Approved! Now What?

I finally finished my 6 mo pre op diet and submitted my paperwork last week...four days later I received a call from Amy at Dr. Morton's office saying I was approved!!! WONDERFUL, Right?  Well, here is my delima...I had a sleep study during the approval process to prove a co-morbidity, and I did in fact have apnea...The Dr was going to put me on C pap machine, but during an examination noticed that my tonsils were huge...this prompted a referral to an ENT, where it was determined that I did need to have a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, uvula trimming and deviated septum repair...let me tell ya, IT DARN NEAR KILLED ME, but that is another subject entirely!!  I am now two months post op, and I feel better than I have in years...I have lost about 25 pounds, and I have energy to exercise!!! I have tried for years to figure out why I was so fatigued, and it turns out that I simply wasn't sleeping because I was unable to breathe...I am posting this because I really need advice...I have a six month window for my approval so should I wait to see how it goes now that I am feeling much better, or am I turning my back on a lifeline that has been handed to me!! I have fought obesity for so long. I am really torn about what to do...I know getting insurance to approve is a daunting task, but should'nt  I wait a bit to see how I feel before I proceed with WLS?  Any advice will be appreciated...Sorry this was so long!

Chrissy,    God opened a door for you, by all means  WALK THRU IT!!!!!   Have the surgery.  You will feel much better than you do now, even though you are feeling better.  If you can make the picnnic Saturday, please come and we can all sit and discuss (convince) this with you.(LOL)  That is my humble opinion.   Beth

Chrissy, I agree with Beth, go for it. Just keep in mind this is your decision. There will always be the "what if" question, weather you have the WLS or not. Dr. Morton and his staff are wonderful and they will work with you, whatever you decide. Like Beth said come on to the picnic and we will talk your ears off about what to do or not do...........lol. I know that you will make whatever decision is best for you and by posting this and asking for advice is a big step.  Cheryl

Congrats on getting approved. I hope I get there someday. Please just follow you heart and do for yourself what you think is best. Blessings, Karen

Thanks Guys...you have certainly given me a lot to think about...I do love Dr. Morton's staff...they have been most helpful!

OK, here's my twenty-five cents worth (raised due to inflation and looming recession LOL).  Well... ultimately, you need to do what is best for YOU.  If you think you can lose the extra weight (and keep it off) on your own then go for it!  I don't think it matters how you lose it; just that you lose it.  Now, most of us here who had or are having WLS is beause we either couldn't lose it on our own or couldn't keep it off.  Only you know you.  I had my tonsils and adnoids removed when I turned 30 and I bet you were in some serious pain.  I did not eat anything at all for 1 1/2 wks and I could barely drink during that time.  Now, sleep apnea does contribute to feeling tired.  However, I've known many who got a CPap machine but didn't lose weight after.  But, again, I think you know what is best for you.  With that said, so many struggle to get insurance approval (if they even have insurance or insurance that covers WLS).  Consider yourself so very blessed to have gotten the approval.  But, if you have 6 months to decide and you feel like you need that time then take it!!!  Either way, you don't want to make a decision you will regret.  Before doing anything, think about it.  Good luck!  Best Wishes, Chandra

Chrissy,           Let me begin by saying that it is your decision and you need to do what is best for you regardless of what one might say here.  However, I had sleep apnea along with several other multiple problems and I too felt better with my machine, but I now have gotten off everythng except my Diabetes, but I am a Type 1 and that will never go away.  With that said, ask yourself, how many times have you lost weight to only to put it back on again, plus some.  I am only asking, because I know throughout my life, I can't begin to tell you how many times I have.  You may be feeling better now and that is wonderful, however if you do not lose anymore weight, do you think your health will continue, even as you age?  I do not mean to sound harsh and that is never my intentions, however remember this is a tool and you will live with it for the rest of your life, but for myself, it is a tool that has worked and my health is much better for it!!  Do remember that the surgery that you have already had, will also help your WLS and recovery, so it is a blessing that they found it and you are doing much better.  I know that regardless of what you decide, we would all support you throughout which journey you choose and for with every pound you lose or gain, because we all gain at times, but due to the support here for those of us that have the tool we have been able to lose it back!!  I know this is a hard decision, but only you can do what is right for you, do remember that you have the approval and that is a huge accomplishment in itself, many fight for years and never obtain that blessing!!! My prayers will be with you!! Shelia

Thanks for the advice guys...I do know the struggle of ins approval because I have tried for a couple of years...The first two insurance companies I delt with didn't even cover WLS, and I finally changed to a more expensive plan just for that particular reason.  I do feel very blessed to have the approval.  I definitely have plenty to think about, and you guys definitely reinforced thoughts that were already going thru my head...Thanks again for your responses!!!!

Congrats on the approval. At least you have that approval if you decide to use it. I am glad they found your apnea and you are feeling better. I didn't know I had apnea until I went during a test prior to surgery and it explained a lot. I was so exhausted for about 8 months prior to finding out that I had apnea and once I started using my machine, it really helped right away. So, I know that has to make you feel better. That plus having your surgery - I bet you are doing better now that all of that is taken care of. My honest opinion is to not have the surgery unless you are 100% on board with it and have your head around it. It is a major surgery and it really is something you have to really be fully ready to accept and have. There is nothing wrong with continuing to lose weight on your own if that is what you decide.  I (we) can tell you how great the surgery was for us and changed our lives and I would recommend and support anybody to have the surgery who was ready but you really have to be ready to undergo the surgery and change your life style and only you know if you have exhausted all other options and are ready for that step. It is a big step. And congrats on your 25 pound weight loss. That is wonderful. We can support you on your journey to weight loss and better health no matter how you choose to do it. It really has to be your decision and I have no doubt you will make the best decision for you. Good luck on whatever you decide.

Congrats!!!! I'm so happy for you. I can't tell you what you should do. But if I were in your shoes I'd go through with the surgery. It's a tool that can help you for the rest of your life. Whatever you decide make sure it's all about you and what you want to do.