TheBlkSiren

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When the clinic I'd gone to for the free seminar told me they couldn't help me because my insurance was HMO I was disappointed but not discouraged. After speaking with my primary care doctor about the possibility of WLS, she agreed and said I was an excellent candidate and other patients of hers have done very well after the surgery.  She sent in a pre-approval letter to my insurance carrier and I found out today that I've been approved!  I almost fell to my knees in joy and thanksgiving.  I can't believe the ball is now rolling.

Today I went to a free seminar held by the Coastal Center for Obesity in Southern CA.  They shared a wealth of information although most of it I had already researched on the web.  Actually getting out of bed on a Saturday morning and going to the seminar was my way of saying to myself that this journey is serious. They had us fill out a health survey and they copied our insurance cards.  We were told in about 3-4 days we'll get a call from the center to set up a consultation with the doctor.  The staff were knowledgable and professional and although I was the only African-American there, I did not feel ostricized.  It's amazing how being severly overweight cuts across class and race.  We are all in the same boat and looking to achieve our own personal versions of success.

I never thought I'd take the route of surgery.  I believed that diet, exercise and will power were all you needed (a fabulous metabolism wouldn't hurt) to stay within a healthy weight.  However, I've never been thin and after struggling with my weight for 31 years I refuse to go into my 32nd with the problems I'm starting to have now. I went to the doctor today after getting a full physical to get my lab and bloodwork results.  My blood pressure is out of control, my cholesterol is borderline high and it seems like everyday my weight gets higher and higher. Currently, I'm 4'11 and weigh 212lbs. My BMI is 43.2 and I had serious talk today with my PCP about WLS.  She was very open to the possibility and even put together a letter of referral. Hopefully I'm on my way!