Steps and Decisions 2017

[NewRay2017]

I want to start by saying thanks to friends and family that are supporting
me as I begin this difficult journey. I am just a few months away from
turning 50 years old. To start for me this is my half life and I want to see
another 50! 2017 has been a real slap from reality for me. I thought it was
nothing that I have been on progressively strong blood pressure meds for
the past 17 years. I thought it was nothing that 30 years ago I was 185lbs,
then I would gain 20 give or take a couple. I would diet and loose 10 and
say that is ok. then steps like this over and over again has elevated me
to 305 at 6'0" tall. Next slap from the reality trout was when BCBS severed
their relationship with Kelsey Seybold and I had to find a new family doc.
WoW! This old South African Chap is not worried about time in the room.
He proceeded to take the little bit of medical history I gave him and he
reconstructed exactly how things have gone for 30 years. He convinced
me to have a sleep study for Apnea, he also bluntly labeled me as morbidly
obese. I was prepared for the study to take the two nights it seems most do,
settled down all wired up to sleep and was awakened in just 2 hours to be
strapped into my first cPap mask. I now get that fun experience every night.
So now on to the relevant parts of the journey. I have thought about WLS
for a number of years. Each time I reach a new high weight a new ache starts.
I work in a very large work force, so I have many friends that have walked this
path, some successful and some not so much. I am proud of both for wanting
to be healthy. I have chosen the Doctor that performed the Sleeve for one
of the most successful now healthy coworkers I have. From the first consult
it has been a bit of a whirlwind dealing with insurance approving just the
preliminary tasks of seeing a dietician, psychiatrist, bloodwork (which added
pre-diabetic to my list), and cardiologist to confirm I am healthy enough for
surgery. After jumping through all these hoops two weeks ago my doc applied
for approval to perform a gastric sleeve. I was thinking here we go, betting that
it would go a full month and a nice little adjuster would call and tell me I will
need to do something else to give them the chance to put off allowing me to get
help another month or more. Last night when I checked the mail I almost fell
over when I opened a letter from BCBS expecting it to be a denial of payment for my
bloodwork again and instead it was a surgery approval saying my procedure was a
necessity! I was also very very happy to learn I have completely covered my deductible
and out of pocket max for the year.

So after all this long winded writing I am ready to make a phone call tomorrow and request
a surgery date to start my next 50 years off right. I will post soon more and more, once I
figure this out I will include pictures.

I hope I can make everyone I know and don't know proud as I make these steps.

Ray

[Christie13]

Wow. Congrats Ray! This is an amazing journey. Remember, we are only as successful as the effort we put into our sleeve. I am so thankful I did it. In 4 lbs I will no longer be overweight. I started my journey with a BMI of 41.8 and now am at 25.7. I wish I had done this sooner but glad that I finally did it. If you need any support, reach out. This site has a wealth of knowledge and everyone is so supportive. Also, if you are going through it, odds are there is someone on here who has been there!

[3328876]

What a journey! I'm excited to hear how surgery goes! Good luck!

[poodlecamper]

Welcome to the group! Lots of encouragement and good information on this site.

[ghost_ryder]

I was 6'2" and weighed 341. Not sure how I got there but so glad I walked through the door for the seminar when I did.

[jamma]

Congratulations on this part of your journey. Remember, the surgeon is just a technician. Yes, you want the one you're most comfortable with, but only YOU will ensure your success. I can see how failure happens, so this forum is a great place to be with lots of good advice and encouragement! Good luck!

[GigiUSA]

Yay!!!! From one "half lifer" to another... Welcome and congrats on making a positive decision for you! I am scheduled to have my surgery in July. My insurance does not cover it so I am going to Mexico Flight booked (check) Surgery scheduled ( check) READY to do the work and live my best life.....(CHECK) haha

A ton of great info here and so many wonderful people willing to share their journey, advice, pictures and successes. Best of luck to you

[3328876]

I'm so excited for you! I've read so many positive things about Dr. Almanza. You're so close, too-- less than 60 days! I still don't have a date, but I'm hoping the insurance will approve me for August or Sept. I'm on the path, but it feels so unreal. Best wishes to you!

[Shirl]

Ray,

✨Welcome!✨

Congratulations on your decision to join the conversation, and on your decision to go through the Sleeve Gastrectomy know your life is about to change for the better as reported in 99% of most cases.

For me, the risks of surgery were much lower than if I had stayed on the same path. I'm also nearing that half century mark.

If you haven't already, watch Dr. Matthew Weiner YouTube channel for what to expect before/after surgery. This surgery has been the best decision I have ever made, it is by no means an easy way out, it is also NOT a ✨*Magic Wand*✨ that will make weight magically disappear. It takes mindful every day work to stay present and use our permanent tool to be better and healthier versions of our current selves.

Sending you the best of wishes on your WLS journey!

Shirl