Sonya J.
I am a 30 year old wife and mother of 3. I have struggled with my weight for the past 12 years. I have tried many diet regimens including pills only to be unsuccessful. I would lose a little bit here and there only to gain it back and more.
I have been doing research on WLS for the past year. The only reason why I put it off so long was because I didn't think that I would have my husband's support but I was wrong, now dont get me wrong he was a little hesitant at first but he came around when he saw how much this meant to me. He realized that this was something that I really wanted to do so he agreed to give me his full support. I am lucky to have him.
Earlier this month I attended a WLS seminar for Dr. Husted I was very comfortable with him and his staff. Dr. Husted and his staff was very informative.
When I called my insurance company earlier in the month I was told that there are not any physicians in my area that would accept my insurance. I was also told that I would have to travel at least 25 miles unless I could find a physician that will agree to accept an out of network referral.
After doing research I found that Dr. John Husted office not only would agree to accept a out of network referral but their office is 1 of 2 of the only offices in Tennessee that performs Duodendal Switch which is the procedure of my choice.
My PCP submitted a referral to my insurance company to see if they would approve me to see Dr. Husted I was told it would take 24-48 hours.
48 hours later I was giving the bad news that I was DENIED but giving another physician's name.
11/15/04 I then requested a Case Manager because I was told that they assist you with appeals and whatever else you request. In the meantime I was given the name of a surgeon by the name of Dr. John Kelly Wright.
Dr. Wright only performs open RNY I was leaning more towards having a Lap Duodendal Switch. But after being discouraged by my caseworker I was told that my chances of winning the appeal would be slim. She stated that she would approve me to see Dr. Wright I pretty much said I gotta do what I gotta do so I called Dr. Wright's office and was told that the scheduling nurse would give me a call to set up my appointment for my consult.
11/24/04 Today I received a call from Dr. Wright's office. I was giving a consultation date of 1/22/05. Although its not with the surgeon of my choice I am happy that some progress is being made. When scheduling my appointment the nurse informed me that if everything goes as planned I could be looking at having surgery as early as February. She also said that she'd send my packet in the mail.
I have never been a close-minded person so I feel the least that I can do is go to the consultation and let Dr. Wright know about my concerns then maybe he will be able to tell me something to ease my mind.
12/2/04 I am not happy with the surgeon that I've been approved for. I know, I know I said that I wasn't close-minded and that I would give Dr. W a chance but I've changed my mind. I have not stepped foot in his office but I've spoken with a couple of people from his staff over the phone and I must say that I am not impressed.
So I've decided that I am going to stand up for what I think is right. So I will appeal my insurance company's decision for several reasons.
1) WLS is a very serious surgery and I feel as though I should be comfortable with the surgeon that is performing this procedure on me.
2) I have looked at some other Tennessean's profiles that had the same insurance as me that stated that they did not have a problem getting approved for Dr. Husted's office although he is out of network.
3) My biggest concern is the physician that they gave me is out of network also but they approved me to see him *GO FIGURE*
I was told if you get a case manager they are supposed to look out for your best interest. I luckily got a case manager who basically didn't want to do her part so I will be calling my insurance company tommorow to see if I can get assigned another 1 and hopefully I'll get someone this time that does not mind to lending a helping hand or should I say doing there job?
Sorry for venting I just had to blow a little steam off hopefully my next update will be a better one.
I will pray about this situation, I know that the Lord will steer me in the right path that I need to follow. I will be back hopefully with better news next time.
12/4/04 Let me see where do I start? I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want first? Okay I'll start with the good news. I finally received my WLS packet that I've been waiting for, So I started filling that out I plan on sending it off today. Its not much but every little bit helps.
The bad news is I spoke with my insurance company today about trying to get a new case manager I was told that it would have to be approved by the supervisor.
When I spoke with the supervisor she pretty much said the same thing that the case manager said I probably would not have a chance even if I appeal. So I guess I will continue with the old plan, go to my consultation to see how that goes.
Im just putting it in God's hands I know that he will lead me in the direction that I need to go in. Until next time....
12/7/04 I have decided to appeal the decision to have Dr. Husted as my surgeon. In the meantime my case manger has approved me to have a consult with a physician by the name of Dr. Sisk if my appeal doesn't work out. He performs RNY but he does it laparoscopically which is my second choice. F.Y.I Lap Duodendal Switch is my first choice.
I called Dr. S office they sent me a packet of information, his staff seemed to be very friendly. They gave me an appointment date of 12/21 WOW I wasn't expecting that a little more than a month before the appointment date Dr. W's office gave me.
Today I will call to cancel my appointment with Dr. W's office.
I also have an appointment with the nutritionist on 12/9. Well thats it for now.
Until next time Later~
12/9/04 I had my nutritionist appointment all went very well she pretty much asked me if I knew how much of a change that I would have to make. I explained to her that I did understand. She went over the WLS diet that I would have to follow right after surgery and for the rest of my life. I told her that I understood. I had actually did research and knew all of the above but it was nice hearing it from a professional's mouth.
12/18 I am looking forward to having my WLS consultation on Tuesday December 21. Hopefully all goes well. I will check back then to let you know how things went.
Until then Later~
*Today has been a wonderful day*
I attended my psychological evaluation today. Glad that's over, it wasn't that bad.....Just alot of questions, but Im not complaining,just glad that I'm a step closer to having everything for my surgeon.
I guess my PCP's office got tired of me calling about my letter of medical necessity. They called me today. Can you say "Right on time"?
Tommorow is my consultation day with the surgeon, I have completed my nutritional evaluation, psychological evaluation, and I now have my letter of medical necessity. I am so excited about all of the above.
Please keep me in your prayers. I will check back tommorow with an update on how the consult went.
Until next time~
I went to my consult as scheduled it did not go as planned. When I got to the office there was about 10-15 people already waiting and talking about how long they have been waiting, this always happens, blah, blah, blah. I was just sitting there listening to them then a long time passed before a name was called so the lady sitting next to me said she was going to find out what was going on. The receptionist politely told her that the surgeon had not made it in yet but he should be in shortly. A short time later the surgeon arrived then they started calling names. A couple of people left because they were tired of waiting. I was there for 2 hours, they still were nowhere close to getting to me so I just made the decision to leave. At first I was mad at myself but if this happens all the time as the other patient's were saying it did I think that I can find someone better, not to mention it was an hour drive just to get there.
After I left the office I called my case manager and told her what happened she agreed with me. She is in talks with another surgeon's office she said by Monday Dec. 27 she will give me a call back to let me know what she has come up with.
1/6/05 Today is Tuesday I haven't heard anything from my case manager yet. Im not going to get worked up about it though because I know its right after the holidays and these things take time. Hopefully I'll hear something by Friday. Until then~
Be Blessed~
I spoke with my case manager today she told me that there will be an informational seminar held on January 7 I have to attend that and then I will be giving my consultation date. I also spoke with the surgeon's office today they will send my packet so that I can get that filled out I let them know that I have had my psychological and nutritional evaluation already she said that I was well ahead. Im looking forward to the seminar, she said that after the seminar I should be able to come in that same week for my consultation. Im excited about that it shouldn't be too much longer.
1/7/05 I attended the seminar today everything went fine. I am now waiting for a call from the nurse on Monday to schedule my consult date, I'll update again then.
Until next time~
1/19/05 It's been a long time I know that is because I had nothing new to report. My surgeon's office just received the documentation that they needed from my doctor's office today. It seems like it took forever for my PCP to send the documentation, but oh well, I am not complaining I just know that I'm getting closer and closer. I can feel it! (:
Thats all folks~
1/21/05 I spoke with my surgeon's office again today Nancy (the nurse) said that my information has been sent off to the insurance office for approval. I'm trying to stay calm, and get this she said that my paperwork looks good and that my insurance company is pretty fast with their decision, she said usually it just takes about a week but they have gotten back with her in 48 hours lately. Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Im sooooooo nervous. It shouldn't be too much longer. Wish me luck!
Until next time later~
1/28/05 Lord knows today is a good day! On this day 11 years ago I was thanking God for blessing me with my beautiful baby girl. Today is my baby's birthday, kids grow up so fast.
Well anyways, I have been getting everything prepared for my daughter's birthday celebration then something just told me to take a break and call the insurance company. When I called I was placed on hold for a few minutes which seemed like forever, I was sitting there listening to the boring music they play, next thing you know the rep came back to the phone and said maam' you have been approved. I was so shocked I had to hear her say it again, I said excuse me she said yes you've been approved. I am so happy......So now I'm waiting on my surgeon's office to give me a call to set up my surgery date. God is good all the time.
Be Blessed~
Sonya
February 1, 2005 My surgeon's office called me today and I'm happy to say that I now have a surgery date, yes that's right in 27 more days I'll be on the loosing side. **FEBRUARY 28, 2005**Thank you Jesus....Until next time.....Be Blessed......
Sonya
2/17/05 I went in today to speak with my surgeon we discussed all of the pre-op instructions and gave me a date of 2/24 to complete my pre-op testing. My big day is right around the corner I cant wait. Well that's about it for now. Until next time~Later
2/24/05 I completed my pre-op testing and I am pleased with the fact that in 4 more days I'll be on the losing side. As my 7 year old says when something goes his way "Yessss!"
On my next update I am hoping to be able to say that I have successfully made it over to the losing side. To anyone out there in cyberspace that may be reading this please keep remember to keep me in your prayers, thanks in advance....... (o;
Be Blessed
2/27/05 I have been on a liquid diet for the past two days per surgeon's instructions. Tommorrow is the big day I'm so excited I will soon be a loser.
4/10/05 This has been a long time coming, its about time I got around to updating my profile. Alot has went on since I was last here. I stayed in the hospital 2 1/2 weeks following my surgery. My husband was my angel he updated my BAF Forum family (the best support site on the net) on my condition. I would like to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers. Prayer truly does help.
"RECAP OF SURGERY DAY" I arrived at the hospital at 4:30 a.m. I was taking to a prepping room where my vitals were taking, my pressure stockings were put on, my IV was started. Then the waiting began. At around 7:30 a.m they came to get me to take me to the operating room, my husband followed up until we got to the operating room door. I waved goodbye~
All I can remember after getting in the operating room was speaking with the anesthesiologist. He then gave me a shot in my IV and I was out like a light. When I woke up I was in the recovery room at that time I had a huge smile when I saw the love of my life standing there as I opened my eyes *Not to mention I was glad to have made it over to the other side* Shortly after that I was taking to my room, on the first day I did not have to use the pain button much I wasn't in alot of pain thank God.
The 2nd day is when all hell broke loose. I was giving something to eat the next day not long after I tried to eat not long after that I started throwing up huge amounts of blood. My nurse called my surgeon he ordered some tests to see what was going on. After viewing my test results my surgeon came in and told me that I had a blockage (bowel obstruction) and I was then told that I would have to go into surgery again, by that time I was running a high fever. My blood pressure also continued to stay high. At this point I was very scared but I continued to keep faith in God and I know he is the reason that I'm able to tell what I went through. When I was taking in for the second surgery I took a turn for the worst I was placed on a ventilator machine because I had succumb so much. I was placed in intensive care for 2 days during that time I was still undergoing a lot of testing. I was placed on strong blood thinners because my surgeon told my family that I had a blood clot. After that I began to improve as I was in intensive care so I was placed back in a regular room. When they placed me back in my room my oxygen levels began to drop they later found out that I had pneumonia. My last week in the hospital was battling pneumonia by taking breathing treatments I also had to have a thoracentesis- they stuck some type of instrument in my back and drained some of the fluids from my lungs. Two days after the thoracentesis was done I came home. I was sent home with oxygen to help me with my breathing I also have a home health nurse that comes to see me three times a week. With that being said I have been through alot but I continue to get stronger and stronger everyday. The weight is dropping I have lost 44 lbs. since 2/28 without WLS I know this would not have been possible. This has not been easy at all and I knew that it would not be from the beginning. But hey what in life is?
I've heard it before but now I'm living proof that WLS changes your life any many ways. In just two months I have went from a size 24 W to a 18 and I'm loving it. Its been a long time since I have been able to go into a fitting room try something on and actually like what I see in the mirror(; Shopping is much more fun now and a whole lot easier.
I haven't been weighing myself much but the last time I did I weighed in at 232. I'm believe that I have lost more weight since then if not weight--inches. When I left the hospital I weighed in at 284 so thats 52 pounds down and still counting. With that being said thank you Jesus for WLS because I dont believe I could've did this without it.
WLS is in no way shape or form is a easy way out its a tool that you have to work with, which for me is an ongoing battle. I have been doing alot better with my water and exercise I just have to up my protein intake. I'm working on it!
Well thats all I have to say for now.
Until next time later~
6/22/05 It's been a long time but better late than never, right? I'm happy to report that I am down to 217 pounds that is 67 pounds down in almost 4 months. I have went from being MORBIDLY OBESE to OBESE I look forward to being in a normal weight range someday. Anyone considering this surgery I'm here to tell you it is worth it.
Until next time later~
Sonya
9/24/05 It's been a long time? I'm gonna have to get better at updating. I am very much pleased with my stats I am now weighing in at 195 I weighed 284 at the hospital so I will soon be requesting my century club card. 11 more pounds **Yessssss sirrrrrrrrrrr**
I never thought that I would be able to get into a pair of 13/14 jeans but I'm there and loving it. I honestly wouldn't complain if I didn't lose another pound. Shopping is getting better and better by the day. Can you tell I love to shop?
I pretty much can eat anything in moderation. I'm trying to stay away from sweets because I do not dump and I have been naughty at times but I'm working on that. I always get in at least 100 ounces of water per day. I basically get my protein in by food chicken, fish, green leafy vegetables, beans and all that good stuff. I really need to find a protein shake that I like because I've tried a few different kinds but I didn't like em too much so I guess you know they're just sitting collecting dust but my goal for the week will be going to Val's website bariatriceating101.com to order some protein samples; I'm sure that I will be able to find something that I like. I know it's something out there I just have to find it. Well that's enough about that----
Anyone contemplating having this surgery if you have any questions please feel free to shoot me and e-mail and I'll be sure to answer any questions that I can and if I cant answer I'll be sure to direct you in the path of someone who can. I'm not a veteran yet I'm still learning but if I can help out in anyway with the info that I do have. I'm all for it.
I will be posting some new pictures soon, so check back now ya hear.
Until Next Time~
Sonya
11/28/05 I have got to do better with updating my profile. I am going to set myself a monthly reminder to get back and update at least once a month. I am down to 190 now I'm still losing slowly but surely. I have been doing much better with my vitamins but I still need to work on exercising more. I celebrated my 1st Thanksgiving this year. This was my the first year in a long time that I didn't eat and feel stuffed like a big TURKEY on turkey day (lol) I'm looking forward to the rest of the holidays. On a good note I am sure that I'll be able to get some exercising in from all of this walking I'm going to be doing while Christmas shopping, so that's a good thing....... Well I cant think of anything else to say right now, so until next time later.
1/2006
Happy New Year to everyone. I am so excited about 2006. For some reason I feel like this is going to be a good year for me. I hope that I'm right.
I am still losing slowily but steadily I am now at 185. That is 10 pounds away from my own personal goal of 175. So I cant complain not one bit. I am happy with the results that I have had achieved thus far with WLS and yes I would do it again. Minus the complications of course (;
02/07/06 One week ago today I had an appointment with my surgeon. I dont think that I mentioned it in my past updates but I have developed a hernia which makes my stomach look alot bigger than it really is. Dr. McDowell took a look at it and we discussed options of repairing it in the future; he let me know that it would be totally up to me if I wanted to have it done or not. He said if he does the hernia repair it would be for cosmetic purposes only it doesn't have to be done, but in my eyes it does. It's to the point when I lie down it sticks out and it's not attractive at all. Although I know my husband loves me with or without it. It's about the size of a large grapefruit{ugh}. My surgeon is requiring me to lose 20 more pounds within the next 6-8 weeks which I know will be hard work because my weight loss has slowed down but I know I can do it so I'm looking at late April early May.
On a brighter note. I attended my 1st support group meeting since having WLS last night and I really enjoyed it. With school and everything that has been going on I hadn't had much time to make it but this was my surgeons' first year anniversary of performing gastric bypass so alot of patients, their kids, and spouses got together and reminisced on how our lives have changed over the past year. We also expressed our gratitude to the surgeons and their staff. Although my schedule is pretty full I'm determined to attend more meetings in the future.
WEIGHT LOSS UPDATE: I now weigh 179 and I wear a size 13/14 bottom and large in junior shirts. I'm happy with that even though I have 20 more pounds to get off to get to my surgeon's goal. In closing I'll say that I will get there. I'm determined! (O:
Until next time~later
2/12/06 Brief update: I weigh 174 now which means I have lost 5 of the 20 pounds that I need to lose. 5 down 15 to go! From here it's onward & downward.
3/20/06 I've had alot going on since the last update. I had a surgery non WLS related and on top of that I've gained 10 pounds. I now weigh 184 because of all the fluids and gas that I was filled up with during surgery. I'm not in good spirits right now because of what I'm going through but I'm keeping faith in God because I know he has not brought me this far to leave me and when you feel you have it bad there is always someone else out there that may have it as bad or even worse so I try to keep that in mind.
Until next time~
Later
4/04/06 I have always been anemic but I have found that here lately my anemia is worse than it was at 1st. I had a non WL related surgery on 3/24 in which my blood count was extremely low. I had to have a blood transfusion before they would perform surgery on me. My blood count was at 20 they said that it is supposed to be 35 or better so I was a little off, huh?Due to low iron/blood count I have been weak and tired and on top of that having dizzy spells from time to time. Not fun at all! I am now doing what I have to do as far as eating more foods that have iron in them and taking Niferex an iron supplement 3 x's a day along with my other daily meds and vitamins.
I hope this list helps someone else because it has certainly helped me (;
This list contain iron-rich foods from more absorbable to less:
Foods that are a good source of iron include:
*liver
*lean red meats, including beef, pork, lamb
*seafood, such as oysters, clams, tuna, salmon, scallops and shrimp, etc.
*beans, including kidney, lima, navy, black, pinto, soy beans, and *lentils
*iron fortified whole grains, including cereals, breads, rice, and *pasta
*greens, including collard greens, kale, mustard greens, spinach, and turnip greens
*tofu
*vegetables, including broccoli, swiss chard, asparagus, parsley, watercress, brussel sprouts
*chicken and turkey
*blackstrap molasses
*nuts
*egg yolks
*dried fruits, such as raisins, prunes, dates and apricots
*Iron Rich Baby Foods
*Prune juice
*Pumpkin & sunflower seeds
*Potatoes
*Beans (chickpeas, lentils)
*Soybeans
That's all for now folks! To all pre-ops, post-op, newbies, and no-ops, Good luck on your journeys whichever way you decide to take them. If you have any questions or if there is anyway I can be of assistance to you please feel free to shoot me an email. I dont know everything but if I cant help I'll try to steer you in the direction of someone who can.
Until next time~later
4/29/06 I'm 1 year and 2 months post-op. It does'nt even seem that long.
I'm awaiting my date for a consult with the plastic surgeon. I plan on having my panniculectomy & hernia repair done at the same time.
I need to stop being lazy and post some pictures because I look totally different from the pictures shown here.
Not much else to say right now. I will post any other updates as they come.
Until then~
I'm out!
5/9/06 Today was my consult with the plastic surgeon. All went well. The consult was short but sweet.
~he took pictures
~explained the procedure to me in detail (binder, drains, length of hospital stay, and hip to hip incision)
~he said that he will give my info to his assistant so that she could start the ball rolling with the insurance company.
So the waiting game begins! I'm glad that the process has started and I'm on my way. *Wish me luck*
Sonya
08/31/06 It's been awhile since I last updated alot has happened since then. Over a month ago I had my panniculectomy and hernia repair surgery done. I am pleased with the results, although I'm still a bit swollen from the surgery. I am now down to 168 pounds and now wearing a size 9-10. I never would have thought in my wildest dreams that I'd see that size again. Haven't seen it since high school-so it's been awhile. Well I thought I'd stop in and give a brief update. That's all for now......Until next time.........I'LL HOLLA!
