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Surgeon TestimonialJeffrey A. HunterI liked his answers at the WLS Seminar. I asked why he is interested in Bariatrics, his answer: (I) saw my Mother-in-Law suffer for years with health issues related to obesity, so it became personal.
The time involved getting a date was difficult to deal with, but that is my issue. I am a "hurry-up and wait" type of person, so coming into his office with most of my "steps" already done, threw the usual rhythm of things done in preparation.
Finally getting a surgical date, I offered to start a full fast, he told me not to. "We want you healthy and stroing before surgery, now is the time to start taking in more proteins & looking closely at nutrients..." He made me feel valued, I lost 40 pounds to get to the BMI he wanted before setting a surgical date. Member Interests
- Crafts - I love creating things, hate following directions!
- Games & Entertainment - Cards, board, word, video - I enjoy playing mini golf!
- Cars - MoPar...
- Movies - I see at least 2 movies at the theatre a week - an expensive habit...
- Scuba & Snorkeling - I absolutely LOVE the water. You don't pee on Man of War stings (jelly fish!)
- Swimming - I am in the water as often as I can, whether doing laps, or just floating
- Pick-Ups - 2008 RED Dodge Laramie 4X4
- Antique - 1955 DeSoto Fireflite
- Tropical Fish - Saltwater & corals - I live on the Mainland, so I need to be reminded of home!
- Gardening - If I feed the squirrels, will they PLEASE stop eating my flower bulbs?!
Brenda C.'s JourneyClick Here To View
Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.I had struggled my entire life, since grade school, so it took a deep look into my soul to come to the decision that I could NOT lose the weight on my own. Before coming to grips, I saw my considering surgery my own failure, but now I realize the failure was only in my emotions. Surgery is a tool, what you do with your tool dictates your success. I am still working on my success story, but now I have hope. |
Another month... on June 28, 2010 1:17 pm
I am to that "fork in the road" moment. I have read through my records from UW and Dr. Petek, found some glaring in consistences, but what can one do? What I have done: Left a message for the last person I was working with at UW Social Work, hopefully I will know by the end of this week if I am done with UW or going forward. Saw Dr. Oh with St. Francis - but concerns over pernicious anemia have been brought up, so still in a holding pattern there. Put in a request with Virginia Masons' Dr. Hunter Seminar, in case I need another venue.
The biggest hurdle I thought would be that I have Medicare, but it isn't. I continue my education, learn from mistakes, and figure that if this is meant to be, it will happen. I fight frustration, and I have not given up.
Looking at medical challenges... Pernicious Anemia - Dr. Flum saw no problem, Dr. Oh did. Okay, so here is how I see it: I am already taking sublingual B12, and shots, which is what from what I have read & talked with people, most need this post operatively for Gastric Bypass. Positive side: I am already compliant, so no problem getting me to follow directions by doctors and/or nutritionist. Negative side: Can my levels get any worse? Next medical question is going back to hemochromotosis. I do not have it, but my RBC is high, which shows that I could possibly be diagnosed with it. Funny, I can have anemia based on B vitamins, but I run high levels of Iron (which is the opposite of having anemia). From some of the research I have dug up, four Gastric Bypass patients with hemochromotosis actually found their RBC becoming a normal level after the surgery. So I raise my shoulders, and wonder if I am a medical oddity that will ever be figured out. Gee, the human body is a puzzler!
I have an appointment with Dr. Fleming on July 12 (my primary doctor), have her look at my bloodwork, maybe show that my vitamin B levels are fine, and double check my Thyroid (it was a tad high in March - from my bloodwork at UW). I like to check in with her, and then I can tell her about my journey. She may be able to lead me in the right direction, otherwise, it is great to get a little reassurance that I am actually doing what I am supposed to be doing (I have my big girl pants on!).
The weekend was rough for me, but I got through it. Frustration is passed, and I am back on track to work on myself...
B : )~
FRIDAY! on June 11, 2010 7:02 pm
My last post somehow did not post - I got bumped off, hmmmmmm.
I'll keep this brief, explain more later! I have a GO! to see Dr. Oh with St. Francis WLS, Jeff is almost home, Kate is receiving a Boeing Scholarship tonight, I did lots of Spring Cleaning, and I may have a new surgeon/hospital to post on my page!
I will see Dr. Oh face to face June 25, and hopefully will have GREAT things to say. I had all my faxed requests to transfer all medical records done today. So, all I have to do is continue exercising, lose more weight, and show all my records to Dr. Oh.
Good things were achieved this week, and I am feeling so happy. I may be started fresh with a new doctor, but I will not have any thoughts bothering me. I am still unsure how to tell UW why I am leaving, I will try not to be "finger pointy," but in this case, in my opinion, it was one person who was holding me back. Oh well, it is (hopefully) over, and I am moving on.
B : )~
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Monday, that dreaded day... on June 8, 2010 11:08 am
Most Mondays are not as full as yesterday. I had a lot to cover from Friday, not to mention other obligations. Long, sweaty, but fulfilling is how I would describe this last Monday. Phone tag left me without the results from my Mental Evaluation with Dr. Petek, but I did go to the Weight Loss Seminar at St. Francis Hospital (Dr. Oh), and I was 90% sure if I am covered with them, I will switch surgeons.
Tuesday Morning I did speak with Dr. Petek, and he read me his report, and I was cleared for surgery by him. In his report he stated I "would benefit POST OPERATIVELY from counseling," not therapy specific, but for adjusting my life after surgery. Hearing this, I am 99% sure I will change surgeons. I have an appointment with Dr. Oh on June 28, so that gives his scheduler time to see if my coverage is adequate, or if moving to an HMO would get me into their program.
I have spent a lot of time "soul searching" with regard to "starting over" with a new surgeon, and I am sure I need a more positive environment to work with. It saddens me that one person, who wouldn't be truthful, is what has left me with weeks of anxiety and further delay. The social worker (in my opinion) wasn't going to take the evaluation and test into consideration, so I should have been allowed the courtesy to leave the program at that point. I still have NOT found anyone who will accept Medicare as full payment for therapy. The least I would be paying monthly would be $120, which is a bargain for most, but I unfortunately cannot afford it.
Today, I have to get all my paperwork ready for Dr. Oh, and hope that I will be allowed to enter the program at St. Francis. The other positive twist to this whole change, I live one town over from St. Francis, not like the 30+ minute drive to the University of Washington. Jeff is also interested in going to the seminar, as I told him the mortality rate for Dr. Oh is .01, impressive. The other aspect of Dr. Oh that compels both of us, he also is skilled in tummy tucks - and his description was quite impressive (including muscle, not just skin and fat removal).
I hope I will not have to start back at square one, that my work to this point will be considered. Worst case, I will not be accepted at St. Francis, next worst case, I start at square one -- which in my opinion, isn't all that bad.
Being proactive is key!
B : )~
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Sunshine, Fresh Air, and Water, Ahhh! on June 6, 2010 1:02 am
I hate to admit this, but today was the first time I actually went to a park around Lake Washington (in Renton), and it was lovely. I have always felt best living near water, and had been spending time in Des Moines, but this other park in Renton was so fabulous, I have a new place to get some miles in.
This weekend was a good one. I am looking forward to a little more yardwork (weather permitting!) and maybe I'll reward myself with more lovely scenery! For those who aren't big fans of rain, this is probably not a good place to settle in. I enjoy rain, even the buckets we had earlier this week. When the sun comes out, all that rain brings life to everything. Corny, but that's okay with me, I am a happy camper, today!
When you feel like you are stuck, get up, and walk it off!
B : )~
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Taking steps... on June 5, 2010 2:38 am
I am registered for Dr. Oh's Seminar on Monday, the last spot open. If I ever had a reason to stick up for myself, this is it. I will contact Dr. Petek's office Monday, and if he says he feels I am in a stable place, I think it is time I look at my medical coverage options. If I switch to the Medicare HMO, I will be limited to which hospital I can use. If I am told the HMO would cover mental health services, I will no longer be banging my head against a wall. This just may be a win-win for the tenacious girl with fire in her belly.
Today, I posted on multiple forums, support groups, even Craigslist, trying to find help with the required therapy UW is saying I need. I sent emails to eight mental health providers, received replies from three - none accepted Medicare, but one offered to see if I can qualify for $25 sessions. Hmm, at this rate, I will be owing more to mental health than to the surgeon. It bothers me that I have to wait the weekend to get my legwork done, but what's another week, right?
All I wonder is, do these people actually see what lengths I am going to to show I am worthy of their attention? I asked for help repeatedly, to meet their standards, yet got so little. Worse case scenario, I have to find a new program. From what I have been told & read about Dr. Oh, I guess this isn't the worst thing afterall...
B : )~
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