Pre Surgery process

Sep 19, 2010

In January I had my appointment with Dr. Magliola in weight management.  I was a little nervous meeting with him.  During my appointment with him, I felt more and more relaxed. We talked about having the surgery for a hot second, but really focused on changing my way of life.  The next appointment I had with him, he gave me a food journal and told me to write everything down I ate along with exercise.  I was and still am horrible about writing things down.  So I did the best I could by my next appointment.  I did not lose anything at that visit.  He told me I must not have done what he asked me to do, if I did I would have lost weight.  After that appointment I felt horrible, like a little ant.  So I made every possible effort to lose as much weight as I could by my next appointment.  It was during that time I became addicted to walking.  I would walk on my lunch for 30 minutes, then walk home from work everyday for 15 minutes, I would even walk at night.  I started setting walking goals for myself and acheived them all.  I looked at food instead of something that tastes good, I saw calories and fat.  I was so proud of the change I made.  I had my 4th visit with Dr. Magliola, I did it.. I lost almost 10 lbs.  I was so happy.  He told me to continue doing what I was doing and to see him next month.  I continued doing everything and lost around 10 lbs when I saw him.  Then we discussed if I was going to pusue the surgery or continue to lose the weight on my own.  I told the Dr. that I struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.  I said one of my goals was to start a family and I am up against a biological clock (33 years old).  I said I feel this is the right move for me, I can not take all the meds anymore.  He agreed with me, he said if this is something you were to do, there is no time like now to have the surgery. 
During the 6 months process, I received clearance from heart and vascular (since I had WPW), pulmonary (was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea), nutrition, psych and weight mgmt.  In June all the paperwork was sent over to my insurance requesting approval for RNY surgery.
I called my insurance co to check the status of the request and she said that it was pending approval for lap band surgery.  I told them no, it's suppose to be RNY.   I called the nurse and she called them right away and had it corrected.  The nurse called me within an hour and said I have great news for you.... you are approved and she had the auth number and everything.  I was so happy!  Finally!
So we went back and forth with surgery dates and my date was 7/22. 
More to come.

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