MichelleInAZ
July 24, 2005
Hi there! It has taken me a long time to get to this point but I have finally decided it's time to start writing...so here I am. I have been heavy all my life, as far back as I can remember. I was put on diets as early on as elementary school, being forced to take my lunches to the school nurse so she could see what I was eating every day. It was horrible, and only made me want to rebel even more. The older I got the heavier I got, and when I moved to another city right before my Senior year in high school I think that was when I experienced my biggest weight gain, placing me at well over three hundred pounds.
I am 34 years old now, and tired of living life (or not living) the way I am. Every day is such a challenge. I am SOOO ready to have this surgery I think about it every day and can't wait. I have not received insurance approval yet because the surgeon said I needed to do a 6 month doctor monitored diet. I just had my 3 month check up today. My doctor is great and gives me a lot of good information, but it is still frustrating. I keep telling myself only 3 more months, then they will submit my request and hopefully my approval will come quick! I was just diagnosed with severe sleep apnea May 1, and I am a diabetic, so hopefully the insurance company will take these in to consideration and give me a quick approval (is there such a thing??).
It is great to read so many success stories on here and I cannot wait to be one of them. I hope these next three months go by fast! Wish me luck!
August 8, 2005
Not a whole lot to report today. It's a Monday, and I am into my 4th month of my doctor monitored diet. I weighed in last week and lost 6 lbs. Woohoo! That was very cool to hear, as I really haven't felt like I've lost anything in years. I have my 4 month checkup on Aug 22, so hopefully a few more pounds will be gone before then. I will take whatever it is! I also went to a support group last week. Met a great lady named Barbara who was 1 month post op and she really inspired me. She was there with her friend who is also considering the surgery. I love the support groups and always feel so positive afterwards. I get frustrated having to wait and do this diet but I know in the end it will all be worth it. I just don't see how it is going to make that big of a difference, but it that's what it's going to take to get approved, then I will tough it out.
(writing this reminds me I need to do my food journal for the weekend...yuck! But it keeps me in line since I have to submit it to my doc). Anyway, that's about all for today.
October 18, 2005
My 6 months wait is almost over! I have my final dr appt on Thursday and I can't wait. Although I have only lost about 15 lbs over the last 6 months I am excited to take the next step in this process. I am hoping my PCP will quickly submit her documentation to the Bariatric center so we can get on with this! It seems like I have been waiting forever! One of my good friends just got approved for surgery on Nov 22. She just started the process about 2 months ago, so I admit, I am a bit jealous. She has not had to do a 6 month diet, counseling, support groups, etc, although I really don't think she is very well prepared for this. When I say things like "we won't be eating stuff like this after surgery" (such as sweets) she constantly comes back with "well, thats just for a short time". I am worried that she does not realize how much of a life change is going to be required in order to be successful. But I can only worry about my self for now and hope for the best with her.
My birthday was last Friday, and I thought alot about what this next year is going to bring. I am hoping for a minimum weight loss of 100-150 lbs before my next birthday. Based on what I've seen and heard it seems like a reasonable goal. I can't wait to feel more alive and have more energy. I want to be on the losing side! That's about all for now, hopefully my next update will include good news about my approval!
November 8, 2005
I am now in the process of playing the waiting game with my insurance company. My paperwork was submitted last week and I was told that although they have up to 30 days to make a decision, usually it takes 2 days to 2 weeks, so my fingers are crossed! I went to a support group last night. It is always so invigorating to hear all the success stories. I have not heard a single person say they have regretted any portion of the surgery. I am curious as to how long it will be between the time I receive my approval to the time my surgery is actually scheduled. I would love to have the surgery in December as I have a friend coming to visit in January or February. I would like to be on the losing side by then. Since I have completed my six month supervised diet I have found myself slipping in to old habits...I know I need to stop that. Being accountable to the doctor and counselor made a big difference, it is HARd to just be accountable to yourself! Guess I need to work on that. Need to get back to exercising also, ugh!!! That's all for now, hopefully my next post will be after my insurance approval!! (crossing my fingers!)
November 17, 2005
Well, I have now been denied by Cigna twice. Not because they don't think I need the surgery, but because the documentation of the supervised diet was incorrect. The first time the request was submitted without any documentation, so we appealed that and sent in the documentation,. and now it is being denied becasue on my very first appointment with my new doctor we talked about my diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, swelling of my legs, etc., but my doc didn't document anything about diet, exercise, or eating habits. I swear, insurance companies SUCK!! So i now have another doctors appointment tomorrow, so my doctor can correctly document a sixth month, and then we will resubmit to Cigna again. This is ridiculous, but I am willing to do anything at this point. Cross yur fingers for me.
One of my very good friends has surgery scheduled for this coming Tuesday. I am very excited for her, but also concerned. She has not attended any support groups, yet her insurance company approved her immediately, no questions asked. I guess I am a bit jealous of that too. She had never considered this surgery until I urged her to look into it. And things have moved along MUCH quicker for her. I guess having Blue Cross/Blue Shield is a dream! lol.
Maybe with the holidays coming, things are all happening for a reason for me. I am guessing my surgery (if I ever get approved) will be in January or February. So I will go through one last holiday season as I am before my life changes. To all of you that are lucky enough to have your surgery over the next few months I wish you all the best of luck! Cross your fingers for me!
January 16, 2006
Well here it is, a new year and I still have not received an approval yet. I have been denied by Cigna 4 times now, and I am getting ready to have an external review. Supposedly the panel will only look at my medical history and make a decision based on that. Although, I have heard there is a disclaimer that even if the panel agrees that I need this surgery, Cigna still reserves the right to say no. Cigna really sucks, if you have the option to go with another insurance company I would definitely encourage everyone to do that. Apparently, Cigna puts a direct exclusion in every policy they write, then the employer must specifically request that the exclusion be removed. Seems a bit backasswards doesn't it? Especially considering they don't mention the exclusion to the employer...anyway, I will continue through the appeals process and keep updating...best of luck to everyone going through this journey themselves!
April 14, 2006
It has been a long time since I have updated my profile. Things have not gone well for me so I have been really frustrated lately. I went through an External appeal with Cigna and was still denied surgery. My employer said they would consider removing the exclusion and was willing to discuss it with Cigna. Cigna refused to remove it, and stated that they no longer pay for any WLS surgery and that no other insurance companies do either. Cigna is probably the worst insurance company I have ever dealt with. Anyway, on a better note, my family has agreed to help me out and assuming things go well i should be having surgery in October. I am excited and scared of course, but I know in the end things will work out for the best. Best of luck to everyone going through this journey!
May 26, 2006
Still hanging in there....trying to at least.
November 22, 2006
I have a date!! December 6!!!
May 21, 2007
Wow, what a ride!! I finally figured out how to update this profile, so here goes nothing!!
I had my surgery on December 6, 2006. The surgery went well and was a lot easier than I expected. The nursing staff was phenomenal and they took care of me better than I ever expected. My surgery was at 10:30 am and took about 3 hours. A little longer than normal but a success nonetheless. That very first walk after the surgery was horribly painful, I cannot lie. But after that, each step got easier. By the end of day 2 I was doing laps...it actually felt good. I was in the hospital for 3 nights. The day I left the hospital, Dr. Blackstone took me off all of my diabetes meds (5 total). Since that day my sugar has been under control and I have felt great. I didnt really have a lot of sickness during the first few months. At least nothing out of the ordinary. On the days I got sick I stuck to protein drinks and chicken broth. (Who ever thought I'd come to LOVE chicken broth??? LOL. It became my best friend when I couldn't eat anything else!). I am now 5 months out. At my 4 month nutritionist appointment I had lost 110 lbs. The nutritionist said that was the most she had seen anyone lose in such a short time. I still have ups and downs in regards to eating. If I eat too fast or take too big a bite i still get sick. I try new things occasionally but still stick to the basics. I have slacked a bit on my exercise this month and really need to get back on that. I moved to a new neighborhood and havent really discovered a great place to walk yet.
My friends, family, and co-workers are a constant source of support which I love. I chose not to keep my surgery a secret because I knew they would all be cheering for me. People ask me everyday how I am doing, how I am feeling, and tell me how great I look. That in itself is a huge reward to me! I finally feel good about myself again and I think people really notice that.
Having the surgery was an easy decision for me, but it is not one I made lightly. Everything I did pre-op helped immensely and I am thankful that Dr. Blackstone has such strict requirements. I felt 100% prepared. I would recommend her to anyone considering gastric bypass.
On a side note, a good friend of mine had her surgery 1 year prior to me having mine. I supported her before, during and after her surgery. I really felt like this was a bond between us and we would be each others support system. However, as I was told might happen, my friend has disappeared. She never came to visit me in the hospital, or the month I was out of work. She has never called to see how I am, or offered any assistance. I am truly hurt by her actions and I really don't know what happened. But again, the counselor and psychologist did say that some friends can't /don't want to handle the life changes and you have to deal with it and move on. Her lack of contact has left somewhat of avoid in my life becasue we had become such good friends. I guess it just shocks me because she of all people would have understood what I was going through. But I guess some friends come and go, and maybe it was just her time to move on.
Anyway, I think this is enough of an update for now. I wish everyone the best of luck on your journey to success!
