Constance
November 11, 2005
I have been trying to get this surgery for about 3 yrs now. I started with United Healthcare. I went to a consultation with Barix clinics,formally Bariatric Treatment Centers, in Sept of 2003. I was definately a candidate but 3 weeks after going i was advised that my insurance would not cover the surgery. My insurance changed in Jan of 2005. I was changed to Aetna. I again went to another consultation with Barix. I was again denied for surgery through my insurance. I was about to give up when I found this website. I began calling my insurance company to find out why I was being denied. I finally got in touch with someone that listened to my concerns and reviewed my policy. It was then that I found that my employer put an exemption on WLS and even if it is medically necessary, it would not be covered. I was also advised that I could get a rider from my employer to get it covered but it would be at the discretion of my employer. Well, needless to say, I was denied again. Naturally I began looking for another job. Just when I thought all hope was gone. I got married to my wonderful Husband, Antoine,whom I met in December. We were married in July. Now, I have another insurance, Tricare Prime. Unfortunately, Barix does not accept Tricare. So I had to do more research. Thanks to obesity help, I found Southwest Bariatric Surgeons.
I attended the free seminar that is required by Southwest Bariatric on October 3, 2005 in Round Rock. I got a referral from my PCP on the 3rd of November and I met my surgeon, Dr. Dillawn, on November 8, 2005. He advised me that my surgery could be the last week in December. One problem, I begin employment with a new contractor on Jan. 2, 2006. My new employer has advised me that if I am unable to begin working for them on that date, then I will be terminated and will need to apply again. I am waiting on approval from Tricare for the surgery now. I hope to be back soon with a new update. Wish me luck
November 20, 2005
Still no news from Southwest Bariatrics. I am starting to get a little worried about getting this surgery done before the last week in December.
November 27, 2005
Still no news. i will be calling tomorrow to speak with my patient advocated. We are really cutting it close.
November 28, 2005
I talked to Jenna, pt.advocate. Jenna says that they should be submitting with my insurance this week. Man, they are cutting it pretty close. I would really hate to have to postpone this surgery for another 6 t0 7 months because I can't get it done in the next 2 and 1/2 to 3 weeks.
Your Birthdate: June 25 |
 You excel at anything difficult or high tech. In other words, you're a total (brilliant) geek. It's difficult for you to find people worth spending time with. Which is probably why you'll take over the world with your evil robots! Your strength: Your unfailing logic Your weakness: Loving machines more than people Your power color: Tan Your power symbol: Pi Your power month: July |
November 30, 2005
APPROVED!!!!!!
I am so excited I can barely remember my name. I have waited 4 yrs for this moment and it is finally here. I thank God for all of his blessings. I am just overjoyed right now. I called Jenna, pt advocate, but she was at lunch. So I will be back soon with an update. Thank you Jesus.
December 01, 2005
I am meeting with the nutritionist on the 5th. And I have my pre op testing done on the 12th. I'm on my way.
December 06,2005
I went to see the nutrionist, Jerry yesterday. He is just as nice and as cute as he can be. He went over everything with me. So I started the diet yesterday in hopes that it will speed up the process of getting my surgery this year. I have an appt for the 12th at St. David's Hospital for the rest of my pre-op labs and visits. I spoke with Deby at St. David's who has been awesome and she said she could get all of my results to Dr. Dillawn within hours so I can have my appt with him sooner.
December 12, 2005
I've been on the pre-op diet for a week now. I don't think I've been getting enough liquids in. I was super constipated this weekend. Today went to St. David's to have an echocardiogram, EKG, barium swallow,physiology consultation ($60), chest x-rays, blood work and psych eval. It took most of the day but everyone was really nice. The day went well. Tomorrow, I go see Dr. Dillawn and get my surgery date!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sooooo ready. I'll be back soon.
December 13, 2005
I am officially in HELL. Today started out sooooo good. I was excited to go see Dr. Dillawn. I even took my friend along with me. I found out that I've lost 9 lbs. since last monday. I was set for my final appt with him and get my surgery date. WRONG!!!! I had the appt. He told me that the surgery would probably the last week in December. (I really need it to be next week but I can live with the last week of the yr. I would just have to be back at work on the 2nd of Jan.) Dr. Dillawn says to call his scheduler 30 min after my appt is over to give him time to get my paperwork faxed over. I call back in 45 min. and Joy, the receptionist, informs me that she is waiting until Dr. Dillawn sees all his patients for the day and then she will fax them over and to call back in the afternoon. I call back at 2pm and I speak with Angie, the scheduler. Angie informs me that there is no way i can have my surgery this month because Dr. Dillawn has no room for any bypass surgeries in his schedule. Then, she not only doesn't give me a date, she tells me that she will call be back. It is now 9:48 pm and I still haven't heard back from her. I called Jenna, my pt. advocate around 4pm and told her my delimna, in tears, and she said she would see if there was anything she could do to help. I didn't expect to hear back from her today since it was so close to the end of the day. I am a wreck right now. I have gone from being extremely excited to being absolutely heart broken. I hope tomorrow is better but at this point, I don't think it could get any worse.
December 14, 2005
I just want to say that Jenna with Southwest Bariatrics, ROCKS!!! She is an absolute God sent. I love her!!! She called Dr. Dillawn and got me scheduled for........ wait for it.........
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I also want to thank everyone that sent up prayers for me yesterday and today. You guys are awesome. So, the countdown begins. I'll be back soon!!
December 21, 2005
Well, it is my "Surgery Eve" and I am ready to go. Haven't slept much in the last few days. I had my meeting with the anestesiologist today and I weighed myself. I have lost another 10 lbs. I am at 378. So I have lost a total of 19 lbs since 12/05/05. pretty cool. I have had nothing to eat today but sugar free jello. it really isn't that bad but of course, i've only had it today. we'll see how i feel about it in 2 weeks.
Becky, my angel, came by my job on saturday and answered alot of questions that I had. She's awesome.
Well, I'm off. When I come back, I will be a "LOSER". Catch ya'll later.
December 28,2005
I am finally home. I just got out of the hospital yesterday. I am still a little sore but for the most part I think I'm ok. I didn't get to start consuming any liquids until monday. Yea! Me. There was some swelling so I also had to have the swallow test done 3 times after my surgery. Not fun. But I feel it was all worth it. I am really not sure what my weight is now because I couldn't find a scale before leaving the hospital. I plan to find one soon though. Well I am gonna go now but will be back with an update soon.
January 9, 2006
Happy New Year Everyone!!!!
Well, I started working out today. I am down to 353 which is a total for 42 lbs lost since december 5th and 25 lbs since my surgery. I think that is pretty good. I still feel a little sick to my stomach most of the time but hopefully that will go away soon.
January 30, 2006
Sorry I haven't been on here to update. My husband came home from Iraq on the 20th for his 2 weeks of r and r, so we've been a little busy (wink). I have been going to water aerobics at the YMCA. I like it alot. I will also be moving soon. I am moving back to the Killeen area. Antoine, my husband, and I just signed for the house on Saturday and I move in on the 15th. He won't be here to move in with us but I am still really excited. I will still work in Austin for the time being until I can find another job in that area. Anyway, I am down 52 lbs now. I am really really happy about that. And my husband is loving all the new found energy I seem to have. I will update again soon.
March 7, 2006
Wow!! I didn't realize it had been so long since I updated. I am now down to 334. Total weight loss to date is 61 lbs. Yay Me!!
April 3, 2006
Well, last month was a little slow. I am down to 324. I'm still excited. I am hoping to make the century mark by my birthday in June. I think I can do it.
May 15, 2006
I am now down to 317. Still moving a little slow for my taste but at least it's moving.
September 29, 2006
I am really falling down on the job. I always say that i will keep up with the posting and then i forget and months go by. Well, here it is. Drum roll please..... it has been 9 months since my surgery and I now weigh 293 lbs. The weight loss seems to have slowed down tremendously as a matter of fact, i actually went a month and a half without losing anything. But still i continue water aerobics and walking.
December 22, 2006
Today is my 1 yr post op annivesary. i have been kind of slacking lately. But decided to get back on the ball today. Suprisingly it wasn't as hard to do as in past yrs. I am really glad that I had this surgery done. I am definately a much better, healthier, happier person because of it. and if i had it to do again i would. Hope every one has a Wonderful Holiday and stays safe.