poohannie

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Yesterday I had a consult with the surgeon's office and the pre-op nutritionist appointment, taking a huge chunk of my day. It took 2 hours of waiting in the lobby for my consult, I was annoyed with the staff that they ran that far behind and did not tell the patients. I could have used the time at work frankly, but I tried to relax and read tons of junk magazines. The doc was Ok, but not the surgeon I chose, it was one of his fellows taking his appointments for the day since he was stuck at the hospital apparently. 

Down to the facts, I have chosen the VBG w/sleeve and it was a surprise that even though I have insurance, and he is in my network, I still have to pay a good portion of the surgical fee as the sleeve gast is NOT COVERED by insurance. How incredibly ridiculous is that! Not expecting that, but if insurance approves the rest, I will do it because I am much more comfortable with this surgeon than others I investigated. Now I am assembling the items needed for ins approval, then it will be up to three weeks to hear back from SHPS (my ins pre-cert company).

I went to the discussion group yesterday for Dr. Elariny, really liked his presentation and that of his colleague the PS. I am selecting this office and feel 100% comfortable with my choice! I am meeting with him on 1/23 to narrow down the procedure between VBG w/ sleeve and the DS. I also meet with the nutritionist on the same day. 

So glad to have a little forward momentum, now I need to call the first surgeon and let them know I am changing directions, didn't post on that appointment on 1/11 because my momma taught me that if you can't say something nice.... 'nuff said! Feeling like there is light coming into my tunnel...more l8r.

OK, I went to my first meeting for Kaiser in WLS land, a class where they give you the official 'insurance rulebook', what a relief that is instead of some of the crazy horror stories I have seen on the boards about insurance run-arounds. It is a 150 day qualify process before you receive the referral to a surgeon for consult, and includes 6 more months of supervised dieting at this weight, and a required 3% WL (-8.5lbs). Further heartache last night when I found out that I am shorter than I thought so that takes my BMI from 45.8 to 48.7...GULP!

Tonight I am also going to the local WLS support meeting to check out other patients who have had various surgeries and used multiple doctors, etc. I still have the option to have this outside of Kaiser and if it seems like a better option, I still may elect to do so...more l8r..

I got this today from TinkerBlaum's Blog, really sums up all that I need to concentrate on as I focus on the journey ahead....I hope to be a testament to the journey we have the potential to take in life...here's to faith and courage....

Life Is A Gift "  

Today before you say an unkind word,
Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food,
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife,
Think of someone who's crying out for a companion.

Today before you complain about life,
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children,
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you complain about cleaning your house,
Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive,
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job,
Think of the unemployed,and those who wish they had your job.

And before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another,
Remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker. 
 
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down,
Put a smile on your face and thank God you're alive and well.  

Life is a gift, Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, And Fulfill it.

1st official Blog entry...I feel like a technology dinosaur! I am still figuring out how to go about the WLS research, and I have met some very nice folks online who are so educated and wise! I am starting this new year in a very safe palce, feeling as if I have an enitre new world ahead of me, and I am climbing out of my cocoon!