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Well, I couldn't wait any longer so today I called Dr. Dallal's office to see what was happening with my file.  Thank God I called.  I was told that my file had never come out from the nurse practitioner's office.  It has been in there I guess for 10 days now.  All testing was completed and reports in the file (other than the team reports) on January 22nd.  So, up to this point, I have not been submitted for final insurance approval.  I left a message for the nurse practitioner inquiring as to what was going on and why it had not gone for insurance approval yet.  I waited for a return call all day, but no call was received.  The last time I called, on the 22nd, to see if they had received all my reports, again, she did not return my call.  I will try again on Monday but if she does not call back, I will leave a message for Dr. Dallal.  I have been waiting for 8 months for surgery and to have people drop the ball now is just too much to bear.  Hopefully, I will hear something soon!!!!  

Prior to going to Einstein, I picked up my chest x-ray results and blood work from my PCP.  The chest x-ray was perfect, but the bloodwork had problems.  My trigylcerides and HDL and LDL were not too good.  In addition, my HA1C was 6.9 which I think makes me pre-diabetic.  More co-morbidities, just what I needed.  

I then went to met the Einstein Bariatric's team.  First I met with Kelly the physical therapist.  She was awesome.  She took my measurements, tested my range of motion, had me walk with her for 6 minutes and also do some exercises.  We set some goals for me and she suggested that I start exercising now as it will only help with the surgery.  I am to do 30 minutes of aerobics (recumbent bike) most days and weight training 2-3 times a week.  

Next I met the psychologist.  She was so nice.  She discussed with me why I wanted this surgery and what I hoped to gain from it.  We discussed my family and whether I had a support system to help me through.  We also discussed what challenges I thought I would face after surgery and how I would address them.  Finally, I had to complete a test which consisted of 186 questions.  Some of the questions were really strange like "Do people respect and envy you?"  Well now how do you answer that?  I hope they respect me, but not envy me.  Anyway, I did the best job I could.  I know there were a few questions about whether I wanted to kill myself, and they were easy to answer.......DEFINITELY NOT.

Finally, I met with the nutritionist.  Lauren was probably one of the nicest people I have ever met.  She was only too happy to answer any question which I had (and I sure did have a lot of them).  She made sure I understand the pre-op diet, and the phases after surgery.  She made suggestions about foods, protein supplements and how to eat.  One thing she said is no food is bad......I said sugar is bad, but she said no food is bad because that will make me want it more.  She did say sugar will make me sick and I equate that to BAD. 

Christine from the office was also wonderful.  She had to stay late until I completed my psych eval and was not upset at all.  I asked her what was next and she said once the reports were back from today (and that could take a week), she would submit everything for final insurance approval (which could also take a week) and that the next call I would get from them would be my surgery date.   YEAH......IT IS ALMOST TIME AND I FEEL READY NOW THAT THE TEAM HAS EDUCATED ME.

One thing I learned today is that the Einstein Bariatric team is totally there for you every step along the way.  I feel as though I am in great hands and so happy I chose Dr. Dallal and his team.

Today I went for my consultation at Einstein Bariatrics.  I was scared that I would not get Dr. Dallal because I took a cancellation.  I figured the person cancelled because they did not want his partner.  However, to my surprise, Dr. Dallal walked into the room, with his smile and wonderful personality, and I was overjoyed.  I have to have blood work and a chest x-ray done, and my EKG results from Dr. Brandinmarto faxed over.  I am scheduled for a three hour appointment on January 22nd when I will meet the nutritionist, psychologist and physical therapist.  Thereafter, they will call me with a date for surgery and tell me to start a two week liquid diet.  

I am so excited but nervous at the same time.  I guess that is normal.  I will continue reading my "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" book until the nutritionist gives me new reading material.

Starting weight:  285.5 pounds.
Starting BMI:  44

Today is the beginning of my new life.  I phoned Dr. Dallal's office with my new insurance, Keystone Health Plan East, to again apply for surgery.  (Prior to this, I was declined by Aetna, after completing a three month supervised diet because 5 years ago, I fell below a 35 BMI and they felt I could lose weight on my own.  Obviously, if I could and keep it off, I would not be applying for weight loss surgery.  Needless to say, it is now 4 months later and I have new medical insurance.)  Christine of Dr. Dallal's office located my file and said she would call Keystone and get back to me.  In less than one hour, I received a phone call that I had been pre-approved for 100% coverage of the surgery.  

In addition, they had a cancellation and I could go in for my consultation with the doctor this Friday, that is right, 2 days from now.  I am so excited.  Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity to go in this Friday and look forward to completing all the necessary steps to have surgery as soon as possible.  

I will keep you all informed of how I progress.  I am so excited, yet a bit scared, but look forward to the beginning of a new and healthier life!!!