Getting Started

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.

Welcome Packet

My welcome packet from United Healthcare arrived in the mail today. In it they detail the requirements for participating:

• Enrollment in their bariatric resource program
• BMI of 40 or higher, or at least 35 with two or more co-morbid conditions
• Over 18
• and so on…

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.

Awake

I woke up this week.

Staring at the mirror I’ve always seen a big guy. I know I’m big. There’s no hiding my size. But for some reason, I’ve always seen myself as someone a lot smaller. I’m fed up with how far I’ve let my body go. I’m almost 32. I don’t want to die. I don’t want a heart attack.

On Monday, I made the call to explore getting gastric bypass surgery. I know I have the potential to lose weight, but I am my own worst enemy. I’ve tried dieting and have had some success, but something always comes up – always gets in the way – and I fail. Or I get bored with it. Or I get hungry from starving myself. It’s a terrible, terrible cycle and I’m tired of being in it.

So I’m exploring the surgery. I know there are potential risks from it, and it’s not fool-proof. I can sabotage myself even after having the surgery. But I really feel like this is going to be my best chance to get the excess weight I have, off. Permanently.

I was assigned a case worker today. I’ll have to be under a six month, doctor or dietician-assisted diet plan, undergo a psychological exam, and participate in six months of counseling/support groups.