laquanasj

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Yesterday I had to do a sleep study test to see if, I have sleep apnea in order to skip some hurdles in the process since my BMI is under 40.  This morning once the test was done I was told I didn't have sleep apnea, I just snore a little but stop.  So with that said I know its going to be an up hill battle trying to get my insurance to approve my revision surgery to a sleeve.  Next week my doctor will put me to sleep to take a closer look at my stomach to make sure there not other hidden problems with having my lap band for almost over 9 years. I just hope things continue to go smoothly with trying to get approved for revision surgery.  Keeping my finger cross

From my last post I did some more research and after my visit with Dr. Syed Ahmed, I really didn't feel satisfied with going to him for my revision surgery.  The reason I felt uncomfortable was, as I  sat in his office with several other patients that was there before me, and waited over an hour to see him.  Some people had early morning appointment and mines was 10:30 but he didn't walk in the door until 11:30. I knew there was a problem when one of his patients stated that he always have them book early morning appointments but never there on time.  UNPROFESSIONAL to me.  I was like the 5th person to be called, but what i noticed is that everyone that was there was not in his office for no more than 5 min maybe less.....

Once I was called and he asked me what brings me into his office, I explained why and handed him all my medical records from my previous doctors at hand and he casually look through them.  I continue to tell him why i was there and from what I told him he agreed it was time to remove my band.  He requested a copy of my last upper GI on CD and told me to go to the front desk to make appointment to return in a month.  My problem with him....was I felt RUSHED.  I had a list of question I didn't even get to ask him before he was telling me to go make another appointment.  I turned back around to ask him another question and before I knew it he had the next patient in his office. 

At the front desk she didn't even ask any question she just handed me a paper of all the things I have get done to have weigh loss surgery. I kindly explained to her I already had the surgery, I'm here to see about my option for revision.  Another red flag.  I walked out that office not happy with the services I was provided.  As I was standing there not even 5 min the patient after me was already coming out his office.  ANOTHER RED FLAG.  After a few days had passed i sent an email to the email address located at the bottom of his business card in regards to my additional question.  They never responded...ANOTHER RED FLAG to me.  I have faild question but yet you dont have time nor your staff to answer any of the question that are general question. THANKS BUT NO THANKS.

I went back to the drawing board, I felt anyone that don take their time with patients, I DO NOT WANT THEM WORKING ON ME!  So I came across The Bariatric Group of NY and  was provided with a doctor that accepts my insurance Fidelis NY and was given an appointment for October 16th in New Hyde Park, NY to meet the doctor in regards to my option for revision surgery.  The great thing about this place they have a siminar available via online and you dont have to worry about taking time off from work to attend.  They have a siminar for Revision Surgery....Lets see how this goes.  It maybe a little far from my home but I rather travel and have the best care then feel rush and wind up with regrets.

I've been researching having revision surgery for almost three years now.  My only regret is having my former doctor talk me out of having revision surgery and keeping this Lap Band.  I must say that it worked for me for a few years, but  all good thing must come to an end.  I've never had and Major issues with my band until about 3 year ago.  I had to have the band emptied twice due to my dilation of the esophagus.  NOT A GOOD THING.  The other problems I had is changing of my insurance.

My original doctor Marc Bessler who did my surgery stop accept my insurance and was forced to seek care someone else.  If you  don't know by now...once you have weigh lost surgery it's very difficult trying to find a doctor that will accept new patients.  During this process i went without an adjustment because it was just to expensive to pay out of pocket.

So my journey begins with REVISION.  I'm not too happy about going back under the knife but I've done my part and unfortunately this band had stop working with me. It's like a job it you not working for you any longer seek employment else where...and I'm doing just that.

I final met with a surgeon that accepts my current insurance Fidelis, NY (Family Health Plus) and his name is Dr. Syed Ahmad.  After meeting with him briefly and going over my former doctor records and history, him and I both agree its time to remove my Lap Band.  I just hope the process is not as long as when i first had surgery.  I'm scheduled to meet with him again to review my last Upper GI results.  I'm leaning toward the DS or Sleeve...I'm going to continue doing my research and see which one will work best for me.  Next appointment scheduled 10/16 let see what happens.


 
On the Right I just finish a Physical Fitness Boot Camp Lost 13lbs (215)
The picture on the left is from last summer 2011 I hit the gym every day and lost over 35 lbs on my own without the band help or adjustment 185. My goal is to get back there without killing myself as i did before to get to 185.

With all the fustration, I'm still going to smile through it all!!

Currently Weight 228 Goal 160