Marsha G.
Down 28 lbs since pre-op appt.
Oct 02, 2009
I can't believe it....I'm down 28 pounds, since my pre-op appointment, two days before surgery! But, then again, it's really hard to eat. Everything still tastes bad, and my stomach is very sensitive.
I struggle to eat, and to get fluids down. I'm not where I should be, but I do a little better everyday.
The pain is so much better, and I only use a pain pill at bedtime so I can sleep well....and I do.
I am still weak, and tired. I try to watch TV and usually fall asleep. LOL!
I feel bad, because we missed my husband's Uncle's funeral today, but I am just not up to that yet.
Everyday is a little better, but I can't wait to feel "normal" again.
I've still got bruises all over me, and my two "bullet hole" wounds, from the drains. My feeding tube has been my friend. That's how I get part of my H2O down.
Until later,
Marsha
2 comments
I struggle to eat, and to get fluids down. I'm not where I should be, but I do a little better everyday.
The pain is so much better, and I only use a pain pill at bedtime so I can sleep well....and I do.
I am still weak, and tired. I try to watch TV and usually fall asleep. LOL!
I feel bad, because we missed my husband's Uncle's funeral today, but I am just not up to that yet.
Everyday is a little better, but I can't wait to feel "normal" again.
I've still got bruises all over me, and my two "bullet hole" wounds, from the drains. My feeding tube has been my friend. That's how I get part of my H2O down.
Until later,
Marsha
Back in Colorado 09/26/2009
Sep 28, 2009
We got back home early Saturday morning. What a ride....and I know there's more to come. I am relying on my feeding tube a lot, because even water is hard to get down. I am surviving on Soup broth, jello, yogurt, SF Popsicles, and flavored water.
I did put a protein shake down my tube yesterday, and probably will today too.
I tried a scrambled egg Sunday am and I got so sick! I'll try again in a few days.
I am supposed to start my vitamins on Thursday, so I ordered the additional, that I need, from Vitalady, yesterday.
I know that soon I am going to have to get things in orally. I'll keep trying, but everything tastes bad!.
I am looking forward to feeling halfway normal, and being able to eat and drink some.
0 comments
I did put a protein shake down my tube yesterday, and probably will today too.
I tried a scrambled egg Sunday am and I got so sick! I'll try again in a few days.
I am supposed to start my vitamins on Thursday, so I ordered the additional, that I need, from Vitalady, yesterday.
I know that soon I am going to have to get things in orally. I'll keep trying, but everything tastes bad!.
I am looking forward to feeling halfway normal, and being able to eat and drink some.
Back to the hotel 09/20/2009
Sep 28, 2009
Well, I'm back at the hotel....alive! Ha ha! I made it over to the Dark (bright) Side.
Boy, what a ride! I am SURE that my ride was, and is not normal...I even had my surgeon searching for answers. He was so great though, and got me through this.
I had an open revision, of a VBG, to DS, and hernia repair 9-10-09 with Dr. Rabkin, at St. Mary's.
I was in OR for 7.5 hrs, and in recovery for 3 hrs. then taken to my room. Within a couple of hrs., I was moved to ICU because of suspected PE and to have IV Beta Blockers and to monitor my heart rate (high) andblood pressure . A Spiral CT showed no PE. Whew, dodged that bullet!
I developed Cholecystiitis (even though no Gallbladder since 1981) and it was post-operative, from anesthesia or drug interaction. It was bad...I am not so yellow now, but all the students wanted to see "it".
It caused Lysis, of RBC's and I had 5 units of blood given to me, over the coarse of my stay. At first they thought there was a blockage; so they did an Ultrasound...negative....Whew! The Cardiologist was upset, because I wouldn't have an MRI, but Dr. Rabkin didn't think it was necessary.
I spent 5 days in ICU and 5 in Tele.
It took 6 days for my bowels to wake up.
I became overloaded, and spent one day on the bedside commode, after my friend Lasix, had visited. My legs and feet are still really swollen. Dr. Rabkin says it'll go away though.
Things did, finally, start getting better....as you can see....
and I'm only mildly yellow now.
We are at the hotel, trying to get comfortable, sipping, taking pain meds., and just trying to get through it.
I'm still wondering where, oh where, did that train come from?
Thanks to Rose and Judy for the visits, and I loved getting to at least meet you Gail. Thanks for all the love, support, prayers, swinging of critters, good vibes, and positive thoughts sent my way. I think that you all helped to save my life, and I really appreciate it.
Like I've said before, I love my DS Family!
Marsha
0 comments
Boy, what a ride! I am SURE that my ride was, and is not normal...I even had my surgeon searching for answers. He was so great though, and got me through this.
I had an open revision, of a VBG, to DS, and hernia repair 9-10-09 with Dr. Rabkin, at St. Mary's.
I was in OR for 7.5 hrs, and in recovery for 3 hrs. then taken to my room. Within a couple of hrs., I was moved to ICU because of suspected PE and to have IV Beta Blockers and to monitor my heart rate (high) and
I developed Cholecystiitis (even though no Gallbladder since 1981) and it was post-operative, from anesthesia or drug interaction. It was bad...I am not so yellow now, but all the students wanted to see "it".
It caused Lysis, of RBC's and I had 5 units of blood given to me, over the coarse of my stay. At first they thought there was a blockage; so they did an Ultrasound...negative....Whew! The Cardiologist was upset, because I wouldn't have an MRI, but Dr. Rabkin didn't think it was necessary.
I spent 5 days in ICU and 5 in Tele.
It took 6 days for my bowels to wake up.
I became overloaded, and spent one day on the bedside commode, after my friend Lasix, had visited. My legs and feet are still really swollen. Dr. Rabkin says it'll go away though.
Things did, finally, start getting better....as you can see....
and I'm only mildly yellow now.
We are at the hotel, trying to get comfortable, sipping, taking pain meds., and just trying to get through it.
I'm still wondering where, oh where, did that train come from?
Thanks to Rose and Judy for the visits, and I loved getting to at least meet you Gail. Thanks for all the love, support, prayers, swinging of critters, good vibes, and positive thoughts sent my way. I think that you all helped to save my life, and I really appreciate it.
Like I've said before, I love my DS Family!
Marsha
It's getting close!
Sep 01, 2009
Well, this time next week I'll be in Dr. Rabkin's office, for my pre-op visit. All the tests, poking and prodding (physically and mentally) are done. The last few, last minute blood tests were done yesterday.
I am already pre-registered with St. Mary's Hospital, so I go straight to the 3rd floor on Thursday, the 10th.
I was really nervous, but now I am at peace.... It just happened. I have accepted it, and I feel that I will be okay. (Although my family is still freaked out.)
I am calmly excited about the future. No, I don't look forward to the pain, or recovery, but it takes that, to get me to the road that I want to be on.
I've always been a Star Wars fan, so I look forward to being on the Dark Side...LOL! "Luke, I am your father."
Hey, when will I get my free cookie? (Not until I reach goal, I know.)
I am so very thankful for this board. If not for them, I would have had a RNY by now...YUCK!!! Everyone has been wonderful, and very supportive. I received so much support through my research, the Appeals process, and the External review. I was also led to a fantastic surgeon. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
As I get the last few things wrapped up, I wanted to be sure and thank everyone, and ask for a few swinging critters. (I guess I am still a little nervous.)
I love my OH family. Be well.
Marsha
0 comments
I am already pre-registered with St. Mary's Hospital, so I go straight to the 3rd floor on Thursday, the 10th.
I was really nervous, but now I am at peace.... It just happened. I have accepted it, and I feel that I will be okay. (Although my family is still freaked out.)
I am calmly excited about the future. No, I don't look forward to the pain, or recovery, but it takes that, to get me to the road that I want to be on.
I've always been a Star Wars fan, so I look forward to being on the Dark Side...LOL! "Luke, I am your father."
Hey, when will I get my free cookie? (Not until I reach goal, I know.)
I am so very thankful for this board. If not for them, I would have had a RNY by now...YUCK!!! Everyone has been wonderful, and very supportive. I received so much support through my research, the Appeals process, and the External review. I was also led to a fantastic surgeon. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you!
As I get the last few things wrapped up, I wanted to be sure and thank everyone, and ask for a few swinging critters. (I guess I am still a little nervous.)
I love my OH family. Be well.
Marsha
Stress Echo
Aug 24, 2009
The Stress Echo is complete (last Thursday), but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. LOL! Not fun! 3 IV sticks and now the second stick in my R hand, has Cellulitis/Phlebitis....on top of another kidney infection; so antibiotics again. As long as it's gone before surgery.
It's getting so close. 16 days!
I'm trying to keep busy, so I'll be ready and don't have the time to think about it. We are leaving, for San Francisco, on Monday 9/07. 2 weeks from today, I'll be there.
It's been a long journey and it's almost time. I'm so glad that I have the best (Rabkin) to do my DS.
No angel yet.....Anyone in SF interested? My hubby will be there though and I'll teach him how to update everyone.
0 comments
It's getting so close. 16 days!
I'm trying to keep busy, so I'll be ready and don't have the time to think about it. We are leaving, for San Francisco, on Monday 9/07. 2 weeks from today, I'll be there.It's been a long journey and it's almost time. I'm so glad that I have the best (Rabkin) to do my DS.
No angel yet.....Anyone in SF interested? My hubby will be there though and I'll teach him how to update everyone.
Kaiser Colorado can be beat!
Aug 14, 2009
I won! 
I won! I won!
After months of fighting Kaiser Colorado: grievance, appeals, and an external review in PA, I have won! My denial has been overturned.
I haven't heard of any others going through this, here in CO, so I'm here to tell you....Don't give up! I'm getting my second chance...my DS.
Dr. Rabkin's office says they still want a stress echo, then I'll be ready. My Cardiologist is scheduling it and will let me know on Monday. It looks like I'll be switched in September.
I have been lurking and learning for about three years, and joined last year, with plans for a RNY. Thank goodness I learned about the DS first. The months of fighting and waiting have been worth the work.
Thanks to all of you who helped me: Diana, Lara, Stormy, Danas, Gail...and many more.
I love my DS Family!
Many thanks to everyone!
LdyMars (Marsha)
0 comments
I won! I won! After months of fighting Kaiser Colorado: grievance, appeals, and an external review in PA, I have won! My denial has been overturned.
I haven't heard of any others going through this, here in CO, so I'm here to tell you....Don't give up! I'm getting my second chance...my DS.
Dr. Rabkin's office says they still want a stress echo, then I'll be ready. My Cardiologist is scheduling it and will let me know on Monday. It looks like I'll be switched in September.
I have been lurking and learning for about three years, and joined last year, with plans for a RNY. Thank goodness I learned about the DS first. The months of fighting and waiting have been worth the work.
Thanks to all of you who helped me: Diana, Lara, Stormy, Danas, Gail...and many more.
I love my DS Family!
Many thanks to everyone!
LdyMars (Marsha)
External Review
Jul 23, 2009
My Kaiser Colorado Appeal is being reviewed by National Medical Reviews in Trevose, PA. The 30 days will be over on August 14th.
Does anyone have any info on these folks? Has anyone had their denial overturned by them? I need some hope......
Thanks,
Marsha
0 comments
Does anyone have any info on these folks? Has anyone had their denial overturned by them? I need some hope......
Thanks,
Marsha
External Review
Jul 15, 2009
I sent in my request for an External Review today, with Dr. Rabkin's letter and a couple of current articles that I hadn't added to my original book. So Kaiser will send them all of my info and medical records, then it will be 30 days or less! I can't wait. I wish that someone had done an appeal with Kaiser Colorado before. I know that someone has to be the trailblazer, but with no history, I don't know what to expect. Swing some critters for me guys.
I love my OH Family!
0 comments
I love my OH Family!
Denial
Jul 15, 2009
Hi everyone!
Well, I got another Denial yesterday. It was due by 7/11; dated 7/9 and postmarked 7/13....received 7/14. Do the dates make a difference, in the long run? (Just wondering if I could use that.)
The six page letter basically says that, since I can get treatment, with a ERNY in Plan, that a DS is not Medically Necessary. It says that I do not have a In-Plan referral. (I do have a In-Plan Referral for WLS, but the DS letter is from Dr. Rabkin....Out-of-Plan.)
They said, "Referrals for non-emergency, non-urgent medical services are only covered when a medically necessary covered service is not available from Plan providers."......Duh! It isn't!
They argued that they have, "offered (you) a medically reasonable treatment (bariatric revision surgery) in-plan."
Now they say I can have a Voluntary Second-Level Appeal, or go to an External Review. But, my plan information says, "after all required internal appeal processes have been exhausted." So, I guess, since the second level appeal is "voluntary" I go can straight to an External Review, which I will do.
If anyone has any information that they feel will help, could you please let me know? Everyone please pray, or swing chickens, or other critters, or whatever you do, and help me out on this one.
Many thanks,
Marsha
0 comments
Well, I got another Denial yesterday. It was due by 7/11; dated 7/9 and postmarked 7/13....received 7/14. Do the dates make a difference, in the long run? (Just wondering if I could use that.)
The six page letter basically says that, since I can get treatment, with a ERNY in Plan, that a DS is not Medically Necessary. It says that I do not have a In-Plan referral. (I do have a In-Plan Referral for WLS, but the DS letter is from Dr. Rabkin....Out-of-Plan.)
They said, "Referrals for non-emergency, non-urgent medical services are only covered when a medically necessary covered service is not available from Plan providers."......Duh! It isn't!
They argued that they have, "offered (you) a medically reasonable treatment (bariatric revision surgery) in-plan."
Now they say I can have a Voluntary Second-Level Appeal, or go to an External Review. But, my plan information says, "after all required internal appeal processes have been exhausted." So, I guess, since the second level appeal is "voluntary" I go can straight to an External Review, which I will do.
If anyone has any information that they feel will help, could you please let me know? Everyone please pray, or swing chickens, or other critters, or whatever you do, and help me out on this one.
Many thanks,
Marsha
Consult
Jun 23, 2009
I had my consult today, but it was with Dana, the Surgical PA. She said my stomach should be about 3 oz and my CC about 100. I should be in CA about 14 days total: 2 days before and 7 days after discharge. I will have open DS with a feeding tube and a drain. Maybe a Greenfield Filter, and maybe a Heparin Drip, even in surgery? I need to get some copies of some reports for them, and they are sending a Letter of Medical Necessity. I need to see about getting some copies of reports for them, a Stress Echo, an EKG and CXR 1 mo. before. Dr. Rabkin's complication rate is very low and his mortality rate is <1%. That makes me more comfortable. 
Now to just wait on the Appeal. I'll keep you updated.
Marsha
0 comments
Now to just wait on the Appeal. I'll keep you updated.
Marsha
About Me
Denver, CO
Location
32.6
BMI
Surgery
09/10/2009
Surgery Date
Nov 12, 2008
Member Since
