Andrea M.
**MAY 2006 **
I have been researching this surgery for two years and I am going to FINALLY go through with it. I deleted my profile of two years ago and now I am starting over fresh. I decided to provide monthly updates in my profile. To begin two years ago I went to Temple but I didn't have a lot of support from my family or from the hospital so I stopped pursuing the surgery.With all of the opposition it was a difficult to stay focused. But after two years it was still on my mind. I made up my mind to have the surgery for me. I had to stop worring about what others wanted or thought. What followed was a wake up call or I should say a wake up year. Nothing was getting better: My weight was going up, blood pressure going up and my age was going up. I again told my family and friend about my decision to have the surgery but this time was different. I was determined and I didn't let any negativity sway me. I understood their concern - this is a life altering and very serious surgery but I feel that prayer is what I need not opposition. My husband is scared. His mother died when he was nine from complications from stomach stapling. I explained to him that so much has changed since 1974! My sister(Ebony) is ok now (after speaking with someone who has had the surgery) she will come to the information session. Jodi (best friend) is also ok she spoke with a mutual friend of ours from college who is now a doctor. She will also attend the sessions on the 8th. Everyone else has been supportive. I am putting it all in GOD's hands.
What have I done this month?
- Printed out the insurance information to see what I needed to do to qualify for the surgery. I have Aetna which means a letter from my doctor, 5 years of severe obesity, 6 months of supervised diet and exercise program
- Contacted my PCP – setup an appointment for May 30th
- Joined the Gym at work
- Gathered all my medical records
- Contacted the surgeons office – setup an appointment for the informational session on June 8th
Age: 30 *Weight: 284 lbs *BMI:51.9 *Size: 24/26 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**June 2006**
The month of June was extremely busy. I saw my PCP again - he finally signed my exercise form. Ironically I haven't been able to go because of not being at work. I also went to the nutritionist. She was great. She put me on a sensible diet - 1400 -1500 calories a day, low to no sugar and low fat. If I crave something I can eat a little bit just don't over indulge. I also had my first visit with the surgeon on the 28th.
What a day! Ebony and Jodi went with me at 8:30 in the morning. They had a problem with my insurance. My company recently changed from a PPO to POS II. They thought I needed a referral and higher co-pay. After 10 minutes of hassle I showed them my employee handbook. It clearly says no referrals needed and my old insurance card has the same id number. I contacted my insurance company again and the rep re-faxed (they hadn't received the previous fax) a copy of the new card. Of course they then looked up my information in the computer. Why they didn't do this at first, I am not sure? So no referral needed and the same co-pay. What a waste of time. At this point it is going on 10 am and we still hadn't even gone back.
The nurse came out around 11 and took my weight.... 277lbs! I was down 10 lbs from 2 months ago. The nutritionist came and gave me my new diet. Basically the diet I would be on after the surgery she wants me to start now. She also went over the test they gave. I only got 1 wrong despite no help from Eb or Jodi. She told me that they were considered a multidisciplinary program and met the three month qualification for Aetna. The program cost $200.00 and I could start next month. After three visits in their office and seeing the doctor they would submit my information to Aetna for approval. I was in shock for a minute. I thought this would all take six months. The nurse practitioner came in next and we discussed my health esp. the DVT and PE. Because I have a IVR filter I would not develop a PE, but I could still have a DVT. She recommended seeing a Hematologist. She also gave me a list of all the test I would have to take before the surgery (this will take the full three months!): Upper GI, Chest X-ray, EKG, Lab work, Psy eval, Hematologist, Sleep study, and medical clearance from my PCP. I went home and scheduled it all.
Last but not least the surgeon came in. He drew the surgery on a note pad and explained what will happen. He did a better job then the information session. He then went through the risks: PEs - not a risk for me but he will have the information from the hematologist in case I need special care. He will also administer Heparin every day I am in the hospital. I will have leg compressors on and will work with a physical therapist to get up and move right after the surgery. The next was leaks. He explained about the drain they will leave in for a week. He hasn't had a leak in over 2 years. He explained about death. He hasn't had anyone die in over 10 years and the three patients that died where over 600 lbs and extremely sick. They now have stricter requirements and will not operate on anyone who is too sick. He told me I was on the opposite end of the spectrum. I will have the surgery if all goes as planed between late September and mid October.
Age: 31 *Weight: 277 lbs *BMI:50.6 *Size: 24 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**July 2006 **
What a month! I was off on the 14th and 17th so I packed these two days with all my testing. On the 14th I saw my PCP and gave him the medical clearance form. I will make sure he has signed this by September 15th, which is when I see him again. He gave me an EKG that day as well. I went from his office to HUP. I did my lab work then went to Radiology for the chest x-ray and Upper GI. I found out I had a small hernia but nothing that will keep me from getting the surgery. That Monday was bussssy! I left my two boys and my two nephews at home with Darrell and took my niece Jay with me. We went to HUP again for a pulmonary function test - my lungs are in excellent condition! I left there and met my cousin Tonya at Patterson's (location of a wedding we were planning),from there Jailyn and I went and got our nails done then took a tour of the new church (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church East location) ....
Later that month on the 26th, I went for my second nutrition appointment and a follow-up with Dr. Williams. I was told to keep a food diary and we discussed the stuff that was in the folder. Basically life after GB. The visit with the nutritionist and the nurse pract.. took 15minutes but I was in the office from 7:15am tell 10:20 am. He may be the best doctor in Philadelphia but he really has to do something about this mismanagement of time!
Next was my psy evaluation at 10:45 am. It took me the full 25minutes to find parking. Once there I met with the psychologist and his intern for a counseling session.
- Do I understand the surgery - Yes
- Do you understand the risks - Yes
- What is your support system like - Good, You spouse - Will not be unsupportive
- Eating habits - Meal skipper
- Emotional state - Irritable a lot, Stressful job
His opinions: Good candidate for the surgery, Concerned about my eating habits - would like me time myself so that I don't skip meals, Concerned about my coping strategies - wants me to seek help if my irritability last for more than a couple of days. After the surgery if I find my self at a plateau I need to see a nutritionist. This took a good 1 hr and a half.
What's Next:
- August 2nd - Hematologist
- August 14th - Sleep Study
- August 23rd - Dr. Williams and Nutritionist * This will be my 3rd visit and all my test would have been done. My insurance claim will be submitted after this :-)
Age: 31 * Weight: 277 lbs *BMI:50.6 *Size: 24
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**August 2006 **
Wow August is almost over:-) It's time for another update. The problem with writing at the end of a month is trying to remember all that has happened since the beginning. On August 2nd I had an appointment with Dr. Abrams (hematologist). my little sister Chris went with me and he went thru my medical history then suggested that I go back on Coumadin. Will do - have to discuss with Dr. Lazowick. I went to see Dr. Lazowick (PCP) on August 13th to have my stitches removed (really to make sure he signs my medical clearance). He reviewed my lab work and everything was good. He wanted to discuss the blood thinners with Dr. Abrams before putting me back on them... Went for my sleep study the next day - very very late for the appointment.
The next week -Aug 23rd- I went for my appointment with Dr. Williams. The appointment was at 8:15am. I arrived at exactly 8:15am. I was seen at 10:00am. They have really got to do something about the appointment scheduling. Something is really off if it takes two - three hours to be seen. Anyway - I met with the physician assistant. They had not received the information from Dr. Abrams (she stated that this was not unusual) and she had not received my medical clearance from Dr. Lazowick. She then told me that the medical clearance was not needed for the pre-certification only for the surgery so she will be submitting everything to my insurance company within the next two weeks. They do not have any more surgery dates for September but there are some available for October. The office will call me to let me know when/if I am approved and to give me a surgery date (YEAH !!!!)
The nutritionist then came in to discuss my weight. I am now 271 pounds -- down 6 pounds since coming to Dr. Williams at the end of June -- down 16 pounds since starting this process in May. We discussed my diet (she reviewed my journal) and we discussed my exercise - I am having trouble with my knees so I am keeping my workout to twice a week (even this bothers me)... She is ok with this. We discussed my skipping breakfast. She wants me to eat something for breakfast even if it's just a banana. I agreed... She also wants me to stop eating and drinking at the same time. I have to cut out all juice and sodas (diet or suger free from now on). I don't have to see her again until after I am approved and ready to take the pre-op surgery class (YEAH !!!!)
What's Next:
- No more pre-op dr. appointments!
- Waiting begins (Wait for Dr. Williams to submit info to insurance)
- Wait for Insurance approval
- Wait for Medical clearance
- Pre-op nutrition and surgery prep
- Have the Surgery!!!!!
Age: 31 * Weight: 271 lbs *BMI:49.5 *Size: 24
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**Update 8/30/2006**
Contacted the doctor's office yesterday (8/30) they have submitted my information to the insurance company and should know something within two weeks (9.13.2006). They told me someone from the doctor's office will contact me when they hear from my insurance. I will however contact the insurance company next week to make sure they have received everything they need. So the real waiting begins!!!!!!!
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**I GOT APPROVED TODAY - September 8, 2006**
After a very frustrating week of going back and forward between the doctor’s office and the insurance company. I got an approval! I contacted the Doctor's office this morning and Lisa told me to disregard the insurance letter I had received last week that requested information. She told me everything was submitted. I then called the insurance company (Yeah I know ANAL RETENTIVE) to make sure they received the information. I was told the surgery was authorized this morning! I know I am supposed to wait for the doctor's office to contact me with a surgery date but I am way to impatient for that :-). I called Lisa again and was told I would have to wait for their pre-certification department to contact me. I couldn't contact them :=( Anyway I feel like a huge weight has been lifted I know I will be getting the surgery now it's just a matter of when. Take care everybody and remember To God Be The Glory.
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**I GOT A SURGERY DATE **
I got a call this morning from Irena in Dr. Williams office. I have been approved for surgery and I will have the surgery on October 24th! I have a nutritionist appointment schedule (all day) on October 13th. So keep me in prayer I will keep you all posted. On a not so good note my PCP did not approve me for surgery - he wants clearance from the hematologist. Irena is faxing him the hematologist notes and asking him to sign the clearance form. I have from now until the 23rd to get this from him... I am not worried because to God be the glory -
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**October 20, 2006 **
This is the first time I am using the new website. I must say it is pretty amazing. A lot has happened since the last post. I went to the nutrition class and preopp surgery visit on the 13th (a all day appointment). It was very informative. I bought all my postop supplies. My last day of work was yesterday. I don't return to the new year! My friends came over today to visit before the surgery. It is also my 5th wedding anniversary. So I have 5 days to go. I am very excited and wish these next few days would fly by.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**November 07, 2006 **
I probably should begin with two days before the surgery (The bowel prep). Don't be like me and make plans for Girls Night Out and Family time. The only person you will be spending time with is good mister toilet. I probably lost three pounds during this time. I recieved the voice mail on the 23rd saying report to the hospital at 5:45am. I later got a call from Dr. Williams office telling me to report at 10:30am. When I got there I went to the admissions office and waited and waited and waited. At about 11:30am I was told to go upstairs with my family to the surgery admissions area. Not long afterwards I was told to say good by to my family and they took me across the hall to what looked like an ER area with all these beds and curtains. They take your weight (274.5 lbs) and vitals. Because Dr. Williams was not there yet I had to wait again from 11:30 - 12:30am. When he arrived he was extremely nice to me. I wasn't nervouse but it was good to talk to the surgeon before hand. I was then wheeled into the operating room where the anesthesiologist talks to you until you are asleep. I woke up in extreme pain. My family said I couldn't stop cussing or asking for pain medicine. They kept assuring the doctors and nurses that this was not typical behavior for me - that I didn't cuss like a sailor normally. Well they must have given me something for the pain because I only faintly remember this time:-)
Day 2 and 3 at the hospital were ok. I received pain meds, heprin and walked at least 4x a day. By this time I was on clear liquids and nothing was sitting right. The residents told me that this was the new full feeling?? No - it was pain. Dr. Williams came by several times to check on me - nice man:-) He reminds me of Santa Claus (don't ask me why)
I was released on Friday the 27th - full of pain. The home nurse came by the next day and did the intake and vitals. I told her I had pain when drinking she told me to try harder so I would not get dehydrated. My family came over on Sunday but I still wasn't felling up to par. That night the pain from water and even my spit was hurting. I called my sister and she took me to the ER. I was admitted for adominal pain and dehydration. Dr. Williams came by the next day and ordered a upper GI. PAINFUL!!!! I was diagnosed with small bowel edema - basically swelling in the small bowel. This could happen anytime you have adominal surgery. It has to resolve itself but you have to give your stomach a rest while you heal. No food or liquids. During my 7 day hospital stay I was given a PICC line (surgical IV that stays in for a couple of weeks). I was given IV nutrition (TPN) and all meds via the IV. I went home on Saturday morning with the TPN and a list of more meds. Today is Tuesday morning and each day is getting better. I can sip small amounts of hot liquids with minimum cramping (nothing cold - a lot of cramping). I was able to drive to pick up my boys and I move around ok. Good thing it was laproscopic! Now I just have to heal internally:-) I was told I would have to start over with the liquids - to puree - to soft foods - to reg foods all over again once they remove the jp drain and picc line....
Oh I did lose weight throughout all of this... I am now 262lbs
Age: 31 * Weight: 262 lbs *BMI:49.5 *Size: 24
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**November 10, 2006 **
Followup Doctors appointment - The drain was removed (OOCH!). The picc line was removed (Not so bad) I would have taken some pain medicine if I wasn't driving. Anyway off of the TPN. Now I have to eat and drink!
Age: 31 * Weight: 254 lbs *BMI:47.9 *Size: 24
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**November 17, 2006 **
Followup Doctors appointment - The nurse said I was doing great. I then spoke with the nutritionist and was told that I need to get my protein in and since I couldn't take the shakes or drinks that I would have to get it in by food. She told me that I should be consuming 1000 calories a day? I barely get in 400. She gave me some suggestions on milk and calcium etc and she told me to cut down on the orange juice I was drinking even though I told her that is the only liquid I could tolerate? It wasn't until I was about ready to leave that she realized that she had confused my with someone who was 6 weeks out.... I was only 3 weeks out. So I am not sure what part of her advice I should follow!!!! She then told me I had lost as much weight as a person who was 6 weeks out.
Age: 31 * Weight: 250 lbs *BMI:47.2 *Size: 24
No longer Super Morbidly Obese !~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**January 09, 2007 **
Retrospective Writing
Thanksgiving: Weight was approx 247lbs I didn't try to eat a variety of foods. I stuck with my favorite (chiterlings and a spoonful of mac an cheese)
Christmas: Weight was approx 244lbs. It kept going up and down the whole month of December? I went to the doctor on the 27th and this was my weight. I seem to be loosing very slowly. I was able to eat more of a variety of foods (baked chicken, cabbage, potato salad, and a lil mac an cheese) all in all my portion size is about a 1/4 of a plate)
Current Writing
I went back to work on the 2nd of January. Wow the first week was hard. I just couldn't adjust to going to bed at a decent hour so I was tired all day at work. Now here it is the 2nd week and each day is getting better! People can really notice the weight loss now. I get a lot of compliments but I am very dissatisfied with how things are hanging. I am starting a savings for 2009s plastic surgery :0) My arms are the worse but they have always been HUGE now they are HANGING.... I am excited by the prospect of clothes shopping. I am trying to wait until my clothes fall off. My extremely tight jeans (the ones that could hardly come up let alone fasten) are now loose. So next month we will see:-)
Age: 31 * Weight: 233 lbs *BMI:44 *Size: ? (less than a 22)
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**March 26, 2007 **The weight loss really shows. I can't fit any of my clothes so I went shopping last weekend and this weekend. I had a really nice wow moment! I went to the dressing room and was able to get into a size 18 pair of jeans. OMG I flipped out, I haven't worn an eighteen since high school!!!! I didn't want to take the pants off! That was last weekend. This weekend I went into DOTS and was able to buy an XL sundress. Of course I bought 6 dresses for 13 dollars each ($78). This is the amount I would have paid for 1 dress in Ashley Stuart! I pray that next month I will be in a Large, then I can go to any store and buy clothes:-)
My sister keeps cautioning me about my shopping, but I don't care. The cost is really worth it to me. I want to look nice. I also went to Bare Feet and bought 6 pair of shoes (to match the dresses). I was in heaven. My only problem is my arms. They were always big now they are hanging, but I am still letting it all hang out.
I will update my profile soon with pictures. I didn't realize how big I was until I look in the mirror now?
Age:31 *Weight:212 lbs *BMI:40 *Size:Dresses XL-Pants 18W-Tops 16
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It has been awhile and a lot of WOW moments. My underwear fell off which prompted me to buy a size 8 panties and 40C Bra (from size 12 and 46DD). I slowed down on the shopping but picked up a nasty gambling habit. I slowed down on this too. This surgery has resulted in alot of changes and my pattern seems to be go overboard - realize that what ever I do must be in moderation - stop for awhile - then finally adjustment. Age:32 *Weight:187 lbs *BMI:35.3 *Size:Dresses XL/L - Pants 16/14 -Tops 16 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It has been awhile and a lot of WOW moments. I can get into a size 10 jeans! my bra size is now a 34 B and knee boots are wearable....I feel blessed everyday and extremely thankful for the surgery. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**July 23, 2007 **
There is a lot of DRAMA at home as well. My husband and I are going through a difficult time and I know it needs to result in a divorce but neither one of knows how? I don't think it is the surgery that is causing the probelm it's just the surgery that is causing us to examine the problems that existed before. It's like the elephant in the room that someone else has pointed out:-)
**November 19, 2007 **
Age:32 *Weight:173 lbs *BMI:31.6 *Size:Dresses L - Pants 12/10 -Tops 12/14
