Hello everyone I have been on this forum for a couple of months now and decided tonight would be the night for me to share my story.

My Name is Blannie and I will be starting my pre-op diet on tomorrow. My surgery is September 10th, 2012 with Dr. Marema. I have not always being fat and it wasn't until I was in my 20's when I started this love affair with food. I have had so many disappointments when it has come to men in my life that it is ridiculous. I have tired every diet known to man and had some success but would always gain the weight back and most times double! I am tired of hearing people say when they find out about me having WLS..YOU ARE NOT THAT BIG or why are you taking the easy way out!!!! I have learned from being on this forum that WLS is NOT THE EASY way out!!! I a lifestyle change it is a daily commitment to change your life with the help of the sleeve. We still have to do the work in conjunction with the sleeve and I am so grateful for it.

I am doing this FOR ME and I don't care what anybody has to say or think....

So here it is my story: My journey started back in 2010 with me pursing the lap band. After going threw the 6 month pre requirement, nutritionist and pysch evaluation we submitted to my insurance. After a week I was informed that my claim was denied. I was very upset and frustrated because after all why would my insurance deny me? It was during this time that I found out about a requirement that was not told to me while going threw the process. Apparently my insurance (CIGNA) has a requirement that states in order for them to pay the surgeon has to be working at a Cigna Certified Center of Excellence facility. I tried three different ways to have the decision changed. I contacted the State of Florida department of insurance and issued a complaint. I went threw my human resource department and filed a complaint and I wrote a letter of appeal directly to the insurance company. After several weeks of working with my HR advocate I was advised to find a physician that already met the insurance requirements! Thus I found Dr. Marema with US Bariatrics. He was such a nice guy and his staff so accomodating with all the problems I had experienced in the past. He talked about the sleeve and I decided to switch to the sleeve. After meeting Dr.Marema Cigna approved me for the surgery at any facility in FL but I choose to go with Dr. Marema. I am finally excited about something in my life. Other than being a mother to my boys this opportunity to have the sleeve is one of the best things that I had done for myself. Actually it is one of the only things I have done for me..usually I am the last one in my life that I do something FOR! I am so looking forward to being healthy and have NSV's like everyone else... I just would like to be able to wipe my butt and not feel like I am having to lean over and take deep breathes... (I know TMI). Thanks for the support on this page and the information has been priceless. I know what to expect and I am praying the best for everyone on the forum!

Blannie

welcome blannie.... Congrats on your decision.... best of luck to you!!!!

that is so wonderful that you are finally able to begin your journey. welcome! and congrats!!!

Congrats and best of luck!!