Well, a tentative surgery date, anyhow.
I met with Lisa, my patient advocate, on Tuesday and assuming I can complete my doctor supervised diet on March 1st – and there are no hangups with insurance – I’ll have WLS on March 23. I’m excited and nervous. Now I just need to make up my mind whether I’ll have gastric bypass or a duodenal switch.
This past weekend I participated in the first ever Walk from Obesity in Augusta, GA. The event helped raise over $3000 in support of the ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) Foundation and its research and professional education initiatives, and the patient and general public educational and advocacy programs of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). The organizers did an awesome job of making this happen!
A few thoughts while I was on my way to meet with a dietician for the first time. Pardon my rambling.
We just got word that our max out of pocket insurance expenses are increasing by another $1,600 next year. I’m glad we have insurance, but we get less and less each year and end up paying more and more.
Anyhow, I had to move my psych consult back until the beginning of next year. Since it represents at least $300 out of pocket I’ll have to pay, I might as well have it apply towards next year’s expenses (of which there will be many).
Did I mention I’m going to be a dad again? Kim’s due around the time when I plan to have the surgery done. I might possibly be insane. Not quite sure where the money will come from to pay for everything, but we’ll make it somehow.
My nutrition assessment is next week. I’ve got my first appointment with my new primary care physician on Friday to start my supervised diet. I’m glad things are starting to move along.
I had a bit of a delay in getting a call in with the United Healthcare RN assigned to my case. I was traveling last week and she – rightfully – didn’t want to conduct the call while I was driving.
Anyhow. So yesterday was big as far as progress goes. I had a call with the RN, I attended a mandatory weight loss seminar conducted by Trinity Bariatrics, and I went to my first support group meeting. The seminar was highly informative. Dr. Chasen discussed the types of procedures available, obesity as a disease and lots more. It was a lot to take in.
What’s left at this point? Well, I have an appointment scheduled with the bariatric surgeon on 10/22. Between now and then I’m going to get in touch with a dietician and/or my primary care physician to start a medically supervised diet.
My welcome packet from United Healthcare arrived in the mail today. In it they detail the requirements for participating:
I more than meet the criteria. My current BMI is around 58%. My height hides my weight somewhat, but there’s no hiding that I let myself go further than I ever should have.
After reading through all of the paperwork, my next step will be to talk with my case manager on September 8th. Then I’ll need to visit my doctor, participate in a 6-month supervised diet and attend a weight loss support/counseling group.
The next six months will be very interesting.
