Can I vent here? It seems as if I will NEVER get a date...

for surgery.  I am self pay so I am going to be spending at least $30 on this and have been working sooo hard to get all of my test, clearances, meeting etc. etc done.  Every time I talk to the Dr.'s office, I ask for an idea of WHEN I will be scheduled. I have payed the program fee, had a training, had blood work, sleep study etc. etc.  I  am not allowed to lose any weight or gain any weight. My hubby can't plan when to ask off for work, I can't plan activities or trips.  I am supposed to exercise, but can't lose weight or the surgery that has not even been scheduled will be called off.  It is bad enough that my insurance will not pay so can't I catch a break somewhere.  They ask if I have any questions and I reply with "yes, when can I have surgery?"  I needed this done and as much recovery done as possible before August, but am seeing that although no one has come out and told me that is not going to happen, it sure doesn't seem like it is. I was also trying to get this done before my next cycle, but doubt that is going to happen.  What happens if you are on your cycle at surgery time?  That would not  be fun. 

No flaming please, I just really needed to get my frustration out!!!  Anyone can have a baby and take it home from the hospital without training, but for me to have WLS (and not even have insurance cover it) it seems I have to have an army of Doctors say it is ok plus a support person, plus go to two meetings with a room full of non supportive support group people  etc. to have it done.  Surely they want  my dogs paw prints and approval or something else I have missed too????

go ahead girl and vent..i feel ya..i've completed everything and now i'm playing the waiting game too...i did have a class yesterday and they said that its ok if your on ur cycle on ur surgery date..u just cant wear a tampon or anything during ther surgery..the only thing is if u have a fever or sick on the say of ur surgery they will postpone it...i hope u get a date soon!!

I know it seems crazy but my surgeon's requirements were the same if you were self pay or insurance.  They are a Center of Excellance and they wanted to be sure you knew what you were getting into.  That meant attending 12 support group meetings, going to all the Dr appts and clearances, etc.  They have to feel like they have done their part towards making this surgery a success.  You could be the one who missed a class and ended up in trouble.  And it reflects on THEM. 

Hang in there.  We all wanted to pull our hair out and understand what you are going through.  You will make it, just hang tough.

Mine was a COE and only required the seminar and ONE support group meeting or proof of attending one if outside the area.

I had to jump thru the normal hoops of psych eval, endoscopy clearnace and making sure I met all the insurance issues such as co-morbids, weight history, etc but that was mostly because of the insurance.

Liz

12 support meetings?  I have to go to 2.  I went to one and hated it.  I told them that they will lose lightweights after going to suport meetings because everyone just tells you that you don't need surgery etc.  I would rather have teeth pulled than go get looked up and down by the other patients again. UGG! Just because I am not 400 lbs does not mean I don't need this!

The waiting game for me was the worst.  I had such anxiety, as like you, my life was on hold.  I needed to make plans for work, my support person, etc.  BUT, I tried to use this time to learn more, research, exercise, etc.  I know this is hard......from my first seminar to my surgery was over 11 months.......all I wanted was to know the date even if it was a long way ahead.  It WILL get here though and you will make it to the other side.  Use this time to prepare and learn as much as you can.

Hang in there!!!

~~Jennifer

If you are self pay why are you even having to do all the crap? Usually that is insurance that make you do that mess.

Is a new surgeon an option? Obviously,since you are self pay, a new surgeon IS absolutely an option.

If it was me I would be mooooving on and in a right hurry.
good luck and lkeep us posted,
Holly

The waiting is the hardest part!!! Trust me you won't even remember the wait a month post op..

Rant away!!!!!!!

Meg

 LOL  the waiting SUX he big green weenie  !!!   

we can all totally  laugh about it now ...   but trust me ... then ..it wasn't funny AT ALL  .... 


Jes go to yer  support group meetings  , picture  kicking the  judgmental and " you're too skinny  for  this "  ones in the cooter ...  and go on from here ...  kick butt GRRRL ... keeep Ur eyes on the prize ....