pattycakes301
Hi, my name is Patrizia and I'm new to obesityhelp.com. I'm still getting used to how this site works...
So, my story... well, I guess I should say that my weight just kind of snuck up on me. One day I felt that I was pretty normal but in 2006, I looked at myself and could not believe what was staring back at me in the mirror. Sounds strange, I know. I've always had to watch what I ate and tried to stay on a regular exercise program (which varied, of course) but I think that I avoided actually looking at myself. I was 23 years old and had this sudden crash of reality. Through the long and short of it, I watched my younger sister start the Bariatric surgery route and was instantly attracted to the idea. In February of this year, I had a frank conversation with my doctor about how I was feeling about myself and what my possible options were and when she brought up gastric bypass, for some reason I felt relieved! I finally felt that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that eating right and exercise would work for me (eventually) but I also know my motivation wouldn't hold out for that long of time (I praise men and women who can do it!). So from that day, I got started on the long process of trying to have gastric bypass.
I had every procedure, test, evaluation I could as quickly as I could so not to prolong this process. I finished all my requirements but June 2008 (in four months) and in the beginning of July, I was rejected by my insurance company. I was devestated. I had spent all this money on something that wouldn't pan out! I was outraged. I immediately called my insurance company and demanded to know why. I wanted to appeal it. They told me I could if I wanted to but it wouldn't do any good because the type of plan I had would absolutely not allow it. I never expected that. I assumed that my surgeon would have known that when they sent in the application. The insurance part was the only part I didn't check up on, I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, I did end up having my surgery. I was fortunate enough to have just changed my insurane plan within my company to the one plan that accepted bariatric surgery! I had no idea! When I found out a few weeks later I was elated!!! By unconsciously changing one tiny detail, I was given the opportunity to have this amazing procedure! In July, I was given my surgery date- September 29th, 2008. Having a tangible date finally made all this seem real. I couldn't wait! I am not the type of person who second-guesses her decisions, when I decide something I do it. I've been gung-ho about this all along without a single "maybe, I shouldn't do this right now" or "maybe this isn't the right time".
I had my procedure two weeks ago and everything has gone pretty well. I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to needles and staples and stuff but I've stuck through it. I get my staples out on Tuesday and I can't wait! I am so afraid that I'm going to do something to upset them so only three more days! In the past two weeks I've lost over 15 lbs and I've been told that I'm doing great by my doc.
I know this was the right decision for me. I am so glad that I've done it and would recommend it to anyone who knows they have the determination to follow-through with the program and wants to feel great about themselves again (if you don't already!).
Well, thanks for letting me tell my side of the story, congrats if you've gotten this far! Goodluck to all.
Love and Peace,
Patrizia