Teary Eyed Newbie...

When I talked with my friend, Mona, was the first time weight loss surgery every appeared as a possibility on my horizon.  Now I read books, and wait for my first meeting...seminar.  I am an inch from being teary eyed from hope...and fear.  What if they say no...I am not a good bet for surgery.   What if my insurance says I haven't tried hard enough.  I started out wanting what Mona had, a lap band, even just a small one....but now I want more.  i want more than the 55% weight loss over a five year period of time I have read about...I want 85%.  More than anything else I want to see the scale going down...I have never seen that before in all of my 62 years, except in fleeting moments.  Weight loss surgery is on my bucket list, and in my prayers.

Thank you for this forum and letting me share.  Some people love me, but you  are the only ones who  really understand.
Rusty

Gosh, Rusty - I think everyone here can relate.    It's like a light at the end of a tunnel or maybe the sight of water in a dessert where you're hoping & praying it's not a mirage.    WLS has helped so many of us here, and each one of us had to go thru the process, jumping thru hoops and getting ready.     I remember worrying that the cardiologist wouldn't give approval.  Then, when he did, it was discovered I had a hiatal hernia & I thought that would keep me from getting approved.   It turned out to be the opposite and the hernia was corrected during the wls, as well as the removal of an intrauterine devise that had been implanted 37 years prior.

Just hang in there & do everything you can to prepare.
Hugs,
Jan

Rusty,

Welcome to this wonderful forum, there are many here who have walked your path. . .

I think you need to start with a phone call to the insurance provider you have to see what requirements they have for WLS, hopefully, they don't have any exclusions and then you need to get your Primary Care Physician on board.  Some insurance companies require a 6 month, doctor supervised diet, so the sooner you find out what you need, the better off.  Then there are the co-morbitiy factors, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholestrol and so on. . .  some surgeons want a sleep apenea test, all want, at our mature ages, a cardiologist clearance, gastro and the requisite bloodwork, some even want phsycological  evaluations.  It is a road full of detours, but one that can be transversed, if you are determined to pursue this course.  I started my earnest pursuit of WLS in March of 07, met my surgeon in May and turned my being over to her skilled hands in October and it has been a wonderul ride since.

Two things I would caution you about, do the homework regarding the surgeon and place where you would be having the surgery and remember, this is a tool and misused down the road, we can and do regain, so beyond the surgical aspect of this, the work is fully up to us.

I wish you well as you begin the process that can change your life immeasurably.

Laureen

Dear Rusty,
We can relate to your feelings and your thoughts. Please know you are not alone in your quest to lose the weight and even more important to keep it off. Approach it as life style change and if you can exercise that is a plus.

You are not Mona, you are you. A special person. An individual. You take charge of your own journey of a lifetime...because this is it my friend. The world is yours for the taking and WLS is only a drop in the ocean. The rest is up to us. We make our own destiny.

We understand. Totally.

Thank you for the perspective adjustment.   I need to do some internal work, I can see that.  I have spent a lifetime helping other people go out and do their life.  I have allowed that and it needs a rethinking.  Thank you, thank you...Rusty

Rusty...WELCOME to OFF!!!!

I agree with what the other ladies have said.
Just take some deep breathes and relax. You know what is right for you. This surgery has changed my life...all for the better!!
I had too jump through hoops....some not what I wanted to hear or do. It takes time. Don't give up on this dream.
Go to some of our profiles and read what we went through...that is a good way to get the encouragement you need. Also, you will get to know us better and see where we came from on our way to realize this dream!!

I will say a prayer for you....hugs....connie d

Connie,
I will read those profiles.  I will enjoy the "joy" of possibility that I feel.  I will begin excercising more, and in a more structured way so my lungs will be in better shape.  I have made an appointment with my family doctor to discuss him being on board and putting that in writing. ... that's Tuesday the 23.  I can't do much about the insurance because they haven't heard of me yet. 
My current insurance does not cover bariatric.  I have changed to BCBS and that won't take effect until January 1.  I know I am very, very fortunate to be able to choose a different plan that will better meet my needs.  Thank you so much for your support.  Thank you for the prayers.  Best, Rusty