first hurdle jumped

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

First hurdle jumped today and lots of red flags were waved in front of my

eyes. I met with my Endocrinologist today. I met a young woman dr who was

so supportive and then the head of the department. They had no problem

with me getting a consult with a surgeon.

Now as far as the office assistant on the way out. Wow, she just said the

doctors should tell you this but your insurance doesn't cover this surgery.

Then on and on about the PCP needing to request the surgical consult

rather than the endo's. (my PCP was the one who told me that my insurance

does cover the wls.)

So, some of the first hurdles have been outlined for me.

The other problem is that they didn't even know of a surgeon who has done

the DS but that that shouldn't hold me back from looking for one. The head

doctor said that it was probable that several surgeons have done DS but

just have finalized their findings yet. Ha? I told the one doctor (young)

that they have been doing them since 1988. She was surprised that DS had

been done that long as she really didn't know about it. I guess in school

they only get the gastric stapling and the RNY.

I felt that was sort of discouraging. I am also borderline as being able

to have the surgery with a BMI of 39. Their criteria is 40 BMI or greater

for choice and 35 BMI or greater with co-morbidities. So who knows. My

blood pressure was high again today.

I just know that once I really felt like I was better from the acute renal

failure of last year that I have steadily and rapidly been putting back the

weight I had lost due to the illness. 22 lbs in 4 months and I haven't

changed my eating habits. Scary.

So perhaps I am going to have to do the sleep apnea study. I don't sleep

well but have no one around to tell me if I have symptoms or snoring or

whatever. I have just developed asthma symptoms and general big loss of

energy. I know that I am having real difficulties and the doc said that

some just feel better no matter what their weight and others are more

sensitive to the weight issues.

So bottom line, I see my PCP next week and since he suggested the wls I am

sure he will give me a consult referral. Now to learn about my insurance

situation. I guess I am scared to ask as I might only be offered RNY.

Ohhh my stomach is in knots.

i

PS after talking to the endo and such I am more convinced that I have tried

all things and that wls is definitely an option I should try to get.

[Guest guest]

first hurdle jumped

> I just know that once I really felt like I was better from the acute renal

> failure of last year that I have steadily and rapidly been putting back

the

> weight I had lost due to the illness. 22 lbs in 4 months and I haven't

> changed my eating habits. Scary.

>

A couple of things ... WLS is indicated if your BMI is between 35 and 40 IF

you have serious comorbidities. If your acute renal failure was related to

your weight, I would certainly consider that a serious comorbidity!!! Start

jumping through your hoops and get everyone you come in contact in the

medical profession behind you. It may take awhile, but from all the reading

I've done, it seems like persistence is the key.

alyssa, hell bent on persistence...and a DS!