stepoffaith

famous: so just a few more days til the seminar, right? I went ahead and got a referral from my PCP even though I am not sure the surgeon will want one and I am gathering my MR and list of diets I have been on... stuff I know that they will need in the future. I am real excited to move forward. How about you?

I hadn't even thought about who might be there. I guess I am self-absorbed at this point. I am so excited about this next Saturday. My dh is going with me and I guess I just am anxious to take this step so I can get to the next one. You will be fine. Don't worry about who is there and what they are thinking. I have worried about what others have thought about the fat me long enough. I need to worry about me and what I am doing for me now, not what others think. Good luck.

Hi all you Texans. I am actually from NM. But my insurance will only let me have Dr. Frezza from Lubbock or Dr. Acosta from El Paso do my surgery. Anybody using these drs? I live about 6-7 hours away but I will be traveling!

candy: thanks. I started my letter last night but I added alot since I got your reply. Polished it up and I like the looks of it. I am getting my PCP referral letter (one is not required but its icing on the cake) this week and I got my prior auth form for surgery from my insurance co this past week so my surgeon doesn't have to obtain one-just fill it and fax it with all the requirements. I also am filling out all the forms required by the surgeon. The seminar is next Saturday-less than one week a way. Thanks again.

Suellen, if you have been reading these posts you will notice many refer to this as a journey. There is a reason for this I believe. I, too, have been overweight a long time and thought I might choose the lap band but was sure my PCP would not agree. He has encouraged me to count calories and exercise for years. When I approached him with the idea at my physical this December he said quite sincerely that he thought I would be an ideal candidate. I couldn't believe my ears. I asked him to repeat it. I called my insurance company. They only approve two doctors. Both are about 7 hours from where I live so I contacted both. I am filling out papers for one and attending a seminar for the other, obtaining a referral from my PCP from both. What I am saying I guess is you just have to research, start checking out the possibilities. My family was more supportive than I thought they would be. My mother thinks I could go on a banana and egg diet and lose, she lost her 30 pounds that way back in the 40's- I have 130 to lose! oh well, not everyone understands. I like ceradad's technique to make it hit home. Visit the board often and get more ideas and don't give up IF the lapband is what you want and you really feel it is right for you.

Thanks Candy & Dori. I have sleep apnea, GERD, glucose intolerance but not on any meds for that. Am on CPAP and nexium. Have hip and back pain, see the chiropractor frequently, have seen ortho and received injections for pain, just remembered I might can use that as they discontinued the injections because it spiked my sugars...

Question. for anyone: I received paperwork from the surgeon's office today and they want a *hearts & flower* letter written by me to the insurance compay stating my view of why I want this surgery. The reasons can be both medical and personal. I know there are several reasons but when I start a letter I just can't seem to form it. Anyone else do this. Help please

famous: Sorry I couldn't write back sooner. I work a 12 hour day on Thursdays which usually runs into more like 14. I am glad you want to keep track of this trek together. bigmarathoner: I too am gathering all my medical records as I too have had alot of medical tests during the past year or two, like my sleep study, EGD, etc... any other tips anyone? Thanks everybody.

Song, how are you doing? When you feel better keep us informed. I am pulling for you and most importantly, praying for you. May strength and blessings be yours from the top of your head to the souls of your feet. God Bless

Thanks for your words of encouragement. I love this thread. I am anxiously awaiting. I know God is in control. I was getting discouraged and then I heard Nicole C. Mullen blasting on the cd player this morning on the way to work reminding me all things are possible.

I right with you. My seminar is January 12th. I would do it today too. Frustration huh? My insurance said they would only approve two doctors, one in Lubbock or one in El Paso. Thats 6-7 hours away from me but thats okay. I tried both to see which I could get in first. One said they would send paperwork. Haven't seen it. Other one said attend seminar, luckily in a city only 3 hours away from me. Thats on the 12th. And here we go... Would love to keep up with some one as this progresses but haven't really found anyone interested as of yet. Are you?

OK skinnymini, don't give up on us. I know I am willing to listen and I think sometimes sharing is a big part of the solution. It is hard to admit our feelings to others and you made that first step so don't give up. Your baby is a doll by the way.

You are almost there WendyRae. Do you have everything ready? I am sure you are excited. Everything will be fine. Don't forget to post when you feel up to it. We want to know how you are doing.

Thank you for starting this thread. I am a newbie to this site and just found this thread. I love all your honesty and encouragement. I would love to join in too if you'll have me too. I am Christian gal who decided to take that step of faith, thus the name. I struggled with the decision also wondering if I shouldn't be able to do this without surgery. Now I am dealing with the frustrations of obtaining doctor appointments and insurance approvals. This can test one's faith can't it? But God is good and He will prevail. Thanks for all your words of encouragement to each other. Your sister in Christ, Cindy

I hope sob can help with the financial. I don't think you should feel ashamed. I am new to the forum but what I am getting from most everyone is the honesty. The ups and downs are part of our life and when we have to start over, well we do. Hang in there on your journey. 2008 is the year for new beginnings. This is yours.-My computer keeps glitching hope this doesn't post twice.

You will do great. I am trying to get approved in Lubbock or El Paso as my insurance says they won't approve anywhere else.

where in texas? I think I would be so excited I don't know if I could sleep!

How did the seminar go Spark? Now what? Will you go with that dr?

From Farmington, NM. About 16 hours away from you or so. My son used to live in Lawrence. Good luck with your seminar. It seems slow doesn't it or is it just me? When you finally make up your mind to something you want it to move on.

Hi there. I live in NM and frequent the Phoenix (and suburbs) often. My son lives in Maricopa. You didn't say if you have settled on a physician but looking at previous notes I take it you are just starting on your journey too? I am just beginning and would love to compare notes as we do this. Are you using an insurance or is that why you are looking at Mexico more closely? I was hoping for a physician in the Phoenix area so I could stay with my son but my insurance will only pay for one in El Paso or one in Lubbock so I will travel to Texas if I get approved.

I am one step behind you. I just called and inquired of two physicians that are approved by my insurance and the seminar isn't until January 12. So I am barely beginning on my journey.