June 21, 2006:
Although I have been researching this procedure for quite some time, I feel like my journey has just begun. I just met with my PCP and he has agreed to send in a referral to my insurance company for me to have WLS. He is doubtful that the insurance company will cover it because he is
very distrustful of HMOs. I told him that based on the documentation in their policy and based on my history (BMI=43, 100lbs overweight, family history of diabetes and high blood pressure), I see no compelling reason for them to deny this procedure for me. I have prayed about this and believe that if this is for me, then it will come to pass
June 23, 2006:
Well today I found out that I have received approval from my insurance to consult with a weight loss doctor. The problem is that there are no doctors close by my within my medical group without a long weighting list so they are sending me about 120+miles away from my home. My mother thinks that they are just trying to discourage me to the point that I will not show up to appointments and that will give them reason to deny any future requests. My mother and I just laughed at the thought.....I am one determined woman:-) I now have to wait to get an appointment and pray that the doctor will agree with me that I am a good candidate for the lap band. When I see other people's posts on the board who have higher BMIs and co morbidities I wonder if I am really not qualified since I don't have any health issues other than a BMI > 40. I guess, I just pray and leave it at that. My mom always says "If you are going to pray, then don't worry and it you are going to worry, don't pray".
July 6, 2006:
Well I just got an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Laport's office. I first had to fill out a very lengthy registration form indicating my health history and my battle with weight loss. Luckily I keep journals and was able to find a lot of the personal information that they asked. Once the registration form was completed the nurse scheduled me for an appointment with the doctor. Because I live about 2 hours away (thanks to my insurance coverage) I was given the option of having the consultation over the phone but I didn't want there to be any excuse for the insurance to later deny me so I opted to go in to the office. I was told that the appointment would begin at 9:30am and last until 1:30pm because I would have to take tests and see a nutritionists and therapist (I am not sure how this could have been done on the phone) Well, the appointment is scheduled for July 20th, and I am really looking forward to really beginning this journey.
July 21, 2006:
Yesterday I had my consultation appointment. I must admit that it was really hard to sleep the night before because I was so excited that the "process" was actually beginning. I had to get up very early in the morning because the doctor's office was about over 2 hours away (it actually took me 2.5 hours to get there). I was a bit nervous because due to traffic, I was about 10 minutes late and I didn't want them to reschedule me. I called and told them I was on my way and knowing that had come from a distance, they said that they would wait for me (Thanks you!!!!). When I arrived I must admit that I began feeling a little guilty and a bit like a failure. There were people in the room who where much heavier than I and some who had very clear health issues. I kept thinking that I should not be taking up the staff's time and I should just work harder on my weight loss on my own. I then realized that we all have our own issues and that I was here for a reason and that I could not compare myself to others (this statement was confirmed by my mother when I told her my thought later).
The meting was designed to give us information about the various surgery options and to complete medical histories (including a psychological questionnaire) that would be submitted to the insurance. I was very proud of the research that I had done because they had not told me anything that I had not already researched myself. The one thing that was a bit disturbing was the major focus on the Bypass and very little focus on the Lap Band procedure. Through all of my research and prayer, I know that the Lap Band is the best choice for me and I would have wanted more information presented.
I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to one of the patient coordinators after the meeting and she was very nice and encouraging. Since they have never dealt with my specific insurance group before, they were not sure if there were any processes that I needed to go through prior to approval (i.e. 6 month supervised diet) so they will have to get back to me. I really hope that I don't have to do the 6 month diet before approval because the waiting is killing me.
August 3, 2006:
Well finally, I got a call from the doctor's office to inform me that I have been APPROVED for the surgery:-) She actually called to inform me that my file has been sent to the scheduler. I asked her..."Does this mean that I have been approved??" She apologized and said "I thought you knew that already, I guess I should have said that first". I spent the next few seconds being very gitty and thanking her (She was used to this kind of excitement). She initially said that I had to pay $250 to see a Psychologist and while I would have paid it, I did not want to. She came back and indicated that their Psychologist is included in my insurance plan so all I have to pay is the co-pay. Praise God. All through this process I have asked God to guide me and let me know that I am making the right decision. This is yet another confirmation that everything will be O.K. Other than the waiting, everything has gone so smoothly. Thank you Jesus!
August 16, 2006:
Well, since I last posted I finally received a date. I was so excited when I found out that the date will be September 25 (I thought it would take longer than that!) I saw this as yet another sign that God was working with me and making this happen for me. I called my mom to tell her and she immediately said that it was too soon. I was so shocked because this was the first "blip" that I have had in this process. My mom was concerned that having this process so soon would delay me in finishing my dissertation. After a lot of arguing, I just ended the conversation (not direspectfully because I have an ol' skool mom and she don't play that even if I am 41 years old:-) I called the scheduler to see if she could postpone the surgery until November and she said she could but I probably would not be approved. It turns out that my insurance company is changing their practices and will only approve surgeries after a 6 month weight diet with documentation and other hoops. This would mean that I would have to wait until next year some time and that is not an option. Not only is my surgery to be in September but it is not moved up to September 21 (because the new policy changes on September 23 and I have to be done by then or I will have to get re-approved). After a bit of thought I went ahead and scheduled the surgery and have not told my mother. I have decised to use this next month to get all of my data collected for my dissertation so that I can use the time that I am home recuperating, I can be writing. I think that if this is what happens then my mother will be happier, but only time will tell.
September 2, 2006:
Well it has been a while since I wrote an update. On August 21, I went down for some of my pre-op tests, nutrition appointment, group support and meeting with the psychologist. The medical group was wonderful by having all of my appointments scheduled for the same day so I would not have to drive back and forth because I come from such a distant. All of the pre-op paperwork went fine (although it seemed like it went on forever). The nutrition meeting was interesting and I leraned some interesting things. God was really with me because as I was driving to the psychologist's office I got lost and was almost an hour late. I was almost in tears when I had to call his office and tell him that I would be late because I was lost. I clearly expected him to tell me that I had to reschedule. He gave me directions and was waiting for me when I arrived. Dr. Boliver is the best:-)
One of the downers of the day was when my mother called me to see how the appointments were going. SHe asked me if I had planned to go ahead with the surgery even though she thinks it is too soon. I told her that I was and she beacme very upset. She accused me of doing things without thinking of other people (SHe was speaking of herself and how she has always been with me during ther surgeries and by moving ahead without her blessing things were different). I began to cry because I was very frustrated and told her that there was no way we could have this conversaton while I was driving because as emitional as it was making me, it was not safe for me to drive. I know that my mother may just be scared for me because all surgery is major and I love her for loving me. WHat I don't think I can ever get her to understand is how I need to do this for myself and while it may sound selfish to her, it is clearly something that I am doing for me. She does not understand how, in addition to improving my health, the is about improving how I feel about me. As a 41 year old women who has not been on a date in over 8 years but is always being told how "pretty" I am...is painful. This is something that I am doing for me and I have prayed and believe that God is o.k. with my decision and if He is not, he will tell me and not someone else. (The sad part about this whole story is that on Wednesday, August 30 - a week and a half later- was the first time that I spoke to my mother. SHe did not call me and I did not call her because I did not have to words to confince her I was going the write thing and I could not bare to hear her hurt and pain because she does not agree with my decion. This 2 and a half weeks is significant because my mother and I talk every day (some times multiple times a day). We have talked since then and we talk about everything else but the surgery. I have just prayed and asked God to take control of the situtation and that His will be done. Oh, one last thing..I am now 18 days pre-op because my surgery is now on the 20th of September.
September 24, 2006:
Well it has been a while scince my last update. I had my surgery on the 20th and can say that I feel great. Here is a synopsis of my experience: I arrived to the hospital at 6am and was greeted by Denise (OH Member who was a blessing). I was surprisingly calm. WHile in the waiting area I met another woman who was there for her pre-op appointments and we wished each other all the best. I was called back in and from there on I was on my own. (I made a decision not to tell my mother which in hindsite was not a good idea because once she found out, she said that she felt betrayed...ouch). I was so calm and I was thankful that God answered my prayers. I asked for a smooth process and he even made sure that I had no fear. One of my concerns was the incertion of the IV because I have sensetive veins. The nurse (Claire) did a fantastic job and I had no pain! That just made everything else fantatic. I remember being wheeled into the OR and I remember waking up in the recovery room. Because of my claustrophobia I did not like having the mask on my face but the nurse was very helpful and calming that I had no discomfort with that. I had pain in my back and shoulders and I think it had to do with laying on my back (which is touch for a sistah with a ALOT of junk in the trunk). I had not pain only discomfort and as a result of that I never needed pain medication (it was also due to the fact that because I have very sensitive veins, I was avoiding anything that was goinf to be put in the IV because it would hurt like crazy.). Based on all of the information that I have gooten prior to surgery I knew the importance of walking. Between the surgery and when I was dischagred, I walked the halls at least on 4 occassions. It is now 4 days and I am so happy with how great I feel. I am starting to feel my stomach growling from hunger but it also feels like gas. Before I over eat, I am walking and taking gas x just to rule out gas. I will be taking another week off of work but relaly feel like I could go into the office tomorrow (sitting at home is a bit boring:-) especially since I am not supposed to drive. I am looking forward to this new journey in my life and I thank God for blessing me inspite of myself.
October 1, 2006:
Well it has been a week and a half since my surgery and I still fee really good. I have been dealing with gas but I think that is to be expected (especially since I have been eating a lot of beans:-) When I last got on the scale I was about 10lbs down from the surgery buit I think that had a lot to do with the liquid diet phase. I am looking forward the weight loss and am getting a bit anxious but I know that I have to wait. With a few exceptions, I have made sure to walk every day and will work to make sure that I actually walk every day, especially until I am able to start playing tennis again.October 24, 2006: Wow it has been just over a month since my surgery and I can't believe it. I continue to be blessed with little to no pain or discomfort. For a week or so I was struggling with muscle pains on my left side that had me a bit worried. After contacting my doctor, I found that is was normal and would pass in time. I kept putting heat on in when I could and now i have no problems. About a week agon I went for my first check up and my doctor said that everything looks good and I will be scheduled for my first fill in 4 weeks (Nov. 9). According to the doctor's scale I have only lost 2 pounds since surgery but my scale at home shows different results. When I started this, my scale said 242 and just this morning it says 228!. Even if the numbers are off, I still think that equates to 14 pounds gone. Right now I have no restriction and have just been focusing on watching what I eat and drinking plenty of water. Currently I am just on a normal diet but I look forward to the time when I get restriction and will not have to try so hard not to overeat. I have done very good with watching what I eat and have not had junk food since this journey began. In November I will be attending my first Meet and Greet from people from OH and I am looking forward to actually putting faces to names.
November 21, 2006:
It has been a while since I updated my post. On November 9th I had my first fill. I was so very nervous becasue I really hate needles. I sat i nthe waiting area chatting it up with any and every body who would listen. WHen it was my turn the first thing they did was weigh me. According to their scales I had lost 4 or 5 pounds since my last visit. I had hoped that it was more but I am thankful for any loss. When it was time for the fill I was so nervous. THe doctor assured me that other than the small stick of the numbing medication, I should not feel a thing. To make a long story short....she was right! Although my heart was beating a million miles a minute, I actually did not feel a thing. The doctor did not use fluro (sp?) and got it on the first try ..Thank you Jesus!. The strange thing was that I had to sit up on the table with the needle sticking out of my abdomin so that I could dringk water. THis was a very strange feeling but it did not hurt. My doctor put in 1.5 ccs into the band and I could actually feel either the band or my insides constricting as it went in. THat was strange. Becasue of getting a fill I had to be on liquids for two days then purees for another two sayd before going back to regular food. Two days later on the 11th I met a few people from OH at Dave and Busters for lunch. It was nice to finally meet people that I had seen on the boards. Only being able to eat purees at this time, it was nice to be around people who understood my journey and I didn't have to make up stories as to why I was eating so little (which is what I sometimes do with my friends who don' t know about the surgery). I was the only person in the group who had the band but everyone was on the same journey so it did not matter. I have yet to feel the restriction that so many people talk about. As a result my weight loss has been slow but I am happy for every little bit. Last year I bought a a pair of slcks that I love and now they are too big. That is a wonderful feeling.
January 21, 2007
Well it has been 4 months (and one day) since my surgery. I am not as far along as I thought I would be but I am still learning about my body and the band. On January the 8th I had my second fill. Even though my first fill was painless, I was still very nervous (how quickly I forgot). As before, the fill was painless and before I knew it. I was given a total of 2.7cc in my band and think that I have some restriction now. I even have had the "stuck" feeling which is not nice. The first time it happened I became so very scared because I thought that I was going to have a heart attack (I wasn't but my chest hurt so bad I didn't know what to do.) I now know why we are told to only take small bites. No matter how much I chew, it there is too much in my mouth I automatically want to swallow and that can be a problem! According to my scale at home I am now 218.8 and I started this journey at 242 so I think I am doing O.K.:-)
June 13, 2007 :
As always, I have been very neglegent in keeping my profile up to date. I had my thrid fill in May and initially it was really good and I thought that I had finally found restriction. About 3 weeks ago I began having repeated "stuck" and "PB" episodes. I called my doctor and was told by one of PAs that I should go on liquids and soft foods since I was about to go out of town and could not get into the doctor. He told me to call him when I got back if things did not improve. WHile I was gone, things got a bit better so I didn't worry about it. About 2 weeks ago, it started getting difficult again. I again went on soft foods to find some relief. It helped a bit but not enough. I called my doctor's office and was told that my doctor and her PAs were all in surgery and would call me later. They never called. I called the next day and was told that they would call me (after I told the receptionist all of my troubles just as I had the day before). They never called back. I went to play tennis for the first time in a few months and I think the rununning and swinging of the racket opened some thigns up becasue that evening and all the next day, everything went smoothly. A day or so later, I started having the discomfort again. I called the doctor and again was told that they would call and have not called. I am going out of town again for about a week and a half and soon after that I have an appointment. When I get there, I will be sure to have a clear conversation with the staff. Because of insurance constraints, my doctor is more than 2 hours away from me so it is difficult to just "drop in". Although this is not the way that I want to lose weight, I have lost at least 10 pounds since my last fill. I am hoping that nothing adverse has happened and that when my doctor takes out a little of the saline, I will be a a very good restriction. The pounds have not been falling off like I would like but I am happy that I am not gaining and that my clothes fit some much better:-)
April 9, 2008 :
Well alot has happened since I last updated the post. Due to limited time, I will present the abbreviated version.
About a year ago, I had a fill that was discovered to be too tight (I was on vacation and miserable because nothing would stay down) Some of the fluid was rmoved and I felt better.
About 3 months after that I got a new job that required that I move. In August I moved from Santa Barbara to Clovis, CA. During the move I felt as if I had no restriction and was worried about follow-up care with my band now that I was in a different area and with a different insurance company. Feeling as if I needed a fill, I contacted several area doctor's asking if I could self pay for a fill and was told by each of them that they would not take me on as a patient since they did not place the original band (they did not want the liability). Because I had so many things going on, I just decided to make do.
About 3 months ago, I started having pain in my stomach area and asked my PCP to refer me for an upper GI (I had learned on this sight that that was a good way to check for issues withthe band). I had the Upper GI but they wanted to see more so I also had an endoscopy. That showed that my band had slipped. I became a bit scared because based on the conversations that I had with some of the area medical staff concerning my band, I didn't think I could get proper care (who wants to go to a doctor who really doesn't want to treat you.)
I called my original doctor and told them my tale and they gave me suggestions on how I could get my isnurance to consider having me come back to them (I was willing to make the drive and stay in a hotel if needed). My doctor's office called me later to let me know that there was a very good doctor in my area and they would be surprised if he would not assist me. Well, long story short I contacted Dr. Higa's office and not only was he willing to see me but he is in my insurance network. I met with him and he confirmed that my band had slipped and that it has to be removed or replaced. Right now I am waiting on the insurance approval for the revision but Dr. Higa does not think it will be a problem.
I have been told that due to potential scarring, there may be some complications with the removal and /or replacement of the band. There is also the possibility that I will have to consider the bypass but the doctor won't know until he actually does the surgery. I am hoping for the best:-)
April 11, 2008:
Wow, things happened faster than I expected. I received a call from Dr. Higa's office yesterday informing me that he was fitting me into the schedule. Instead of waitin until June (which was the next available date) he was scheduling me for Saturday, April 19. Yes, a Staturday!!!! I couldn't believe it but just as before, God is working it out for me.
The other really nice blessing in this whole thing is with regard to my mother. The first time I had the surgery my mother was supportive but did not like the speed with which everything was happening. I went ahead and had the surgery and she did not even know it. Needless to say, that withholding of informaton caused some strain in our relationship but she eventually came around once she realized that I ws O.K. She is a big supporter now and encourages my journey. When I was having difficulty with the area doctors she even offered to give me her credit card to pay for a plane ticket and hotel charges to go see my original doctor and pay out of pocket. Thankfully that was not necessary but I love the support.
I am not sure if my band slipped because of "operator erro" or if it was just "one of those things" but I do know that I will follow the plan to the letter (althought I thought I had done that in the past but Iknow as time progressed, I got lax). This it s tool and like any good tool, it is only as effective as the skill with which you use it.
April 21, 2008:
Well I am home now after having my band repositioned on Saturday, April 19. I was a bit nervous going in because I didn't know what was going to actually happen. I didn't know if the band was going to be repaied or replaces ( and even the posibility of a revision to RNY). When I awoke from the surgery I was a bit "loopy' but feeling very good. When I got back to my room and had to get out of the bed for the first time I was so surpised that I had no pain. I wanted to start walking the halls to help get rid of the terrible pain in my shoulders but I was so dizzy I could barly make it to the door. I made about three attempts to walk the halls before I was successful. The dizziness was a little overwhelming but I am happy that there was no pain.
Moving around was pretty easy but the gas pain in my shoulder was pretty bad. It was difficult to find a good position to lay and sit in buteventually I found a good position in the chair that was in the room. On Sunday morning on of my doctor's colleagues came in to see me and told me that everything ent well and that the original band was able to be repositioned. He indicated that it will be like starting over and I took that to mean that there was no fluid in the band and I will have to work my way back up to retriction. I am now on a clear liquid diet that is a bit boring but I am determined to follow all of the rule to the letter. I still have a lot of gas moving around inside but I hope with some planned walks for the next few days, these will go away or at least lessen.
May 4, 2008
Well it has been two weeks since my band adjustment. Everything about my recovery went antastic. I went back to work three days after the surgery. Getting through the clear liquid phase was really tough. When I went in to see my doctor after one week, he said that everything went very well. He re positioned my existing band and there was minimal scarring which made it a fairly routine procedure. Last week, I was moved on to mushies and purees and starting today I graduated to soft but regular foods. I had some salmon and it was fantastic:-) I am committed to making this work this time and I want to follow all of the rules to a letter. One of the things that I did not do as well as I should have was with regard to exercising. Because I needed a bit more motivation and wanted to meet people in th area and help the community, I signed up to participate in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training program. We have to raise money for Leukemia research which is a worthy cause. In the process we train with a coach three days a week and have to train on our own on three other days. I am looking forward to this because I know this will be a positive experience in so many ways.
Yesterday, I met up with a few people from the OH message boards for dinner. It was nice meeting new people especially those who could understand my eating constraints.. I have my next doctor's appointment in a few weeks and I hope that I get a fill at that time. Currently i am down about 8 pounds and I am so very glad it is decreasing and not increasing:-)
May 28, 2008
Well it has been a bit over a month and things are going very slow. Sinc emy last appointment (over three weeks ago) I have only lost one pound. i had my first fill since the new surgery and really hope that it works. I was given 1cc but suspect that it will take a little bit more. My next appointment is not for a month but I am going to work this tool the best that I can. I also recently signed up to participate in a marathon. i will be walking/jogging in a Marathon in October. As I train for this, I walk with a group three times a week and I think that will help a great deal.
August 26, 2008
Well as you can tell, I am not realy consistent with keeping this up to date. Up until about 3 weeks ago, my weight loss had stalled completely. I had not had any restriction and was quite frankly getting frustrated (I know it takes time but that doesn't make it any less disappointing). On August 5 I celebrated my birthday and on the 6th, I got my thrid fill that I think is the winner. The first few days, I didn't notice a difference. I decided that I was going to eat waht I knew I should eat regardless of what I wanted to eat and what I thought I could eat. I am happy to say that according to my scale, I am down 5 pounds from the 6th which is about 1.6 pounds a week YIPPEE!!!! If I stay on this pace I will be very happy. I am still training for the marathon and that is helping I am sure. To date, the longest walk that I have taken is 12 miles and that makes me very proud. I have also started dating a man who is very active and he is very motivating to me without be overbearing.
April 1, 2009
Well a lot has happened since I last updated this site. The weight has slowly began to come off but my energy and the way my clothes fit have been my biggest accomplishments. Since my last post, I have completed 2 half marathons (walking) and several 5 and 10K events. I can't beleive that I have been this active. At the beginnin gof May I will complete another half marathon and on the 31st of May I will complete my first full marathon. It still takes a lot of motivation to get it done, but it feels so good when I am doing it and finish. I started this journey wearing 22 and some 24s and currently wear 18 (some are a little big so I am not quite ready for the 16s just yet:-) Just the other day, the scale finally fell below 200 (199.8) but it has not stayed there. I will claim the "below 200" victory when it remains for at least a week:-)
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