beatrice1

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I have lost 70lbs in just over five and a half months. I am amazed and happy about it. Also, I'm happy to say that hitting the 70lbs weight loss milestone has inspired me to work even harder to continue. I'm super excited and just want to keep going. My family who does not see me on a regular basis was impressed and nearly passed me by because they did not immediately recognize me!  So that was definitely a good thing.  I continue to get lots of support from friends and family. I am well on my way....finally!

Day after Christmas, and I had an appointment today. Doc said I'm right on track! I'm down 54 pounds. I'm happy about it. I'm excited!!

I had my surgery on 09/20/2012.  So far I am down 41 lbs.  I am very happy with that. I am trying my best to stay on track and stay positive.  I have not experienced hair loss or anything like that yet. I am already wearing older pants that I had boxed up :D  Yay for that!! 

What I am having difficulty with is finding a good variety in the foods that I cook. I think I just haven't tried too many new things so I tend to just make chicken or ground turkey all the time. Breakfast is always eggs and something else. That's ok, I'm sure it will get better. My teenage daughter has also lost weight even though she wasn't overweight. She has shed 20lbs by cutting out soda and sweets in an effort to support me and my healthy ways. I am so thankful for her. I am also very thankful to have finally had this procedure done.  So far so good, no regrets! 

 

I know that my insurance is going to require a six month physician supervised period before approving the surgery. I tried to make this month count. I made an appointment with Dr. Kimberly Maroney specifically for this.  My appointment was yesterday afternoon.  I was devastated when she basically refused.  I explained to her that the requirement is that my weight and vital signs are noted and that diet and exercised are also discussed in some form or fashion and notated as well in the notes. That is all. It doesn't have to be a full class or anything. Just proof that it is addressed monthly. She kept appologizing and saying that she wasn't "set up for that".  She referred me to weight watchers. That is not physician supervised.

Today I called Dr. Craig Chang's office today to speak with them about this. They went over the requirement as listed by my insurance and it is just as I explained it above. I called Dr. Maroney's office back. I explained once again and was taken aback when the receptionist stated, "Well she referred you to Weight Watchers didn't she?"  I said yes, and clarified that by advising me of my target caloric intake as she did, and that exercise is important, that the requirement was met since weight and vitals are documented as well. She seemed annoyed by me and said fine, she would do a "case" or something and quickly tried to get me off the phone.  I stopped her and said, "Wait. How will I know the outcome?" She said, "Well, I'm sure someone will call you back."  She said it the way that someone would say, "well, duh!"  As one can imagine, I feel as though I've been punched in the stomach.  If I must, I suppose I will switch doctors. Sounds like they are going to be more of a roadblock than anything else. 

I'm disappointed that my doctor, who I trusted with this issue and who should have my best health interests in mind would try to avoid helping me. Their office is the one that gave me the referral to start with. I'm puzzled.

In early January 2012, I asked my regular doctor for a referral to a weight loss surgeon.  I received paper work to fill out and send back on January 26th.  I faxed the information back on January 28th .  I didn't hear back, so I called on February 13th. I spoke with "Ruby" who attempted to locate my info packet with no success.  I was a little crushed because I have been through part of the process before, only to find after several out of town trips and a psych evaluation and meetings with the surgeon that my insurance listed wls as a specific exclusion. 

Here I am 4 or 5 years later trying again.  Different insurance, and lots of hope and a little anxiety of being disappointed again. This did not feel good knowing that here we are 2 weeks into February and the waiting has been for nothing. No reviewing or scheduling or insurance contacting was going on. Nothing. Just me thinking about it every day while nothing was happening. I'm pretty disappointed, but still hopeful.  This time I know my insurance, TML covers wls and post-op reconstructive surgery as well.  I believe I will have to do some supervised weight loss/dieting for 6 months, but I'm not 100% sure at this time. 

On a brighter note, Ruby was appologetic for the paperwork not being there after verifying it was sent to the proper fax number and all.  She did go ahead and schedule my initial appoinment to meet the surgeon. My "Jump start" appointment is set for March 9th.  That is 25 days away. It seems like forever for now, but at least I have a solid date & time. (3pm).  So that is where I am today on February 14th (12:41 A.M.)  I will post again when something changes.