Looking for support friends!

Hi All, My name is Susan and I am hoping to gain a few support friends. I am pre-op and still going through all the testing and mess trying to get my insurance to approve my surgery. So while I am going through all of this, I have questions with each test, or sometimes just the fear of going through the test. This Friday on the 23rd is my 2 hours counseling session through the surgeons office. My psych eval is Oct 7th, which I am making myself nuts over. I am sure I am not the only going or has gone through this. Love to hear from you! Take Care! Susan

Susan. My name is Barb, I am having my surgery on Wens the 21st . I have been thru all of that. The 2 hour meeting is just answering questions family history. and a physical. The Psych eval is so many questions one after another. Just act sane or they will want you to go to counsling. And dont act like you run to food evertime your upset. That is called emotional eating. They will want counsling for that as well. What I did was just let them know. I have diet many times and failed then I gained back twice as much when I stopped. Let them know your weight depresses you badly. Any questions just ask. There are many wonderful people on the Ohio board who will go out of their way to help. Take care and time will go by fast. It took me almost 10 months. Some insurance companies are alot faster than mine. Take Care Barb

I have medical mutual also. I am sure it is different group plans. My group plan and alot of group plans want a 6 month supervised diet. If you havent started the diet you should check to see if your policy requires that and get started on that asap. They would not wavier the 6 months Take Care Barb

Hi Susan, It definately helps to have support! I just had surgery on 7/28 at OSU. I would love to chat anytime. Please feel free to e-mail me and I can give you my number if you like. Take care, Shellie

Thanks Barb, I do know that my policy requires a doctor supervised diet. I have been on one since April, but have been yo-yoing. I did start weigh****chers per my PCP, however I can't stick to the whole point program. I get way too hungry and I need something to supress my appepitate. Plus I quit smoking on August !st, of course that has been a bigger struggle. So I kind of fell off the diet. I know I need to go back on it, but without the cigarettes, it's been tough. My doctor even laughed and wished my good luck trying to quit while dieting. She even knew I was going to gain weight and I have. My biggest concern about the pysch eval is questions about my family. I don't get along with my mother, never have really and we haven't spoke in 4 years. Plus there is all kinds of history about her, so that is where my biggest fear lies. My Dad, sister and husband are great though and very supportive. Thank you so much for your sound advice, it is much appreciated! Good luck with your surgery, my prayers will be with you and I am sure you will come through with flying colors!

Susan, Are you having your surgery at OSU? My psych evaluation was done there as well as my surgery. I thought it was pretty easy. The majority of it was a series of questions you did on the computer. Just make sure your answers are consistant. They ask the same questions over and over just in different ways. And there are some off the wall questions on there as well. Like if you could paint your bedroom, what color would it be, and then it was several multiple choice colors. LOL Some of it was just plain stupid. After the test is rated you will meet with the psych and he was incredibly nice. He asked me about my past eating habits, what I have done on my own to try and lose weight. What I expected out of the surgery. What eating plan did I have in place for post op? And the most important thing WHY YOU WANT THE SURGERY. And of course I got so emotional and cried, because it meant so much to me to regain my health and my life. They will also ask you how being overweight has affected you and your family. But all in all, I guess mine went okay, because at the end he shook my hand and told me he would reccommend me as a surgical candidate. So just be honest and up front and it will all go fine for you Susan. You will find lots of friends who will support you here in this group. Count me in!!! Love and hugs, Laura

Susan, Good luck with everything!! I'm 3 years post-op. I know I was feeling tons of anxiety as surgery approached, but from where I'm standing now, it's all a very distant memory. Keep your eye on the prize baby!! Won't be too long before you are on the same hill I'm on, gazing fondly down on the pre-ops! :::: mwuah! ::::::

If you want support you are in the right place!!! Post and we shall help! Love Amybee

Hi Susan, I can still remember going through all those test, I had to go through my testing 2 times, cause I was turned down the first time, and my doctor made me go through the testing again. But it wasn't to bad, just go in with a strong head and keep telling yourself, that you are doing it for you not them.And if they ask you why you don't want to be fat anymore, just spill your heart. I tell myself daily, that I am not going to change, it is just going to be my clothes size that does.All those men that wouldn't give me a second look, won't have a chance now, cause that is my choice..I have been working hard for 4 months before this surgery, going to the gym trying to tone up, and now I have to come to a complete stop for 2 months, only walking daily...But God and I will know what I can handle, when the Doctor tells when it is ok to go back to the gym.. Please keep your chin up,and tell yourself daily that you love yourself, that is what is most important..Please keep in touch, Patti

Thanks for all the responses and support everyone! It's so nice to know that so many care and the kind words have been wonderful! My testing and surgery will be a Mt Carmel Health Center. Now after hearing everyones experiences with the testings, I am feeling better and more confident. Now, I just need to stay positive and not worry so much, yeah right! lol! Michelle, you sent me an e-mail directly and when I tried to respond to it, AOL came back and said that your account is no longer active. Please let me know what your new email address is and hope your surgery went okay today with no complications! Thanks again everyone, it's nice to know I have so many new friends!!! Susan