Hope Deferred

[fencepost 2]

This is a story about not giving up on your hope for change. If God is with you,who can be against you. Four years ago I tried to have the RNY. During the process of getting my medical approvals my Cardiologist found out I needed another type of bypass and I ended up having a Quadruple Heart Bypass operation instead. Fortunatly I had just lost 25 lbs. and was walking every day preparing for the RNY. I believe because I was trying to get healthy it ended up saving my life. The checks I had already written for the RNY surgery were returned to me. I was not to eager to have surgery again right away, nor could I until I completed my Cardiac rehab.

I attempted to lose the weight using other methods, I worked out and attended Weight Watcher meetings. I ended up losing 10 % of my joining weight. I did not however maintain my loss, which is typical of my weight loss experience, trouble maintaining over the long haul. So earlier this year in October I attempted to go back to my original surgeon. After discussion with him and much research I settled on the Gastric Sleeve. I called Aetna and found out they would cover the RNY but not the sleeve. I still was hoping to have the sleeve. In the insurance investigation by the surgeons office it was discovered that my company had a specific exclusion for weight loss surgery of any kind. I no longer had the money to pay cash as I had 4 years ago. My hopes were dashed.

I gave up on weight loss and started putting on weight. I would try again but my heart was not in it. Then later this year in the summer we had a financial miracle. A farm property was sold and the money was sufficient for me to have the VSG I had always wanted. In addition I was able to have a troublesome Galbladder removed at the same time. On July 28th 2009 I had the VSG & the Galbladder operation. I am now 4 days out and doing extremely well. God is truly faithful and I give him all the glory. I believe despite my failures in losing weight God's grace toward me allowed me to have this surgery. I am so thankful for this tool he has given me to lose the weight I need to. I am under no deception that this won't require hard work and faithfulness to the purpose, but that it will assist me in more closely following the Lord's perfect will for my life. Thank you Jesus that you are always faithful even when we are not.

I would encourage you if you have a similar story not to give up, but go to God, keep on asking, keep seeking.

VSG July 28th 2009

James A. Davidson M.D.

Forest Park Medical Center

Dallas, Texas

Edited August 1, 2009 by fencepost

[*susan* 1,709]

Hello and welcome to our forums. Thank you for joining and sharing your story with us. It just goes to show, we should never give up hope. I wish you much success in your weight loss journey.

[Ky.hen 5]

Welcome Fencepost, (love the name).

Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is true that God never gives up on us. He might have plans for us to do something else for awhile, so we can't give up on him either.

I'm thankful for the blessing that you recieved.

I too have had to cancel my surgery twice before due to other responsibilities. I have a new date on Oct 1st and with God's Grace I will get my sleeve this time.

Thank you so much for posting your story. You are a good example to others not to give up. Please keep on posting and keep us informed of your progress. Judy

[Malaika 50]

Welcome Fencepost and thank you for sharing your journey to WLS ... It reminds us that God never leaves us although we may wander from Him He is always there waiting for us to return. I'm glad it all worked out for you and will look forward to hearing about your success.

[renee3846 0]

What a wonderful story of struggle, challenges and success, thank you for sharing!

[Oregondaisy 2,020]

Welcome to Vertical Sleeve Talk.

We all wish you success in your journey.