Robin Holmes
My journey began about a year ago when I purchased a dog. Of course when you have a dog, you have to walk him/her at least 2 or 3 times a day. Well, I live in an apartment building on the third floor and was having the worst time taking the trip up and down the stairs (there is no elevator). I found myself trying to take shortcuts and avoid going downstairs and of course my poor doggy suffered from it. I eventually had to sell her because I was too tired to care for her the way she deserved. I realized at that point (because I loved her so much) that I had to change my life. I began to notice that not only did my shih tzu suffer but my children and husband are suffering too. I have several health conditions that limit my activity but I truly think that I have hidden behind those illnesses as an excuse for not being more active. I made up my mind to change myself and started my research on WLS. After a year of secretly doing the research behind my family's back, I decied to tell them what I was planning on doing. I thought they would be excited and happy for me but I got the opposite. My children were happy but did not really understand what it all meant. My husband was furious. He explained that he loved me the way I am and married me when I was even heavier than I am now. He was adament about me staying just the way I am. My mother was very afraid that I would die and just said no before I could even finish telling her about the surgeon and wonderful before and after care program they offer. Well, I decided that I was going to do it anyway with or without their support. Of course the insurance battle was very difficult to go through alone because the denials, and faxing proof, and more denials went on for more than 7 months. I finally got my PCP and Cardiologist to write letters and send in 6 mths of office progress notes, 3 days later I was approved. I could have had my surgery in November but decided to wait until January since my birthday is in that month and I will forever view my surgery date as my new birthday. It's a second chance at life and I'm not going to miss out on it. I have discussed it more with my family and though they still do not approve, they realize how important it is to me and will be by my side (to say "I told you so" according to them but whatever!). I encourage anyone who is trying to have this done to weigh (no pun intended) all the odds and realize that this is not an easy way out. It is a very serious and dangerous surgery and should not be taken for granted. You still have to do your part to stay healthy and loose weight so no cheeseburgers 2 days after surgery. Take care and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Robin
