Gastric Bypass Weblog

best wishes, tracee & michele! ask us any & all ?s.
lori h.

Congratulations Karen!!!
You are an inspiration to us all.
I'm only 3 months out from my surgery but I am excited that I'm
finally losing weight on a steady basis. I would lose for a few
weeks and then nothing. I have about twenty pounds to lose and then
I'll be at the point that I never could get below (280 pounds). I'd
always get to about 280 and then start gaining. This time its going
to be different!
Congrats again!
Bridget

My wife had Lap Rny on March 18th. We are now 6 days post op. She
seems to be doing pretty well. Not much pain or nausea. She is
starting the "full Liquid diet " today and expects to stay on it for
2 weeks. While in the hospital the strangest thing has happened. The
morning after the procedure she developed terrible pain in both her
knees. I mean pain just to touch her knees. The surgeon said he had
not experienced this before. After ultrasound and x rays proved
negative, she met a reumotoligist. He said it was "sudo- gout? He
said it was very common in people after surgery that was heavy and
using certain Blood pressure meds. He could not treat her with the
normal anti inflammatory drugs since she was not eating.so he gave
her steroids by IV.within 24 hrs she dramatically improved and by the
next day was walking to shower. She has been home now for 3 days and
says that the leg pain is stating to come back, just not as bad. She
will be taking the steroid foe a couple of more days. Has anyone
heard of this happening before? I must say as far as the operation,
everything seems fine at the moment. She knows she has a long process
to go buy so far things are great.
Mike

Mary,
What sort of problems are you getting when you attempt to upload,
i.e. error messages. It is possible that the pictures are to large
for the server...
-Ray

brilliantly said, amber! wls ain't a cure, by any stretch of the
imagination. the Man Above is in charge, though it's tough to stop
being for willful;-)
lori h.
23 grateful months post-op

hang in there, wendy. the ins comps try each & every trick in the book.
they will try to say that the rashes can be managed "non surgically".
have your docs advocate for ya, submit any & all documentation:
prescription receipts, OTC receipts for any ointments/creams you've
tried. go get 'em!
lori h.
PS there's a fantastic R surgery group, email me for the link

u go, ellen. you're a survivor; keep us posted.
lori h.

Hi everyone,
I don't usually write.....just read.
Today is my one year anniversary! I've gone from size 22 in jeans to 8!!!
Beginning weight was 257,now 159.I'm 5'9"......so it's okay if I don't lose
anymore.I really don't want to.I said before surgery that I'd be happy if I got
to 170.My BMI is normal....WOW!
I'm excited about becoming a first time grandma.My son will be having his
first child,a boy due on May 10.His name will be Max.I think I'm more excited
about this baby than I was my own three sons!
Life is so good.
Ya'll have a great day! Thanks for all the info you post here.It has been so
helpful.
Take care,
Karen in NC

DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THERE IS A GROUP FOR REVISIONS? I HAVE NOT
MADE UP MY MIND AND WOULD LIKE TO TALK WITH OTHERS WHO HAD ONE....

I have been denied for the same thing and I`m in appeal right now. There is a

Hi Joy,
My name is Kimberly. I am 320 lbs and I'm 30 yrs old. I'm going to
schedule my surgery tomorrow. It should only be three weeks from now
(if my insurance doesn't give me any problems). I totally feel your
anticipation! I've had to endure a lot of opposition from some of my
family members and friends. Have any of you dealt with this? Every
time they tell me it's not a good idea, it makes me angry. I know that
they care for me, but that is why they SHOULD want me to have this
surgery. I'm 30 years old and I live like an elderly person. I can't
walk for five minutes without having back and knee pain. I can't pick
up and hold my 4 yr old daughter for more than 3 minutes (while
standing). I want to run and play with my children. I want to take
them to the fair and FIT on the rides. I want to order a meal without
being worried about what the waiter/waitress is thinking of me. I feel
like I'm stuck inside this body and I'm screaming to get out but nobody
can hear me. I guess all I'm saying is that, you're not alone. We are
all in this together.and together, we'll get through it.
The most important thing to remember is who you are now. Don't ever
forget yourself.I've spoken to a lot of people who have had this surgery
and lost the weight. Before the surgery, they were funny, sincere,
polite, and just good people. Afterwards, they let it go to their
heads. Not only did they lose the weight, they lost their minds! They
start judging people the way that they used to be judged. They become
obsessed and disgusted with people who are overweight. Don't let that
happen to you, stay true to who you are.
Well I've blabbered on enough. Have a beautiful day everyone!
Kimberly

Oh well did not work on here either, I will try again tomorrow to put them on
the website
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

Hi Everyone I was denied by Cigna.....They say that I need 6 months
of medical management what ever that means. Also has anyone ever been
denied before and what would you suggest that I need to do?
Help!!!
Wendy

I tried putting these on the website but there was a problem
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

Hi I need to know if anyone out there had to use a speacial soap the
night before there surgery and the day off there surgery and what
the name was and also what are you allowed to have after you come
home from surgery i'm 5 weeks away from surgery any information
would be helpful thanks...Joy

sulfate or ferrus furamate.
My surgeon switched me to ferrous fumerate. He says it's better
absorbed than ferrous sulfate.
Alicia

hi cherie
I see the surgeon tomorrow, they chose Dr. Murphy for me. I didn't request
anyone in particular, i just knew that I wanted it as soon as possible. I
chose the open procedure for that reason as well. The whole thing has been
rather quick. I was able to have everything done. I was told at the
seminar that it takes about 3-4 weeks to get an appointment with the surgeon
but it has not. The patient coordinator, Amiee, has been great in taking
care of everything and scheduling everything for me. they consider "out of
town" two hours away. I live in Calimesa, work in Riverside, so I am
staying down there. I don't know if it is a week total, or a week after you
get out of the hospital. I didn't have a date to have it done by, by the
insurance company. They did, however, approve the surgery, before they
approved the consultation for the surgery.
Do you have a date? how far along on you with Pacific Bariatric?

Yeah!! Go for it! I can't wait to go again...it is so much fun
realizing all the things I have missed out on carrying around all
that weight...
Hannah

To all My wonderful Friends,
I just came from the Dr.s office. I got weighed for the 1st time since
surgery. In 1 week 1nd 1 day, I lost, (drumroll please.....) 28
lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I
am on cloud 9~!!!!!!
I feel like a new woman! And decided I am part feline as I am starting my 3
life!
1= original
2= getting past breast cancer
3= weight loss surgery
Life couldn't get better then this!
All My Love,
Ellen
very greatful surgery 3/15/04
Your friend in freedom from fat!
Ellen Kahn
Tatouage Consultant
Tatouagedesigns.com
discount code: EllKah30

I get ferrous glucomate, which you have to ask the
pharmacist for. It is only about $4 for a bottle and
they are small and green.

In a message dated 3/22/2004 9:52:08 AM Eastern Standard Time,

You start to have some hunger the further out you get. I find It is very
easy to satisfy. I am 1 year out and if I feel hungry I just pop a sugarfree
candy in my mouth and I am fine. Protein definitely curb hunger.
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

Hey you guys you are doing great congrats.
Tammy, My sister is on Paxil and she had no problems with the Psych eval. We
didn't have to answer the questionnaire..just some questions about family
history, eating habits, what we know about surgery etc..Easy and painless
faith

I was reading the post on VitaLady.com and the shakes helping to
curb hunger and cravings. I thought surgery made the hunger and
cravings go away? Or, is it different for everyone?

Jennie,
Who is diong your surgery in san Diego. I am also having surgery with
Pacific bariatric. I am approved as well by the insurance company
and by Ins company says I must have it done by 5/31/04.
Where do you live? I understand by talking to the group there that
you can stay anywhere by yuo have to be there for at least 7 days
from the surgery date.
Cherie

Dora,
My husband only saw a dietician once and did the 3month. We saw his PCP
once a month for 3 months. As you know he was approved in a little over
24 hours with Aetna HMO. Aetna Paid for everything but our 10 dollar
copay for the PCP. The dietician was paid for because of his high blood
pressure. We paid for nothing but the copay.
Andra Stewart
DH Lap RNY April 8th

Hi all
this was given to me at one of my support group meeting in Mi. a good friend
reminded me of it. I thought I might share it with all of you. Sheryl
This is a handout that we had received at one of the previous
meetings. I actually believe Felicia had brought this in for us. I
thought I would post it for those who have not seen it, or run
across this, as I know we will all struggle from time to time with
that wonderful plateau period.
Dr. Fox's Plateau Busting Diet
This is the plan that Dr. Fox gives to his RNY and AGB patients in
order to get through a plateau in weight loss.
#1 Do for 10 days to break plateau
#2 Drink 2 quarts of water a day
#3 You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamin
& mineral supplements each day.
#4 You may consume up to 3 oz. of the following high-protein foods,
5 times a day:
a.. beef,
b.. pork,
c.. chicken,
d.. turkey,
e.. lamb,
f.. fish,
g.. eggs,
h.. low-fat cheese,
i.. cottage cheese,
j.. plain yogurt (or artificially sweetened),
k.. peanut butter,
l.. beans/legumes.
#5 You may also have:
a.. sugar-free popsicles (avoid juice popsicles),
b.. tea or coffee,
c.. sugar-free sodas,
d.. sugar-free Jello,
e.. broths & bouillons,
f.. Crystal Lite drinks.
#6 IF IT IS NOT ON THE LIST YOU MAY NOT HAVE IT!
#7 Keep a food diary and try to get 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Betsy :)

Nancy,
What is it? How can I help??
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

help me im so depressed is that normal

WTG Crystal,
Welcome to the Century Club,
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

Hello, my name is ann and I have a question about iron. Do you take a
softgel or is it a pill form? Is it ferrus sulfate or ferrus furamate.
Thanks
ann

Ray, congrats!!! That's great keep up the good work. Cindy
rww8719 <myway@...
weighed myself and
measured... I'm down 65 pounds, lost a total of nearly 14", 7" just
from my waist and an inch and a half from my neck. I'll update my
photos on day 60 for those of you that are interested - folder Ray-
Omaha. May 3rd will be day 100 and I'm hoping to hit my goal of -100
pounds. Not sure how realistic that is, but that's my goal. I'm down
to a size 48 jean from a size 54... A W E S O M E !

Thanks Rachel--that is what I wanted to hear. By normal standards I think 24
pounds is okay. By hearing everyone elses story it seems low. Im just
afraid when i go to the doc on wed that he will think Im not really doign what I
should. Also--most everyone i have talked to says they get that full feeling
almost a tightness in their chest if they eat too fast or too much or dont chew
well--and none of that ever happens with me---so I was just concerned. I
almost feel like I havent had the surgery some days. So I will keep on going
and
see how it goes---thanks for the advice---CIndy

I'm sure it's normal, but maybe taking a little more
iron for a while might help.

Rachel,
Thank you so much for your information you and everyone on this site is
always sooo helpful!!!!
Thanks again,
ann
Ann M.
St. Louis Mo.
lap/rny
242 down to 130
9/29/02

Just wanted to give an update. I am 4 months post now. Pretty much eating
what i want. Nothing is making me sick. I bought a walk away the pounds tape 4
weeks ago and JUST got it in the mail so I am gonna start that tonight!
Hope everyone is doing Good.
Oh yea. By the way. I have reached my 100 pound loss!! I am sooo excited.
Thanks for listening!
Crystal
Lap RNY
11/18/03
365/265/2nd mini goal 250!!

hi all,
well i had my 3 month check up today. well three months not until next week. but
anyways, i am doing good total of 61 pounds lost. so i am now 230. i feel good.
i just
want to lose these 30 pounds so bad. i want to get out of the 200's. so i am
going to work
really hard to lose them. i have been bad about not working out the last 2
weeks. so i am
going to start back and work out everyday again. ok thats all for now. just
wanted to let
everyone know. thanks
Nora
GB LAP
12/30/03
291/230/150

Thank you so much Kristen, that helped me alot!!!!!!!!!! ann
ann m.
St. Louis Mo
lap/rny
242 down to 130
surg. 9/29/02

Thought I'd drop a note to the group since I just weighed myself and
measured... I'm down 65 pounds, lost a total of nearly 14", 7" just
from my waist and an inch and a half from my neck. I'll update my
photos on day 60 for those of you that are interested - folder Ray-
Omaha. May 3rd will be day 100 and I'm hoping to hit my goal of -100
pounds. Not sure how realistic that is, but that's my goal. I'm down
to a size 48 jean from a size 54... A W E S O M E !

Just got a call from Dr. Gagne's office and I'M APPROVED! This was
on the first try...and it took less than a week!!!
Not that this wasn't all "real" to me before...but I guess in the
back of my mind I was thinking that SURELY there will be some sort of
delay. Now, unless Dr. Gagne has to cancel for some reason...I'm 8
days away from my surgery (March 30th)!!
I also found out from my surgeons office that after April 1st, my
insurer (Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield) will require 2 years
documented diet with a PCP. They said that this new "rule" is non-
negotiable! I just slid in under the wire!!
I am soooo excited!! I had a birthday (March 15th) and every friend
I have went out and bought me a "skinny" outfit! How's that for
support!!
I am so blessed!!
Tracee

Kris,
I had the same problem and found out than iron deficiency was the
cause. You may want to have your labs done. Congrats on your
excellent weight loss!!
Alicia

I had my lap surgery on 1/8/04 and have lost 58.5 lbs. I
find that lately I am tired all the time. For a while I
would just be tired if I had a big day, but for the last
week, Ive been tired all day. Also, I havent been going
to the gym regularly like I should, so that could
contribute. Last week I didnt go at all, but the week
before I went two or three times. Ill go today after work
and hopefully Wed and Thursday too. I do about 30 minutes
of cardio work when I go. Im hoping to get to 45 minutes
this month and add weights next week or the week after.
Is it normal to have such a loss of energy at this stage?
Im 28 years old and relatively healthy other than my
weight (273 lbs). Im also on 6 oz meals now, though I
usually get about 4 oz down before I stop eating. I have
my protein shake for bfast, then a high-protein lunch and
dinner. Ive been working in the veggies in the last
couple of weeks. But I know Im getting in all my protein.
Have others experienced this? When will my energy pick
back up?
Thanks for your help,
Kris
=====
Mrs. Kris :-)

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Weekly Group Chat!!
Monday March 22, 2004
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Notes:

Dear Mary,
Sorry I didn't answer sooner... I was off this weekend for my birthday
(I turned 50 yesterday). The Vitamin E is not powdered, it's Dry
Vitamin E (it comes in capsule form, about as big as your calcium
tablets). I order mine through puritanspride.com and I get the 400 i.u.
Dry Vitamin E. I wait for their buy one, get two free sale (which I
think is going on right now). I get practically all of my vitamins and
minerals there.
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/205/170
BMI 60/30.3/24
-181
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

test

((((mary))))hugs in honor of your milestone! your empowerment, renewed
hope, and continuing transformation are a true testament to the
blessings of wls. keep on defying limitations & kicking butt, my amiga.
happy anniversary, hunny.
lori h.

Rachel,
Thank you for providing such good info. I used to think that a protein
shake had to replace the meal and that isn't necessarily so. I just
started using them on a regular basis last week and have been very pleased
with the way they make me feel.
I too am trying not to obsess about the numbers, but this is a new process
for me and there is a lot to learn.
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/358surg/333/160?

For any of you who are where I am in the precertification process
with Aetna HMO, I have found out the difference between the 3 month
weight loss attempt and the 6 month. In their requirements you have
to have, along with other factors, a 6 month "Physician-supervised
nutrition and exercise program" or a 3 month "Multidisciplinary
surgical preparatory regimen". I could not tell what the difference
in the two since on one your doctor is working with a nutritionist
and the other you are working with a nutritionist and the 2 sounded
a whole lot alike.
Well... the difference is not much. You have to do 6 months if you
are going to your doctor to have it documented and insurance will
pay for it. If you decide to go to a nutritionist for the same
information you only go for 3 months, but you have to pay for it.
So I guess it is a matter of what you can pay for and how quickly
you want it done.
Dora

Marla,
I can't give you advice on after WLS, but having dieted my whole life I do know
that sometimes when you are not eating enough you will stop losing weight. I
have a friend who was almost at her goal with Weight Watchers and she had the
same problem. She stopped losing weight and had to up what she was eating.
Another thing that they suggested to her was alternate what she was eating. She
usually ate the same things every day. When she started putting in other things
and mixing it up again she started losing again. Thought this might help.
Dora

Also remember that our doctors said its normal to occasionally
plateau - our bodies are just catching up so to speak. Alot of
times we won't show a loss on the scale but we are losing inches.
My nutrionist reminds me that muscle weighs more than fat so we need
to have patience even on those weeks when we don't show a loss. (I
know its easier said than done . . .)
Hang in there!
Bridget

I believe our nutritionist said to wait 2-3 hours between iron and
calcium - hope that helps!

Cindy -
Take a minute to think, here . . . you've lost 24 lbs in 5 weeks. That's 5
lb/week, or 20 lbs/ month. Do you REALLY think that's slow? If so, your
expectations are unrealistic, IMO. You're doing fine . . .
Also, feeling full is different now. Depends on what you're eating, too. Soft,
squishy food may never make you feel full, and you won't feel full if you're
drinking while eating. Measure your dense protein - 1-2 oz by volume (2
Tablespoons is an oz). Eat that, and stop. Feel what it feels like, wait for
20 min, then check how you feel. You should be feeling full/satisfied by now.
If not, wait a little longer, then have a protein shake. Much of the time, the
"hunger" is a need for water or protein. Be sure you have low-no sugar protein
shakes, like from VitaLady.com.
I have a protein shake *before* I eat . . . calms cravings, stops the "ravenous"
hunger.
Also, liquids will almost never make you feel full . . . they run right thru,
and never stop in the pouch. They can help, by kind of plumping up the guts a
little, if you drink a lot before you eat. But they don't "make you feel full".
Good luck - you're doing fine, and you might want to stop obsessing about the
numbers. It makes me crazy, when I do it.
Rachel
<< From: rn4maknme@...
Subject: I need advice
Hi all---i just have a few questions I hope someone can answer. Im
Cindy---I
had an open RNY done 5 weeks ago. I have only lost 24 pounds thus far
and
even that has been somewhat of an effort. Im only eating what I
should---i get
my protein---i drink my water. I am back to feeling 100 percent well.
I know
all docs are different---we were allowed to start solids at 4 weeks--so
in
the last week I have tried a little bit of most everything and nothing
bothers
my stomach. I can eat anything. I havent overeaten--but never do I
feel full.
I can drink a 20 oz bottle of water over 1/2 hour if i want and still
never
feel full. Is there something I am doing wrong? Shouldnt I have lost
more
weight? Shouldnt I be able to tell if my pouch is full? Just
wondering---Ive
been exercising and doing fine---but dont feel like it is coming as
easy as it
should or something---just worried something isnt right---any ideas
from
anyone----thanks---Cindy
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

My friend/mentor, VitaLady had her WLS in 1995. SHe got to goal, and currently
maintains about 112. She had all the fights with nutrition, etc. She found and
uses whey protein shakes to control cravings, provide nutrition and satiety.
Please go to VitaLady.com to see her story/pix, and read about protein shakes.
I use 6/day, and they are the best tool I have to control hunger and cravings.
I'm only one year out, still losing at a good rate, down 145 lbs, about 20 lbs
from goal.
Good luck in finding something that works for you, but I can't recommend whey
protein shakes highly enough.
Rachel
From: "bjbodywork" <bjbodywork@...
Subject: Out of Control
Hi! I am 44 years of age and I had a gastric by-pass in 1995.
There wasn't a whole lot of information out then so I was not
instructed on a continued life style. I was 315 lbs. and got do to
148. Today I am 190 and I can't seem to get back on track. I still
can only take in a little bit of food (solids) but I frequently. I
feel hungry all the time and tend to eat until I am miserable.
Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can gain control to lose
weight without feeling deprived? Help!!!! I don't want to go back
and I presently have no health insurance. Where can I obtain
further information that would be helpful. Please share!
Desperate in Virginia
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

As the cost of surgery goes up and the number of insurance companies
that will pay for this procedure goes down, I am being faced with
having to shop very carefully for where to have my surgery.
Most of the places in the US that I have contacted charge between
$20,000 and $25,000.
Countries like Costa Rica and Mexico charge $8,000 to $10,000. If you
are paying for this out of your own pocket, these figures will
certainly get your attention.
I have been communicating with several sites in Costa Rica, and
Mexico. I have been impressed with the doctors. All are US trained,
board certified and have performed a lot of surgeries.
Has anyone in this group ever considered this or know of anyone who
has had their bypass in another country.
Thanks,
Ray

The rule I follow is 2 hours between iron and calcium.
And no, don't swallow your B12 subs. THe reason we need to take subs is that we
don't have intrinsic factor, which is needed to absorb B12 in our stomachs. It
needs to be absorbed in the mouth (sublingually).
Rachel
<< From: bogie3263@...
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Group,
Does anyone know the answer to this question? If you take an iron
pill
and want to take some calcium pills how long do you have to wait in
between the
iron pills and calcium pills? is it an hour or 2 or 3? Also can you
swallow
sublingual b-12 or do you have to put it under yopur tongue? Help!
Ann M.
lap/rny
242/135
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

Hi Juan,
Congratulations on your success and happy (belated) anniversary. I
just wanted to ask you what you are doing to lose that last 20. I
have about 30 to go myself before I hit my goal weight but am
finding that my weight isn't moving lately. I'll admit a few things,
I have a hard time taking in my water and since I still feel no
hunger I often have to set a timer to remind me to eat. I work out
five times a week, over two hours a day. I'm doing an hour cardio
and then an hour plus of weight training-free and assisted. I've
asked my doc and he says I should go see a nutritionist. He says
taking in 900 is fine if you're maintaining a sedentary lifestyle
BUT since I'm working out that hard, he didn't know how many cals to
suggest.
Soooo, basically I'm a little confused about what it is that needs
to be adjusted. I eat as much as I can remember to during the day,
however, I often don't exceed 800 cals. I get nasueated looking at
or smelling food when I'm not hungry. Most of my protein is covered
in shakes, chicken, or tuna, cheese, and yogurt.
I don't feel I should curb my workout regimine, but am open to your
advice!!! Look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Marla
open RNY GB
360/216/185
2/12/03

Hi All,
I was reading your posts about gallbladder problems. I just had mine
removed last friday. I had my GB on 2/12/03 and didn't have any
problems with my gallbladder until mid. Jan., then I was hit with a
sharp stabbing pain on my right side under my rib cage, went to the
ER, turned out to be biliary colic, had a ultrasound done and
gallstones were confirmed. I went through one more gallbladder
attack, this time the pain was so severe they gave me morphine in
the ER and discharged me with vicodin. I got sick of the pain,
consulted my GB surgeon and elected to have it taken out. The Dr.
took it out laparascopically. Pain was minimal, it was an outpatient
procedure. I had the surgery at 11am on fri., hour and half long,
then spent an hour in recovery and was discharged before 2pm. The
scarring is minimal as well. Hope that helps answer questions.
Sincerely,
Marla
RNY GB
2/12/03
360/216/185

Thank you for sharing that with us. There is a whole list of things that I want
to do after I regain my life too. Can't wait until my surgery date whenever
that will be. And it will be because I will fight for my very life to have it.
Thanks for the encouragement to those on the other side waiting.

Hi to the best support group on the net.
Today is my first Birthday of my new life. What a good life it is today. I
am so happy. It was one year ago today at this very hour that I was undergoing
Gastric Bypass surgery. The past year has been amazing, a real blessing. It
have been a wonderful time in my life. I have my life back after being in a
wheelchair for 7 years. I no longer use my wheelchair except in cases where
there is a whole lot of walking involved. I have lost 135 lb. and something
very exciting happened yesterday. My husband and I went to a restaurant and we
sat in a booth for the first time in a very, very loooong time. I almost
cried, it was an awesome feeling. I can't explain it except it was a feeling of
complete elation. I was in a size 54/56 and today I am 22/24. Life is good and
GOD is the best. He is the one that gave the doctors the knowledge and
expertise to do this surgery to help us have a new life. Now we must make the
most
of our new tool and not abuse this wonderful gift. All you pre-op hang in
there your time is coming. Make the best of it. Good Luck!
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

In a message dated 3/21/2004 3:32:27 PM Central Standard Time, JanetF213
writes:
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ok i am 4 months post opt and i am having lots of medical problems..
ok well i am going back into surgery on march 25 for them to place a
camara into my pouch to see if there is scaring where they attached
my small intesaintes.. because i am not digesting the food i eat and
im throwing it up so the doctor is going to to streach the opening of
my pouch and my small bowels so i can digest my food has anyone had
this problem?? plz can anyone help me???
M. Addison
Dr. Bustany (NSG)
11/04/03 Lap RNY
450- 377-284-???????

Cindy,
I am 9 weeks post open RNY, down 60+ lbs. Here's what I understand
about slow loss post op. Women tend to lose more slowly than men,
which is not a bad thing for some. Apparently, things also depend on
your metabolism and activity, are you walking? You may have to be a
little more aggressive in your activity level. I'm sure you've heard
this all before. I rarely eat more than 6 oz. of food for any one
meal over at least a half an hour. My meal make up (priorities)
protien first, veggies and fruit, then bread or starch last. Small
bites, chewed well, no liquids at least an hour before or after a
meal. I had my first bit of chinese on Saturday, Kung pao Chicken,
ate the meat then veggies with maybe two table spoons of rice, I was
in heaven.
BE PATIENT, it will go away (the weight that is). Just keep living
the plan and you'll succeed.
-Ray

SmarterCookie,
I just have to share with you that I too have been on this site for almost a
year now. I come to it just about every day. Before I had my surgery (Lap
5/17/03) I was motivated by looking at the before and after pictures everyone
posts. Now since my surgery I've lost 128lbs and still come just about
everyday
to learn something new. I don't have any information on the psych evaluation
because with my insurance they didn't require it prior to the surgery. I
wish you the best of luck, sometimes the anticipation is overwhelming but I'm
sure you'll come through it with flying colors and be very successfull.
Laura
Lap 5/17/03
326/195/145(goal)

Hi everyone! I'm new and this is my first post. I have been reading
the posts for the last few weeks though. I'm 36, divorced, single
parent of two. My BMI is 45, 130 lbs. overweight. I've thought about
GBS for about three years and have been serious about it since this
past October. I have been to a seminar and am approved for the
consultation with the surgeon. I go for my psych eval this Friday.
What is the psych eval like? I know that it is about 500 questions.
I believe it's called a MMPI. I can't find the exact questions on
the internet, just kits for sale. I've been told that there are some
pretty off-the-wall questions, but one never knows exactly how much
to believe of what you hear! Should I be concerned about the fact
that I am on Paxil? Will this matter to the psychologist? My divorce
was finalized a year ago, so I hope this isn't an issue either. I
have returned to school and will graduate next year. My future has
me excited. Especially, if I am in better shape and healthier and
able to enjoy it more! This is a wondeful site...it is so
helpful to talk with and read from others who have already gone down
this road.

Hi,
Have you tried the drinks that fill you up?

Hi! I am 44 years of age and I had a gastric by-pass in 1995.
There wasn't a whole lot of information out then so I was not
instructed on a continued life style. I was 315 lbs. and got do to
148. Today I am 190 and I can't seem to get back on track. I still
can only take in a little bit of food (solids) but I frequently. I
feel hungry all the time and tend to eat until I am miserable.
Anyone have any suggestions as to how I can gain control to lose
weight without feeling deprived? Help!!!! I don't want to go back
and I presently have no health insurance. Where can I obtain
further information that would be helpful. Please share!
Desperate in Virginia

Hi Cindy,
I am Corinne and I had my gastricbypass on Nov. 12, 2003. As of now I
only lost 44 lbs. My Dr. thinks it is going slow but I feel good. He says I need
to see a dietitian. I haven't made an appointment yet. He did tell me I should
drink protein drinks like Adkins, so I just bought some. But I don't like to
drink water. I'm going to see what happends with these drinks. GOOD
LUCK!

Hi all---i just have a few questions I hope someone can answer. Im Cindy---I
had an open RNY done 5 weeks ago. I have only lost 24 pounds thus far and
even that has been somewhat of an effort. Im only eating what I should---i get
my protein---i drink my water. I am back to feeling 100 percent well. I know
all docs are different---we were allowed to start solids at 4 weeks--so in
the last week I have tried a little bit of most everything and nothing bothers
my stomach. I can eat anything. I havent overeaten--but never do I feel full.
I can drink a 20 oz bottle of water over 1/2 hour if i want and still never
feel full. Is there something I am doing wrong? Shouldnt I have lost more
weight? Shouldnt I be able to tell if my pouch is full? Just wondering---Ive
been exercising and doing fine---but dont feel like it is coming as easy as it
should or something---just worried something isnt right---any ideas from
anyone----thanks---Cindy

Here's what happened to me. I'm 4 wks out now. About the 2 wk mark I started
getting very sick to my stomach even water made me sick. I spent weds night in
the emergency room because I was dehydrated, they also ran an ultra sound and
found that In have gall stones. My Dr. says that 2 out of every 10 have gall
bladder problems so now I'm on actigal and phenegrin pills for the nausa. He
said that he wont take my out until I'm aleast 2 months out and he prefers that
I be 3 months because if he did it know he would have to open me up again. I
hope I can hold another month or two. By the way the actigal helps but I do
have to take the phenergen pills for the nausa.
Hope this helps. Beth
Diane <bubbles_9832000@...
thanks Ray I am going to talk to my surgeon today and tell him I want mine out
any ways I have heard to many say they had to have it out later that I think it
be best I only wanna go through this surgery 1 time! Thanks for the reply I
appreciate it!
Diane
rww8719 <myway@...
Here's my two cents on this... After all that I have read and
studied I knew that if I was going to have to have open RNY
(insurance considered LAP "investigative") that while the surgeon
had me opened up, that I wanted him to remove the gall bladder. I
simply told him that was my wish and he obliged. The insurance
company apparently didn't deny this so out it went. I have seen the
pain people go through with gall stones and there was no way that I
wanted to leave myself open to this. My opinion, get it out of there.
-Ray

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
South Miami Hosp Support Group
Thursday March 25, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats on the last Thursday of every month.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days, 4 minutes.
Event Location: Educ Cntr
Notes:
go to miamihope.com

Hello Friends,
I don't post often, but some of you know me and my website, but I
have been at it again with the programming thing. I have developed
another tracking tool. This tracking tool tracks Weight, Inches, and
Blood Pressure. It Also creates some GREAT Graphs and Charts... or
at least I think so, of course I wrote the programs so I am partial.
This Application tracks Monthly rather than weekly and allows for 24
months.
Link:
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/Expect_Chart-Inches-BP-52.htm
To see my data:
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/bruces_data.htm
Website Home Page:
http://www.thinnerself.com/
The Inches data fields allow you to put in "Goal", "Start",
and "Current" inch values for your Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Bust,
Midriff, Waist, Hips, Thigh, Calf, Ankle, Bicep, Forearm, and Wrist.
Various graphs, charts, and tables are created including a Body Bar
Chart that is pretty cool... I think.
For your Blood Pressure, you can enter Systolic, Diastolic and Pulse
values. Graphs and tables are create from this data.
I have also added some report options so that you can switch off data
that you do not want to include in the report.
All the data is stored in cookies on your local machine. The only
problem with this is that if you use another machine, the data only
is shown on the machine that it is enter on.
Any Way, I hope you enjoy the tools share it with others...
Thank You,
Bruce Underwood - www.thinnerself.com
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/Expect_Chart-Inches-BP-52.htm
http://www.thinnerself.com/files/bruces_data.htm

Girl.....I am in the same exact situation as far as them just
denying me. I guess we have to put up a fight and keep our chins up
and hope for the best. Keep me posted....I will keep my fingers
crossed for the both of us.
hugs
Julie
pre-op
may 4, 2004
just recieved first denial letter & will be appealing asap

Pat,
Thank you for the encouragement. I will be calling on Monday to get
an appointment with my primary care Dr. to see what she can do for
me .I am hoping to even talk to my ins. people at the clinic on base
to see what they say. I will have the appeal in as fast as humanly
possible.lol I am praying that it will be something simple. I will
keep everyone posted.
Julie

I tried, and well they sent me some literature in the mail, and gave me
meetings to attend out of my state. It was just to far for me to go. so I just
dropped it. And besides that I wanted to have my surgery done way sooner then
the
wish center would be able to help me with it.
So I just dropped it, never thought about it again.
Maybe for you it will be better so I would say go for it. You just never
know.
Right now, I am seeing a surgeon, hes in another city but at least it is in
the same state. I am not secluded to have surgery yet, I had to see my
dietitian, and Psychologist first on the 29th March. then right after that I see
my
doctor again, to seclude my surgery date. Wish me luck!!
I wish you luck as well.
Mariah

Julie,
Hang in there
I am one of nine co-workers with the same insurance that have had WLS. One,
who's BMI was 58 with many co-morbidities was denied. Seems they needed letter
of medical necessity from PCP. She obtained it, gave it to the surgeons office
to submit - bingo! She was approved.
I took a lesson from her and got letters of "Medical Necessity" from THREE of my
doctors. I was approved in 48 hours and my BMI was only 37, under the required
40. Everyone else that followed did the same and got approved. I also prepared
a list of previous diet attempts over the past 30 years.
Keep on submitting. And, dont let much time lapse between appeals. They will
see you wont go away.
Good Luck
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/203/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL
Message: 3
Date: Sat, 20 Mar 2004 23:32:01 -0000
From: "stinardclan5" <stinardclan5@...
Subject: Tricare denied me!!!
I know no one really knows me. I pop on and off but I always read
what everyone has to say. My surgery date is for May
4th.....exciting right? NO! Well it was until today when I got
my 'DENIED' letter. I have never heard of my ins. denying anyone! I
know a lot of people are going through this same thing and I am no
different but I guess the blow doesn't come any easier to take.
Monday I will call everyone to see how fast we can get in an appeal.
As far as I know I have all of the necessary requirements met to get
approved I have to pray that maybe when they sent in the original
request maybe they left something out. Wish me luck and if anyone
has any experience w/denials from Tricare.....I would love to hear
them. Thanks for listening to me.
Julie
pre-op
268/268/130
May 04, 2004

If you have taken an iron pill and you want to take a calcium pill how long
do you have to wait in between pills .And can you swallow the sublingual b-12
instead of putting it under your tongue? thanks ann m

Just had to share this one...celebrated my daughter's 9th b-day
tonight and she wanted a skating party, so I agreed, but she made me
agree that I would roller skate...anyway, I strapped on those puppies
and skated, first time in about 12 years...OMG, what fun!!! I think I
might even buy a pair of those for home! Almost unbelievable how much
fun it was! Only fell once and that was after a race where my and my
husband doubled, and I kinda fell on him and LMAO!!! Anyway just had
to share that!! Woohooo!
Hannah
open RNY
9/29/03
288/193/150

oh i cannot wait to go skatting again.. i am glad you had a blast..starlet

hope it goes well i have to go to my phyc eval again.. she said i had things
i need to talk about more..maybe my anxiety when there is no ood near me..
hmm.. starlet

Deb where can I get the powered Vit. E?
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

Hello everyone,
So my surgery was scheduled for Friday March 26th and now the doctor's
office is telling me that AETNA is denying me surgery because I haven't been on
a doctor supervised diet for 6 months in the past year. I don't understand how
they can say that. I'm always on a diet. I had all of my blood work done and
all of the pre-op testing. My blood test results came back and am amazingly
healthy for someone that's 5'4 and 331 pounds. I am also currently on COBRA and
it runs out the end of may. Things don't look good. But I guess I will find
out Monday when all the paperwork goes to the insurance company. I'm feeling a
little down because I was soooo excited. I guess I have to keep positive and
hope for the best.
Thanks,
Laurie

I know no one really knows me. I pop on and off but I always read
what everyone has to say. My surgery date is for May
4th.....exciting right? NO! Well it was until today when I got
my 'DENIED' letter. I have never heard of my ins. denying anyone! I
know a lot of people are going through this same thing and I am no
different but I guess the blow doesn't come any easier to take.
Monday I will call everyone to see how fast we can get in an appeal.
As far as I know I have all of the necessary requirements met to get
approved I have to pray that maybe when they sent in the original
request maybe they left something out. Wish me luck and if anyone
has any experience w/denials from Tricare.....I would love to hear
them. Thanks for listening to me.
Julie
pre-op
268/268/130
May 04, 2004

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of Gastric_Bypass_Family
Kendall Regional Hosp. support group
Wednesday March 24, 2004
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This event repeats on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
Event Location: Bird Road the Turnpike
Phone: 305 222-2200
Notes:
atrium building, suite 703
(support on the 4th wed & info on the 4th thurs of the month)

-
Hi....
Lets keep in touch Cindy..Explain your message to me. Things will get
better they always do.. :)
Wendy

Callietom, I happy to hear that things are better. I'm relatively new to this
group but was also having a hard time right now. I was eating somethings that
weren't bad for me but weren't agreeing with me. Hang in there. Cindy
callietom2003 <callietom2003@...
on here that Im needing help to get
back on track. First of all I want to say thanks to the people that
did write to my email and mention some things that people have tried.
But im on the road again, I had recently bought 7 keys to weight
loss from Dr Phil and omg what a book! It shows what im doing and
what I need to do. It has taught me why I needed to have GBS and that
I need to keep going for myself.
So I have gone back to the gym and working out 2x a week for now.
An im eating the way that im suppose too yes using this tool.
Again thanks :)
Wendy

Evette, hopefully you have the bank statement indicating that they cashed the
payment in before the 60 days expired...If you do send them a copy as
prove...mimi
Evette <femmebuttrfly202@...
I was hoping I could get some advice. I recently left my place of
employment and recieved from them in February the offer to continue
my insurance by paying the COBRA premium within 60 days, I sent them
the payment amount by certified mail, it was recieved by them the
next day and cashed. I just recieved a letter from my insurance
company that my policy terminated on March 1st - but I already paid
the premium in full and on time for the month of March- my prior
employer is telling me COBRA doesnt have record of my continuance-
they claim they are researching the problem and will call me monday.
My surgery is on April 16th and I am afraid of a delay of the
problem being corrected and dont know what to do. They have to
reinstate my insurance dont they? Does this affect my approval for
the surgery - I am so scared - Please advise if you can
Thank you
Evette

A few weeks back I had wrote on here that Im needing help to get
back on track. First of all I want to say thanks to the people that
did write to my email and mention some things that people have tried.
But im on the road again, I had recently bought 7 keys to weight
loss from Dr Phil and omg what a book! It shows what im doing and
what I need to do. It has taught me why I needed to have GBS and that
I need to keep going for myself.
So I have gone back to the gym and working out 2x a week for now.
An im eating the way that im suppose too yes using this tool.
Again thanks :)
Wendy

Debbie, what ins. comp. was it w/? can i also have a copy of the appeal
letter?..mimi
Debbie D <zoes.mom@...
A good friend of mine applied for thigh reconstruction and was denied.
I wrote an appeal letter for her and the insurance company reversed
their denial in 45 minutes (I know this because I was with her when we
spoke to the insurance company and we were still together 45 minutes
later when they called her back to approve her). If you like, write me
privately and I will send you a copy of her appeal letter. It's funny
as anything you've ever read, but it did the trick for her...
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/205/170
BMI 60/30.3/24
-181
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

I was just wondering if anyone in here as gone through the wishcenter
for their procedure?
Thanks
Jeni

Evette,
I have a medical insurance background, so I was suprised by your
insurance trying to cancel you like that. As long as you paid the
premium on time and they cashed it, I don't see how they can
terminate you without cause. I'd be happy to try to help you, but I
need more info. If you're interested, write me at
r.whitesel@...
When did your regular policy terminate and COBRA begin?
What was the reason they gave for termination? This is important, so
find out before you take any action.
What state are you in?
What kind of insurance did/do you have?
Did you request coverage for surgery before you terminated?
Alicia

I was hoping I could get some advice. I recently left my place of
employment and recieved from them in February the offer to continue
my insurance by paying the COBRA premium within 60 days, I sent them
the payment amount by certified mail, it was recieved by them the
next day and cashed. I just recieved a letter from my insurance
company that my policy terminated on March 1st - but I already paid
the premium in full and on time for the month of March- my prior
employer is telling me COBRA doesnt have record of my continuance-
they claim they are researching the problem and will call me monday.
My surgery is on April 16th and I am afraid of a delay of the
problem being corrected and dont know what to do. They have to
reinstate my insurance dont they? Does this affect my approval for
the surgery - I am so scared - Please advise if you can
Thank you
Evette

Hi there,
I had surgery on 2-10-04 and it was covered by Blue Cross/ Blue Shield. It
was approved last year and then we changed carriers, but still with BCBS and
it was approved again in January.
Claudia
2-10-04
404pre-op/358surg/334/160?

I had the same problem in the beginning and I just switched
deodorants...with all the changes our bodies are going thru I believe
it is normal...at almost 6 months post-op everything is back to
normal...
Hannah

I was wondering, has anyone in the group got Blue Cross to pay for
their surgery? I was turned down because the procedure is excluded
from my coverage, however I was told to have my Doctor call them
directly. Has anyone else tried this, or am I just out of luck? My
Doctor said he'd write or call them for me if it was nessessary. I
read an article that advised me to have my attorney send them a
letter if they still refuse to pay after talking to my Doctor. I
don't want to screw this up, so if anyone has any personal
experience dealing with BCBS Insurance, please let me know. Thanks.

yea i had that problem. i have ghi for drs and blue cross for
hospital. they denied me and i had my primary physician call and
they told him as long as he sends in a letter i was good. so i went
home and typed up a letter and made him sign it and sent it in. i
was a pproved. no more problems. any other questions email me
braveut@.... i still have the letter if u would like to see
lauren

Dear Jeanne,
A good friend of mine applied for thigh reconstruction and was denied.
I wrote an appeal letter for her and the insurance company reversed
their denial in 45 minutes (I know this because I was with her when we
spoke to the insurance company and we were still together 45 minutes
later when they called her back to approve her). If you like, write me
privately and I will send you a copy of her appeal letter. It's funny
as anything you've ever read, but it did the trick for her...
live each day like it's your last... love like you've never been hurt...
Deb in Hazlet, NJ
"Debbie Dancer"
distal rny
September 3, 2002
386/205/170
BMI 60/30.3/24
-181
-100"
Angel to Bill, Debbie, Ilene, Roy, and Ro

Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to let everyone know that I found someone to do my psych eval and
this should be everything that BTC needs to submit to my insurance company. I
heard that Medicial Mutual of Ohio is pretty easy going on this. I sure hope so.
Will keep you all posted. Keep your fingers crossed.
Lisa

JUAN, CONGRATS., WISHING YOU THE BEST...
JUAN PENZOL <juanpen2000@...
I HAD MY OPERATION AT 263 LB AND NOW I AM AT 170 LB
I HAVE BEEN HOLDING THIS WEIGHT FOR 5 MONTHS NOW. GO UP 3-4 COME DOWN
3-4.
I FEEL GREAT I WANT TO GO THE EXTRA 20 POUND. I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO
BE THE HARDEST.
ANY ONE THAT NEEDS A CHEERLEADER WRITE TO ME.
JUAN

Yes, Mimi, you can take vits with water. I take mine with a protein shake, 'cuz
the protein is slipperier, and they go down easier.
I assume you're asking because of the post that said that water pushes food thru
too fast?
The reason I don't drink after meals is that water pushes the food out of my
*pouch* too fast, making me hungry again sooner. BUt it shouldn't have much
effect on absorption.
RAchel
<< From: MIMI RODRI <needprozak2000@...
Subject: VITAMIN QUESTIONS
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF I CAN SWALLOW VIT. W/ WATER?
MIMI...
MIMI,,
"BE KIND, FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET IS FIGHTING A HARD BATTLE"
Rachel Hawkridge in Washington State.

JEANNE,
EVERYTHING THAT I HAVE FOUND IS--THEY DON'T TREAT IT AS HEALTH ISSUE OR PUT YOU
AT RISK..ALL THEY WILL TELL YOU IS KEEP IT CLEAN AND DRY OR APPLY OINTMENTS--I
KNOW THIS CO-WORKER AND SHE HAD "ALOT" OF SKIN IN FRONT AND INNER THIGHS(SHE
TOLD ME SKIN WAS BURNED FROM RUBBING) AND THEY DENIED HER 3X SO FAR---SHE SAID
SHE'S GOING TO PAY OUT OF POCKET--THAT'S W/ CIGNA AND AETNA...
buzzylpc <tedimom@...
Hi Everyone!!
Let me preface this with a great big thank you to all of you who post
to the site which i read religiously!!!! You have been so helpful to
a wall flower like me. I had open bypass 14 months ago and have lost
254 #'s FOREVER!!! I am feeling great and love my noew life. I am
planning a abdominalplasty in September, but am also considering a
theigh lift.
The problem lies there. My insurance (Aetna :( ) will not cover this
as cosmetic. It is so much more than that. My hips and calves hurt
from the extra skin flapping when I walk. It impedes my exercise
routine. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could appeal this
denial ? I haven't gone to other docs because I thought that the
pics would show enough medical necessity, but I guess I was wrong.
Any info you guys can give is great.
God Bless and Good Luck to all,
Jeanne
New Orleans

JULI, WHAT IS THE SUPPORT GROUP?
juliefess <juliefessenden@...
approved w/ Aetna:
I went to my PCP with a copy of what Aetna requires and told her I
needed her help completing this step.
I saw her once a month, she weighed me, took vitals and she
documented my diet, excercise and behavior modification. I did this
for six months and then she submitted the paperwork to my surgeon.
Aetna was satisfied with this and I was approved. I only lost 6 lbs
during this time but that wasn't really important, the main thing
wast that it was documented by my PCP and that is what satisfied
Aetna.

I still have my gallbladder... and I am a year
post-op... when do these people you've heard from
start having problems? My surgeon just put me on
these pills and I took them for about 6 months and my
gallbladder seems to be doing fine... heh...
~Mary
March 11, 2003
319/170/135

=====
"My wish isnt to be everything to everyone, but something to someone..."

Hi Everyone!!
Let me preface this with a great big thank you to all of you who post
to the site which i read religiously!!!! You have been so helpful to
a wall flower like me. I had open bypass 14 months ago and have lost
254 #'s FOREVER!!! I am feeling great and love my noew life. I am
planning a abdominalplasty in September, but am also considering a
theigh lift.
The problem lies there. My insurance (Aetna :( ) will not cover this
as cosmetic. It is so much more than that. My hips and calves hurt
from the extra skin flapping when I walk. It impedes my exercise
routine. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could appeal this
denial ? I haven't gone to other docs because I thought that the
pics would show enough medical necessity, but I guess I was wrong.
Any info you guys can give is great.
God Bless and Good Luck to all,
Jeanne
New Orleans

My BMI when I had surgery was 61 and I had Lap. You're right, it depends
on the surgeon and their comfortability and level of skill.
Tanya T.
Lap RNY 6/20/03
432/257/170
Houston, Dr. Adam Naaman
Visit my homepage at http://users3.ev1.net/~leeds/
"I will find my way, I can go the distance. I'll be there someday if I
can be strong, I know every mile will be worth my while, I would go most
anywhere to feel like I belong."

At my hospital they said that a woman over a 60 BMI has to be open. I think it
is different from surgeon to surgeon.

thanks Ray I am going to talk to my surgeon today and tell him I want mine out
any ways I have heard to many say they had to have it out later that I think it
be best I only wanna go through this surgery 1 time! Thanks for the reply I
appreciate it!
Diane
rww8719 <myway@...
Here's my two cents on this... After all that I have read and
studied I knew that if I was going to have to have open RNY
(insurance considered LAP "investigative") that while the surgeon
had me opened up, that I wanted him to remove the gall bladder. I
simply told him that was my wish and he obliged. The insurance
company apparently didn't deny this so out it went. I have seen the
pain people go through with gall stones and there was no way that I
wanted to leave myself open to this. My opinion, get it out of there.
-Ray

TOMORROW IS MY FIRST YEAR ANIVERSARY.
I HAD MY OPERATION AT 263 LB AND NOW I AM AT 170 LB
I HAVE BEEN HOLDING THIS WEIGHT FOR 5 MONTHS NOW. GO UP 3-4 COME DOWN
3-4.
I FEEL GREAT I WANT TO GO THE EXTRA 20 POUND. I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO
BE THE HARDEST.
ANY ONE THAT NEEDS A CHEERLEADER WRITE TO ME.
JUAN

My BMI was 65 and I was able to have LAP. If you have a fatty liver, thick
abdomnial wall, or hernias then you will have to have open regardless of your
BMI. Hope this helps.
Mary A. B.
Lap 3/22/03
Dr. Steve Weinstein
Mobile Infirmary Medical
386-251-135lb
BMI 65/42

I went to sit on my bed the other night and my tailbone felt and still does
feel very sore. I thought this was just me and because I just gave birth 3
weeks ago. I guess I was wrong and this is a common issue. I had Lap surgery
5/17/04 and to date have lost 126lbs of that 5 1/2 were baby. Well it's
comforting to see that I'm not the only one with this issue. I wonder why it is
that
the tailbone hurts so much. I do alot of sitting at work and don't look
forward to returning with this pain.
Laura
California
Lap 5/17/04
326/200/145(goal)

it still works you just have to now use alot more of it LOLOL....but
seriously i did switch to degree it seems to work alot better
Linda
10-21-03
332-250-150

Good luck. Please be sure to post and tell us how you do!

HEY, IT'S ME AGAIN WITH ANOTHER STUPID QUESTION. HAS ANYONE NOTICED
THAT THEIR DEODERANT THAT YOU'VE USED FOR YEARS HAS STOPPED WORKING?
ALSO KEEP THE ANSWERS COMING ABOUT THE " TAILBONE ".
PHYLLIS IN MONT.ALA. 7WKS 280/249

This is what worked to get me approved w/ Aetna:
I went to my PCP with a copy of what Aetna requires and told her I
needed her help completing this step.
I saw her once a month, she weighed me, took vitals and she
documented my diet, excercise and behavior modification. I did this
for six months and then she submitted the paperwork to my surgeon.
Aetna was satisfied with this and I was approved. I only lost 6 lbs
during this time but that wasn't really important, the main thing
wast that it was documented by my PCP and that is what satisfied
Aetna.

DANA,
WE WILL BE RIGHT HERE WAITING FOR YOU...
danaleigh32 <rbrtsn4@...
Hi, I'm Dana, I posted a couple times last month. I just love all
the great info and support that this group offers. Many of you are so
inspiring to keep working at our goals no matter how many obsticals.
It is a blessing to have that available to all who seek or have had
WLS.
I just wanted to share that after almost a year in the working,
getting all the referals, tests, documentation, more tests. I am
finally seeing my surgeon tomorrow. The excitement of finally taking
the "real" (in a sense) first step has given me butterflys. I am also
trying not to get to ahead of myself as well. I'm sure the surgeon
could come up with something else to do (that sure would not be the
first time).
I have been told after seeing my surgeon I should get a date within
5 weeks. A little of the nervousness also comes from being a military
wife, time is starting to play into the scene since my husband could
go back to Iraq in couple months.
But no matter what, I feel I'm ready and will continue to surpass
all that may come in the way. Although, I won't say that there won't
be a scream or two with that if it happens. LOL
Hopefully I will have all good news tomorrow.
Dana

Hi- I'm pre-op & have a question about weight gain. I assume I won't be able
to eat the same super-sized portions post-op, even after several years of
stretching my pouch. Do people gain weight from eating high cal foods, from
a change in metabolism or from something else?
Also, does anyone know where I could get reseach info on weight loss /gain
for long term post-ops?
Thanks!
Heidi

Hi, I'm Dana, I posted a couple times last month. I just love all
the great info and support that this group offers. Many of you are so
inspiring to keep working at our goals no matter how many obsticals.
It is a blessing to have that available to all who seek or have had
WLS.
I just wanted to share that after almost a year in the working,
getting all the referals, tests, documentation, more tests. I am
finally seeing my surgeon tomorrow. The excitement of finally taking
the "real" (in a sense) first step has given me butterflys. I am also
trying not to get to ahead of myself as well. I'm sure the surgeon
could come up with something else to do (that sure would not be the
first time).
I have been told after seeing my surgeon I should get a date within
5 weeks. A little of the nervousness also comes from being a military
wife, time is starting to play into the scene since my husband could
go back to Iraq in couple months.
But no matter what, I feel I'm ready and will continue to surpass
all that may come in the way. Although, I won't say that there won't
be a scream or two with that if it happens. LOL
Hopefully I will have all good news tomorrow.
Dana

Mimi
Take a day's supply of any meds you take to your surgeon. He will
tell you which ones you need to split, which ones you need to crush,
etc due to the size of the stoma they will have to pass through.
Not only that, any time-released meds you take will have to be
changed; they leave your system before they can be released. I had
to change Glucotrol XL to glipizide ER and Zyban to Wellbutrin.
My B-12, Hemacyte (iron) and biotin are small enough to swallow. My
surgeon instructs to take 4 Pepcid Complete (chewable) for calcium
(2 hrs apart from iron - they block each other) and a chewable or
liquid multivitimin (I do Centrium chewable). Chewables are more
readily absorbed from the time you begin to chew them. The portion
of the stomach that absorbs nutrients is severed.
As far as splitting or crushing a multivitamin, ask your surgeon. I
just went with the instructions given to me.
~~Pat~~
Orlando, FL
252/203/160
BMI 37/
52 Years Young
LAP-RNY 12/10/03
Wayne English, MD
Ft Lauderdale, FL

The common thread through everyone's questions here and to me is why?
So, I am going to tell you why insurance companies are doing this.
I have been working in the insurance field for more then 15years. It
was always against the insurance companies. That's why these appeals
are so natural to me.
In the 70's Ford made a car called the Pinto. When the Pinto was
struck from the rear it tended to explode. When Ford realized this
and the lawsuits began Ford did a study, and this is a fact, with
their number crunchers, that the percentage of injury or fatality and
the money that would have to be paid was very low in comparison to
what it would cost to recall and repair all of the Pintos. So what
did ford do? They left them on the r