Question:
Now what do I do?
I was researching this surgery over 18 months ago. My ins. co. denied me as exclusions were specific and unyielding. My sister went ahead and had the surgery (different state and ins. co.) as well as two others I know. Now I get the ins. co. booklet for 2002 and they ALLOW medically necessary gastric bypass. BUT I had already convinced myself over the last 18 months that I didn't want to go ahead with it (after severe inital disappointment). One of my friends who had surgery had a friend who had it and died. That sort of reinforced it in my mind that "everything happens for a reason" and that was why my ins. co. had denied me. NOW this happens - and I don't know what to think. I am 5'1" and 281 pounds currently. — Jacqueline T. (posted on October 2, 2001)
October 2, 2001
You have to do whatever you feel is right for you in your heart. Yes,
people do die from the surgery... however, the odds of that happening are
small. I had to fight all the way for my sugery and I am soooo happy I
went through with it. If you've tried and tried and tried to lose the
weight on different diets and exercise, then the surgery is probably the
only way for you to have a change at losing weight now. However, if you're
happy with your weight and your lifestyle, maybe it's not worth the risk of
surgery. The choice is yours. It sounds like you're going to have love
and support no matter what you choose. :)
— FireJewel
October 2, 2001
This is a tough decision to make. For most people this is the best thing
they have ever done for themselves, and I am one of them. Don't just do it
because it's covered on your insurance. Do it because you want to do
something that will change your life, and make it an easier and healthier
to be the person you want to be. Death does occur from side effects but the
occurance of that is usually quite rare. There are a lot of things in life
that we do on a regular basis that are very risky. When you time is
up...it's up and it has nothing to do with having the surgery. Like you
said...everything happens for a reason. I wish you the best of luck in
making your decision.
— Emily P.
October 2, 2001
You need to ddo whatever you feel is best for you. My surgery got
rescheuled for another day and I told my self the same thing, that
everything happens for a reason. it turns out that the lady who did have
her surgery on the date that I was scheduled originally died. I do feel
for her and her family. I had mine one month later on June 27th. Do in
your heart what feels right for you, and remember there are always risks.
Tawnya
— Tawnya R.
October 2, 2001
My feelins are , it is not up to us to CONVINCE YOU to have this surgery.
I decided myself only talking to my God, my husband, my pastor. Ultimately
it is your decision. My husband asked the surgeon what my chances were of
death. The surgeon said, I will NOT tell you it can't happen. However, the
chances of that are about as likely as Bill Clinton becoming celebate.
ha... You really need to make a date and talk to the best surgeon your
insurance co will let you have. He can put your mind and ease, but then if
you decide it's no YOU'VE HEARD FROM THE PRO!!! BEST TO YA
— Jackiis
October 2, 2001
Hello, no one can tell you what to do, you will have to do it because you
feel that is what you want. It is so easy these days to get into a car
accident, or be at the wrong place at the wrong time. I truely believe
that if you believe in yourself and god than you will truely find your
answer.
— [Anonymous]
October 2, 2001
Best advice anyone gave me is that my chances of dying
of Morbid obesity are much greater than dying on the operating table, this
was enough to convince me. Remember all major surgeries have risks
involved.
— Cindee A.
October 2, 2001
The only thing I can tell you is that you have to make the decision to have
the surgery or not to have it. I made the decision to have it. It has
helped me tremendously. I started at 5'4" 304 pounds and now weigh
221. I am 7 months post, I go to cardio kickboxing 3 days a week and
would have never been able to do that 84 pounds ago. I also lift some
weights and go jogging now. For me this was a life saving operation. I
did listen to all of my husbands worries and concerns, and did take them
into consideration when making my decision. I made the decision all on my
own, and did decide to do it. I also was in the WLS site everyday, reading
posts from others. Yes at first I felt pretty lousy, but now I feel
wonderful.
— JazzBear111
October 2, 2001
It is a personal decision each of us has to weigh for ourselves. I am
5'1" and weigh somewhat less than you. I am 47 years old and have bad
hypertension, high cholesterol, shortness of breath, my back hurts and my
knees are now having trouble. None of these were problems 10 years ago for
me. Look at the alternative. By the time you are my age, your body will
start to give out from all the stress of carrying that extra hundred pounds
year after year. My doc says this surgery will likely add 20 years to my
life expectancy. The risk of death is NO greater than it is with any
surgery involving general anesthesia - 1%. That means 99% live. Also 90%
of us have no complications - we always hear more about those who do have
problems, because the rest are too busy out living their new lives. I
discuss this and other useful WLS info on my webpage. A lot of research
went into it, as well as help from postop friends who are at their goal
weights, classes, etc. You can access that info at
http://www.lkdobson.homestead.com
and maybe it will help you sort through in your own mind what is right for
you. Good luck to you!!!
— Lisa D.
October 3, 2001
What's the dilemna???? You don't have to have wls just because
your insurer covers it. You don't have it because your sister did.
The mortality rate for wls is less than 1%....pretty good odds.
Try making two lists. Why I want wls......and Why I don't want wls.
You'll get your answer..........
— margaret N.
October 3, 2001
I agree that no one can make the decision for you, but maybe if you're
looking for signs, you should see this as "it wasn't the right thing
for me to do then, but it's the right thing for me to do now!" after
seeing the update in your insurance booklet. I'm only a few weeks post op
and started at the same height and weight as you (well, I gained 20 lbs
while waiting for my surgery) but it was definitely the best decision I
could have made for myself!
— blank first name B.
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