The Journey

I have been overweight the last 20 years, but never as heavy as I am now. I now weigh 300 pounds. I'm 5'9".  Last December, I made the decision to have bariatric surgery. This was a decision I never thought I would make. It had always seemed to me like the "easy way out" or that I was being a quitter.  After researching the various weight-loss surgeries, I decided on the Ruen-Y procedure. This is the typical bypass surgery most people think of. In a later post I'll describe the most common procedures.

My family consists of my two sisters and their husbands. Besides having lots of friends, my best friend has been my best friend since 8th grade. I'm 60 now, so do the math!  I told them all and they were very, very supportive. That support greatly lifted the burden I had been carrying.

I contacted the surgical center I had researched and chosen. I chose them based on reading their website, as well as considering the fact I have three good friends who had bariatric surgery by the same surgeons.  They all said it was the best place, the best surgeons.

I contacted them, they said my insurance, Blue Cross HMO, requires six-months of  nutritional education. This was in January. I was devastated. I had no idea I would have to wait that long.  I broke down and cried. I will discuss the classes in details later.

Today I "graduated" from my classes, which turned out to be meeting with a nutritionist, and going to class once a month for four months.  The next step is my medical exit interview/exam, then the request for authorization for surgery is sent to my insurance company.  My exit interview is next Wednesday, August 14.  When insurance approves it (notice my optimism!) they send the referral to the surgeon's office, and the surgeon's office contacts me for an appointment.

I am excited.  I am ready.  Join me on my adventure.

And remember:  You can make an excuse or you can make a change.