Question:
Can you share some inspiration with a pre-op?

Would anyone mind posting some motivational words for those of us who are waiting for something to happen? I usually try and stay upbeat about all things. I am really suffering right now with my weight, however. I have changed insurors as of Jan 1 (still have no card or provider list). Last year I began researching WLS and after a few months came to believe this is what I needed to do. My BMI was well in excess of requirements and I have a couple of comorbities. It took over 5 months after I saw a surgeon to get a denial letter. By the time I got it I had already resolved to change insurors. It seems as though everyday is a struggle. My worst time of the day is getting dressed. It is miserable. I almost always sweat. I have to rely on my better half to assist. Then I go off to work where I feel bound up in my clothes and have to sit in chairs that are too small and have to act cheery. I really want and need to start an excercise program and cannot seem to get motivated. Does anyone have any magic words to help until I can get things rolling again? Thanks in advance.    — [Anonymous] (posted on January 6, 2001)

January 5, 2001
It is very hard to go through the long process and the worst part is waiting for insurance approval. Please keep your faith that you will get through it and it will all work out. My insurance company denied me and I got it turned around in a few days in time for my surgery. Know your rights. that is your power! Even if you have NO comorbidities - you qualify based upon BMI. If you'd like to see my rebuttal to my insurance company for what to stress, let me know & I'll send it to you. It will all work out. Take Care!
   — Lisa B.

January 6, 2001
Hi. I know what your talking about. I had to go through a change of insurance also, but in my case, my husbands company decided to change insurance on us and I was right in the middle of the approval process. My paperwork was sent in 1 week before the end of December and we were changing insur. on the 1st of Jan. Well, I called the insurance guy at my surgeon's office and told him that we were changing and he called and cancelled my paperwork. Well, my husband called our old insur. ,Prudential, and found out that his companies insurance term contract with them wasn't up until Feb. so I called my surgeon's office and told him (the insur. guy) that the term contract wasn't up yet and he said we could get a continuance of coverage with old insur. since I had already had everything done before the 1st of Jan. so he resubmitted my paperwork to Prudential on Wednesday of this past week, and low and behold yesterday they granted approval. So I am having surgery on Jan. 22 so it can be done and over with before the end of the term contract in Feb. Then all the follow-ups will be covered by my new insurance since they do cover pre-existing conditions. And they already know about this surgery. Just keep on your insurance, be persistant. It sounds like to me that you would qualify for this surgery, but sometimes you have to search for a very understanding PCP and Surgeon. I weigh 340 lbs or so and I have several co-morbids, but like it was said before you don't always have to have co-morbids to qualify. Good luck in you process and think skinny thoughts it will come. Hugs Vicki
   — Vicki V.