Just beginning the journey!

Hey everybody, My name is Misty, I'm 31 years old and I'm just starting my long journey to WLS.  I have my first appt with my surgeon on Sept 26 and I'm really looking forward to it.  I'm so excited, I can't wait.  I just really hope that my insurance approves me because I don't know what I'll do if they say no!  This is my last chance at losing weight, I've tried everything else and I have lost a little weight in the past, but it always comes back and right now I'm bigger than I've ever been.  My mom had RNY about 2 years ago and she looks so good!  She has done really well and I'm hoping I do as well as she has.  I have been reading everything I can about this surgery and I've been reading all the posts and I really enjoy seeing everyones before and after pics.  It's amazing how everyone seems to be so sad in their before pics and in their after pics they all seem so radient.  I hope that soon I can have my after pics on here, my before pics are on my page but I'm not too happy about those.  Well, I'm looking forward to meeting lots of people on here and I hope to meet some people who are going thru the same stuff I am.                Misty

Welcome to the 30's board, Misty!  I'm new to this board, too - seeing nothing but nice people here so far.  I hope all goes well with your approval process!  I went to my seminar this evening and should have my initial consultation set within the next few weeks.  I'm no newbie to WLS though... tried two other times to go through the process in the past few years.  I'm also hoping my insurance will approve me, as I (like you) feel this is my ONLY hope to lose weight. Again, welcome and nice to meet you!

Hi, it's nice to meet you too!!  Why did you have to try two other times?  Did your insurance not approve you?  Did you get a different insurance company?  I haven't been to a seminar yet, I live 2 and a half hours away from where my surgeon is so I won't go to one until my first consultation.  Hopefully we'll both be approved and we can go thru this together!!  Keep in touch, Misty

Well, I first started my journey in 2001.  I attended a seminar for a local doctor, then began all of the required testing and such.  The office stalled for simple callbacks and after 2-3 months of trying to just get in contact with them, I gave up.  For good reason, as it turned out - the doctor was being sued for medical malpractice. A few years later, I again began this journey, this time with a different doctor.  When it came time to submit my paperwork, my insurance company denied the lap band, but approved RNY, which I was not wanting.   At this time, I'm still not sure which surgery I'd like.  I'm leaning more towards RNY due to the increased rate of success with it... but I'll take whichever one I am approved for at this point!  I have an exclusion in my current policy, *but* it's not a solid exclusion, really.  It states it excludes any surgery for the treatment of obesity.  No mention of medical necessity or morbid obesity.  The insurance gal I spoke with tonight said it sounds like they might allow it and that could be just the standard exclusion thrown in to discourage folks from trying to get WLS. I haven't rec'd my insurance paperwork yet, but once I do, I will call them to find out if its excluded.  If it is... I'm still going to try to get approved.  You never know... some glitch in the system or maybe they are advised to always deny over the phone, and I may get approved.  If not, I plan on appealing and also going through my employer, if needed.  I'm prepared to battle.

I'm glad you switched doctors!!  Hopefully they will approve you for the surgery!  I decided to have RNY because I hear that it works a little better and the weight loss lasts longer.  Also, my mom had it done 2 years ago and she has done so well.  I don't know about the lap band, it sounds scarier to me, you will have a port under your skin where they can add or take away saline.  I just don't think thats for me.  Good luck with the insurance, I believe it'll all work out for you, especially if you keep bugging them, they'll get tired of you and just say yes!  Misty

Oh, so am I!  That was definitely a blessing in disguise!   I think at this point I've decided on the RNY, too.  I've thought so much about it since my seminar on Wednesday and at this point, I feel it would be more beneficial to me and a better tool for my weight loss.   I keep praying that this will all work out, but my gut feeling tells me that I'll get denied.  I try not to think that, but it's hard not to.  I still don't have my insurance papers nor does the insurance comp. have my information yet from my employer.  So at this point, I'm still left waiting to even be able to talk with them about the exclusion.  I'm a patient person... just not when it comes to this ordeal, LOL! 

Hi, Ladies I am new to this board as well. I'm also in the process of getting the WLS. The plan is to have surgery in January. Seems so far away but, I think it will allow me to prepare. I have not yet been approved but I am hopeful there will be no problem. I just wanted to say hi and best wishes to you both as we begin a new chapter in our lives!

Hi Angela,  it's nice to meet you!!! I hope it all works out for you and you get approved!  Good Luck, Misty

Hi Misty & welcome to this board! Great people here. It's good to hear you are doing all of your research, I think that is really important with WLS. I've seen first hand with family members and co-workers who have done their research and been successful or where they have rushed into it and are struggling. I've personally been researching it for quite a few years and was ready to jump feet first into it this summer when I found out our insurance didn't cover WLS of any kind, so that was very disheartening, but because many MN OH'ers told me to keep my eye on the prize (insurance change in January!), I have stayed connected to OH and all the great people on the site and am still excited about having my day on the Loser's Bench. I wish you all the best on your journey and your approval! You WILL have your after pics on this site because you are determined and that will make all the difference!!! Best wishes.

Hi Misty! I'm pretty much in the beginning of my journey too! I'm hoping for January or February for surgery . I just couldn't stand another minute being "chubby,plump,fluffy,big-boned,fat..whatever!!" The weight just keeps getting worse and worse as the years go on. I knew if I didn't get a handle on it RIGHT NOW, that i never would! Over the years I've had no problems LOSING the weight, it was KEEPING IT OFF! That's been my problem my whole life...sooo, this is IT. Welcome to the site, I've found alot of interesting things to read on here and alot of helpful people!!  ~Lara