KabinKitty
February 2, 2013
Feb 02, 2013
It has been 2 years today that I had my VSG surgery. It seems like so much longer. First question you might ask is, would I do it all over again. The answer is YES. I really have had no problems. I still have some heartburn, but that's manageable.
I eat pretty much what ever I want. I do not eat foods containing gluten due to a sensitivity that I discovered before I had surgery.
I would recommend this surgery over gastric bypass to anyone. Almost everyone I know who has had GP surgery has alot of trouble with their iron levels. Since I absorb every think I eat this is not a problem for me.
I can gain and lose 10 pounds, which I do over Christmas time, due to too much chocolate and not nearly as much exercise due to the crudd,y cold NW Ohio weather.
I do have trouble cooking the way I use to as I don't have as much of an appetite...sorry hubby! He never complains about it though.
I still eat very small portions. You can still eat around this surgery easily by grazing all day, but I don't have the appetite so that's not a big problem for me. Food choices would be the biggest problem...partly due to the lack of appetite for the healthier foods.
I wish everyone who has weight loss surgery the best of wishes. I didn't say LUCK because your success will not be due to luck. Success will come to you if you decide to use common sense and restraint when it comes to food choices.
February 27, 2011
Feb 26, 2011
This is day 25 for me, 3 1/2 weeks post-op. It has been tough getting in enough protein. It's strange to be always be thinking about getting enough nutrients in my body, when I have no desire to eat. I definately have not been getting in all my fluids, but it is February, it's cold and I've never drank alot of water, even in the summer. I have to work harder on this!
I'm still only able to get about 2 Tablespoons of solid protein in before I'm full. It is not too hard to know when to stop, when you start to get an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, stop or you will be miserable. It's almost not worth the time and effort to eat solid food because it's so much easier to get the protein grams in with shakes and protein bars. I found Pure Protein bars that are really great! I love the chocolate/peanut butter. The solid chocolate is way too rich!!!
On February 14th I had my first visit with Dr. Lalor. It was 12 days post-op and I had lost 6 pounds. I was a little disappointed, but then I realized I had lost 1/2 a pound a day. I have always been a slow loser and I shouldn't get discouraged as I'm a "turtle" not a "hare". I weighed this morning and had lost 7 pounds since my doctor's visit, which brings me to 13 pounds post-op, and 34 pounds of the total of 100 pounds that I had to lose from the very beginning of this journey. Only 66 pounds to go!
I'm going back to work tomorrow and I have a support group meeting tomorrow night. I had told the group leader I would stand before the group and talk about the sleeve surgery, since there are very few of us and no sleeve patients will stand up and share their experiences. I'm thinking of canceling this as I'm not sure I will have the energy to go. I leave the house at 6 am and would not be getting home from the meeting till after 9, then back up again at 4:30 AM the next morning may be pushing it too far.
I'm taking 2 Centrum Silver vitamins every day, along with my PPI, half a potassium twice a day, a vitamin B12 and my two blood pressure meds. I ordered some Celebrity Calcium Citrate chewables and I will start taking 2 a day as soon as they come. This was something I had not thought about....how important it is to get these meds and vitamins in. My potassium tabs are so huge I break them in half and cut them into 6 pieces to get them down with some yogurt. My surgeon told me I could stop one of my blood pressure meds and the potassium when I went home from the hospital, but I soon learned I NEEDED the potassium! My heart started to beat super slow and I was VERY weak. I have a history of running low on potassium and realized my symtoms immediately.
People promise me that this tiredness will eventually go away and I'll be able to get more solid proteins in. It seemed like alot of people have the same problems, but I wasn't prepared for it! It is true that we have good days and bad days....I'm waiting for more good days. I have to say my hubby has been SO supportive and understanding of my situation. After all he didn't sign up for all this, I did! I love him!!
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I'm still only able to get about 2 Tablespoons of solid protein in before I'm full. It is not too hard to know when to stop, when you start to get an uncomfortable feeling of fullness, stop or you will be miserable. It's almost not worth the time and effort to eat solid food because it's so much easier to get the protein grams in with shakes and protein bars. I found Pure Protein bars that are really great! I love the chocolate/peanut butter. The solid chocolate is way too rich!!!
On February 14th I had my first visit with Dr. Lalor. It was 12 days post-op and I had lost 6 pounds. I was a little disappointed, but then I realized I had lost 1/2 a pound a day. I have always been a slow loser and I shouldn't get discouraged as I'm a "turtle" not a "hare". I weighed this morning and had lost 7 pounds since my doctor's visit, which brings me to 13 pounds post-op, and 34 pounds of the total of 100 pounds that I had to lose from the very beginning of this journey. Only 66 pounds to go!
I'm going back to work tomorrow and I have a support group meeting tomorrow night. I had told the group leader I would stand before the group and talk about the sleeve surgery, since there are very few of us and no sleeve patients will stand up and share their experiences. I'm thinking of canceling this as I'm not sure I will have the energy to go. I leave the house at 6 am and would not be getting home from the meeting till after 9, then back up again at 4:30 AM the next morning may be pushing it too far.
I'm taking 2 Centrum Silver vitamins every day, along with my PPI, half a potassium twice a day, a vitamin B12 and my two blood pressure meds. I ordered some Celebrity Calcium Citrate chewables and I will start taking 2 a day as soon as they come. This was something I had not thought about....how important it is to get these meds and vitamins in. My potassium tabs are so huge I break them in half and cut them into 6 pieces to get them down with some yogurt. My surgeon told me I could stop one of my blood pressure meds and the potassium when I went home from the hospital, but I soon learned I NEEDED the potassium! My heart started to beat super slow and I was VERY weak. I have a history of running low on potassium and realized my symtoms immediately.
People promise me that this tiredness will eventually go away and I'll be able to get more solid proteins in. It seemed like alot of people have the same problems, but I wasn't prepared for it! It is true that we have good days and bad days....I'm waiting for more good days. I have to say my hubby has been SO supportive and understanding of my situation. After all he didn't sign up for all this, I did! I love him!!
February 12, 2011
Feb 11, 2011
Things have been going really well. The temps have fallen below 0 this past week, so I had little desire to venture outside! Hubby drove me to my workplace two days ago and I got to see a few of my co-workers. There is only 1 who knows about my surgery and she's told no one. They asked if I was okay and when I was coming back. I said I was taking care of some health issues and didn't know when I'd be back, but with those temps, I wasn't in any hurry!
My online friend from NC who had surgery 3 days before me is doing great. She said she went to lunch with a friend and ordered a cheese sandwich and ate a little bit of just the cheese. I haven't eaten anything solid yet. I'm consuming protein drinks, yogurt, pureed meats, veggies, soups and fruits.
My appointment with the surgeon is on Monday and I will be 12 days out by then. I have one incision (where my drain was) that is a little red with a small white spot. I put antibacterial cream and a bandaid on it. All the other incisions (or as one of the Wood Co. Hospital nurses called it a "stabs") look really good.
After the only other laproscopic surgery I've had, it felt like I had done 1,000 sit ups after. Not so with this surgery. The surgeon told me during my last office visit that after all my open surgeries (4), the pain from this one would be laughable. He was right! I stopped the pain meds shortly after my IV came out and I haven't taken any since....none were needed.
Yesterday was the first time I drove since surgery. It went well, but by the time I ran to the vet's office and to the grocery for a few things, I was whipped and ready to go home and rest. I think it's mostly lack of strength from not eating much. When I eat my pureed food, about 2 tbls
is enough and I actually feel full and satisfied. I can eat more yogurt or pureed fruits though. An 8 ounce protein drink goes down really easily.
It's going to be a whole new life as far as eating goes....it will NEVER be like before surgery. I'm okay with that...I just look forward to eating "normal" foods someday.
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My online friend from NC who had surgery 3 days before me is doing great. She said she went to lunch with a friend and ordered a cheese sandwich and ate a little bit of just the cheese. I haven't eaten anything solid yet. I'm consuming protein drinks, yogurt, pureed meats, veggies, soups and fruits.
My appointment with the surgeon is on Monday and I will be 12 days out by then. I have one incision (where my drain was) that is a little red with a small white spot. I put antibacterial cream and a bandaid on it. All the other incisions (or as one of the Wood Co. Hospital nurses called it a "stabs") look really good.
After the only other laproscopic surgery I've had, it felt like I had done 1,000 sit ups after. Not so with this surgery. The surgeon told me during my last office visit that after all my open surgeries (4), the pain from this one would be laughable. He was right! I stopped the pain meds shortly after my IV came out and I haven't taken any since....none were needed.
Yesterday was the first time I drove since surgery. It went well, but by the time I ran to the vet's office and to the grocery for a few things, I was whipped and ready to go home and rest. I think it's mostly lack of strength from not eating much. When I eat my pureed food, about 2 tbls
is enough and I actually feel full and satisfied. I can eat more yogurt or pureed fruits though. An 8 ounce protein drink goes down really easily.
It's going to be a whole new life as far as eating goes....it will NEVER be like before surgery. I'm okay with that...I just look forward to eating "normal" foods someday.
February 7, 2010
Feb 06, 2011
I am now 5 days Post Op. My surgery on February 2nd actually went better and quicker than the surgeon expected!
The day began by driving about 25 miles through the snow and sleet in the dark to the hospital. I had called the night before to make sure the surgery wasn't cancelled. We arrived safe, but 1/2 hour late.....SORRY! Oh well... The prep nurse did not check the messages as I called to let them know we were on the way, but about 1/2 hour late. She was stressed!
She was a sweetie and we got through the prep quickly. I was wisked down the hall after the anestheologist told me he gave me something to relax me in my IV. I chattered all the way down the hall, went through some double doors and then I was waking up to the voices telling me, "Jean, your surgery is over". The only pain I had was in my left shoulder (I was warned by the anesthelogist before that this happens often) due to referred pain from the diaphram being irritated.
I had a very easy recovery, minus the times the nurses woke me at ungodly times all through the night!! I was exhaused and couldn't wait to get the heck outta Dodge! I had to stay an extra night because I didn't use my bipap machine one night and my heart rate dropped. My surgeon had a cardiologist look at the results and he said he wanted me to stay an extra night. BUMMER! Take your machine people and use it!
They only gave me 2 ounces of nasty, salty broth and 3 ounces of Crystal Light for my meals. I finally told one nurse about my surgeon telling me I should have something in front of me all the time!! She said, "Well, you can have popsickles". I ate and ate and ate as many popsickles as they would give me. I even had hubby tell them to keep the broth and Crystal Light, I'll just eat popsickles.
I'm on full liquids till my follow-up visit at two weeks. So I've been enjoying juice, popsickles, yogurt, protein drinks and pudding. Today I'm going to puree some soup!! That should taste good on a cold February day (she said with fingers crossed).
I feel like I am blessed to have this chance to attain a normal BMI and rid myself of some dangerous comorbidities!
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The day began by driving about 25 miles through the snow and sleet in the dark to the hospital. I had called the night before to make sure the surgery wasn't cancelled. We arrived safe, but 1/2 hour late.....SORRY! Oh well... The prep nurse did not check the messages as I called to let them know we were on the way, but about 1/2 hour late. She was stressed!
She was a sweetie and we got through the prep quickly. I was wisked down the hall after the anestheologist told me he gave me something to relax me in my IV. I chattered all the way down the hall, went through some double doors and then I was waking up to the voices telling me, "Jean, your surgery is over". The only pain I had was in my left shoulder (I was warned by the anesthelogist before that this happens often) due to referred pain from the diaphram being irritated.
I had a very easy recovery, minus the times the nurses woke me at ungodly times all through the night!! I was exhaused and couldn't wait to get the heck outta Dodge! I had to stay an extra night because I didn't use my bipap machine one night and my heart rate dropped. My surgeon had a cardiologist look at the results and he said he wanted me to stay an extra night. BUMMER! Take your machine people and use it!
They only gave me 2 ounces of nasty, salty broth and 3 ounces of Crystal Light for my meals. I finally told one nurse about my surgeon telling me I should have something in front of me all the time!! She said, "Well, you can have popsickles". I ate and ate and ate as many popsickles as they would give me. I even had hubby tell them to keep the broth and Crystal Light, I'll just eat popsickles.
I'm on full liquids till my follow-up visit at two weeks. So I've been enjoying juice, popsickles, yogurt, protein drinks and pudding. Today I'm going to puree some soup!! That should taste good on a cold February day (she said with fingers crossed).
I feel like I am blessed to have this chance to attain a normal BMI and rid myself of some dangerous comorbidities!
January 29, 2011
Jan 28, 2011
Today is Saturday.......Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and then Wednesday is SURGERY DAY! I don't think it has completely sunk in.
Three days ago I had the colonoscopy. The prep went ALOT better since the surgeon dialated the stricture. I kept telling everyone at the surgery center that the doctor "promised" I would not wake up during the procedure this time. The nurse came out to the reception area and informed us that hubby wouldn't be able to go with me. They were extremely busy and space was at a minimun. I got into my lovely hospital gown was seated in a reclining type chair and answered all the same ole questions. The nurse started my IV, I talked to the anetheologist (he was kind of a crazy dude...and funny) and we talked in length about the fact that I would be getting Propofol and that I would NOT be waking up during the procedure! After that I just reclined in my chair and watched TV.
The nurse told hubby the procedure would start at 9 and I could be done as soon as 9:20. When the clock read 9:35 and I was still waiting, I asked a volunteer lady if she would please to tell hubby that the procedure had not even started. She was a sweet elderly lady. When she came back she told me she called my hubby's name and he started to JUMP up (bless his heart, he was nervous) and she had to tell him that I was still in the waiting area.
The nurse grabbed the back of my lovely gown and had me walk down the hall and into the procedure room. The doc was there (with a med student), a new nurse, a nurse anesthetist and some one else. They had me lay back and they hooked me up with the electronde thingys on my chest. The anesthetist said, "I'm going to give you some Versed to relax you". After a bit I felt a tiny bit woosey and he asked if I felt anything, I said yes, but was listening to the doc explain to the med student about my previous stricture, asking the nurse to get the balloon thingy (as he planned to restretch it) and everything else going on. They asked me to turn over on my left side, and the next thing I new I was in the recovery area and my hubby was kissing me awake. It was rather pleasant! hahaha
After that I was asked to please pass air as much and as often as I pleased....so I did. I was given some hot chocolate and soon got to get dressed (with hubby's help) and go home.
Yesterday I had an MRI with contrast of my kidneys. The colon surgeon ordered the ultrasound and it showed some differences in the arteries between my right and left kidneys. I don't know any specifics or the results of the MRI yet. I was very nervous when the tech came in with the IV stuff. I told her no one told me I would need that and that I had a reaction to some contrast during a CAT scan before. She told me that it was my choice, that they could do the test without it, but the contrast makes the test much clearer. So, I agreed. They gave me an inflatable type of bulb thing to press if I had any problems while in the machine, but I didn't.
I think the head cold I had last week never really went away. I started feeling cruddy again last night. My nose is stuffy and my throat feels scratchy and I'm so tired. I'm back on Claritin D again!
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Three days ago I had the colonoscopy. The prep went ALOT better since the surgeon dialated the stricture. I kept telling everyone at the surgery center that the doctor "promised" I would not wake up during the procedure this time. The nurse came out to the reception area and informed us that hubby wouldn't be able to go with me. They were extremely busy and space was at a minimun. I got into my lovely hospital gown was seated in a reclining type chair and answered all the same ole questions. The nurse started my IV, I talked to the anetheologist (he was kind of a crazy dude...and funny) and we talked in length about the fact that I would be getting Propofol and that I would NOT be waking up during the procedure! After that I just reclined in my chair and watched TV.
The nurse told hubby the procedure would start at 9 and I could be done as soon as 9:20. When the clock read 9:35 and I was still waiting, I asked a volunteer lady if she would please to tell hubby that the procedure had not even started. She was a sweet elderly lady. When she came back she told me she called my hubby's name and he started to JUMP up (bless his heart, he was nervous) and she had to tell him that I was still in the waiting area.
The nurse grabbed the back of my lovely gown and had me walk down the hall and into the procedure room. The doc was there (with a med student), a new nurse, a nurse anesthetist and some one else. They had me lay back and they hooked me up with the electronde thingys on my chest. The anesthetist said, "I'm going to give you some Versed to relax you". After a bit I felt a tiny bit woosey and he asked if I felt anything, I said yes, but was listening to the doc explain to the med student about my previous stricture, asking the nurse to get the balloon thingy (as he planned to restretch it) and everything else going on. They asked me to turn over on my left side, and the next thing I new I was in the recovery area and my hubby was kissing me awake. It was rather pleasant! hahaha
After that I was asked to please pass air as much and as often as I pleased....so I did. I was given some hot chocolate and soon got to get dressed (with hubby's help) and go home.
Yesterday I had an MRI with contrast of my kidneys. The colon surgeon ordered the ultrasound and it showed some differences in the arteries between my right and left kidneys. I don't know any specifics or the results of the MRI yet. I was very nervous when the tech came in with the IV stuff. I told her no one told me I would need that and that I had a reaction to some contrast during a CAT scan before. She told me that it was my choice, that they could do the test without it, but the contrast makes the test much clearer. So, I agreed. They gave me an inflatable type of bulb thing to press if I had any problems while in the machine, but I didn't.
I think the head cold I had last week never really went away. I started feeling cruddy again last night. My nose is stuffy and my throat feels scratchy and I'm so tired. I'm back on Claritin D again!
January 20,2011
Jan 20, 2011
I had my follow up appointment with Dr. Alammar yesterday after my Dec 23rd colonoscopy. He said he did not know how I could even "go" with the stricture at the site of my previous colon surgery. He said the opening was like a pin hole. (He used a balloon instrument and dialated it during the procedure) He was not able to finish the colonoscopy, so I am scheduled for another one Jan 26th. He promised me that I won't wake up during this next one as they will be using propofol as the sedative. I am SO dreading this!!
During yesterdays visit I told him of my scheduled WLS in 2 wks. He stared at me for a moment, then he asked "weight loss surgery"? I said yes, he said, "but I wouldn't even call you overweight". I told him my weight was boarderline and that I use a Bi-Pap machine and take 3 blood pressure meds, He still insisted he did not know how I would qualify for surgery. He asked if I ever had problems with my kidneys and I told him I had 3 kidney stones in the past. He said because of the way my body makes scar tissue that I could have stenosis in my kidneys that could be treated with balloon therapy and my hbp could be cured. He suggested I have a doppler ultrasound done of my kidneys. I went for that today, but it may take up to 3 business days to get the results. My nerves are about shot! Hubby wanted to go with me for yesterday's visit, but got called into work. I felt so all alone and started shaking, my whole body was shaking like I was freezing!
I started the full liquid pre-op diet yesterday. The protein drink I got (Muscle Milk) is drinkable, but I don't really like it. I'm eating pureed soup. I do love my Magic Bullet!! I'm going to make some homemade soup with lots of lean meat and puree it.
January 8, 2011
Jan 08, 2011
I can't believe it's January already. In the title I started typing December! hahaha
Well, things did get better this week! On Thursday, Jan 6th, the ins gal from the surgeon's office called to tell me I AM approved for surgery! My date is Feb 2nd! I have appointments with the surgeon, anestheologist and the nutritionist this Thur January 13th. I have to do a full liquid diet for two weeks to trim down my liver and then 2 days of clear liquids before surgery.
It still hasn't sunk in completely.....I'm nervous, but so hopeful that I will have a tool to help me lose the weight and keep it off forever!!
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Well, things did get better this week! On Thursday, Jan 6th, the ins gal from the surgeon's office called to tell me I AM approved for surgery! My date is Feb 2nd! I have appointments with the surgeon, anestheologist and the nutritionist this Thur January 13th. I have to do a full liquid diet for two weeks to trim down my liver and then 2 days of clear liquids before surgery.
It still hasn't sunk in completely.....I'm nervous, but so hopeful that I will have a tool to help me lose the weight and keep it off forever!!
December 28, 2010
Dec 28, 2010
Alot happened since September! Anthem BC/BS finally decided in November to cover the sleeve as an appoved surgical option. Kris called to let me know on December 1st she resubmitted my paperwork. GREAT!
I called Anthem concerning a charge for my husband and decided to check on the status of my surgery approval. They said no paperwork was submitted by my surgeon's office! I called Kris and she was confused and told me she would refax everything. I checked last week to make sure she did and they told me at Anthem it arrived on the 15th and was sent to the Nurse-Reviewer on Friday the 17th.
This morning I called and it's still in the review process.....tick....tock.....tick....tock
So last week was a real blast! I finally got up the nerve to schedule my second colonoscopy. The first one revealed a narrowing of the colon, which lead to a colectomy (a removal of part of my colon) and a weeks stay in the hospital. I was very low in potassium and needed infusions.
I had been having some problems and of course feared the worse, ie colon cancer. I was told to have my next colonoscopy 3 years after my first and it's been about 6 years. So I was to do the prep on Tuesday afternoon and have the procedure on Wednesday morning. I only got about half the prep solution in when I had terrible cramps in my bowels and was nauseated. Because of the nausea I could not drink anymore prep solution. I was in hell all night with severe pain and dry heaves!
The next morning I called the surgery center and told them what happened. They just wanted to know if I was cleaned out and I told them no. Well, we finally decided since the vomiting stopped to take another prep solution at 7 pm and reschedule the test to take place the next morning at the hospital. I was scheduled to receive propofal to be more deeply sedated, but the hospital won't use it so it was the usual light sedation.
I was aware of a painful tearing feeling and I knew at one point my doctor's partner was in the room and the conversation (that I could not comprehend) led me to believe that something was NOT going right! I woke up and learned that I had scar tissue that was almost totally blocking my colon and the doctor used a balloon to stretch and tear the scar tissue. No wonder I was in pain and had so much trouble with the prep. I was not cleaned out due to the blockage so he could only scope a small section of my colon. Now I need to go for a follow up visit and see what he has in mind. He told my husband the scar tissue may need to be stretched more and he needs to finish the colonoscopy to check for polps or other problems. WONDERFUL! I hope things get better real soon!!
0 comments
I called Anthem concerning a charge for my husband and decided to check on the status of my surgery approval. They said no paperwork was submitted by my surgeon's office! I called Kris and she was confused and told me she would refax everything. I checked last week to make sure she did and they told me at Anthem it arrived on the 15th and was sent to the Nurse-Reviewer on Friday the 17th.
This morning I called and it's still in the review process.....tick....tock.....tick....tock
So last week was a real blast! I finally got up the nerve to schedule my second colonoscopy. The first one revealed a narrowing of the colon, which lead to a colectomy (a removal of part of my colon) and a weeks stay in the hospital. I was very low in potassium and needed infusions.
I had been having some problems and of course feared the worse, ie colon cancer. I was told to have my next colonoscopy 3 years after my first and it's been about 6 years. So I was to do the prep on Tuesday afternoon and have the procedure on Wednesday morning. I only got about half the prep solution in when I had terrible cramps in my bowels and was nauseated. Because of the nausea I could not drink anymore prep solution. I was in hell all night with severe pain and dry heaves!
The next morning I called the surgery center and told them what happened. They just wanted to know if I was cleaned out and I told them no. Well, we finally decided since the vomiting stopped to take another prep solution at 7 pm and reschedule the test to take place the next morning at the hospital. I was scheduled to receive propofal to be more deeply sedated, but the hospital won't use it so it was the usual light sedation.
I was aware of a painful tearing feeling and I knew at one point my doctor's partner was in the room and the conversation (that I could not comprehend) led me to believe that something was NOT going right! I woke up and learned that I had scar tissue that was almost totally blocking my colon and the doctor used a balloon to stretch and tear the scar tissue. No wonder I was in pain and had so much trouble with the prep. I was not cleaned out due to the blockage so he could only scope a small section of my colon. Now I need to go for a follow up visit and see what he has in mind. He told my husband the scar tissue may need to be stretched more and he needs to finish the colonoscopy to check for polps or other problems. WONDERFUL! I hope things get better real soon!!
September 19, 2010
Sep 18, 2010
I recieved the dreaded denial letter from BC/BS on Friday, Sept. 17th. Today is Sunday Sept. 19th and according to the letter I had 10 days from "the date of this letter" to request a peer review. The date the letter was sent was Sept. 9th. If you do the math, I had NO time to request the review. After the 10 days they say the request will be considered "an appeal".
If I read the letter correctly though, I can file an appeal and then if it is denied, I can then request a peer review.
I need to talk to someone in the surgeon's office tomorrow (Monday) to get more information and decide what I'm going to do.
I expected to be denied, but I didn't expect to feel so disappointed. I guess seeing it in writing makes it seems so final.
It just blows my mind that the sleeve has been used for so many years as part of the D.S. surgery successfully and BC/BS is still saying they consider it experimental/investigational.
I read on verticalsleevetalk.com about a gal that has celiac sprue and she seems to think that diagnosis helped her win her appeal. After reading the symptoms of this condition, I'm pretty sure I've had it for some time. I just did not put all my symptoms together....neither did my doctors.
I've had big problems for about 2 months walking due to plantar fasciatis. I've had excrutiating pain in my left heel. I feel like I'm falling apart!
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If I read the letter correctly though, I can file an appeal and then if it is denied, I can then request a peer review.
I need to talk to someone in the surgeon's office tomorrow (Monday) to get more information and decide what I'm going to do.
I expected to be denied, but I didn't expect to feel so disappointed. I guess seeing it in writing makes it seems so final.
It just blows my mind that the sleeve has been used for so many years as part of the D.S. surgery successfully and BC/BS is still saying they consider it experimental/investigational.
I read on verticalsleevetalk.com about a gal that has celiac sprue and she seems to think that diagnosis helped her win her appeal. After reading the symptoms of this condition, I'm pretty sure I've had it for some time. I just did not put all my symptoms together....neither did my doctors.
I've had big problems for about 2 months walking due to plantar fasciatis. I've had excrutiating pain in my left heel. I feel like I'm falling apart!
August 22, 2010
Aug 21, 2010
Two days ago I had my 3rd visit with the dietition and my only visit with Dr. Dawley (internal medicine doctor). The dietition said she was very pleased with my progress. I lost 3 3/4 lbs in the last month, despite alot of heel pain, which limits my walking. She told me to continue to practice chewing my food very well, small bites and eating protein first.
My surgeon, Dr. Lalor, requires all of his patients to be cleared for surgery by Dr. Dawley before submitting the paperwork to the insurance company, and he is VERY thorough with his exam. He reviews all the tests results, does a medical history and an exam. He told me at the end of my visit that he will recommend to Dr. Lalor that I would be a candidate for surgery. He did say that he will be requesting the results of my echo cardiogram test. I told him that my pcp said it did not show any problems with my heart.
When I told Dr. Dawley about the pain I have in my hips he said it is most likely due to osteoarthritis. If he puts that in his report, I'm hoping it will help me get approved for the vertical sleeve surgery. I understand that if you have arthritis that gastric bypass is not the best choice, due to malabsorbing the needed medications.
With all my previous abdominal surgeries, adhesions and diverticulities Dr. Lalor is really against gastric bypass for me. BC/BS of Ohio is currently still considering the sleeve investigational, but I'm hopeful they will make an exception in my case. More and more states are approving the sleeve (ie Illinois), as they see it is effective and there seems to be fewer complications after.I will wait two weeks and then call Dr. Lalor's office, if I don't hear anything, to see where things stand. I will update this post at that time or before if I get news. It's my goal to try and lose 10 lbs before surgery.
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My surgeon, Dr. Lalor, requires all of his patients to be cleared for surgery by Dr. Dawley before submitting the paperwork to the insurance company, and he is VERY thorough with his exam. He reviews all the tests results, does a medical history and an exam. He told me at the end of my visit that he will recommend to Dr. Lalor that I would be a candidate for surgery. He did say that he will be requesting the results of my echo cardiogram test. I told him that my pcp said it did not show any problems with my heart.
When I told Dr. Dawley about the pain I have in my hips he said it is most likely due to osteoarthritis. If he puts that in his report, I'm hoping it will help me get approved for the vertical sleeve surgery. I understand that if you have arthritis that gastric bypass is not the best choice, due to malabsorbing the needed medications.
With all my previous abdominal surgeries, adhesions and diverticulities Dr. Lalor is really against gastric bypass for me. BC/BS of Ohio is currently still considering the sleeve investigational, but I'm hopeful they will make an exception in my case. More and more states are approving the sleeve (ie Illinois), as they see it is effective and there seems to be fewer complications after.I will wait two weeks and then call Dr. Lalor's office, if I don't hear anything, to see where things stand. I will update this post at that time or before if I get news. It's my goal to try and lose 10 lbs before surgery.
