A Small Step

Today was my appointment with my pcp. I am not sure what I was so worried about. I guess I figured he would find a reason to say he wouldn't refer me to my insurance provider's program for the lap band/bariatric surgery. Boy, was I wrong. He was very much on board. We went through my chart and documented all the problems that I have had that are attributed to my weight. Tomorrow I am going to have blood work to check some things that he didn't at my physical earlier this year just to make sure we aren't missing anything. The nurse said that I should hear in a week if my referral was accepted. If it is then I would start the process for being evaluated and considered for the surgery. I also found out today that I am shorter than I thought which brings my BMI up to 48.6. Unfortunately for me my insurance requires a BMI of 35-49 with out of control diabetes, or two other comorbidities. For sure I have one, high cholesterol, and it looks like possible hypertension. The other qualifying problems my insurance accepts are heart disease, pickwickian syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. My pcp was very supportive and said that any other insurance company would accept me on my BMI alone, but lucky me I have ghc so there will be several hoops. PCP stated that he has had a lot of people not qualify, but he has had others that do and he believes he had ghc accept someone who's BMI was lower. I guess there isn't anything I can do until I hear back from insurance. Considering my health history and family health history, my weight issues since elementary school, and the constant dieting you'd think that I'd be a shoe-in. Oh well. I have to be patient and patient I will be. According to the paper I printed off today from ghc I also have to maintain a diet and exercise program, maintain a 5% weight loss until surgery,attend support group meetings, keep all appointments and of course follow all the counseling and nutrition classes. I'm so ready! Bring on the red tape baby, cause I'm willing to do what I have to in order to being a new, healthy life!!