I went for my official pre-op (that's doctor talk) consult this past Thursday. I still have not made up my mind as yet, but all signs still point that way. There are a few roadblocks in the way yet. One big one is my insurance does not cover the surgery. Turns out, Blue Cross offers 5 different plans in the State of Alabama. Apparently 4 of them cover the surgery. Guess which one we have! I guess we don't have one of those "Cadillac" plans Obama is always taking about. The insurance-rep was very nice, but just to make sure I understand, she said I will be getting a letter from a Blue Cross attorney. No joke a letter from their attorney - - -I guess they want to make sure there is no misunderstanding. I am pretty sure I get it already. The good news is that since Barb is one of those retired Chrysler employees, I may be covered under her Blue Cross plan. Maybe being the key word here. I think it is one of those "Dodge" or "Ford" plans but again no "Cadillac" plan here. We will see.
At any rate I am proceeding with all the formalities to get myself prepared. Barb went with me for moral support, and the first think she noticed in the smallish waiting room was that it was furnished with small settees. I was standing since the room was full and I could not fit on her "settee" with her. I explained, as quietly as I could, that these were bariatric chairs. It was then that she realized we weren't in Kansas any more Toto. She eventually had to leave for another appointment, and I was left to bond with my own kind.
We laughed, we cried, we told stories. Big people bond well! Turns out 2 of the small group had gotten this far before only to decide to do it on their own. It was amazing, between the 2 of them they had lost 150 pounds, at least before they gained 175 pounds back. Two of the folks had already had the surgery and were back for check-ups. They had lost a lot of weight, but were not there yet. (their words) I took a little informal pole as post surgery patients came and went. (They were easy to spot) They all said without exception that they were glad they did it and would do it over again in a heart beat. I will confess I did not see anyone with "six pack" abs, but they may use a different door.
After 2 hours I finally got in to see the doctor. I got my official BMI number on a print out suitable for framing. The doctor is very matter of fact, but I was impressed with his demeanor. He said I would be a difficult surgery since I have previously had a colon resection. He said he was up for it if I was. They gave me 10 pages of instructions on things I needed to get done before surgery. Number one on their list - - find out about that insurance! They said they would do all they could to help. Number two - - no more cigars, none, nada, zip. He said I would be tested for nicotine, and he would not do the surgery if I tested positive. I did not have my customary stogie this weekend, but I choose to consider this a negotiation tactic on his part for now.
I asked if he thought it would be easier if I waited for "Obama Care". I got the distinct impression that if "Obama Care" does go through he will become an auto mechanic. ( BMW and Mercedes only) He said he had practiced in India and England, and that Americans will be very unhappy under those systems.
His office emailed me an 80 page PDF file on life after surgery. Now that my friends is a fun read! Can you say pureed peas - - -yum! That is just until I can handle pureed potatoes. In no time I will be up to a thimble of food that I chew on my own - - -60 times.
Next week I wrestle with Blue Cross of Michigan and go to the Heart Center for a stress test. I hope skinny is worth all this!
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