21 Y/O Gastric Sleeve - Providence, RI

I am currently 21 and have been overweight for most of my life. I am currently 282 pounds. Which is my highest official weight. My freshman year of college I went from being 220lbs to 240lbs. I was in a happy relationship and made my way up to 250/260 and had an even unhappier break up, thus bringing myself up to my ultimate highest. I have tried everything to lose the weight, only to lose some and regain it. I've done weight watchers, personal trainers, seen numerous nutritionist, herbalife, and Medi Weight loss clinics. Finally being this size, I have reached the ultimate discomfort in my weight. Struggling to put on shoes, to get up from low seats, snoring, lower back pain and heavy breathing, it just isn't worth it anymore. I'm ready to take control of my life again.

I attended my bariatric seminar on 2/11/15. I've officially scheduled my consultation for 3/23 with my surgeon. I've already scheduled my psychiatry evaluation for 2/24. My first dietary consultation (required by my doctor, he suggests 2) is 3/17. I will also be able to get medical clearance from my doctor by next weekend. My psychiatrist requires one one-hour intake and one two-hour evaluation. Being my age, it is not required for me to see a cardiologists and test for sleep apnea. I will have to have a gallbladder ultrasound and upper endoscopy though.

I am mentally preparing myself for all of this and I am trying to instill better healthy eating habits right now. Because this surgery is a tool and not a cure, I see it as, if I don't start to eat better and take better care of my body now, the surgery will be pointless and I'll just regain the weight afterward without the proper nutrition and fitness.

So today I wrapped up my psychological evaluation. I'm cleared for the surgery! I also met with Dr. Pohl today, my next step is to have my proof of previous weight loss attempts sent to him for insurance purposes. Also, his office will order an upper endoscopy, a gallbladder ultrasound & I'll set up my appointment for my sleep apnea testing. I'm hoping to have this surgery by May or June, but everything seems so spaced out ! I went to the orientation itself over a month ago! I was also recently diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (pCos) & put on birth control.

I was concerned about my insurance denying me because upon further review of my policy it excludes bariatric surgery, I spoke with the doctor because he is also employed at the same hospital my insurance is through (my dad & the doctor work at the same hospital) & he said it's actually a glitch they've been having & I shouldn't worry about it *fingers crossed*

So tomorrow morning I'll call & have all of my documentation sent over from herbalife, medi weight loss clinics, weight watchers & a personal trainer & nutritionist I've seen in the past.

Things are looking good! It's just the time line!

So my gall bladder ultrasound is this upcoming Monday morning & my Sleep Apnea consultation is on April 8th. From there the doctor will refer me to a location for my sleep study & have my upper endoscopy (EDG).

I was initially hoping to have the surgery in late May, early June, I think now I'm looking at more so, late June, or July. I just need this done before I return to school in late August.

My doctor states that after I've finished all of my required testing that they'll send out the information to my insurance company for approval. Does anyone know how long that usually is? They said after its approved & they schedule me another appointment, my surgery would be scheduled 4-6 weeks from that date. Ugh, it seems so close but far away. I'm trying my best to get all of these test done as soon as possible so I can get this surgery done.