will be 35 in a couple of weeks!), an American Swede for the past 8 months and married to the most beautiful woman on the planet since September. I have struggled with weight since I was a kid and tried three times in the US to seek surgery only to be turned down by my insurance each time. I didn't suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure or anything else that usually accompany obesity, so I could never get the surgery without paying out of pocket. Little did I know that I would end up in a country with almost free health care where they understand that WLS is preventative of all of those illnesses.
Today I went to a doctor in Göteborg who says he has no doubt my surgery will be approved. (Gastric bypass) I am in great health other than the weight issue, which is a plus here. He said we should hear from the decision board, which he is on, within four weeks (but there's no need to even worry) and after that, I can expect to have surgery within three months. Apparently last year, Sweden's medical system approved huge funding for WLS. The wait used to be as long as three years. Now it's as little as 2-3 months if the patient is in good health. This is just another reason I am thankful I left the US. The whole equality thing is pretty great, too. ;)
So, like I said, I just wanted to say hi and that I look forward to getting to know some of you. :)
Anyone have any "out of the gate" advice?
Today I went to a doctor in Göteborg who says he has no doubt my surgery will be approved. (Gastric bypass) I am in great health other than the weight issue, which is a plus here. He said we should hear from the decision board, which he is on, within four weeks (but there's no need to even worry) and after that, I can expect to have surgery within three months. Apparently last year, Sweden's medical system approved huge funding for WLS. The wait used to be as long as three years. Now it's as little as 2-3 months if the patient is in good health. This is just another reason I am thankful I left the US. The whole equality thing is pretty great, too. ;)
So, like I said, I just wanted to say hi and that I look forward to getting to know some of you. :)
Anyone have any "out of the gate" advice?
Follow ALL your surgeon's orders before and after!!!! Understand that this is definately a tool and not a cure for obesity and it's going to take a lot of hard work, determination and change...both physically and emotionally. Therapy has been a wonderful tool for me both before and after. My friends here and on FB have been great sources of support. I'm only a month out and it has totally changed my life in so many ways!!!
YAY for universal health care....and good luck to you!!! Wish we had that option here in the US. I waited 10 years before I found an insurer to cover it. I feel like I've missed out on so much over the past 10 years. But it's done and I'm starting over! :)
YAY for universal health care....and good luck to you!!! Wish we had that option here in the US. I waited 10 years before I found an insurer to cover it. I feel like I've missed out on so much over the past 10 years. But it's done and I'm starting over! :)
http://lezabug.blogspot.com/
http://barigurl1976.blogspot.com/ Going Bariatric on a Budget!!
http://barigurl1976.blogspot.com/ Going Bariatric on a Budget!!
My wife is a nurse, so I have a great support system in place. We talked last night about seeking a therapist with experience with WLS patients so I can start asap. I think we are prepared, but I am loving this forum. What a great way to learn the REAL truth about the surgery and the long road after it.
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