A few days after applying online I get a call. I have been selected for the next phase of screening. I have a choice to make, LCD (low calorie diet) or surgery. I chose the LCD option as I wasn't all that crazy about surgery and honestly, I didn't think I was "that fat." After a few questions about my health history and why I want to do this, I am told I passed the screening test and will be entered into the lottery for the next study. Should I be selected, someone will call me with the next step.
Fast forward two months. My phone rings and I am informed that I have been selected for the program. Can I come in the following Wednesday for my pre-screening visit? Sure I say. Great, be here at 8am and plan to be here for three to five hours. Oh, and don't eat or drink anything but water for 12 hours before you come in. GREAT!(enter sarcasm here)
I show up on the day of my screening visit and I am STARVING! There is a mountain of paperwork to be done. They take my measurements. (height, weight, BMI, waist size, arm size, etc.) I have an EKG, lab work and a complete physical. I also have to do a walking test. When all is said and done (3.5 hours later) I am given two weeks worth of shakes and soup mixes and told that someone will call me when it is time to start. When I start, I will have nothing but the shakes and soup, water, zero calorie beverages and sugar free gum for the next 12-16 weeks! But wait, what about Thanksgiving dinner? What about Christmas dinner? Nope, just shakes and potato soup. I literally started crying.
The lady doing my lab work tried to comfort me. She said, "Honey look at it this way, while everyone else is putting on the weight during the holidays, you will be losing it!" I smiled, thanked her but I was still sad. I'm from south Louisiana. I LOVE to eat! Holiday meals are a big deal in my family! This is going to be HARD!
If you a Group Benefits plan member and would like information about the Heads Up program click here.