You are taking the easy way out..

According to the CDC  did you know that 70% of america's adults are considered overweight?

I don't go around telling people I am weeks maybe days away from my first surgery. I am not telling everyone that I am preparing to say good bye to my fat. But, I want to. I have not shared my blog with Facebook  I feel like I am keeping a secret. But, I am not. It comes down to this. I like to have a solid plan. When I don't have a plan and it's not set in stone- I over think it. I BELIEVE this is going to happen.  Am I really going to post a blog about this? If I am going to post on Facebook  I need to address something before I tell Facebook  (My friends and supporters- I love you and thank you for your continued support). 

Believe it or not- this is my LEAST favorite thing to hear:  "You are taking the easy way out by having surgery." (I have heard it 3 times). And this is when I say this "I have been considered overweight since 1992. That is 21 years. Way over half of my life. I have tried dieting- I have exercised- I have taken supplements- I have taken pills- My last 50 pounds was gained while on birth control. 

Choosing to change my life is not most people's business and I assure you that nothing about being unhealthy is easy. This decision is right for me and my family. We welcome your support and prayers. While your approval is nice- it's not necessary. 

My therapist says if the disapproving folks mean something to me then you have to educate them. Tell them your journey- Share with them how they have improved complication rates and mortality rates when bariatric surgery is performed at a Center of Excellence. 

Pam Davis says this: We have to remember there are many environmental, societal, hormonal, physiological and genetic factors that come together to impact our weight. We as a society cannot be so naïve as to think behavior change alone will be a successful treatment. We have to be ready, willing and able to educate the naysayers regarding obesity prevention and treatment. We have to be willing to stand-up for ourselves and others. We have to be willing to educate those who think any treatment for obesity, including surgery, is an easy way out.

After being a “fat” kid, teen and adult, my physician and I determined that bariatric surgery is the best course of treatment for me. I am having bariatric surgery to treat a chronic, lifelong disease and I am not taking the easy way out. I assure you. Thanks Pam Davis for reminding me of this. 

Decision Day Drama

Mondays are my day to go escape to my office and get work done. I get a call at lunch from my PCP saying my weight loss surgery doctor was requesting records from 2011- I wasn't seeing her in 2011. So, I sit down and send my doctor's nurse an email stating what doctor's I had seen in the past 10 years. Ended the email with Let me know if you need anything.  On my way home- I call her- leave a message. (Yes, I am crazy).

At 4:31 she emails that insurance is needing my weight from a medical professional in 2011. Oh and they need it by 5pm to re-review. Panic sits in. Have you ever called a dr's office after 4pm? Well, in 2011 I saw my gyn and I went to a walk in clinic. So, I start working phone and email. Hoping to get release papers to these folks in time so they will fax documentation. I was totally worn out by 5pm. I email my Dr's nurse "Ok. Just frustrating. Had I known I could have helped you with this. I just spoke to Kathryn and she is sending records from Feb and Dec 2011.  The Sherwood walk in office will only take release of information if its on their paperwork. So, getting to Sherwood (from Cabot) and to you by 5 would be impossible. You should have it in a few minutes. I am happy to help anytime if I know you need something."  <meanwhile, I was near Sherwood (25 minutes from my house- 9 minutes from my office) all day!!!>

She emails me back at 5:14 "The insurance company just called me back…. APPROVED!!"

Finally. 10 months. We have made it through decision day. 

The Waiting Game and my new opportunity!

I am eagerly waiting to hear back from insurance about my surgery. Everyone keeps asking when is your surgery..  I called (again) Friday and they were literally going over my documents and said we should know something on Monday. Hope it is soon! 
I also called a Facebook friend of mine Leslie about Rodan and Fields. I have been really worried about my skin and the effects of the surgery. I would hate to have the surgery and lose weight and it become really droopy or sagging.  She talked to me about her products and the results that others have had.  I decided to make the jump and becoming a consultant. Amazing products. You can check out my products here. 

Paperwork, paperwork

The paperwork gathering is a beast. I hate it. Let's learn from my experience.. People don't do what they say. It's not any one person's fault. Paperwork gets lost. So, when you finish your 6th and final appointment with your PCP- call, fax, email your other doctors and ask them if have sent your paperwork. If they say yes then call your paper gathering person and if she has not received them- call the other doctor and tell them you will be hand delivering the paperwork. Ask them when will it be ready for pick up? Don't wait on them to fax, email or mail the paperwork. It's won't happen. I am three weeks behind- I should have already sent in my paperwork but, it's lost- so, don't depend on anyone!!!!!!!!!

UGGGGGGHHHHH