MAY 10, 2000 ~The Big Day!~ Jennifer and I arrived at the doctors office a little early, but well prepared. I had already filled out all the paperwork, the doctors site has the forms on it. We were taken to a room to watch a video. The video has the doctors explaining the surgery, some of the pros and cons and a lot about the complications. It also has testimonies from people that have had the surgery, the office staff really needs to add a box of tissue to the video room, some of the stories just tug at your heart strings. It's like they can actually say what I am feeling. Then we meet Dr. Selinkoff. He is a very warm and friendly man, he made us feel very welcome. He even teased Jennifer about wanting to be a doctor. But he also gave her some great advise. He drew a picture of the procedure and explained it all again, stopping to answer questions as we went. We talked about my health history and my current health problems. He was impressed that I had already started attending the support group meetings, have started the vitamins and Metamucil, and that I am seeing my PCP on a regular basis. I explained the dilemma with my insurance, they need a letter from him stating that it would be better for me to have the surgery here at home then in a strange city 4 hours away. He read the letter that I had written, that needed to be sent with his letter. He started dictating his letter to the medical review board of my insurance company. As he explained the reasons why I needed this surgery and the co-morbidities that I have, I could not help but cry. He explained that he and his partner Dr. P were the only certified surgeons in SA that do the RNY procedure and that this procedure is the Gold Standard for the treatment of morbid obesity. He also explained about the NIH's stand on this procedure. He talked about the intense relationship that forms with the support group, and that I had already become a part of it. He explained the necessary follow-up that he provides for life. I honestly don't see how they can deny the request, but you just never know. Dr. Selinkoff is very encouraging and does not think I will have any problems with this surgery. I am so ready I would go tomorrow if it were possible.
I have done everything I can to get ready for this surgery. I still have to see the Otolaryngologist on Friday the 19 for the follow up to the sleep study. That will just be a formality and for the documentation. I have made out a new will and a Power of Attorney for my mother in case something does go wrong. As soon as I get a date for the surgery I'll make an appointment to get my hair cut. If I get it cut the day before surgery it will be one less thing I have to deal with. My hair is short already, but a good cut will make all the difference in the world, it will be easier to wash and take care of during my recovery. Now we wait for insurance approval. I can't wait.
MAY 19, 2000 I saw the Otolaryngologist today, it was pretty routine. He told me about the results of the sleep test. Yes, I have sleep apnea and my blood oxygen levels drop drastically during the apnea episodes. He explained the options available to me, surgery, CPAP machine, medications or a combination of them. I reminded he of my quest for WLS. He gave me a prescriptions for Flonase and Clairton D, he said they will help my breath better during the night. He also said to come back about 3 months after my WLS and he will recheck me. I stopped at the pharmacy, well I will NOT be taking the Flonase and Clairton D for awhile. With my insurance, if you use the mail order prescriptions there is only a $5/15 co-payment, but if you use a pharmacy you get a small (and I mean small) discount, then you have to file a claim and they reimburse you and that could take weeks. These two prescriptions cost $219.58. That is just more money then I can part with for several weeks to months. I have no idea how long the mail order will take.
I also called my insurance service rep to make sure they had received the pre-approval request from the Doctor. I was told it had been sent to the review board and they would let me know as soon as they had some word, she said it could take up to a whole week. I told her I would probably be calling everyday, she kinda laughed and said I could call as often as I wanted. Now I continue on with the waiting game.
