Officially hoop jumping!

So, I had my first visit with the surgeon last week.  After a long visit (wow, I haven't spoken with a doctor that long ever!), he and I decided the best surgery for me will be the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.  I had originally planned on that surgery, and then was swayed by a friend to look at RNY.  But, he suggested the VSG will be a better match for me, since I'm a "small fry" (his words!). 
  I told him my fears of not being able to get the surgery after the new year.  My work place is starting lay offs.  Our health plan sign ups/re-enrollment is November.  That is when we see the new plans available for next year, and since this benefit (my surgery is covered at 80%, after deductible) has been highly used, I fear it won't be available next year, espeically since they are trying to cut costs.  He assured me he will submit the letter to my insurance on December 2, exactly 3 months since my consult, and we will plan on surgery before the end of the year.
I haven't told many people, beyond my surgery buddy (my BFF at work, she will be doing it same time as me), my hubby, my mom and one sister.  I told a friend about it before the consult and she can't stop thinking of ways to get me to change my mind, so I *know* now I won't be telling anybody else until I have a surgery date.  This was a difficult decision for me to make, and since I have the support of my husband and my mother, and the surgeon thinks it's appropriate and not excessive, I don't need anybody else's approval.
I will have multiple visits over the mountains to his office the next 3 months.  My hoops consist of a "multi-disciplinary" approach to diet and exercise, for 3 months.  I get to meet with a dietician, a physical therapist, and a psychologist.  I am excited to start this journey and I look forward to reading about everybody more, seeing success, and learning the ins and outs of my future life!

I hope everything goes smoothly--it sounds like a great program. Start asking questions and we'll chime in.  Good luck!

--gina

Thanks!

Congrats! We are sort of at the same point, without the insurance issues.

My only advice to you would be to be careful not to lose any weight between now and your letter date... or you may not qualify, depending on your insurance. I am very close to the line at 225 (got myself to 229 for the first appointment by eating at a Chinese buffet for lunch and wearing jeans and a cardigan sweater over my t****!  I am told that your weight/BMI needs to remain in your insurers "ok for approval" range until the final appointment when you get your insurance clearance/surgery date.

Of couse they told me not to gain 30 pounds, but to maintain.

Feels really weird to not focus on food/calories/amount for once. Almost liberating for me.

Best of luck!

Ellen has some good advice.  I was approved by the surgeon, but lost15 lbs one month during the insurance approval process,  and that disqualified me for insurance, so I had a very difficult decision whether to go ahead with the self-pay option, or skip the surgery.  I went with the self-pay option.

Thanks Ladies!

I have been maintaining.  I asked about that in the appt, if I lose weight on this 3 month "diet and exercise" plan, am I going to still qualify if I lose some weight.  He said not to worry about it, but I have just been maintaining.  It is weird to not focus on losing, since that's what I've been doing for nearly the past 15 years.  It's odd.  I am trying to enjoy it, because after surgery it will be all focus again.

I have been pestering the office to get my next appointments scheduled, hopefully they will call me back in the morning with some dates.  I just want these next 3 months to fly!