BC/BS of Michigan

[Guest guest]

Well, Here is my long story,

I found Dr. R's website last Sept. after going to a clinic in Pontiac,

Mich. and decided immediately Dr. R.'s surgery was the one I wanted. I

had to wait until Dec 3rd to go on open enrollment of BC ins. at my

work. I had from Sept until Dec. to get my information and all the

diet programs I've tried together to send in.Debbie filed my first info

to BC on Dec. 4th. They wanted the psych eval before they made a

decision and I had an appt. Dec. 27th. That jerk never sent the info.

into them until they contacted me and asked where my eval was. So that

taught me TO CALL EVERYONE TO SEE IF THE INFORMATION HAD BEEN RECEIVED

AND WHAT STAGE OF THE PROCESS IT WAS IN.

I waited a few weeks and CALLED BC of Mich. and they told me I was

denied. I was never called or contacted about this - If I hadn't had

called I would still be waiting. Debbie then sent in the appeal and I

called 2 weeks later and THEY COULDNT FIND IT!! Since I had sent it UPS

I had a record that they received it, but it was lost! So since I have

made a copy of EVERYTHING I then FAXED it to a girl that seemed to be on

my side. They didn't give me any more info until the 30TH day - even

though I learned to call them about every other day by now - knowing I

had to keep this ball rolling - and I was denied again. I cant remember

the dates for sure - but believe me I have been on a MISSION to get this

surgery approved.

SO, the next appeal went to the Medical Review Board and I figured they

would approve it after seeing what kind of surgery it was. If they

hadn't my next step would be to go to the Board of Insurance

Commisioners in our state capital, LANSING. - A friend of mine in the

insurance business said ins. co.'s dont want you to go there -EVER.

ALSO,

Since this surgery looks like it might really happen - I want to talk

about food addiction. I know I am a food addict! and like other addicts

- alcoholics, drug addicts, gambling addicts and all the rest, food is

the love of my life. I not only think about food all day, but as soon as

I eat, I'm planning my next meal! I'm ashamed to admit that, but I've

got to face reality if I'm going to be successful with my life after my

surgery. Being a member of Overeaters Anonymous through my many years

of struggling with my weight will be a big help with me " Letting GO " of

my best friend, food.

With the help of Dr. R. I have found out that being overweight was a

physical problem too. I had always felt like a failure thinking it was

just me. It was a real relief to discover a physician who didn't think

of overweight people with contempt. You have all heard the line, " Why

don't you just stop eating? " But it's so much more than that - I have 3

very thin sisters who all weight about 125. They look at me like I'm

crazy because I'm hungry all the time.. But they have my mother's genes

and I take after my father's side of the family that was always

overweight. I'm 50 years old and until I found this website - thought I

was a weakling and just couldnt' ever lose weight. I really don't know

why I didn't look around and SEE the genetic difference. I was so busy

putting myself down for a being a failure I just didn't notice.

So I guess I'm writing this to decide to start to prepare myself to " let

go " of food being the highlight of my life. I don't want food to run my

life anymore. Just like any addict that gives their best friend up, I

want to be ready to give it up too. I'm motivated. I'm sick of not

being able to bend over, sit in booths in restaurants, I'm up to a size

4X since just before Christmas, I'm sick of buying bigger clothes, I,

sick of being embarrassed to eat in front of other people because I eat

so much.

I can't wait to say " I only need a little bit of food, thanks. " or

" that's enough for me, I can't eat another bite. " or I don't eat much,

just give me a little plate. or even better yet, I " M NOT HUNGRY,

THANKS. hehehe

I'm ready for my new life, it can't happen soon enough for me.

Well, my friends, sorry to go on so long, I guess I just needed to

write about this - thanks for listening.

Barb in Michigan