I started my bariatric's journey back around August of 2012 with a conversation with my insurance company. They advised they would pay for my surgery in full after I completed the requirements of 6mth nutritionist and physiatrics appointment. They then set me up with a direct counselor. My counselor was a bum one and everyone I spoke to said I had to talk to her before I did anything else. Before you knew, almost six months went by and I called back they said, they would get me a new person. I instead got the same bum counselor. Finally, I called a fifth time and got a new person who said I didn't need her at all it was only for reporting purposes. HEAD BANG!
Finally, I started checking around and getting setup with a nutritionist and got that done and my psychiatric appointment. I think it makes me sad it was delayed so long over a mis-communication. The insurance company, doctors, and counselor do not communicate very well. The one big benefit is that I have had all this time to discuss it with my family, research, and read everything I could on the subject.
I had finally completed all my requirements and was approved by the insurance company for moving forward. Geesh that took forever!
When I saw my surgeon for the first time, we discussed my options he learned or tried to convince me to do an RYN because my metabolism is so slow. I said I would consider a sleeve but knew without a doubt, not an RYN. I initially went in wanting a lap band. However, he's a teacher, so he did lots of surgeries and went over the complications of lap bands.
We agreed that my metabolism was bad in our session. I eat really well these days. Rarely do I eat anything processed or packaged. I cook everything from scratch, and I have spent my time with nutritionist customizing that and listening to my body. I now stop when I am full I don't keep eating. Which was a big deal for me. My surgeon required 50lbs before surgery. I've lost a bit and gained a bit but nothing near what he required. I spoke to the nurse at his office, and she said without a doubt I had to loose at least that to setup a follow-up for blood test etc.
It's kind of discouraging being stuck at this point I feel like I have to starve myself to get past this last hurdle to continue on with my life.
Some people have recommended doing just shakes for awhile though I have thought of that and said it might work others have stated I would be worn out on a liquid diet for so long.
I understand the surgeon requires two weeks of liquid diet pre operation, and I believe almost 6weeks after surgery. I know all doctors are different. I think he's a stickler for making sure the new stomach doesn't leak.
It took me a long time to convince my girlfriend to compromise and allow me to have this surgery. She loves the surgeon I have now because he's so meticulous and through.
Not sure how to proceed... I'm stuck in approved status for a resolution to my problems, and my problem is preventing me from being free!