Jacqueline Morris - Let's see how I do, Shall we? - ThinnerTimes

Kitty · 04-17-2006, 04:37 AM

Hello All!

I'm new to the forum, and thought I should begin my story with an introduction.

I'm Jacqueline. I came to this forum because it seemed to be the most supportive and informative. As well as, very inspiring. I've been a big girl all my life, but carried my weight very well. One day a girlfriend of my mine warned me that I better not have any kids or my body would be ruined, because I was already a thick chick (as you can tell, I was pretty proud of my size), until I did have a child. Wow, my body took a turn of events. It went thru childbearing, to breast feeding, to vicious dieting gimmicks, to resulting in a 236 pound woman. I admit that I still wore the weight well (smile), but it is taking a toll on my health. I was athletic, and had to stop my activity because my knees were going. I twisted my ankle and it hasn't healed right ever since (2 years). My doctor told me I needed to "take care" of myself and lose the weight, but how could I?!? I couldn't walk, run, and I was getting too big for a bike. So I am going for gastric bypass surgery or gastric lap banding. Whichever the doctor suggests for me. I particularly like the banding. It doesn't seem to invasive, but its whatever it takes. Anyway, I am totally open for insight, thoughts, opinions, ect. I will take this journey through you and hopefully I will find support in you.

coptergirl · 04-17-2006, 09:57 AM

Jacqueline - Welcome to the forum family!! The type of surgery you have, and the methood by which you choose to have it is an extremely personal choice. I would suggest you do research and talk with your doctor about it to make the best choice for you.

I am glad you decided to join us

LisaBoston · 04-17-2006, 11:15 AM

Educate yourself to the full extent before you choose the optinon best for you. I did a pro/con list and thought it out for a long time before I choose which was best for me. Whatever you choose, just make sure its right for you.

Welcome to the board, its a great place for information & friends.

Kitty · 04-18-2006, 05:02 AM

Okay, okay... I'll have to be more frank (lol). I prefer the gastric banding procedure, but it depends on whether or not my insurance will pay for the Gastric Banding. Otherwise, I'll have to have the Gastric Bypass. I just didn't want to have the surgery be so invasive. All in all, I do need help either way.

Oh and a big thank you for the welcome. I feel very comfortable. (smile).

Kitty · 04-18-2006, 05:12 AM

I wish I already knew how the policy, procedure, pomp and circumstances it takes to actually make sure that all goes well the first time around. Yesterday, I called to follow up on my referrel:
--Landstuhl Medical Center referred me out to the network.

So, now I would have to:
--Head to the Tricare office to meet with a representative to file paperwork to be seen off base.

The first complication I ran into was that the doctor did everything correctly as far as placing the referrel in the computer, but (and she probably wasn't aware of it); a form she needed to fill out on my behalf. The Tricare officer, sent me to her busy office to have her fill out the form. I waited nearly 30 min. (not so bad).

Now, I await word that Tricare Europe will authorize my operation. This will be the longest five days. So, I will follow-up on Friday to get the final word.

coptergirl · 04-18-2006, 09:18 AM

I'll be praying for you!!!!

Gladitsme · 04-18-2006, 05:02 PM

Kitty, I'm crossing my fingers for you for the approval for surgery! Glad to have you here!

Mavisavis · 04-18-2006, 05:10 PM

Hey, welcome to the board. I hope things in the process go smoothly for you. I also looked into banding, but in my case I didn't trust myself with the list of things you could still eat or drink.......I decided I needed the more invasive and stricter method. Your insurance may give you and the doc a choice....mine did. Either tool will work if you follow the rules. I'm glad you found us. This is a great group of people....so caring and open. Keep us posted as you go along.

Kitty · 04-27-2006, 06:10 AM

Although, the Tricare Nurse Manager who works my case sent me on some goose chase; all went well. She inquired of a Podiatry consult I had placed separate from my WLS consult and thought... Just to stay safe... get more documentation from the Podiatrist to support the mandatory "Co-Morbid" ailments in conjunction with my request for WLS.

-DONE- (smile)

I'm Approved! So now, she will send the information to the Tricare Europe office who will set me up an appointment with the surgeon. The surgeon will complete an evaluation form that he must send back to Tricare; so that Tricare can further finance the surgery. Once, Tricare confirms the completed evaluation... The surgeon will schedule the surgery. Sounds easy enough (ha!)

All in all; I am so excited, however anxious. My husband cracks on me about how I will no longer enjoy the all you can eat crab feasts they have out here at the Ramstein Officer's Club. I crack back with a simple, "So." (lol). I'm anxious about all the rearranging that will go down in my body. I just hope I come out okay.