Brenda B.
I am a 53 year old mother of 3 adult children; and I am a life partner as well. For as long as I can remember, I have struggled with my weight. I can remember being a member of Weight Watchers as a teenager; along with my mother. I'm willing to bet that if you name a diet; I've been on it. Losing the weight was never the problem. The problem was always keeping it off. Now, the older I get; it is also harder getting it off. It comes off a lot slower than it used to. 
This entire process of preparing for WLS has practically killed me. I made the decision to have WLS in June of '08, after attending my second information meeting. I work at a hospital where my Insurance Company required quite a few things before approval. I was required to meet with my PCP monthly for an uninterrupted six months. I had to get on a nutritional diet and exercise plan; and my weight had to be documented at each visit. When my six months were up; I scheduled an assessment visit with the surgeon. I was as honest with him as I could be because I want this journey to be a successful one. now there are times when I feel like I'm being punished for being honest.
I was referred to a Psychologist for evaluation, just like every other candidate for WLS. I took a quiz on the computer and answered some question from her. From there I was sent to a counselor for a mandatory 10 sessions; at the cost of $45.00 per session; out of pocket and a 45 minute drive from my house. The Counselor is a really cool person, that I am very comfortable with. She has had gastric bypass surgery herself and has also been in recovery from addiction for several years.
When I got to the first session with her, I was read the list of requirements from the Psychologist; whom I also had to pay $350.00 out of pocket. Both of these people are out-of-network for me; but they both specialize in Bariatrics. I don't think that part is fair, but whatever! Anyway I had to have 8 to 10 sessions with the Counselor; visit a Psychiatrist to be evaluated for bipolar disorder; which thank God, I do not have. The Psychiatrist was also stabilize me on anti depressants; which he has. Even though I have been in recovery from addiction for 22 years; I has also been required to get back involved with NA & AA. She also ordered me to go to Debtor's Anonymous ; for my shopping. 
I was so overwhelmed and disheartened because I felt that I was being punished for being honest. However, it was explained to me that the entire team's concern was addiction transference. It appears that I am at high risk for PTSD and relapse. Today was my 9th session and my Counselor said that she and the Psychiatrist would now get together and send in my paperwork; in order for the Surgeon to start the approval process. At last! Oh, I will probably have to be seen by the Psychologist again; for another fee of $75.00. I feel like I being scammed! 
Well sorry for being so long-winded, but I know just how you feel. I am now keeping a food journal, a shopping journal, going to meetings; but I know it will all be worth it in the long run.
