- Name: Lisa S.
- Username: cowgirldiva17
- Location: NV, USA
- Member Since: 11/30/2011
- BMI: 30.5
- Surgery date scheduled
- Surgery Type: VSG (07/09/12)
- Surgeon: Mario Alberto Almanza-Reyes
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It is really happening!! on June 6, 2012 12:00 pm
Oh my gosh!! I was able to move up my surgery date: 07/20/2012. That is just 6 weeks away!!! I am so excited. I will be buying my airplane ticket this evening and paying the deposit and getting the cashiers check for the rest. It is surreal. My in-laws blessed us. I had the choice...motorcycle or healthy me. It was a really hard decision. LOL. I chose me..my health. It sucks a little bit. My husband got a new/used motorcycle. I still have my 50cc pink scooter. I can't ride with him now. But when I get to goal, I can ride behind him and not feel uncomfortable.
So...I think the fear and anxiety is kicking in a little bit. Am I gonna have complications?? Will I get stuck in Mexico w/o support? My dad lives in San Diego but he suffers from dementia. Will my plane be delayed and I miss my chance?? Will I not be able to resist carbs???
Any words of wisdom???
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I am in shock!!! on May 31, 2012 5:11 pm
My in-laws have blessed us. They are going to pay for my surgery - as a gift!!! I am so blessed!!! I was getting discouraged, especially after an emergency room visit 2 days ago for severe back pain. The doc basically said, "lose weight and then strengthen your back". I was feeling sorry for myself. Then they called this morning. It is surreal still. Until I am lying on the operating table I won't believe it. Yikes. I so appreciate all the good info I have received on this site. I pray that soon I will be able to give tips/advice based on experience too.
So...August 10 is the big day. I would have scheduled it asap. But I don't have my passport. I just sent off for it yesterday...just in case I was able to come up with the funds for the surgery. Also...I want to go on missions trip with my church. See...its funny how things work out.
I have been planning on RNY since last October. I was preparing for the vitamins, diet, etc. now I have to change my research to the sleeve. Oh...and Alison..if you read this...I want to do a triatholon or tough mudder in so-cal next year. (I am originally from SF bay area. My dad is in Oceanside, my in-laws are in Hemet). Yeah baby!!!
Again..thanks all for sharing the good, bad and ugly. You have been a blessing to me. I am sure I will have more and more questions as the date gets closers.
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A little sad... on May 24, 2012 9:30 am
I have been feeling sorry for myself ALOT lately. Yes...my insurance has finally cancelled. Therefore no surgery for me. I have a tentative date for the sleeve in Mexico. But we can't afford it. I am praying that by some miracle the funds appear. I have thought about fundraising, robbing a bank (j/k), begging, and borrowing. I just have to leave it in God's hands. Its funny - If I had cancer and needed treatment I am sure family and friends would help. Its totally different being obese. Its like we did it ourselves so we have to suffer the consequences. Its true to a point. But what about the severe joint pain that has now become unbearable?? Or the liver disease?? Or the high blood pressure?? Every single day has become a challenge for me. I can't remember the last time I had a pain free day. I keep on though. I have a family to take care of. I have a church family that I love to be involved with - Awana's and Sunday School. I am looking forward to the day that I can wake up in the morning and not feel the familiar ache in the back and knees.
For all of you who have already had the surgery, I hope you each truly realize what a gift you have been given. I know every day is a struggle for y'all as well - food choices, exercise, demands of work & family. Just know that I feel each of you has been blessed. You all did something so brave and positive. I support each one of you whole hearted. Don't be discouraged if the scales don't move, or move in the "wrong" direction, or if you eat something that is a no-no, or you didn't get in your exercise. Tomorrow is another day. Keep looking forward as well. And just know you have a cheerleader rooting for you...ME!!!
Be blessed!!
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Denied...surprise surprise. on May 3, 2012 8:18 am
My requesty for pre auth was denied on 04/24/12. Therefore my surgery date has been cancelled. I wasn't surprised. I am just really disappointed. My cardiologist said I need to fight it. It seems this whole process has been a battle. But I am in tears everytime I hear someone tell their story about getting a date so quickly after starting their journey - tears of jealousy, tears of joy for them and tears of frustration. I feel so stuck between a rock and a hard spot. I CAN NOT afford to self-pay. But I am afraid I can not afford to put it off too much longer either. I don't remember the last time I had a day without pain in my knees or back. I realize that WLS can not reverse the damage already done. However losing the excess weight will certainly make a difference. I have a tentative date for sleeve surgery in Mexico in September. But only a miracle can make that happen. Its $4500. I had my psych suggest HCG and a friend at church recommend "ideal protein" diet. I am just kinda numb right now - trying to figure out my way in all this. Please keep me and this situation in your prayers. And thanks for letting me have my pity party.
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My approval is pending..... on April 18, 2012 11:01 am
Ugh...I feel like these last 7 months have been more like 7 years. My surgeon has submitted a request for authorization with a surgery date of 05/30/2012. Woo Hoo!!! I feel scared, nervous, frustrated, excited and scared some more. LOL. I am afraid that I won't be approved. This past month, physically, has been the hardest to deal with. My back pain is so bad! I know the surgery won't heal it. But it sure will help. I just need to stay positive and know that my God will work it all out to glorify Him... not just to make me happy. Be blessed y'all!!!
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My Story
I had no idea that my health had been seriously compromised by my weight. I suffer from the following: hypertension, dyslipidema, hypovitaminosis D, cholelithias (gallstones), gastroesophageal reflux, fatty liver disease, Degenerative disc disease, carpal tunnel, osteo arthritis, depression, asthma, metabolic syndrome, heart arrhythmia and obstructive sleep apnea. I am shocked and saddened by my health. In my younger years I was very active. I participated in cheer leading, dancing, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, hiking, camping, swimming, etc. I was able to play with my kids. Now it is an effort to walk long distances without knee and back pain. My quality of life is compromised. I can not (comfortably) interact with my own kids or the amazing kids I teach at Sunday School and Awana's. My weight has affected my self confidence. I DO NOT allow photos of myself to be taken. I have purposely avoided careers in which image is important - legal and medical field. I feel I can not be a good role model to my children. My relationship with my husband is also compromised.
This past September I obtained insurance thru Nevada medicaid. After researching, I learned that gastric bypass is a covered benefit and an answer to prayers. So my journey began; monthly appointments with a bariatric surgoen, extensive lab work with my PCP, mental health counseling, change in diet (my kids aren't too happy with that, LOL), gym membership (Praise God for our scholarship at the local YMCA!), physical therapy, ultrasounds on spine and liver, more lab work, mammo, etc. I finally met ALL the requirements for surgery. My doctor submitted the paperwork for pre-authorization. Oh no!!! My insurance has been cancelled effective April 1st. I feel like I have been punched in the gut!! I am afraid that if I don't get the medical intervention that I need now, I will be "one of those fat people you see riding in the scooters at Wal-Mart". Our finances make it impossible to pay for the expense of the surgery ourselves. I have researched and located a reputable surgeon in Mexico that has the self-pay price of $4500 plus travel costs compared to my surgeon's price of $17k plus the hospital fees here in Vegas. I submitted all my paperwork to Dr. Mario Almanza. His response, "Everything looks great and your patient history form was approved for surgery by Dr. Almanza! Congratulations! Please bring your C-Pap machine with you." and, Your surgery date is approved and is still available at this time: September 19, 2012. "
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