Question:
How in the world do you make it through sane??

I'm waiting for a consult with my PCP MArch 27th. I'm waiting to find out then (as the HMO wouldn't tell me directly) whether the surgery I really want will be covered All the HMO would say is that I have to get referred by my PCP, and she would know which drs. they'd cover (so I can't go about scheduling consults before getting the formal referal), and that any decisions about specific medical procedures are based on individual case-by-case assessment. Basically, no answers were given besides wait! <P> I find myself visiting the questions list over and over, looking eagerly to find more info about people with my insruance (FAllon Community Health Plan in Massachusetts, btw), hoping by some miracle someone will lay down all the groundwork I need to get approved. I guess the waiting is good in that it's giving me lots of time to get all sorts of documentation together, but so much is up in the air, the waiting is killing me. <P> It doesn't help that I know how long the waiting list may well end up being once I do have permission to schedule a consult. And it doesn't help that I may end up finding out my PCP is *totally* against WLS in any form (I'd find a new PCP, but, still, that's a pain in the neck and more delay - and she's already my third in the past year! [it's been a bad year for me and doctors]).<P> It's also hard because I'm keeping this to myself (and my husband and best friend - but I know she's pretty strongly anti WLS - I just told her I was looking into it so it wasn't a total shock down the road) for the time being. So I can't share my obsessing with people around me. <P> How in the world do I get through it???    — Heather W. (posted on February 28, 2002)

February 27, 2002
I know how you feel - I had to wait a long time to get in to see the surgeon, however my PCP was wonderful! I told her this was what I wanted to do, we discussed the ups and downs, and she gave me my referral - OVER THE PHONE! Didn't even have to go see her. But if yours doesn't want to refer you, definitely find someone else! As for coping with the wait, the "obsessing" as you call it (and I do too!), I talk to my friends about it. I have several who have either had the surgery, or are going to have the surgery, and they are a great support system. Try posting on the board here on AMOS - everyone is like family here - they know what you're going through! Hang in there, and good luck with your referral. If you'd like to talk, even just to vent, e-mail me ([email protected]). Lisa
   — sssuzie1

February 27, 2002
I know what you mean. Even the approval letter from my HMO had language in it that, to me, meant "we approve, unless we change our minds or you accidentally do something we didn't expect or your surgery is scheduled on a Tuesday during a full moon". It's nerve wraking to say the least especially with the long waits between appointments that seem to come part and parcel with any good surgeon. The best thing for me has been the support group for pre- and post-op patients of the surgeon I chose. People were willing to share their journeys, and best of all, the processes that work. Thanks to them, I have had a much easier time of it than I would have had going it alone. It also gives one a chance to be in a room full of people who really understand where you've been, where you are, and where you're going. And that's good for keeping your sanity along the way.
   — Phil M.

February 28, 2002
You might want to check again!~ I dont think ANY of us are 100% sane that is what makes this site so much FUN! (specially that merri bush shes NUTS) I understand not wanting to share your decission just YET. I am not sharing mine with many either.I am also sorry I told my daughter. She is 14 going on 37 and knows EVERYTHING! And things I need to move more and chew less. I think she may be coming around now but even if shes not, who CARES?!~ This is YOURS and is for YOU.......Good luck!~Connie
   — Sassy M.