Scoon66
9/29/02:
NAME: Scott
BMI: 39
COMORBIDITIES: Diabetes, Hypertension
Hi. I currently weigh 285 pounds. My highest weight was about 315 pounds. I Have been considering WLS for several years but always felt like it was too drastic of a measure. I’ve never suffered from apnea and don’t have mobility problems. I have the normal social problems associated with being overweight and have tried to lose weight many times because of them. I wasn’t successful in the long term. But all in all I have reached a point in my life where my weight and looks didn’t bother me. I was as content with my body and my life.
All that changed a couple of years ago when I started losing weight very quickly. I was pissing it away for 3 months before I finally went to see my Doctor. I had lost about 35 pounds. My Doctor diagnosed me with diabetes. First I tried controlling it with diet and exercise. My blood sugar stayed around 200. Round two. Glucophage my sugar came down some but still 180+. Round two. Avandia , down some but still 150-160. Round 3. Glipizide, My sugar is now in the high normal range most of the time. I still have to pay close attention to keep it there.
My weight right after I was diagnosed with diabetes was 275 pounds. Over the next few months I went back up to 295 or so. I took my diet in hand and managed to get to about 285. I’ve been there for well over a year now and can’t seem to get any further.
The diabetes has been my turning point. I do not want to live my life on insulin and know the only way to avoid that for a significant period of time is to lose weight. I have been cruising the net looking for studies concerning diabetics and WLS. The results are encouraging.
Which brings us too today. I have been approved for WLS through my Insurance. I have chosen a Surgeon. Dr John Baker in Little Rock. I have a date for my surgery. 12/13/02 and here I sits and I waits.
My wife Julie Gerlinger is also scheduled for surgery. Hers will be on 10/14/02. Please visit her profile as well.( Once she gets it up that is)
12-5-02 Well it's been quite a while since I updated my page. I'm about a week away from surgery now. I seem to have gotten over my nervousness. I was very nervouse a few weeks ago but am not now, go figure. My wife Julie is about 7 weeks out now and has been doing great no serious problems and down 47 pounds so far.
2-7-03 Well I had my surgery on 12-13-02, Friday the 13th. Everything went well. I am 8 weeks out today. I have lost about 50 pounds so far and haven't had any real problems.
4-3-03 I am now down to 205 pounds which is 80 pounds down looking forward to going under 200 pounds
4-24-03 199 Woo Hoo!
12-13-03 one year out 178 pounds. I am off my diabetes and hypertension meds and my weight has been stable for several months. Life is good. I feel normal know and don't think about my diet much except for trying to remember to get in enough protien. My nutritional profiles have been coming back normal so far I feel good and think I look good in clothes. I do have enough extra skin for two though.
Weight Loss Survey Responses
Click Here To View
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: John W. Baker M.D.
I met Dr. Baker finally at my wife's consultation. He struck me as someone who cares deeply about what he is doing. I was impressed by his record and willingness to tell people about the problems he's had as well as the successes. He VERY strongly emphasizes all aspects of aftercare. I am much more interested in surgery skills than bedside manner but felt that his bedside manner was good too. I am very pleased with my choice of surgeons so far I will update after my wife's surgery.
Insurer Info:
Cigna
My doctor mailed the letter on the 8/09/02 they claim they didnt receive it I had to fax it to them (literally) ten times before they admitted to having it on 8/28 they said I should have an answer in 15 days I recieved approval via telephone (letter to follow) on 09/09/02. This was only after expedited review, since we had documentation proving we made attempts to send it repeatedly since 8/09/02. Otherwise, they claim the usual wait is 6 weeks. They approved both the open and laparoscopic procedures so the surgeon could perform the appropriate procedure on each of us. Finally received the letter on 9/19/02
