The Process is a Long One.

I've been traveling so have not updated like I planned. But I'm back now, only to be leaving again in a couple weeks.

Good news: I've been accepted into the bariatric program!!

I am going through my insurance for my surgery. I'm lucky that they cover bariatric surgery, and am willing to jump through some hoops to avoid paying nearly $15,000 out of pocket. I know it will take longer to go through insurance (which I think is more than a little upsetting), but it's the better option financially. It started with contacting my primary care doctor and asking her to give me a referral for the surgery. She did, on 08/05/2011, and on 08/19/2011 I heard that I had been scheduled for orientation on 09/16/2011. I was told that I need to attend orientation on 09/16/2011 and at that point I would provide my availability to be scheduled for the class that lasts 3 months (which can take 2-6 months to get into... downer!!).

My biggest obstacle is being in Texas, and having my surgery in California. I'm lucky that I have family I can stay with, and have support coming from all over. I will likely be out there for about 6 months. Because it can take a few months in between orientation and the classes starting, I will go out to California for my scheduled day, and come back until my classes begin. I was hoping to be able to complete everything in one stretch, but hopefully things will go smoothly and I'll only need to make one trip back.

I'm glad the ball has started rolling, even though it's slow.

Why weight loss surgery?

My decision to have weight loss surgery was not one that happened over night. In fact, it took over 3 years, lots of research, many discussions, and even more research. My struggle with my weight has gone on much longer, though. It took me many failed diets, frustration, tears, and acceptance that if I don’t do something to change that I will have many unwanted problems in the future.

For a long time, I worried about what others would think if I made this decision. I thought people might see it as a cop out, a short cut, the “easy way out”. I don’t know whether it was my husband telling me numerous times not to care what other people think, or if it was me realizing that this is MY life, and I want to have a better life (probably a combination of the two). The decision doesn’t affect the nay-sayers… so why should I let their opinions affect me? I’m not sure why I let that influence my decision for so long, but when it comes down to it, the people who would not support me aren’t people I want in my life anyways.

Some people have asked me why, and others seem afraid to ask. I have multiple reasons, some I’m sure I’m not even aware of yet. My overall reason- I want to have a better quality of life. I want to be healthy, and active. I want to be able to keep up with my children (when that time in our life comes). I want to prevent the many side effects of being overweight. I want to enjoy so many little things that too many people take for granted.

I’m anxious and excited, and I know this will definitely be an experience I will remember.

This is Only the Beginning.

I’m embarking on a life changing journey. I have made the decision to undergo weight loss surgery. I’m so appreciative of the support I’ve received thus far, and I know the support I have will only help me during this experience.

My intention with this blog is to not only keep my family and friends informed and updated, but to share my experiences with those who are considering weight loss surgery and/or are looking for a more personal account on top of all the medical jargon you can find online. I thought it would be personally beneficial if I documented my journey, and maybe even help someone out along the way.