New member
ello everybody! My name is Cheryl, I’m a 34 yr
old married mom (13g) from Illinois, and I am having
an open RNY on April 13. I joined this group several
days ago, as soon as I found it. I was thrilled to
have found people who understand about this surgery
and what it means to me. <br><br>I must admit, I am
nervous about the surgery. I can’t believe there is hope
for me after all this time of living life as a fat
person. I really truly had given up hope of ever losing
this weight and had given up the "diet fight". I
constantly have to tell myself that this CAN and WILL work
for me, as long as I’m willing to WORK for it. I keep
praying that I will be a success story, rather than a
failure. <br><br>My sister Barb is also having this
surgery, on April 12 (the day before me). We will be
helping each other through the bad days and celebrating
together on the good days. (Also motivating each other to
get out there and exercise!) We make a good team
because I am a total worry-wart and she is totally cool
and calm. So I find out stuff from this group and
tell her, and we deal with it together - she doesn’t
ignore important information and I don’t obsess.
<br><br>Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the
advice from the post-ops and the feeling of kinship with
the pre-ops. I hope as we become post-ops we can help
those who feel as nervous as we do now.<br><br>21 days
to my new life!! <br><br>Your new friend, Cheryl
January 26th, 2003 at 7:01 pm
i Cheryl, my name is Wendy and I just wanted to
extend my hand in welcoming you to this group. I too am
a "newbie" in the group and am looking into having
RNY surgery. I have had my first consultation with my
surgeon but now I’m in the waiting period to see if my
insurance approves the surgery. <br>Just a side note to my
other friends "out there".<br>I got a call from the
doctor’s office yesterday to give me an up date on the
paperwork shuffle. They said the insurance people have all
the necessary paperwork now and are in the process of
reviewing my case. I was told I have a "better than some"
chance of getting approved, but I’m not quite sure what
that was suppose to mean..oh well, I was starting to
get cold feet about having the surgery and it felt
good to get a call from the surgeon.<br>Now back to
what I was saying…..Cheryl, you’ll find a terrrific
group of folks here. There is lots of information out
there regarding this surgery but nothing compares to
actually talking to folks that have had the surgery
already. Best of luck to you and your sister Barb. Hope
you check back here regularly and keep us posted on
your journey! Take care and God bless….Wendy
January 27th, 2003 at 11:04 am
‘m from Illinois too, where are you having your surgery done. I am scheduled
for April 6 with Dr. Alverdy at University of Chicago.
January 27th, 2003 at 9:45 pm
ll I can say is, do we know how to drive or
what? I am from the Northwest Suburbs near Barrington.
Where r u at and where are you having your surgery. Let
us know. I think there are some other people from
Illinois. <br><br>Nicole
January 28th, 2003 at 3:06 am
i everybody! I was so excited to get on here
today and find replies to little old me! It feels so
good to be welcomed and encouraged by everybody
here.<br><br>I am not from the Chicago area. I live about an
hour outside the Quad Cities (Moline, Rock Island,
etc) on the Mississippi River. I actually live between
the Quad Cities and Peoria, in Kewanee. I am having
my surgery at Trinity Medical Center in Moline.
<br><br>My surgeon is Dr. Phillip Siegert from Moline. I
liked him from the very beginning and Barb (my sister)
and I are "the sisters" when we come to the office.
We have been going to each other’s appointments and
doing all of our appointments together no matter whose
it actually is. We don’t want one of us to know
something the other doesn’t know LOL!<br><br>I am so
nervous and excited I can’t believe it. Only 20 days to
go!! I’ll probably drive you people crazy before it
gets here!!<br><br>Cheryl
April 7th, 2003 at 9:51 am
Hi everyone - I’ve been reading your
"discussions" for a while now while I’m waiting for approval
from my insurance company.<br><br>You have answered
alot of questions for me and I just wanted to let you
all know how much it has helped.<br><br>I’m from
mid-Illinois and hope to have my surgery done in Indy. by Dr.
John Huse. Has anyone else gone to him.<br><br>Thanks.
April 8th, 2003 at 5:56 pm
Hi Mary,<br>I don’t have Dr. Huse for a surgeon
but I will be having surgery with another surgeon in
the same group. Her name is Rose Marie Jones, and I
like her very much. I think St. V’s has a good
program.<br><br>Keep us posted and feel free to check with me
anytime.<br>Ann
April 10th, 2003 at 7:21 am
Hi Ann - it’s great to talk to someone else who
will be going to the same hospital.<br><br>Tell me
all!!!<br><br>When is your surgery?<br>How long has it taken you
from the first vistit to the surgery date? (I hear
they are now scheduling surgeries for
Sept.)<br><br>Thanks for the reply.<br><br>Mary
April 10th, 2003 at 6:03 pm
Hi Mary,<br>There’s not much to tell! I had a
consult in early June with Dr. Jones. Then began the
process of approval, was denied, planned to appeal but
first checked with my employers (we are a self-funded
system) to see if they would be willing to intervene.
They were, and directed the insurance company to pay
for the surgery!!<br><br>That happened last week -
Fridaythe doctor was notified of the action they had taken.
I was able to schedule surgery for September 11, so
what you have heard is true. The delay for me was
getting in to see the doctor who does all the pre-op
testing; his schedule was pretty full. They want 3-4 weeks
between that appointment and surgery.<br><br>Are you
waiting for approval now? Depending on how fast things
work we really could be in the hospital at the same
time!<br><br>Take care and keep us all posted.<br>Ann
April 11th, 2003 at 3:26 pm
Hi Ann<br><br>It seems that we might have passed
each other in the halls somewhere.<br><br>I had my
first consult with Dr. Huse in early June.<br><br>I am
still waiting for insurance approval. The past 2 weeks
have been stressful. My family (2 kids/1 husband) are
trying very hard to be understanding and supportive but
of course no one knows how much this means to
us.<br><br>Thanks for the info. regarding the pre-op testing and
the month between that and the surgery.<br><br>I’m
going to Las Vegas on August 16 with my 2 best friends
so it’s nice to have that information.<br><br>I’m
sooo happy that your employers were supportive and
helped you get approval. Although I believe in the
goodness of people, things like this do help to reinforce
that feeling.<br><br>Thanks again.<br><br>Mary P
April 16th, 2003 at 7:43 am
Hi Shereeg<br><br>I’m a new member too and having trouble getting into the chat
room.<br><br>Maybe someone will help both of us!<br><br>Anyway welcome and good
luck.<br><br>Mary p
April 16th, 2003 at 1:04 pm
I also have the same problem. I don’t think the
They
chat rooms are very popular here. I did however attend
a chat session once with another support group ( I
will have to look up the name and give it to you). It
was wonderful. <br>I think a lot of sites have
differnt ‘plus’ points. My favorite things about this site
are all the warm and friendly people in here. You
will find some of the best motivators here.
really care and understand what you are going through,
because most of them have done it or are about to do it.
God Bless and Good luck!<br><br>Lisa B.<br>RNY
7-13-99 @1pm
April 23rd, 2003 at 9:30 pm
Hi everyone,<br><br>I just joined the club. I
will be having Open RNY on August 3rd by Dr. Gorospe
in Tulsa, OK. I am 33, married with children. I am
looking forward to my new journey and to being a member
of this group.<br><br>Vicki - OK
April 26th, 2003 at 2:57 am
Welcom to the group Vicki. You’ll find a lot of
support from people who are going thru the same thing
that you are, and most still remember how it was
before the big day. Feel free to ask anything, someone
might have the answer you are looking for.<br>George
April 27th, 2003 at 11:02 am
Vicki,<br>I too have just joined this club. I am
very interested in RNY. I live in Oklahoma, and I’m
married with 3 beautiful children. I am interested in
your findings with Dr. Gorospe in Tulsa. I have found
him to be the only listed Dr. for OK. I hope you have
a smooth journey in weight loss and will be anxious
to hear all about it. Angela
April 28th, 2003 at 1:46 pm
Thank You for the sites
If I have any questions Is it Ok If I ask
you?<br>Thank You<br>Shay
April 29th, 2003 at 4:30 pm
I’ll try to answer any question as best i can and if i don’t know it, i will
research it for you and get back with an answer, if any.<br>George
May 7th, 2003 at 12:56 am
Hello everyone, I’ve been following your posts
for the last couple of months and have learned a lot
of valuable information from you during my research
of RNY. I am scheduled my consult on Sept.3 and am
very confident that I will have no problem being
accepted as a surgery candidate. Icouldn’t stay in the
background just reading your posts any longer as I have been
anxious to commumicate with you. I look forward to being
part of the group.
May 7th, 2003 at 6:17 am
Dear Jigglebean: What took you so long…..this
is a great bunch of people and everyone is anxious
to help and in return, be helped. I am two years
post-op as of tomorrow. I am still maintaining my 110
pound weight loss. This is the longest in my whole life
I have stayed the same weight. It seems so weird to
wear-out my clothes instead of out-growing them. Take care
and keep in touch. We will all be very willing to
help you on your journey. Helen
May 7th, 2003 at 11:38 am
Hi Jigglebean, I am a new member too. I had open
RNY on June 17,1999, and am positive that this is the
best decision I have ever made. I am now 48 pounds
lighter and already feeling like a newer person. Good
luck and you will be in my thoughts.<br><br>Rhiannon
D.
May 8th, 2003 at 3:40 am
Hi, My name is Rhiannon and I had RNY done
6/17/1999 at UCLA in Westwood, California. I have just
joined this group, and I am hoping to make new friends
from this. I am 48, a mother of 2 grown sons, 1
grandson, married 25 years, and have been disabled for the
last 5 years do to my weight. I have lost 48 pounds so
far and still have a very long way to go but I know I
can do it with your support. Thanks so much for being
here. Rhiannon D.
May 8th, 2003 at 9:01 am
Hi Rhiannon,<br><br>Wow congrats on your weight loss. Your doing great. keep
the good work up. Best of luck to you<br><br>Teresa
May 8th, 2003 at 2:22 pm
You sound absolutely happy about your
I’ll get some tomorrow. I have
surgery..Congratulations on your weight loss!<br>Thank you for the info on
the vitamen too.
two sons also, but mine are a little younger. Kaleb
is 4 and Elijah will be 1 on Sept. 1st.<br>Have a
wonderful day!<br>Lisa B.
May 9th, 2003 at 6:24 am
Hi Joanie,<br><br>Wow congrats on your weight
loss. I would be exciting too. Your doing wonderful.
Keep the good work up. Welcome to the group. I’m new
here to. I haven’t had surgery. I’m working on that
part though. I just hope I get approved. Keep the good
work up. <br><br>Teresa
May 13th, 2003 at 6:38 am
HELLO EVERYONE! I’M A NEW MEMBER JUST GOING TO DR
RUTLEDGE TOMORROW. WISH ME LUCK. I WISH I WAS FURTHER
ALONG IN THE PROCESS. I WISH I KNEW WHAT HE WAS GOING
TO DO TOMORROW? ANYONE GOT ANY THOUGHTS? THIS IS A
GREAT WEALTH OF INFO AND HAS BEEN A BIG HELP. THANKS
EVERYONE ARH
May 22nd, 2003 at 9:50 am
Hello,<br><br> I’m a new member to this club and
have enjoyed all of the information! There is so much
to know and I still have so many questions, I am
still under review through my insurance company for my
surgery, its been since February I know they are so sick
of hearing from me, but I feel that if I don’t call
they will forget about me.<br><br> I’m going through
Dr. Milton Owens. His office in Orange Ca.(has anyone
heard of him?) This is for gastric bypass surgery. My
insurance company has approved me for 1 office visit which
I do not understand, this is hard because I am in
Las Vegas and they are in Ca.<br><br> Does anyone
know if this means that I am on my way or what?? No
one will give me a straight answer. I have been very
patient, but now I feel like I am about to LOSE it!!! I
have waited so long for a answer, its almost like I
have become obsessed with this, it seems like I just
can’t get enough information, whenever I’m online i’m
always searching for more and more info on this
surgery!(which is good)I guess, I just get more and more nervous
and scared as well as impatient, the longer I wait!!
<br><br>Is this normal?????? <br><br>I just hope that I do
not regret this whole experience, if it happens!!
From what I hear more people are happy after the 1st 6
weeks after the liquid puree diet. I have only heard of
a few people unhappy or suffering from
malnutrition! <br><br> Anyway I’m hoping to have my surgery
real soon, Thanks to all of you for all of your
information… this club is wonderful, i’m glad I
joined.<br><br>KE
May 22nd, 2003 at 3:11 pm
Dear KE<br>First of all welcome to the club, and
second of all Insurance companies take their own sweet
time except when it comes to billing you. Try to hang
on I will be worth waiting for. I waited for about 4
months for mine to be approved and when it was I wasnt
able to have it because of a benign tumor which I
didn’t know I had. And I had to have it taken care of
first, so it wasn’t until one year later when I finally
had my surgery. But I assure you for me it was well
worth the wait. everyone is different some people don’t
have the first problem with their surgery. When other
have nothing but problems, but I have heard more good
things than bad. With me I didn’t have a choice I was
headed for a wheel chair. And I decided I wasn’t raising
my children from there. I am so glad I had the
surgery, I just wish I could have had it done years before
I did. My kids are so proud of me, they tell all of
their friends how pretty their mom is. That makes me so
proud, I have a before and after pic in the club album
along with many others. Hope I havent made it harder
for you, Just remember Anything worth having is worth
waiting for.<br><br>Hope I have helped<br>Poohbeartoo98
May 23rd, 2003 at 11:39 am
Keina,<br>I am glad you are on track to having
the surgery but I am also VERY concerned about you
going to a doctor so far away from your home. One of
the things I had learned in my searching process is
the support and follow-up care is imperative to
making it a success! In other words how can your doctor
being hundreds of miles away from you offer you that
support? My doctor also operates on people from all over
but part of his care includes lifetime follow-up care
for free (unless there is a new medical issue) and
then there are the weekly support groups run by his
office staff and then last but definately not least all
the monthly care after surgery for at least the first
year! So although you are excited… keep looking and
see if there is a doctor in your area that can be a
true partner with you in your healing proccess and
lifestyle changes! Good Luck and I will keep looking for
how you are doing! Chin up… it will all come in
time… just don’t ever give up because you are worth
it!<br>Cindy
May 28th, 2003 at 10:12 am
Keina,<br>Isn’t this a great club? This club helped me make the decision to have
my surgery. I’m having it Oct. 14th here in Ohio. If you’d like to correspond,
I’d love to. Thanks
May 30th, 2003 at 10:19 am
Thank you, for your reply, sure I would love to
correspond, It would be nice to have someone to talk to about
this without all of the negitive comments, like "ke
are you sure you want to do this? I hear the weight
always come back" of course this coming from the
skinniest person on earth who has no idea what it is like
to be so overweight,that simple life activities are
so hard to do! I really wish you luck on your
surgery. Soon I will be joining you, I really think that
this surgery will change my life! In so many ways,it
will also change the lives around me as well, I really
believe that my children will also be happier because
then mommy can do more things with them. At this point
in my life I find it hard to even go outside if I
don’t have to work or take care of business, "fun??"
what is that, its been so long since I have had it, I
forgot what it was or even that it exist. Once my
insurance approves this I am going to flip!! Look out
hospital beds HERE I COME!!!! Of course the sugery might
get done faster if I go to the right hospital
beds,lol. Anyway, Thanks for your encouragement. Hope to
hear from you soon.
May 30th, 2003 at 3:40 pm
Cindy,<br><br>Thank you for your advice, you are
right it is very dangerous going to someone so many
miles away, but when I was inquiring this office really
impressed me they gave me so much information right off the
bat, that so many offices couldn’t.<br><br>I have gone
to a couple of support meetings here in Vegas, but
it was Dr Fobi’s support group, which was great, I
heard from people who really had the surgery, the good,
the bad, the ugly, and I still believe that this is
the best move for me.<br><br>I am hanging in there,
it is hard not to get so frustrated! I just want to
be able to live a normal life. I know, "what is
normal?" well if it is a normal life I am living now, then
I want to live it thin!!!!!!<br><br>Anyway, Dr.
Owens does offer a life time follow-up, with his
associates here. They just do not do the surgery. I plan to
stay in California for the full six to eight weeks
with family, until I have healed enough to do for
myself. Then back home to my children and
husband!<br><br>Trust me I have thought all about it, I have it worked
out, All I need is the approval! <br><br>Hope to hear
from you soon!<br><br>Keina
June 15th, 2003 at 4:36 pm
My name is Tammy, I’m 30 years old, married with
2 kids (ages 2 & 5). I’ve been overweight most of
my life, but in college I was quite skinny (120 lbs.
at 5′7") so I know what it’s like–how different you
feel and how different people treat you. Now I weigh
255 lbs. and am miserable. I’ve been looking into
"stomach stapling" for a few years off & on now. A couple
of months ago I finally decided to do it. I got
approval by my ins. (Ark. BC/BS) in under a week (wait,
there’s a problem!!!) for a Dr. David Hall in Texas. I
was SO EXCITED. But, alas, 5 days before the surgery
(sched. 9/21/99), I called the Dr.’s office and asked how
much my part would be. Well, they cld. my ins. and
found out they would only pay 50% up to $4000(!) The
procedure was going to be $30,000!!!! So, of course I
couldn’t do it. I was devastated and bawled for days. My
hubby then said, why don’t you look on the internet and
I found about Dr. Fabito in St. Louis. He and his
hospital will take payments and aren’t quite as high. My
surgery date is tentatively set for 11/22/99, pending
insurance approval again. Can you believe that–having to
get it approved again–like I LOST weight or
something?? LOL. Well, I can’t wait, and after reading most
of the previous entries at this website, there is NO
WAY that I’m not getting this surgery!! By the way,
I’m having the gastric bypass done. <br><br>Also,
could someone please tell me what RNY stands for and
means?<br><br>Sorry to have written so long, but I wanted to tell my
story. I will try and keep entering when things occur.
Congrats to everyone who has lost weight and good luck to
those who are getting ready to!<br><br>Tammy
June 15th, 2003 at 9:02 pm
RNY stands for Roux-en-Y Gastric bypass,as for
your insurance problems I will let others answer
because it was not something I encountered. Yes I was
turned down by my "primary" insurance… but I had 2
others to kick in that would cover me with no problem.
So guys… help her out…. what should she do about
it??
June 17th, 2003 at 4:43 pm
Hi Tammy. congratulations on the great news! Dr. Fabito performed my surgery
and let me say he is WONDERFUL! Good luck to you! Hugz,Shawna
October 15th, 2003 at 1:08 pm
hello.<br>I was wondering if anyone can tell me
how overweight a person must be to meet the criteria
for these operations?<br>I am short…5′3"
(really…5′2 1/2) and I now weigh 180lbs.<br>I am 43 years old
and seem to be putting on more and more weight each
year.<br>I was an ideal weight until 4 years ago.<br>I have
high cholesterol and an apple figure: which is a
higher risk for heart problems.<br>Thanks.<br><br>brina
October 15th, 2003 at 11:49 pm
Hi Michelle and thank you for the info.<br>I do
have high cholestoral and asthma.<br><br>I have tried
to locate sites that give the "old fashioned"
height/weight porportion…to determine how many pounds
"overweight" I am.<br><br>Last I knew…at 5′3"…my ideal
weight would be up to 125lbs. (depending on frame
size).<br><br>So I would be about 65 lbs. overweight…but
carrying 180lbs. on a 5′3" frame is a lot.<br>I am an
apple shape which carries more risk for heart
trouble.<br><br>I did do my BMI for 5′3"…although I am
5′21/2".<br>It is 32.1<br><br>brina
October 16th, 2003 at 5:10 am
Thank you again…Michelle.<br><br>BMI at 5′3" is…32.1<br>BMI at 5′2"
is…33.2<br><br>It says anything over 30 is considered obese.
October 19th, 2003 at 6:43 pm
Dear Cindy,<br>Thank you for responding and for
the information and encouragement.<br>I do
realize…at this time…I am 20lbs *under* the weight
limit.<br><br>The IMPORTANT thing to *know* is there is always hope
if things change in weight or medical circumstances.
It is a real shame, though, that people have to get
very sick…before considered…eligible…thanks to
Insurance Companies.<br>I DO realize that this is a REAL
serious operation and any surgery is a risk in
itself…and I do not take it lightly…as I have read a lot
about it and I COMMEND all of you for your courage,
determination, and ongoing determination to live your lives to
the best for yourselves and loved
ones.<br><br><br>RE: the below<br>The following criteria must usually
be met before a person can be accepted for this
operation:<br><br>RE: 1. At least 100 pounds over-weight or twice ideal
body weight, based on the Metropolitan
Life<br>Insurance company tables for medium-frame
individuals.<br>> I am 5′2 1/2", small framed (when I last saw my
frame!…but as was mentioned each insurance company is
different.<br><br>RE: (The presence of certain illnesses, such<br>as
diabetes, arthritis, or high blood pressure may qualify an
individual for surgery even if body<br>weight is less than
100 pounds above the ideal.) <br>> I do have high
cholestoral (not controlled by 3 years of medications),
worsening asthma, sleep apnea, upper GI reflux.<br><br>RE:
2. Failure to lose weight by prior serious efforts.
<br>>Yes…!<br>RE: 3. Absence of medical problems that might make
surgery too hazardous. <br>>Yes!<br><br>RE: 4. Sincere
motivation towards weight loss, including a willingness to
make necessary changes in habits, to follow the
instructions you will be given, and to keep appointments for
follow-up.<br>> I have never looked into any "organized weight
loss programs. As far as exercise goes, I cannot
withstand much without being winded and lower back
pain.<br><br>RE: 5. Age between 15 and 60, although this may vary
in individual cases. <br>> I am 43.<br><br>RE: 6.
Diabetes, high blood pressure and, other complications of
obesity are additional reasons to undertake the surgery,
and are not reasons to withhold surgery because of
any extra risks, in<br> most cases. <br> <br>Thank
you…again.<br>brina
January 1st, 2004 at 12:23 pm
Hi everyone! I just joined the club…again! I was a member before, but left for
awhile, but now I am back! I missed being here and I’m glad to be back!
January 1st, 2004 at 5:44 pm
Welcome Back.. :Op<br>How have you been?<br>Lisa B.
February 27th, 2004 at 7:44 am
Hi Guys,<br><br>I just joined today! I had an MGB on 2-7-00 and have lost about
110 lbs so far and feel great! More to come. Best of luck to everyone out
there!<br><br>Pax,<br>Steve
May 5th, 2004 at 6:25 am
Hi everyone. My name is Elida. I am a new member. My surgery date is May 9.
I have been reading the posts here and all of you have helped me already.
Thanks.
May 5th, 2004 at 10:27 pm
That is wonderful news! And that date isn’t far away either. Good luck and
keep us posted.
May 6th, 2004 at 3:48 am
Hi Elida,<br><br>I’m so happy for you. I’ve been
busy preparing for mine, getting my vitamins and
supplements. Cleaning out my kitchen cabinets of junk - just
the thought of having this surgery has COMPLETELY
changed my out look on life.
May 6th, 2004 at 7:50 pm
Hello everyone I’m a new member here. I’m having
open RNY on june 18th. I’m very nervous and excited…
It seems like every day is passing by slower than
the day before. I am sooooo ready to start my new
life. ~*~*~*~StaceyZ~*~*~*~
May 7th, 2004 at 10:34 pm
June 18th will be here before you know it! I wish
I had that date. You have so much to look forward
to. I’m hoping and praying that I get a date this
Friday at my surgeon’s appointment. I let everyone know!
July 15th, 2004 at 7:56 am
Hi,<br>I am new to these boards. I started
looking into <br>surgery last November at the Mayo
Clinic. I am now schedule for a long limb on July 19th .
I am very excited but very nervous. I weigh 400
lbs<br>& have High Blood pressure, Sleep Apnea, & type
II<br>diabetes. Any Support or warnings would be
helpful<br><br>thanks
July 15th, 2004 at 6:38 pm
congratulation on getting your surgery date. I haven’t heard of "long limb"
before. How is the "long limb" different from other types of WLS?
July 15th, 2004 at 11:59 pm
Hello,<br><br>You have my total support!
Congradulations on making your decision. You should be scared, it
is a major operation after all. I was 324 when I had
my surger April 30th. I now weigh 270 and sleep like
a baby! I didn’t have high blood pressure of
anything, I’m actually in great medical health, but wanted
to act before any problems arose. Best of luck to
you and your new future.<br><br>Pam
July 16th, 2004 at 4:01 pm
Welcome aboard! When I went to my surgeon, he
wanted to me to join a support group and I told him
about this. He was happy to know that I already had one
in tact. I don’t know what I would do without being
able to communicate with others going through the
exact same issues. It has been a true blessing.
<br><br>What does the term long limb mean? I haven’t heard
this before?
October 26th, 2004 at 7:16 pm
Hi guys I just wanted to introduce myself My name
is CarmelPrincess and I’m new to this club and I
hope that I can learn a lot from you all that have
already completed the WLS process. Myself, I’m in the
waiting stages and I expect to have the sugery sometime
in may. I live in Wisconsin but I’ve been commuting
between here and Rochester, MN (Mayo Clinic). I decided
to have the procedure done there because I wanted
the best possible care. The surgeon (Dr. Que) intends
on doing the laparoscopic procedure and I’d like to
know the pros and cons of it verses the regular way
from someone who has had it done….I would appreciate
any information, successful or unsuccessful…Also if
anyone who has had the procedure done at the Mayo Clinic
has any additional info please feel free to drop me a
line…THX
October 29th, 2004 at 2:12 pm
I had weight loss surgery (open roux-n-y) on October 8th 2001. Would
like to here from anyone that has had this surgery. I would like to
here the good and the bad. Thanks;)
October 29th, 2004 at 7:33 pm
— In obesitysurgerysupportgroup@y…, "ouacowa4040"
<ouacowa4040@y…> wrote:
> I had weight loss surgery (open roux-n-y) on October 8th 2001.
Would
> like to here from anyone that has had this surgery. I would like to
> here the good and the bad. Thanks;)
Hello, Congrats on your new beginning
I had lap RNY on 8/13/01.
Good luck to you as you continue your journey. ~Lorie
I’ve had a wonderful experience. There is so much I could say about
it, I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve been documenting my
experience on my website. It’s at www.geocities.com/mylo92/ I’ve
been writing down all my thoughts and feelings as I’ve changed. I’m
down to a size 14/16 from a 26/28 and LOVING life once again!
October 30th, 2004 at 2:46 am
HELLO everyone. I am waiting for approval from the insurance company and then I
am ready to schedule the new life I have always dreamed was out there. I am a
bit afraid, I believe that is why I am here looking for support and friends
that I can relate with. Nice to meet you all.
November 10th, 2004 at 8:16 pm
Hi, waiting for insurance approval after having two different
physicians tell me that I really needed to have this surgery in order
to live. I’m 62 and wondering if anyone else out there that old has
had the surgery?
Also, what can you eat afterwards. I’m hearing nothing much but
chicken and fish???
November 11th, 2004 at 2:43 am
Hi "Nitahein",
I am 58 and had my surgery last October. I have lost 140 pounds
since then and am very happy with myself and my decision to have the
surgery. Prior to the surgery I was spending 99% of my day in the
recliner, could not take care of myself, could not clean house or do
anything else. I was not living.
My doctor has done the RNY on many people much older than yourself, I
have seen them and talked to them in the support group meetings.
Your age is not a problem but I’ll bet your life is.
As for eating, I eat everything, just small quantities of
everything. Actually, corn on the cobb stopped up my stoma and two
and a half hours later I finally threw it up and then felt
wonderful. I’ve heard this from others too so I won’t be eating corn
on the cobb again for a very long time.
Best of luck to you,
Suzi
November 13th, 2004 at 5:31 pm
Hi "Nitahein",
I am 58 and had my surgery last October. I have lost 140 pounds
since then and am very happy with myself and my decision to have the
surgery. Prior to the surgery I was spending 99% of my day in the
recliner, could not take care of myself, could not clean house or do
anything else. I was not living.
My doctor has done the RNY on many people much older than yourself, I
have seen them and talked to them in the support group meetings.
Your age is not a problem but I’ll bet your life is.
As for eating, I eat everything, just small quantities of
everything. Actually, corn on the cobb stopped up my stoma and two
and a half hours later I finally threw it up and then felt
wonderful. I’ve heard this from others too so I won’t be eating corn
on the cobb again for a very long time.
Best of luck to you,
Suzi
November 14th, 2004 at 12:08 pm
Hi my name is Sharon and I just joined this support group. I am pre-
op waiting on insurance approval. Hope to have it this week (but, I
am not holding my breath). I would love any and all advise for all
stages of this process. Any good web sites (other than
OBESITYHELP.com IT is AMAZING!!).
Thanks,
Sharon
November 14th, 2004 at 2:11 pm
Welcome, Sharon!
Good luck on your pending insurance approval. I will never forget the joy I
Walk, walk
My doc pushes the walking hard. He is riding us
felt the day I got that phone call. You said you’d like some advise for all
stages of the wls journey so I thought I’d put in my two cents.
and then walk some more!
all the time to make sure to do our exercise. I worked up to 2 miles a day (all
at once, not 1 mile and then 1 mile later in the day) before surgery and I
really believe that contributed to me breezing thru the surgery and recovering
smoothly. It also helps A LOT to build muscle and melt the fat away after
surgery. If you’re not exercising as the weight is coming off you will loose
muscle and that’s not good. I got side tracked from my walking routine over the
holidays and I lost 10 lb. of muscle! Anyway, the walking just helps in so many
ways. It’s great exercise, it’s great "me time", it will help you a lot. Also,
be faithful in taking your vitamins and protein supplements.
I’ve started my own little personal website if you want some before and now
pictures to look at. It’s at www.geocities.com/mylo92/ . Best of luck to you.
Let us know when you get word back on your pending approval! (((hugs))) ~Lorie
Hi my name is Sharon and I just joined this support group. I am pre-
op waiting on insurance approval. Hope to have it this week (but, I
am not holding my breath). I would love any and all advise for all
stages of this process. Any good web sites (other than
OBESITYHELP.com IT is AMAZING!!).
Thanks,
Sharon
November 14th, 2004 at 7:31 pm
Thanks so much for the email. I really appreciate it. I tried you website,
but keep getting an error. www.geocities.com/mylo92/ Correct?
My Doctor wants me to be walking 45 mins a day prior to the surgery. I
really need to get started.
You can email me anytime with tips and hints. I will let you when I get my
approval.
Thanks Again!!
Sharon
November 15th, 2004 at 12:52 am
Thanks so much for the email. I really appreciate it. I tried you website,
but keep getting an error. www.geocities.com/mylo92/ Correct?
My Doctor wants me to be walking 45 mins a day prior to the surgery. I
really need to get started.
You can email me anytime with tips and hints. I will let you when I get my
approval.
Thanks Again!!
Sharon
November 15th, 2004 at 6:13 am
It worked today. Thanks it is great!!!
November 20th, 2004 at 4:49 am
Hi all. Just wanted to let everybody know that I’ve joined and you
Have a peachy day!
may be hearing from me from time to time. Today is the 2 month
anniversary of my Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery. I’m doing really
well and have lost a total of 48 pounds so far. I’ll be happy to
answer any questions anybody has and I hope to find some answers of my
own from other members. I’m not a great source of insurance
information because I still haven’t figured out what insurance is
paying for and what they’re not and what I was approved for and what I
wasn’t. I do have one piece of advise: Find out about your insurance
stuff yourself. I went through a doctor and a program where the
nurses were taking care of the insurace approvals. Everybody had a
different answer and everytime they confirmed with the insurance
company, they got a different answer. I finally got so completely
frustrated with it I just said forget it, schedule my surgery and I’ll
mess with what it costs afterwards. Of course, now that I have a
$1800 hospital bill and a $4900 doctor bill, I’m questioning the
wisdom of that decision. But, at least, I’m on my way to a healthier
me.
November 20th, 2004 at 3:30 pm
— In obesitysurgerysupportgroup@y…, mrbig129_2000 <no_reply@y…>
wrote:
> I have my surgery in 9 days. Any advice I a nerves wreck how does
the
> surgery go? How is the pain? How long were you in?
The surgery took under two hours. I had my surgery Friday morning and
left the hospital as soon as I could on Monday. The pain was
significant. But, I’m a HUGE baby when it comes to pain. Most people
can handle pain a whole lot better than I can so it probably won’t
bother you as much. But it will definitely hurt. There’s no getting
around that. My doctor had set a dosage range of Morphine that I could
have so when I asked for more pain medication they didn’t have to find
him and get him to approve it, so that was nice. The first thing I
said, when I was slightly coherent, was that it wasn’t worth it. I’ve
changed my mind. It is worth it. The pain lessens up fairly quickly
and you just feel sore. Especially once you get all the drugs out of
your system and you can quit coughing. However, sneezing is not fun
for a few weeks. Have a small pillow handy at all times. Just
remember that the few days of pain is just payment for a smaller,
healthier you.
November 20th, 2004 at 8:51 pm
Hi everyone!
My name is Kathy. I read some of the messages and decided that this
would be a good place tobe while I await my surgery. I have gained
weight steadily over the years and now find myself in a state where I
feel this is my only option for long term survival. I have done a lot
of research on this procedure and gone to the local support group
meetings.
One thing I wanted to say to some of you is that you would be amazed
at the people who have had this surgery who just don’t want other
people to know. When I told one of my coworkers about what I was
planning to do another coworker (that I have worked with
frquently for about 3 years) overheard part of our conversation and
said "I did it". She pulled up her shirt to show me her scar and
showed me her before picture. Within days I had heard of several
other people at my work (a health care facility) who had also had the
surgery. When I went to my surgeon for the initial consultation, he
has photo albums on the table in his waiting room with hundreds of
before and after photos of his patients. As I looked through them I
saw pictures of many people that I recognized including former
classmates from high school and college and coworkers that I never
would have imagined had shared my problem.
I am a 42 year old mother of 7, including my stepdaughter and my
little nephew that I am raising. I actually birthed 5 of them LOL! I
have had several back injuries over the last couple of years as well
as have a recurrent cellulitis in one leg. I take a ton of meds
everyday for chest pain, shortness of breath, hypothyroidism etc.
Currently I am on a barbaric sort of diet in order to lose weight for
my surg. My surgeon is very strict and requires everyone to lose at
least 10% of their body weight before surg. Heavier people have to
lose even more. While I hate that I couln’t just go ahead and have
the surgery I really am relieved to have this requirement because I
was petrified to go under anesthesia at my weight. I have to lose at
least 100 lbs (or get very close to that) before he will set a date
for my surgery. As of yesterday I had lost 40lbs. GO ME, GO ME!!! I
have been approved by my insurance company(Aetna HMO). They
approved the consult request from my primary MD immediately and it
took about a week for them to approve the surgery after the
consult. My surgeons office sent the paperwork in for me and I was
approved very quickly. Now I understand that Aetna is requiring a
letter from the primary phys. detailing the patient’s diet history
before the consult will be approved but we didn’t have to do that. Of
course there is a long waiting list for the procedure but I know that
it will be worth it in the end. Now it is just up to me to lose those
last 60 or so pounds.
Well I guess that is enough detail for one message and I should
probably be quiet now and let someone else get a few words in. LOL!
I will be checking in again soon. My best wishes to everyone.
Kathy
November 21st, 2004 at 10:50 am
Kathy,
Welcome to the group. I too am 42 y/o. I have 4 children. 3 bio and 1 step.
I feel for you. It must be difficult trying to lose this weight prior to
surgery. Why do you have to lose 100 lbs before surgery. That’s a lot of
weight. If I were able to lose 100 lbs, I wouldn’t need surgery.
When I went to my doctor’s seminar I was so relieved to hear him, a health
professional say that it wasn’t my fault that dieting had failed for me.
That the requirements to lose and keep my weight off were unsustainable. It
was the first time I had heard someone who was not obese say this. It was
such a comfort.
I wish you luck on your weight loss. Hang in there.
Rebecca
November 23rd, 2004 at 1:01 pm
hello everyone I also have been lerking around this web site for a
few months now. I read your comments every day and enjoy the
information alot. I decided it was time to join in when I got my
date. Well that time has come!!! It is the 21st of may that i will be
having lap RNY and i am scared to death, yet so excited. i would like
to share a web site my doctor refered me too that i use alot. It
offers alot of imformation and i have purchased the book and it has
become my best friend. www.wlscenter.com I am glad to meet everyone
and hope to make some special friends. I am from NE which I am having
trouble finding many people from my state that have had the surgery.
Well enough blabbing for now, thanks to all of you for listening.
bobette
January 19th, 2005 at 11:39 am
I wish you could get the surgery. I know how you feel. It was difficult for
me to clean house prior to surgery. It’s getting easier, and I only had
surgery 3 1/2 weeks ago.
In California you would have no problem getting the surgery.
Have you explored all your options as far as state sponsered aid.
Rebecca
January 19th, 2005 at 6:00 pm
Hi Sherri I usually dont respond to these emails, but feel compelled to speak
with you. Im 27 years old and understand your feelings of despair, i began
looking into this surgery about a year ago and didnt think it would ever
happen for me it has i have surgery scheduled next week and i cant tell you
how excited i am. believe it or not your already part way there by having a
husband who supports you, thats great!!!!
Now you need to get insurance. Have you looked into your husbands?? Or
medicaid? Anyway Sherri take care RJ
January 20th, 2005 at 1:38 pm
We cannot get insurance where my husband works, it’s too expensive and lousy
insurance. We do get dental, as they have an excellent dental plan. He is
planning on switching jobs and is even considering taking a second job. As
for Medicaid, we live in Tennessee, and they’ve turned Medicaid into
Tenncare. They are not taking any adults for enrollment, unless I get
turned down by another insurance. Problem is,I don’t have the money to pay
for another insurance to get turned down for. Sigh…….I’m keeping up the
research though
Hi Sherri I usually dont respond to these emails, but feel compelled to
speak
with you. Im 27 years old and understand your feelings of despair, i
began
looking into this surgery about a year ago and didnt think it would ever
happen for me it has i have surgery scheduled next week and i cant tell
you
how excited i am. believe it or not your already part way there by having
a
husband who supports you, thats great!!!!
Now you need to get insurance. Have you looked into your husbands?? Or
medicaid? Anyway Sherri take care RJ
February 24th, 2005 at 1:46 pm
Welcome Chris,
What did you start at. That is very impressive weight loss.
Rebecca
February 25th, 2005 at 1:13 pm
Hello,my name is Yolanda and I am new to the group. I am in the eary
process and I am looking forward to having the surgery. I am 30 yrs
old and have come to the realization that I need to make a PERMANENT
change in my life.I also want to wish everyone who has an up coming
date,a safe journey to their other side(THIN) and speedy recovery and
those who have had the surgery,I hope you continue to recover without
complications and hope you are doing well.
February 25th, 2005 at 5:35 pm
Hello,my name is Yolanda and I am new to the group. I am in the eary
process and I am looking forward to having the surgery. I am 30 yrs
old and have come to the realization that I need to make a PERMANENT
change in my life.I also want to wish everyone who has an up coming
date,a safe journey to their other side(THIN) and speedy recovery and
those who have had the surgery,I hope you continue to recover without
complications and hope you are doing well.
ADVERTISEMENT
February 25th, 2005 at 10:56 pm
Welcome Yolanda !!
February 26th, 2005 at 6:49 am
Welcome to the group Yolanda.
February 27th, 2005 at 8:40 pm
Hello,my name is Yolanda and I am new to the group. I am in the eary
process and I am looking forward to having the surgery. I am 30 yrs
old and have come to the realization that I need to make a PERMANENT
change in my life.I also want to wish everyone who has an up coming
date,a safe journey to their other side(THIN) and speedy recovery and
those who have had the surgery,I hope you continue to recover without
complications and hope you are doing well.
ADVERTISEMENT
February 28th, 2005 at 3:24 am
What did you start at. That is very impressive weight loss.
Rebecca
April 6th, 2005 at 8:56 pm
Hello everyone…I just joined your group today…I was surfing the
net looking for info on WLS and found this group. I thought it would
be a great place to leanr more about having the surgery. I have not
had it yet. I am now waiting for the Insurance to approve it.
A little about myself. I am a mom of 2 boys and a newlywed to the
most wonderful guy. I have been battleing my weight sence i was 12. I
have tried bunches of diets…from slim fast to richard simmons deal
a meal to fat free diets. I was doing really well at one point…. I
had just left my ex husband and started a low fat diet…switched
from regular soda to diet. I started out at 350 lbs and went and lost
75 lbs…but thats where i stopped. and no matter what i did I
couldnt loose any more. I was walking a mile a day and useing a stair
stepper and exercise bike and still was stuck at 275….I began to
get very frustrated. at this time i met my current hubby and tried
even harder to loose the rest of the weight. but still nothing. Then
I ran into my cousin ( who I hadnt seen in 4 yrs) she at one time was
bigger than me. I about fell over in shock when i saw her. she was
thin!!! so i asked her what she did and she told me about WLS. so I
thought long and hard about it for myself. I talked it over with my
hubby…he told me he loves me the way I am but if I wasnted to do
this he would support it. So I went to the surgeon and had my
consult. now I am just waiting for the insurance to approve it so i
can move on to the next step. Ok i think I rambled enough…lol. I am
looking forward to chatting with you all and learning as much as I
can about the affects of this surgery. THanks.
Angel
April 7th, 2005 at 3:50 am
Glad you joined Angel. My name is Keith and I live in VT. My surgery
isnt till Dec, 18th and have no idea about the insurance part yet.
April 7th, 2005 at 5:23 pm
Welcome to the "group" angel!! I think this is the
best site that I have found to talk and discuss with
your "peers" all your concerns and share any
information that those before us have to offer. I am
all for sharing the information,with everyone of my
experience with WLS and will offer encouragement to
everyone who have chosen this path!! Take care and
best wishes in your journe.
Carolyn
June 26th, 2005 at 5:57 am
Hi everyone, just had bypass Oct 15, and as of today I have lost a
total of 52 lbs. I am in Moss Rehabe in Phila and should be released
sometime by the end of next week. Waiting for a brace to be made to
help me walk alot better, and now I am using only one cane since the
operation. This was the best thing I have ever done to be one the
road to a new and different life!
June 26th, 2005 at 12:57 pm
congrats glad your doing good
Ray
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments
that take our breath away
October 14th, 2005 at 8:29 am
Hi All,
I am new to the group and wanted to introduce myself. I am a 33
year old mother of 3 (ages 8,9 & 10) and had lap rny in August of
2002. My starting weight was 333 and I am now 229!!! I look
forward to getting to know you all!
Sunny
October 15th, 2005 at 3:19 am
congratulations and welcome to the group
December 2nd, 2005 at 1:36 pm
Hi everyone, I am new here and wanted to find people who had weight
loss surgery so I could ask some questions. I have a consultation at
the Bariatric Treatment Center next month. I am anxious for the
appointment but very scared about actaully having the surgery. I
guess I am just looking to have some of my fears alleviated so that I
will actually go through with the procedure since I cannot seem to
make myself lose weight any other way. Thanks
Gina
December 2nd, 2005 at 6:44 pm
Hi everyone, I am new here and wanted to find people who had weight
loss surgery so I could ask some questions. I have a consultation at
the Bariatric Treatment Center next month. I am anxious for the
appointment but very scared about actaully having the surgery. I
guess I am just looking to have some of my fears alleviated so that I
will actually go through with the procedure since I cannot seem to
make myself lose weight any other way. Thanks
Gina
December 3rd, 2005 at 1:37 am
Hi Gina,
My name is Shelley I had surgery 12-20-02 in Monterey CA. I think all of
had some fears regarding surgery, but for me I had fears about not doing the
surgery too. I think you are on the right track, I researched the surgery
for a long time, had a few appts.(cancelled),met with one surgeon but I
didn’t feel confident, so I went to another surgeon and felt totally
comfortable, being educated, knowing what to expect (good and bad)helps take
some of the fear away. I was fortunate, I did not have any complications, I
had lap RNY, got out of the hospital the following evening, cooked Christmas
dinner a couple of days later, and totally feel great. I go to the gym 3-5
times a week, I walk and bike and do a couple sets on the weight machine.
My energy level is constantly increasing, I no longer take meds. for
diabetes or high blood pressure. I do take my vitamins,calcium,and a fruit
and vegetable supplement(for my antioxidents and enzymes). I eat a mostly
protien diet which can be challenging sometimes, but this been the most
liberating thing I have done. The doors that have opened for me since my
surgery have been amazing. It is like not only the pounds are falling off
and this wall that I had built around myself is also falling down and all of
these great people are coming in. Opportunities have been falling in my lap
and it can be a bit scary at times but also exciting. So far I have lost
55# tomorrow will be 3 months since my surgery and it is amazing what -50#
can do for your physical and mental state of mind. I can’t wait to
experience the next fifty. I got a lot of info at www.Obesityhelp.com, I
spent hours looking at before and after pictures and now I have a set of my
own. My hubby takes pics every two weeks and sometimes it is hard to see
the weight loss unless you have pics to compair. Good luck to you on your
journey, and hopefully it will be uncomplicated.
Shell
292/237/170
Dr. Vierra
December 3rd, 2005 at 5:38 am
Pam, thank you so much for the welcome. I am wondering first of all
what should I expect during my consultation at the Bariatric
Treatment Center and what will be expected after that? Thanks
Gina in Michigan
December 3rd, 2005 at 10:59 am
Dear Shell, thank you too for the welcome. Wow, now that is a story
that just makes me wish I already had a surgery date scheduled. I
too hope that it will be uncomplicated. Could I ask how long you
were off work after the surgery?
Thanks Gina
March 9th, 2006 at 11:27 am
Hi, I am a new member of this chat room. I am 2 wks post op a lab
band procedure. I would appreciate the wisdom of those who have been
through it.
June 24th, 2006 at 8:27 pm
Hello, I am a new member and glad I have a place that may be able to
help. I had gastroplasty in 1982. I have made a decision along with
my physician to have a revision with a gastric bypass. I have been
denied by my primary insurance and recently denied after an insurance
appeal (62 pages) It was tough getting medical records that long ago
plus the physician that had done my surgery in 1982 is now deceased.
I was hoping to get information re: insurance appeals and what my next
move should be. I have just recently found out that my physician that
encouraged me to have this procedure done will be relocating to a
different state but she was going to do my surgery and I would get
follow up care from another physician in her clinic.
Any encouraging information would be helpful.
June 25th, 2006 at 8:53 am
What was the reason for the denial, and what exclusions does your insurance
have? I know a number of people on the graduate-ossg list have had
revisions - one was a lady who had surgery a number of years ago (20? 25?)
and currently was suffering with GERD and other problems - which you usually
don’t have if your GBS was successful (unless you have a SLD or a fistula).
I, personally, had to pay for my initial RNY, so I’m sure I’ll have to pay
if I have a revision <sigh>.
Hello, I am a new member and glad I have a place that may be able to
help. I had gastroplasty in 1982. I have made a decision along with
my physician to have a revision with a gastric bypass. I have been
denied by my primary insurance and recently denied after an insurance
appeal (62 pages) It was tough getting medical records that long ago
plus the physician that had done my surgery in 1982 is now deceased.
I was hoping to get information re: insurance appeals and what my next
move should be. I have just recently found out that my physician that
encouraged me to have this procedure done will be relocating to a
different state but she was going to do my surgery and I would get
follow up care from another physician in her clinic.
Any encouraging information would be helpful.
June 25th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
Pam,
What is a SLC or fistula? I’m not current with those medical terms.
Thanks
Melva
Hello, I am a new member and glad I have a place that may be able to
help. I had gastroplasty in 1982. I have made a decision along with
my physician to have a revision with a gastric bypass. I have been
denied by my primary insurance and recently denied after an insurance
appeal (62 pages) It was tough getting medical records that long ago
plus the physician that had done my surgery in 1982 is now deceased.
I was hoping to get information re: insurance appeals and what my next
move should be. I have just recently found out that my physician that
encouraged me to have this procedure done will be relocating to a
different state but she was going to do my surgery and I would get
follow up care from another physician in her clinic.
Any encouraging information would be helpful.
June 26th, 2006 at 4:58 pm
SLD is a staple line disruption. A fistula is where the body forms a tube
inside that connects two organs or from the inside to the outside. So the
body, in it’s attempt to "heal itself" might build a tube from the old stomach
to the new pouch. Then, you would be due for a revision, of course.
Pam in Niceville
September 9th, 2006 at 7:10 am
Greetings,
I am a new member and probably 6-8 weeks away from surgery. I have
had most testing done, met with 2 surgeons, chose one, and am about
to go for my Mental Health Evaluation. I also need to write a
personal letter on why I feel I need the surgery. It may sound
crazy, but the letter is the hardest part of all! Any advice out
there on the letter or the evaluation?
I am 36, in Maryland…..I have Optimum Choice, and have not yet been
approved, however I have a very supportive OB-GYN, and PCP. I am
going with Dr Lin @ GW University.
Thanks for any and all advice!
Laura
September 9th, 2006 at 9:59 pm
Pam in Niceville
_____
Greetings,
I am a new member and probably 6-8 weeks away from surgery. I have
had most testing done, met with 2 surgeons, chose one, and am about
to go for my Mental Health Evaluation. I also need to write a
personal letter on why I feel I need the surgery. It may sound
crazy, but the letter is the hardest part of all! Any advice out
there on the letter or the evaluation?
I am 36, in Maryland…..I have Optimum Choice, and have not yet
been
approved, however I have a very supportive OB-GYN, and PCP. I am
going with Dr Lin @ GW University.
Thanks for any and all advice!
Laura
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January 11th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Hi everyone my name is Teresa I am a 39yr old married military wife
who has just began the process of having this surgery, I live in Las
Vegas NV for a few more months then to California where the military
will be moving us, I have been to a seminar and have started my ABC
classes, my consultation is July 22. I have research this for over a
year now and I am so looking forward to becoming a healthier person,
I have been overweight all my life as long as I can remember. I
would like to hear from others that have or will be having this
surgery and how you dealt with EVERYTHING, I have heard that support
is what most people forget about before having this done, my husband
and family are very supportive but I want to know more from others
like ME…so drop me a line…Teresa
January 11th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Hey, Teresa, welcome to the list. Time is moving right along for
you! Will you be having your surgery at a military facility?
Pam in Niceville
_____
Hi everyone my name is Teresa I am a 39yr old married military wife
who has just began the process of having this surgery, I live in Las
Vegas NV for a few more months then to California where the military
will be moving us, I have been to a seminar and have started my ABC
classes, my consultation is July 22. I have research this for over a
year now and I am so looking forward to becoming a healthier person,
I have been overweight all my life as long as I can remember. I
would like to hear from others that have or will be having this
surgery and how you dealt with EVERYTHING, I have heard that support
is what most people forget about before having this done, my husband
and family are very supportive but I want to know more from others
like ME…so drop me a line…Teresa
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_____
January 12th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Hi Teresa,
Welcome to the group and to the adventure!! Where are you going to be
moving to in California? I live in the Bay Area.
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/367surg/317/160?
——-Original Message——-
Hi everyone my name is Teresa I am a 39yr old married military wife
who has just began the process of having this surgery, I live in Las
Vegas NV for a few more months then to California where the military
will be moving us, I have been to a seminar and have started my ABC
classes, my consultation is July 22. I have research this for over a
year now and I am so looking forward to becoming a healthier person,
I have been overweight all my life as long as I can remember. I
would like to hear from others that have or will be having this
surgery and how you dealt with EVERYTHING, I have heard that support
is what most people forget about before having this done, my husband
and family are very supportive but I want to know more from others
like ME…so drop me a line…Teresa
January 12th, 2007 at 7:42 am
Teresa, Welcome to the group. I am a retired military wife and have my
surgery at Wm Beaumont Army Hospital. I can’t wait to be put on the waiting
list.
Should be put on this month sometime. Lot of hoops to jump thru isn’t it? LOL
But, the end result will be great.
Miki in NM
January 20th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Hello my name is Gloria and I am morbid obese. It has
been recommended that I have the gastric bypass
surgery.I live in North East Ohio and I had my
consultation with Dr. Helmet Schrieber St Vincent
Charity Hospital of Cleveland on June 1, 2004. Now we
are waiting for my insurance (Medicare) to reply to
our request for surgery. I have been very over weight
my entire life and I feel like I need a reprieve from
death row! Does any one else have medicare and live
in Ohio? I am so nervous it is unreal. I am glad to
be here… hugs Glory
January 21st, 2007 at 12:25 am
Patty
Wow that really stinks! I can imagine how upset that you are. The
waiting is going to be the hardest part of the journey for me. I just
had my consultation with my doctor on the first of June. The main
thing is that you never give up, my personal thought is that this is
want allot of the insurance company’s want us to do. These days all you
hear is about how many americans are obese, its all around us on a daily
basis. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all insurance companies would give
unconditional approval for gastric bypass? We could all be healthier
and happier.
Gloria
January 21st, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Thanks Gloria, yeah this Insurance thing is something slse. Here I,m approved
and the hospital dosen,t want to follow up, I,m waiting for a answer they might
reverse it. Say a Prayer. Your new freind, Patty
January 22nd, 2007 at 11:36 am
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to say hello. I did not know there were message boards
like this. I wish I knew about them before the I had the surgery. I
had the roux-en-y bypass on May 12th, 2004. I don’t know how most
people deal with the aftershocks of surgery but I feel like I ruined
my life. I know there is a positive side, but I still feel empty. I
feel like I have lost a part of myself. I could appreciate any words
of support anyone can offer about this and others experiences. Thank
You and God Bless. Trina
January 22nd, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Hi, Trina. Welcome to the group. It’s not uncommon to feel a little
"buyer’s remorse" immediately after the surgery. It is a big
change. And you have to adjust to a whole new lifestyle, you have to
deal with head hunger, and all those issues that you used to bury
with food. For some people it’s like they lost their best friend.
I’m betting you haven’t actually lost enough to begin to see the
GOOD part of it, yet. Or, it’s possible that with the fast weight
loss, your hormones are out of whack (after all, a lot of our
hormones are stored in fat cells). If it gets too bad, I’d call
your doc and see if you can get something temporarily to help you
through this difficult period. I understand Wellbutrin has been
very successful -
If you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
That’s what we’re here for - to support each other in this journey.
Just to be sure, are you getting your vitamins, calcium and water
in? How about a little exercise? Is that possible for you right
now? Everything you can do to help in the mechanical things will
help support the other. {{{{{Gentle hugs}}}}}
Pam in Niceville
11/20/02, lap rny
242/142 at doc’s goal
_____
Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to say hello. I did not know there were message
boards
like this. I wish I knew about them before the I had the surgery.
I
had the roux-en-y bypass on May 12th, 2004. I don’t know how most
people deal with the aftershocks of surgery but I feel like I ruined
my life. I know there is a positive side, but I still feel empty.
I
feel like I have lost a part of myself. I could appreciate any
words
of support anyone can offer about this and others experiences.
Thank
You and God Bless. Trina
ADVERTISEMENT
_____
January 22nd, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Netscape. Just the Net You Need.
January 23rd, 2007 at 3:38 am
Pam,
I read more than post. Just wanted to say thanx. Because of your input and
quick response when sorely needed, the entire group benefits. You are very much
appreciated.
Yvonne
January 23rd, 2007 at 8:38 am
Oh, Yvonne, thank you so much. You’re a sweetheart. I try, but I’m
certainly not the last word. <G> I belong to a lot of groups, so I
share my experience and what I’ve learned from the experiences of
others, and try to be realistic.
Pam in Niceville
11/20/02, lap rny
242/142 at doc’s goal
_____
Pam,
I read more than post. Just wanted to say thanx. Because of your
input and quick response when sorely needed, the entire group
benefits. You are very much appreciated.
Yvonne
January 24th, 2007 at 11:07 am
Trina,
I think I know how you are feeling. I had my RNY surgery over a year ago and
still recall the first few months were AWFUL. I cried constantly and worried
every day that I had made a mistake. Fortunately, over time, the weight kept
coming off and the feelings of sadness suddenly started to be replaced by
feelings of happiness and hope for a better, happier, healthier life. I’m not
saying my life is suddenly perfect, just because I’m thin, but my weight was a
huge issue and source of pain in my life…now that is gone.
Don’t give up hope! Hope you feel better soon.
Jen in Naperville
Surgery date: 3/3/03
259/155/150
January 24th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Hello Trina,
I am glad I found this board too. My wife is the obese one, but she
is German and speaks English, but it’s easier if I do it. She is over
300 lbs and we have no insurance, having just returned to the USA in
March. We hope however, to finance the operation. We have been going
to WISH Center seminars here in Orlando and she wants to do the
surgery real bad. Hope we can keep in touch often. Thanks.
Peter
January 24th, 2007 at 10:03 pm
Hi, Peter. Welcome! We’re here to help if we can, and to just have
someone to share her journey with. I was a self-pay, also, so I
understand the no-insurance, too. Had my surgery in 2002 and am
VERY glad I did. I’ve spent the last 4 weeks having new flooring
put in my home and don’t think I would have been able to crawl
around on the floor, painting baseboards, etc, without it!
Pam in Niceville
_____
Hello Trina,
I am glad I found this board too. My wife is the obese one, but she
is German and speaks English, but it’s easier if I do it. She is
over
300 lbs and we have no insurance, having just returned to the USA in
March. We hope however, to finance the operation. We have been going
to WISH Center seminars here in Orlando and she wants to do the
surgery real bad. Hope we can keep in touch often. Thanks.
Peter
I
> had the roux-en-y bypass on May 12th, 2004. I don’t know how most
> people deal with the aftershocks of surgery but I feel like I
ruined
> my life. I know there is a positive side, but I still feel empty.
I
> feel like I have lost a part of myself. I could appreciate any
words
> of support anyone can offer about this and others experiences.
Thank
> You and God Bless. Trina
ADVERTISEMENT
_____
January 25th, 2007 at 3:56 am
Peter
January 26th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Hello everybody,
My name is Karina and I’m a new member, I signed in today. I’m from
the Netherlands and will do my best to wright in englisch as good as
I can.
I joint this group, because I do support obesitysurgery, I was obeest
myself about 7 to 7,5 years ago, I weight about 160 kilograms at that
time, I’m stil a big girl, but instad of 160 kilograms I now weigh
about 100 kilograms.
I had surgery to get this result, first I had a stummick enlargemend,
and after that I had plasticsurgery for al the lose skin I got after
loosing the weight.
I hope to meet some members here online to exchange experiences with,
and to chat whit, and maybe make some new friends.
So if you like to now more about me, just ask.
I like to here from you.
Greetings Karina.
January 26th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
Hi, Karina! Welcome to the list. Your English is fine - I’ve always
thought that people who were brave enough to communicate in a
language that was not their own were very brave! Your kilograms are
2.2 pounds for us, so you’ve lost like 130 lbs. That’s amazing. I
imagine, though, that you had something like our gastric bypass
surgery which makes our stomachs very small. How long after your
weight loss did you have your plastic surgery? Did you have a long
wait after you decided to have your weight loss surgery before you
could actually get it? We sometimes have to wait 6 months to a year
here. I look forward to hearing about your "journey" - at 7.5 years
out, you have a lot of experience. Did you have the weight regain
that a lot of us have at about 2-3 years? Do you exercise regularly?
I’m just a bundle of questions this morning.
Pam in Niceville
_____
Hello everybody,
My name is Karina and I’m a new member, I signed in today. I’m from
the Netherlands and will do my best to wright in englisch as good as
I can.
I joint this group, because I do support obesitysurgery, I was
obeest
myself about 7 to 7,5 years ago, I weight about 160 kilograms at
that
time, I’m stil a big girl, but instad of 160 kilograms I now weigh
about 100 kilograms.
I had surgery to get this result, first I had a stummick
enlargemend,
and after that I had plasticsurgery for al the lose skin I got after
loosing the weight.
I hope to meet some members here online to exchange experiences
with,
and to chat whit, and maybe make some new friends.
So if you like to now more about me, just ask.
I like to here from you.
Greetings Karina.
ADVERTISEMENT
_____
January 27th, 2007 at 6:49 am
—
Hi Pam and everybody else offcourse,
Thanks for your nice words of welcome, well, my english isnt what it
used to be, but I get there, its dificult sometimes to find the right
words.
But yes, you are right, it was very tough. I did have surgery to make
my stummick smaller, thats wright. And at first I had complications
after the surgery.
I went to my family doctor for the first time to ask for this surgery
in the late summer of 1995, my weight was at that time almost 330 or
maybe 340 lbs. She agreed whit me that this surgery was an good
option for me to finaly loose a lot off weight, after trying so many
different diets.
At first she send me to a surgen in a hospital near by, but in that
hospital they didnt do this kind of surgery, so he advised me to go
to an acedemic hospital, but I first had to go back to my family
doctor, because she had to send me there, he wouldnt do that for some
reason. But in the mean time there were all ready 2 monts goan by.
But she was willing to send me to that other hospital, so I went
there, and I came by the chief of surgery himself there.
After that first visit there the ball finaly started rolling. I first
had to get a full medical check up to make sure my helt was good
enough to undergo the surgery, then I had to visit a psychiatrist to
make shure that I was mentaly strong enough to do all this, and after
they gave there ok’s I was put on the waitinglist, and I have bin on
that list for about 9 months. My surgery took place on may 21 in
1997, so thats already 7 years ago, but I remember everything as if
it was yesterday.
I went to the hospital that morning with my mother on my side, she
supported me juring al I went true back then. I had to come in the
day before the surgery, and believe me, that was a very long day.
The surgery itself took place on may 22, also that day I had to wait,
My surgery was pland for the afternoon, so I had a long morning also
then. My mother was at home that day, she came after the surgery to
the hospital.
The surgery itself went perfect, but the first day after surgery it
went wrong, they gave me a dry slice of bread to eat, and they should
never have done that, because from that moment on I couldt keep my
food or what I got to drink down any more. At first I thought that it
came because I just got the surgery, and maybe it was a bit urly to
expect that it would go perfect the first time I got somthing to eat,
so it went on for about 3 days, but I still couldt keep my food down,
so at that time I got wurried, and told my surgen that I had the
feelinh that there was somthing blokking the passage to my stummick,
that my food or drinks couldnt pass that blokkage,but my surgen wanst
wurried at all, he looked how the wound was heeling and that was it,
so when he came about 2 or 3 days later I repeaded myself, and again
told him about that feeling I had, and that it still was there. At
that time my surgen told me that that feeling only excisded in my
mind, and that there was nothing wrong with me, and that everything
was heeling nicely, but I didnt believe him, because that feeling was
still there, and I was sure that I didnt imagine that, so this went
on for 3 weeks, after those 3 weeks I was send home, I still couldnt
keep enything down, in those 3 weeks I lost almost 30 lbs. At home
myhelt got worst, I starded to dry out, and a week later I was
etmided to the hospital again to get fluids, I had to stay for a
little over a week this time, and then again I got send home, and
still couldnt keep enything down, and my surgen still kept telling me
that it all was in my mind.
At home my family doctor came to visit me, she sugested that I go to
see a psychiatrist, because she also believed that I was imagening it
all, and that was my resceu. The psychiatrist didnt wanna believe
right away that there was somthing wrong with me mentaly, so he send
me to an other specialist in an other hospital to give me a full
medical check up, and then they finaly etmited that there was
somthing wrong. I had a serious infection on the passageway to my
stummick, and because of that everything in my trought was swolen,
and because of that nothing could get through, no food, but also no
fluids. So when they find this out I emediadly got a feedingtube, and
I had that tube for the next 6 weeks, so this infection could heal.
After 6 weeks I very carefully starded with fluid food, and in about
oktober or november of that year I first starded to eat some normal
food, that was almost a half year after the surgery took place, at
that time I already lost about 80 to 90 lbs. But even after all this
I never ever regraded getting this surgery for a minit. I was
hospitalised for a period of 4 months, but it was worth it. I’m a new
woman now, a new world went open for me.
Greetings Karina.
April 29th, 2007 at 3:58 am
Hi,
My name is Robin Deutsch and I am thinking of having weight loss
surgery done. I am 325 and only 5′4. I am 50 years old and never
remember a time when I was ever normal weight. I have diabetes which
is controlled by metformin. I have sleep apnea, fibra myalgia, and
interstatial lung disease. The diabetes is caused from the high doses
of prednisone I was on because of my lung problem. I am slowly getting
off of the pred now.
My question is what is the best procedure? Banding, gastric bipass or
something else?
What are these types of surgeries like? What is the pre-op and post op
like?
My son, who is 19 is also considering having it done. He is 5′6 and
375.
We went to our doctor so he could send in a request to our insurance
company for approval. Once this happens we will meet with the doctor
who performs these surgeries. I like to know before hand what to
expect, that way I could ask the proper questions.
All of you who have lost weight are my idols. I hope that someday, I
too will be able to look in the mirror and see a thin person staring
back at me.
Robin
April 29th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Robin,
First off, welcome on your decision to have this done! I am
almost 2 years out of having an RNY and I would do it again. I’m 54
and wish I would have only had it done years ago so I could enjoy the
things I’m enjoying now! If it were me, speaking as a nurse here,
because I am one, I’d have the RNY done. After all the research and
all the things I’ve seen, I feel it’s one of the best ones out
there. The banding is not one that always lasts. Sometimes the band
will break and you’re back to square one. I too had many health
problems before I’ve lost 279 lbs. There are so many people out here
that no longer are bothered by the problems you’re experiencing after
they’ve lost their weight! If you’re going to go through all the
time and trouble of doing this, I would recommend to go for the
gusto! Go all the way!!!
The only "bad" things about the surgery was getting used to how
much I could eat. I was sick to my stomach off and on for about the
first 6 months after the surgery, but felt it was a small price to
pay for how I was feeling each day. I could tell such a difference
each and every day in how I felt! Now I feel like a totally
different person and would do it again and again! I pray for you and
your son both and pray for your decisons.
Peggy
April 29th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Hi Robin. Welcome to "The Club". You have passed the hardest part in my opinion;
the decision to undergo weight loss surgery. I have been wrestling with the
decision for the past three years. I put it off so many times because I was
afraid of not surviving the surgical procedure. Now I’m no longer afraid. I have
the most wonderful 3 year old son who is the center of my universe. I have found
a surgeon who I am completely confident in at the local branch of The Cleveland
Clinic.
I am awaiting the approval from my insurance company and then it is full speed
ahead. Personally I have opted for the Laproscopic RNY procedure as I believe it
is the most efficient and effective way to lose weight rapidly. I am 6′2" tall
and weigh 385. That’s a BMI of about 50. I am 43 years old and have five
co-morbidities. Diabetes II, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, GERD and cardio
myopathy. I am a prime candidate and might even get moved to the top of the list
once my surgical approval comes in.
My best advice to you is to keep copies of everything. My surgeon faxed the
insurance company my package and after six weeks we had not heard anything. We
contacted them and they said they never received it in spite of a fax
confirmation. So here we are three weeks later after the second submission and
I’m supposed to have an answer within the next few days.
I live in South Florida and my employer’s insurance company (Aetna) provides
this surgery.
Good luck to you and your son. Keep us informed so that we can help you if you
need it.
Brian in S FL
Hi,
My name is Robin Deutsch and I am thinking of having weight loss
surgery done. I am 325 and only 5′4. I am 50 years old and never
remember a time when I was ever normal weight. I have diabetes which
is controlled by metformin. I have sleep apnea, fibra myalgia, and
interstatial lung disease. The diabetes is caused from the high doses
of prednisone I was on because of my lung problem. I am slowly getting
off of the pred now.
My question is what is the best procedure? Banding, gastric bipass or
something else?
What are these types of surgeries like? What is the pre-op and post op
like?
My son, who is 19 is also considering having it done. He is 5′6 and
375.
We went to our doctor so he could send in a request to our insurance
company for approval. Once this happens we will meet with the doctor
who performs these surgeries. I like to know before hand what to
expect, that way I could ask the proper questions.
All of you who have lost weight are my idols. I hope that someday, I
too will be able to look in the mirror and see a thin person staring
back at me.
Robin
April 30th, 2007 at 3:06 am
Robin, the surgeries are all different (welcome to the list, BTW) - they all
have advantages and disadvantages. Bandsters are very fond of their
surgeries, and so are the different forms of the RNY. The one thing that
seems to hold true is that you will need to supplement, regardless.
Bandsters moreso during their fast weight loss phase, because the only thing
that causes them to lose weight is the reduction in volume. RNYers have
malabsorption which can also help, depending on the distance. IMHO (and I’m
an RNY, so you need to know that, since it might indicate a bias LOL) the
RNY and DS are the two surgeries better for taking the weight off and
keeping it off, although you can regain on any of them, since you do have
the malabsorption working for you. The higher your initial weight, the more
you would want bypassed, but the more you bypass, the more you will have to
supplement FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. It’s a long-term commitment to
keeping your health. Banding causes slower weight-loss, but is touted as
less invasive - of course you can have problems where the band is overgrown,
so it’s not a perfect surgery. You would need to supplement, but not like
you do with the RNY, where the duodenum is bypassed, and you can no longer
get the things that your body usually extracts in the duodenum. The DS
allows you some of the duodenum, so you’re nutrient malabsorption is
somewhat lessened, but it’s a very distal procedure, so you still don’t get
a lot of nutrients.
Unfortunately, sometimes the only surgery you can get is the one the doctor
is willing to do and that the insurance is willing to pay for (assuming
you’re using insurance). That’s frequently a 100cm lap RNY. - or you’re
limited by time off - lap because you can return to work in a week, open
because you have the opportunity to take 3-5 weeks for recuperation. Or the
doctor is good in one kind, but not another. If you are limited to one
doctor, and he does one surgery REALLY well, I’d do what that doctor does
well.. JMHO. I don’t want to be a guinea pig for any surgeon. <G>
Here’s a really good site for an explanation of the different surgeries
If you have any specific questions, ask back, and some of us can answer.
Pam in Niceville
_____
Hi,
My name is Robin Deutsch and I am thinking of having weight loss
surgery done. I am 325 and only 5′4. I am 50 years old and never
remember a time when I was ever normal weight. I have diabetes which
is controlled by metformin. I have sleep apnea, fibra myalgia, and
interstatial lung disease. The diabetes is caused from the high doses
of prednisone I was on because of my lung problem. I am slowly getting
off of the pred now.
My question is what is the best procedure? Banding, gastric bipass or
something else?
What are these types of surgeries like? What is the pre-op and post op
like?
My son, who is 19 is also considering having it done. He is 5′6 and
375.
We went to our doctor so he could send in a request to our insurance
company for approval. Once this happens we will meet with the doctor
who performs these surgeries. I like to know before hand what to
expect, that way I could ask the proper questions.
All of you who have lost weight are my idols. I hope that someday, I
too will be able to look in the mirror and see a thin person staring
back at me.
Robin
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_____
April 30th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Thank you so much for your help and contragulation on your weight
loss. I hope to get to that point one day. RIght now I am waiting
for the insurance to call. I think tomorrow I will talk to the
doctor and ask about other alternatives and what is the best with
each one and what is the negative. He is pushing the banding, but
more people are telling me about other methods that are better, such
as the RNY. Thank you for your support and your help.
Robin
April 30th, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Thank you so much for the info. My doctor actually told me I would
have to cut out most of the vitamins/minerals/herbs that I take once
I have the surgery done. I take 73 pills at one time. 12 are
prescription. I started taking the pills because of my lung
condition but since I have been on the pills I have gone from 58 to
77 in lung function. 80 and above is normal. All the drs. are
surprised by this but after 2 years I have worked hard to breathe
again. It is interesting how many different kinds of wt. loss
surgeries there are. I like going in with some knowledge before hand
that way I can ask intelligent questions and not just let the
doctors lead me into something that I don’t want just because I
didn’t know the right questions to ask.
Thank you so much for your help. It looks like a great group. I am
just waiting to find out if the insurance will approve it and then
we move on to the next step. We are thinking of doing it in the
summer. Scott will be out of school and I am a work at home mom so I
have no real schedule. I just work on my book when I feel like it.
Thanks,
Robin
April 30th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Thank you so much Brian. I have been thinking about it for years but
have been too afraid to say anything. The doctor told my son that if
he doesn’t do something soon he won’t make it to 25. I figured that
he needs all the support he could get and the best way to do that
was to have the surgery done together. That way we could be there
for each other and help each other out during the rough times. I
know that we both use food as a security blanket. To me food always
was a comfort. We hope to do this during the summer when he is out
of college. Probably after my daughters college graduation party. I
know that my daughter wouldn’t be very supportive because she would
be afraid that she might miss out on going out to eat on the
weekends. (My daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 5, though
you would never know it today. Still she could be a pain sometimes.)
Good luck with your surgery. Please let me know how it goes.
Robin
May 1st, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Yes Robin there is many different methods to this surgery, and there
are good things about each one of them. There are certain Doctors
who specialize in each procedure. And those are usually what each
one push for. But in the beginning when I was researching gastric
bypasses and trying to decide which one I wanted to have done, first
off I made the big decision as I knew this had to be a life changing
thing. Another words, it had to be a change of life style for ME,
for this thing to really work. The banding serve their purpose in
giving one a head start on their weight loss, and it promotes in
weight loss, BUT it’s not a permanent thing. The band is like a
rubber band and what happens to a rubber band when it is stretched
many times? Eventually it will break. And IF you have not reached
the point in which you can control your eating habits, then the weigh
will come back. Although the RNY is more involved, it also is the
only one which doctors can reverse the procedure and put the body
back to the way it was before the surgery. And there is the mal-
absorption issue; one can get around that by drinking protein shakes,
taking a good multi-vitamin daily and learning to eat properly. This
is what I wanted in life. I wanted it to be for keeps!! Like I
said, I’d do this procedure again in a heart beat!!! My life was
literally changed for the better. I was close to death when I had
the procedure done and know in my heart I wouldn’t be here today if
I’d not have done it. Where do you live? I do hope this helps and
if I can help you at all, please do not hesitate to ask! For the
best way to learn anything is by questioning! Many have said to
me, "But Peggy what about that big incision on your belly?" I
answer, "What about it? I would NEVER want it removed, because each
time I look in the mirror, I don’t see a incision, I see my REAL life
line! And I never want to forget what it was like before!!"
Peggy
May 2nd, 2007 at 10:20 am
Hey gang! Good news/Bad news. Yesterday my insurance company rejected my first
submittal for the surgery. I was really hoping to nail it on the first attempt,
but realistically I know that rarely happens. I met all the criteria except one.
I did not submit proof of a 3 month doctor supervised diet. I was able to get in
this morning to meet with my surgeons nutritionist. I dropped five pounds since
December when I last saw her. So I have to undergo two more sessions (April &
May) then resubmit my request. Additional bad news is that my employer ALWAYS
changes insurance carriers each year July 1. It’s going to be tight. If I can
get the package back to them at the end of May they could issue approval in
early June, then I would have to be on the table prior to midnight on June 30.
Boy have I got this down to a science or what?
Brian in S FL
Thank you so much Brian. I have been thinking about it for years but
have been too afraid to say anything. The doctor told my son that if
he doesn’t do something soon he won’t make it to 25. I figured that
he needs all the support he could get and the best way to do that
was to have the surgery done together. That way we could be there
for each other and help each other out during the rough times. I
know that we both use food as a security blanket. To me food always
was a comfort. We hope to do this during the summer when he is out
of college. Probably after my daughters college graduation party. I
know that my daughter wouldn’t be very supportive because she would
be afraid that she might miss out on going out to eat on the
weekends. (My daughter was diagnosed with autism at age 5, though
you would never know it today. Still she could be a pain sometimes.)
Good luck with your surgery. Please let me know how it goes.
Robin
May 2nd, 2007 at 11:05 am
Brian,
Just hang in there! There’s a reason for the season as the ol’ saying
goes! You’ll make it when it’s right for you and it then becomes a personal
experience which will be best for your life! I was really lucky as not
having to go through any of this mess with insurance companies. I was on
Medicare Disability due to an accident from work. I had just gotten through
my 2 years waiting period before Medicare medical started for me. I just
went into the doctor and came out with a surgery date. My heart does go out
to everyone who has to fight this!
Peggy
Hey gang! Good news/Bad news. Yesterday my insurance company rejected my
first submittal for the surgery. I was really hoping to nail it on the first
attempt, but realistically I know that rarely happens. I met all the
criteria except one. I did not submit proof of a 3 month doctor supervised
diet. I was able to get in this morning to meet with my surgeons
nutritionist. I dropped five pounds since December when I last saw her. So I
have to undergo two more sessions (April & May) then resubmit my request.
Additional bad news is that my employer ALWAYS changes insurance carriers
each year July 1. It’s going to be tight. If I can