Karen's Journey - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

KarenInKali · 08-08-2007, 10:55 AM

Well, since I go for my consult tomorrow, and am totally on pins and needles, I figured I would start my journey thread so it will all be laid out... here's the gist of what I put in my intro thread:

I'm jumping in here to introduce myself. Another newbie who is ready for some serious changes in life. I have been overweight as long as I can remember - 7? 8? It's been a battle almost my entire life, and I am ready for changes.... y'all been to amusement parks and not fit on rides? Happened to me a few years ago, thought I was in better shape now. We had relatives in town a couple of weeks ago and went to Knotts Berry Farm. My 13 yr old DD tried to get me to ride the rollercoasters - I told her I wouldn't because I didn't want to be embarrased. She finally got me to get in line for one I figured I would fit on - only to be humiliated after waiting in line for 90 minutes and not being able to do it. After many tears and frustrations that night, my DH and I decided it's time.

He's in the Marine Corps and does not have a weight problem - although being in shape is part of his job, and he works out just about every day. This November will be our 20th anniversary, if we make it. My weight has become a serious issue in our marriage - there are other issues too - but I want him to have the woman he married back again....

A little more history about me. I'm 6'0" and am sitting right at 268. When Steve and I went to Dr. C's seminar people stared... I felt I could read their minds - "what are you doing here?" I am blessed to be tall and I hold my weight well - however, "well" still means that I am wearing a 22/24 and that's just not acceptable anymore. I have done all the diets - Jenny Craig, WW numerous times, Atkins, the Zone, the list goes on and on.

My biggest fear at this point is being told that I don't have enough to lose, that I don't fit the parameters, or that I don't qualify.

VanessaSFL · 08-08-2007, 11:27 AM

Karen~
First WELCOME!!!!
second~Do you have any co morbities?Have you been pre-approved?

When I had my consult,The only question I asked was," I saw your picture in the newpaper and I would like to know if you think I would be a good candidate?"So glad I went through all the tests and researched such a huge deceision...I am 2 1/2 years post op and still adjusting to this new life style.

Keep us posted..it is very exciting time for you and your family.

Best wishes~

KarenInKali · 08-08-2007, 11:38 AM

Vanessa, I don't have the obvious comorbids - I'm borderline HBP, but no diabetes, etc... in fact, I picked up my labs yesterday and everything looks great except I'm slightly deficient on calcium. I do, however, have other comorbids - ankle swelling, knee and joint pain, back pain brought on by herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, and reflux. LOL, my hubby swears I have a sleep apnea too

I am not preapproved. My insurance will cover at 100 lbs and comorbids, or 200 lbs with no co's. LOL, I'm not willing to put on another 100 in order to be preapproved!

VanessaSFL · 08-08-2007, 11:43 AM

Karen~

All the joint,swelling and back stuff sounds like a winner to me.

Again, Best wishes girl and keep us nosey ones updated

KarenInKali · 08-08-2007, 11:48 AM

Will do! I am so glad I found this place early on - the support and friendship here is incredible!

KarenInKali · 08-09-2007, 11:03 AM

Ugh! Why am I so nervous? Hmmm, only because I'm hoping today I will be told I am a candidate for such a huge live-altering event? I'm not accomplishing anything at work! My appt's at 3:00 this afternoon.... 5 hours to go!

KarenInKali · 08-09-2007, 07:14 PM

So I know why I was nervous - I don't qualify under my insurance's guidelines.....

I haven't given up the fight yet!

KarenInKali · 08-24-2007, 02:10 PM

Hmmm, since last post, a different doctor put me through for pre-authorization, it was denied for lack of documentation - which we expected. My authorization just came through today for a sleep study and I will be scheduling it today. LOL, my hubby swears this will come back with enough evidence to put me through!

I am guardedly excited, I don't want to get my hopes up too much.

paige52 · 08-24-2007, 03:36 PM

I talked to a lady last night that actually gained weight to have her surgery!...Crazy girl.

HOpe the sleep study goes favorable for you. If nothing else they should give you a PAP machine... I started sleeping like a baby when my hubby got one of those!...it was soooo wonderful!

LyndasRoom · 08-24-2007, 03:37 PM

Karen, I'm crossing everything for you!