Starting the Approval Process....Again

I've put off writing this blog for most of the evening.  A part of me feels like a failure for what I'm about to write.  Another part of me feels like I'm letting down those of you who've told me I have inspired you.  But I need to make this about me, and only me.

This morning a light bulb went off in my head.  It was a combination of a costly dental appointment this morning and some emails with Sheila.  I realized I don't want to do this lap band follow-up for the rest of my life...for hopefully another 50ish years?!  In my 18 months post-op, I've had close to 30 adjustments!  Sheila used the phrase 'one and done' in her first email to me yesterday when describing the sleeve, and that's what I want.  I don't want to sacrifice financially as well as my time for this band anymore.  

That's why I decided to ask my PA today about revision to VSG...the sleeve.  I'm surprised because last weekend I was worrying she would say that was a better option than the plication (with band), and now here I am not even asking her about the plication!  Then this morning I was worried she would not want to do revision.  I have heard of doctors who think if you 'fail' at one, you'll 'fail' at them all.

Regardless, I haven't failed.  And she is completely on board with revision to VSG.  Her only concern was that insurance will have trouble covering it.  Luckily, I've already done the research and talked to my insurance company.  Here are my criteria for revision of bariatric surgery:

1)  Complications with the primary surgery

2)  Initial procedure was successful prior to complications

3)  The patient has been compliant with a prescribed nutritional and exercise program

Check. Check. Check.

So hopefully it won't be a problem and I will be approved.

If I'm not approved, it wont be the end of the world.  I'm still going to get to my goal with the band or with VSG, it just will take me longer and with A LOT more follow-up if I keep this band.

With all that being said, I just want to tell you all that I still believe in you all.  I still believe in this band.  I still can't wait for you all to get to your goal, and I will still be watching and cheering you on.  And I'll still be blogging and doing this with you--just in a different way.  The truth is I definitely would not be considering revision right now if my band hadn't malfunctioned and I need to have some type of surgery to repair it anyway.  I hope you all understand and support that, I know most of you will because you've been such an amazing support system for me over the last 18 months, words can't even convey how thankful I am to call you all friends!

I will start my first steps to insurance approval at my next office appointment on April 1.