Question:
Will I make it another 6 months

Well my OH family I just found out some very disappointing news. My insurance company (Aetna) said that since my six months of weight loss visits were not consistent (no longer than 5 weeks apart) I have to do them all over again. starting this month, So in November I will be able to send in my information to them again. I have been so disappointed I eat everything I see, it's like I can't stop. Now I'm scared that I won't make it another six months. My health issues are scaring me. Please if you can give me some positive advice. I have given myself enough bad....    — latoyachaplin (posted on June 13, 2009)

June 13, 2009
Hi, It is incredible they are being that nit-picky to delay you. I can't imagine how disappointing that is and I think it is very understandable that you are eating out of control since most of us turn to food when we are upset. My suggestion is to try to view this as an opportunity to start the post-op habits that you will need for maintainence anyway. You won't be eating as small a portions and may or may not lose weight but it will still help come November. Pre-op I started journeling what I was eating, slowly exerciseing (I was swimming at the YMCA because my knees and lack of stamina wouldn't allow anything else). Even journeling I had bad eating days when things were stressful but I tried to honestly write everything down and it helped me. I lost 22 pounds in 2 months between when I got approval and my surgery date. You can only take it one day at a time, do the best you can do and November will come. You can do it, hang in there. Kevin
   — hapkidodoc

June 13, 2009
Latoya... How frustrating for you! One way to think about it is that the insurance company mandates it that way because they want you to fail! Then they don't have to pay for the surgery. So, by doing the classes again, you are proving to them that you are that determined to improve your health and your life. Also, six month seems like a long time, but think back to last Christmas (approx. 6 months ago) and that doesn't seem that long ago. So, all you can do is hang in there and keep on keepin' on. Like Kevin said, what a great time to start working on eating habits and perhaps start working on getting an exercise habit in place. By the way, I am on about the same schedule as you are. I have taken 2 of the 6 required classes, so looking at a December date for surgery. Good luck!
   — Libby R.

June 13, 2009
I'm sure you are really frustrated and ready to give up. Don't give up! That would be a huge mistake. My insurance company would not even consider paying for my surgery. I'm a self-pay patient with a hefty loan of $21000+ and I would do it all over again. My only regret was not doing it sooner. The upside is that it was a large tax deduction and I have lost 80 pounds in the last six months. Hang in there and jump through their hoops. You'll be so happy that you did and have no regrets.
   — Hooray4Me

June 15, 2009
The insurance issues can be agrivating. You need to focus on finding ways to deal with the stress without eating. If you do not work on these issues before hand they can be very frustrating after surgery when food does not work to reduce your stress. Seek out a counselor to help you through this period. You can do it.
   — trible