Carol E.
Original blog - from old profile format
Jan 18, 2009
I am a single mother of a wonderful 6-year-old boy. I want to be healthy so I can take care of this wonderful blessing for years to come. The time has finally come to do something about all this excess weight!
May 2005 - I went to Celebration Health and met with Dr. Kim. It was very informational, but I discovered that the hospital was covered under my insurance, but the Dr was not. I did research on this site, and discovered 2 doctors in Ocala who were on my insurance. I made an appointment with Dr. Jawad. My appointment was May 13th with Dr. Jawad's staff. I had my gallbladder ultrasound, bloodwork, nutritional evaluation, and wrote my letters on necessity for myself as well as sample letter for my PCP. Had my psch eval on the 23rd. I talked to my PCP on the 24th. She was so uncooperative! The sample letter stated that I had been seeing her for the past 3 years, and I have been trying to lose weight forever, only to regain, etc. She said "I can't sign this, I haven't been seeing you for 3 years". I was so frustrated and told her I have been coming to her for 3 years, and if she didn't have good enough records, it was not my fault. In the end, she agreed to send her own letter, but I did not wait for that to happen. I went to my OB/GYN, who I have been seeing for 15 years, and who I know keeps good records. He was more than happy to write a letter for me.
June 2005 - Called the psychiatrist because the letter was not sent to Dr Jawad's office yet. Finally on the 21st, the psych eval was faxed. Dr Jawad's office sent all information to United Healthcare. A few days later, I called to follow up with UHC. They said that WLS was not a covered benefit. I escalated the issue as originally, they told me (and Dr. Jawad's staff) that it was covered if BMI > 35. On the 27th, I received a voice mail that surgery is a covered benefit. So I called again to see where I was in the process. The lady I spoke to said, no, there is a mistake, and it is not a covered benefit. I escalated issue again.
July 2005 - I went to Michigan for 2 week vacation, still not sure if WLS is going to be covered by my insurance. On the 18th, there was a voice mail from UHC stating that WLS is a covered benefit. I called Odalys again to explain the confusion, and to get the ball rolling again. She re-submitted all of my information. On July 26th, I called UHC to see what status is. They said a letter was sent out to me, but they could not confirm if I was approved or not. "But it looked good". July 29th I called UHC again and spoke with the escalation manager again. She confirmed that I was approved!! I called Odalys, and they were able to see online that I was approved on UHC site, so are in process of scheduling my surgery.
August 2 - I have my surgery date! It is August 16th!!! Started pre-op diet of liquid protein shakes for 2 meals and low carb/high protein for 3rd meal.
August 11 - Had the pre-op meeting in Ocala. Got pre-registered at Ocala Regional hospital. My mom came with me. Official pre-surgery weight is 295. BMI is 42.1
August 15 - Liquid diet for the day. Took Milk of Magnesia to get ready for surgery.
August 16 - Surgery day! Got to the hospital at 6:30am. There was a delay with the surgery ahead of mine, so I was not taken under until 11:30. When I woke up, it seemed like only a minute had passed. I had to touch my stomach to see if the surgery was over. My first word upon waking up was "thirsty". They were able to give me ice chips, which was heaven. I walked once per hour all night.
August 17 - The nose tube was removed, and my throat immediately felt better and my mouth less dry. The catheter was removed too. I had the leak test in x-ray. It was fine. It felt good to drink something and moisten my mouth. I continued walking in the hospital once per hour. They brought lots of liquid foods for each meal, but I only ate a couple bites of jello, and that was about it. Not hungry at all. I thought I was doing well, until the ride home. My parents brought their motorhome, which was nice, because I could lay down in the back, but it was a 2 hour ride, and I felt every single bump and brake. I was exhausted and in a lot of pain by the time I got home.
August 18 - Wow! I am definitely thinking "What did I get myself into?" I have been worrying about everything, and thinking the worst. I coughed (ouch) "Am I geting pneumonia? I better use the breathing contraption". I was constipated and was pushing hard before thinking "Oh, no, I hope I don't have a hernia!" My arms were falling asleep when I layed down "Oh no, maybe I have blood clots". I was getting up to walk every hour even at night. I was afraid I was dehydrated, but afraid to drink too much at a time. And there is the really bad pain in my left shoulder that I read about comes from the drain tube.
August 19 - I tried to use my G tube for the first time. It wouldn't go down at all! I called the lady who gave me instructions in the hospital (cannot remember her name). But she was great to give me her number and help me. Basically, if I am standing up, I have to use the plunger thingy, and cap it of between each dose. I also called Sylvia to discuss all my paranoias. She definitely calmed my fears. I should take Milk of Magnesia for constipation, sleep in a different position, not get up every hour at night, continue drinking water as much as I can handle, and STOP WORRYING SO MUCH :)
August 22 - Got out of the house for the first time. Took my son to Karate. It worked out ok. The bumps in the road still hurt, and getting up and down hurts, and my left shoulder hurts in certain positions, but other than that, I am fine.
August 24 - First Dr. appt. Sylvia took out the drain tube. I lost 17 lbs! Down to 277. No more pain in my left shoulder! I have the ok to drive now too.
August 31 - First day back to work. I am working from home, so not so bad. Will work from home until Sep 13th.
September 13 - Back to work full time in office. I don't really have any pain, except where the G-tube is coming out. I thought it may be infected, but Sylvia calmed my fears again. She said to just keep it as still as possible.
September 14 - I started soft, mushy foods today (so far had scrambled egg and mashed potatoes). Not using G tube anymore, and it does feel better still.
September 21 - Dr Appt in Ocala. Sylvia took out my G-Tube! What a relief! I lost 32 lbs! Down to 263. BMI 37.7. I am going to stick with soft, mushy foods for the next 2 weeks then slowly add meat, etc.
September 25 - I went swimming in my new pool for the first time! The pool was getting filled with water the day I was in surgery, so I am finally able to enjoy! I did lots of work around the house, including putting up the fence post and 2 fence sections that were down due to pool construction.
October 11 - 8 weeks out, and I am down 40 lbs! Yea for me! Down to 255.
November 8 - 12 weeks out, and I am down 49 lbs! It is strange that I think I am not losing, or maybe even gain a pound, but then all of the sudden my body lets go. Down to 246. People are starting to notice at work. My size 18 pants are getting baggy, and I am able to fit into smaller shirts. Down to just XL shirts (instead of 2X or 3X). After the first 30 days, I seem to be averaging 2 lbs per week. I'll take it!! I have never lost this much weight before. I have lost around 30 lbs several times over the years. The most I ever lost previously was 42 lbs. So this is great!
November 21 - I had my 3 month checkup. Officially down 57 lbs!! And all of my blood work came back great. Iron, protein, vitamins, B-12. Down to 238. I am thrilled!
November 28 - I went to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend. Normally, I would have eaten everything on the buffets. This time, I ate normal for me now, which is not much. This is the first time I have ever lost weight in Vegas! Now down 60 lbs to 235. Almost half way there!! My BMI is now 34, which is only Obese. I am no longer super or morbidly obese!
December 25 - Christmas Day and I made it to my short-term goal of 70 lbs by Christmas!! It has been a little over 4 months since surgery. It is so wonderful to lose weight over the Holidays. A year ago, I was eating everything in site and gaining, gaining, gaining. Now, I am eating normal for me, and it feels great!
Down 70 lbs to 225. The amazing thing is I no longer have the desire for sweets. By the time I eat my 20 grams of protein per meal, and a few bites of starch, I am very satisfied.
January 16 2006 - Today is my 5 month anniversary, and I am down 78 lbs!
February 16, 2006 - Today is my 6 month anniversary, and I am down 87 lbs to 208. Only 9 more pounds to One-der-Land!!! My BMI is now 30. I am no longer "Obese", I am in the "Overweight" category! I love life and am so thankful to Dr. Jawad and his staff!
March 16, 2006 - Today is my 7th month anniversary, and I am down 96 lbs to 199! I made it into the One hundreds!! It has been so long, I cannot believe it! I am still doing wonderfully, with no problems whatsoever. Next month is the family cruise, so that should be fun!
April 16, 2006 - Today is Easter, and it is my 8th month anniversary. I am down 105 lbs to 190! The cruise was great! I am looking back at pictures, and I cannot believe how good I look. (I will try to upload some). Personally, things are really changing also. I have started my own home-based business. The multi-vitamin, calcium, and protein shakes work well with the requirements after gastric bypass. And the anti-aging skin care line is wonderful also. Check out my website at: www.retireyoung.usana.com!!
May 16th, 2006 - On my 9th month anniversary, things are fantastic! I am down 111 lbs to 184! People are starting to say "Stop losing", but I know better! My business is going well, and I am looking forward to a couple of vacations this summer.
July 25th, 2006 - I made it to my goal weight! I am down 125 lbs to 170! I will send in some updated pictures. Vacations were wonderful. I was able to sit in the coaster seat with no problems! Have lots of energy, and am so thankful for this surgery!
August 16th, 2006 - My ONE YEAR anniversary! I am so happy that I cannot stand it! I have lost a little more, but am definitely slowing way down, which is fine! I am down 128 lbs now to 167. I leave in September for a trip to Vegas, then an am attending an International Convention for my company in Salt Lake City. Oh, and I started dancing again. Very fun!!! I was so used to being invisible, that the attention is kinda strange. Life is great, and anyone considering this surgery should GO FOR IT!!
0 comments
May 2005 - I went to Celebration Health and met with Dr. Kim. It was very informational, but I discovered that the hospital was covered under my insurance, but the Dr was not. I did research on this site, and discovered 2 doctors in Ocala who were on my insurance. I made an appointment with Dr. Jawad. My appointment was May 13th with Dr. Jawad's staff. I had my gallbladder ultrasound, bloodwork, nutritional evaluation, and wrote my letters on necessity for myself as well as sample letter for my PCP. Had my psch eval on the 23rd. I talked to my PCP on the 24th. She was so uncooperative! The sample letter stated that I had been seeing her for the past 3 years, and I have been trying to lose weight forever, only to regain, etc. She said "I can't sign this, I haven't been seeing you for 3 years". I was so frustrated and told her I have been coming to her for 3 years, and if she didn't have good enough records, it was not my fault. In the end, she agreed to send her own letter, but I did not wait for that to happen. I went to my OB/GYN, who I have been seeing for 15 years, and who I know keeps good records. He was more than happy to write a letter for me.
June 2005 - Called the psychiatrist because the letter was not sent to Dr Jawad's office yet. Finally on the 21st, the psych eval was faxed. Dr Jawad's office sent all information to United Healthcare. A few days later, I called to follow up with UHC. They said that WLS was not a covered benefit. I escalated the issue as originally, they told me (and Dr. Jawad's staff) that it was covered if BMI > 35. On the 27th, I received a voice mail that surgery is a covered benefit. So I called again to see where I was in the process. The lady I spoke to said, no, there is a mistake, and it is not a covered benefit. I escalated issue again.
July 2005 - I went to Michigan for 2 week vacation, still not sure if WLS is going to be covered by my insurance. On the 18th, there was a voice mail from UHC stating that WLS is a covered benefit. I called Odalys again to explain the confusion, and to get the ball rolling again. She re-submitted all of my information. On July 26th, I called UHC to see what status is. They said a letter was sent out to me, but they could not confirm if I was approved or not. "But it looked good". July 29th I called UHC again and spoke with the escalation manager again. She confirmed that I was approved!! I called Odalys, and they were able to see online that I was approved on UHC site, so are in process of scheduling my surgery.
August 2 - I have my surgery date! It is August 16th!!! Started pre-op diet of liquid protein shakes for 2 meals and low carb/high protein for 3rd meal.
August 11 - Had the pre-op meeting in Ocala. Got pre-registered at Ocala Regional hospital. My mom came with me. Official pre-surgery weight is 295. BMI is 42.1
August 15 - Liquid diet for the day. Took Milk of Magnesia to get ready for surgery.
August 16 - Surgery day! Got to the hospital at 6:30am. There was a delay with the surgery ahead of mine, so I was not taken under until 11:30. When I woke up, it seemed like only a minute had passed. I had to touch my stomach to see if the surgery was over. My first word upon waking up was "thirsty". They were able to give me ice chips, which was heaven. I walked once per hour all night.
August 17 - The nose tube was removed, and my throat immediately felt better and my mouth less dry. The catheter was removed too. I had the leak test in x-ray. It was fine. It felt good to drink something and moisten my mouth. I continued walking in the hospital once per hour. They brought lots of liquid foods for each meal, but I only ate a couple bites of jello, and that was about it. Not hungry at all. I thought I was doing well, until the ride home. My parents brought their motorhome, which was nice, because I could lay down in the back, but it was a 2 hour ride, and I felt every single bump and brake. I was exhausted and in a lot of pain by the time I got home.
August 18 - Wow! I am definitely thinking "What did I get myself into?" I have been worrying about everything, and thinking the worst. I coughed (ouch) "Am I geting pneumonia? I better use the breathing contraption". I was constipated and was pushing hard before thinking "Oh, no, I hope I don't have a hernia!" My arms were falling asleep when I layed down "Oh no, maybe I have blood clots". I was getting up to walk every hour even at night. I was afraid I was dehydrated, but afraid to drink too much at a time. And there is the really bad pain in my left shoulder that I read about comes from the drain tube.
August 19 - I tried to use my G tube for the first time. It wouldn't go down at all! I called the lady who gave me instructions in the hospital (cannot remember her name). But she was great to give me her number and help me. Basically, if I am standing up, I have to use the plunger thingy, and cap it of between each dose. I also called Sylvia to discuss all my paranoias. She definitely calmed my fears. I should take Milk of Magnesia for constipation, sleep in a different position, not get up every hour at night, continue drinking water as much as I can handle, and STOP WORRYING SO MUCH :)
August 22 - Got out of the house for the first time. Took my son to Karate. It worked out ok. The bumps in the road still hurt, and getting up and down hurts, and my left shoulder hurts in certain positions, but other than that, I am fine.
August 24 - First Dr. appt. Sylvia took out the drain tube. I lost 17 lbs! Down to 277. No more pain in my left shoulder! I have the ok to drive now too.
August 31 - First day back to work. I am working from home, so not so bad. Will work from home until Sep 13th.
September 13 - Back to work full time in office. I don't really have any pain, except where the G-tube is coming out. I thought it may be infected, but Sylvia calmed my fears again. She said to just keep it as still as possible.
September 14 - I started soft, mushy foods today (so far had scrambled egg and mashed potatoes). Not using G tube anymore, and it does feel better still.
September 21 - Dr Appt in Ocala. Sylvia took out my G-Tube! What a relief! I lost 32 lbs! Down to 263. BMI 37.7. I am going to stick with soft, mushy foods for the next 2 weeks then slowly add meat, etc.
September 25 - I went swimming in my new pool for the first time! The pool was getting filled with water the day I was in surgery, so I am finally able to enjoy! I did lots of work around the house, including putting up the fence post and 2 fence sections that were down due to pool construction.
October 11 - 8 weeks out, and I am down 40 lbs! Yea for me! Down to 255.
November 8 - 12 weeks out, and I am down 49 lbs! It is strange that I think I am not losing, or maybe even gain a pound, but then all of the sudden my body lets go. Down to 246. People are starting to notice at work. My size 18 pants are getting baggy, and I am able to fit into smaller shirts. Down to just XL shirts (instead of 2X or 3X). After the first 30 days, I seem to be averaging 2 lbs per week. I'll take it!! I have never lost this much weight before. I have lost around 30 lbs several times over the years. The most I ever lost previously was 42 lbs. So this is great!
November 21 - I had my 3 month checkup. Officially down 57 lbs!! And all of my blood work came back great. Iron, protein, vitamins, B-12. Down to 238. I am thrilled!
November 28 - I went to Las Vegas over Thanksgiving weekend. Normally, I would have eaten everything on the buffets. This time, I ate normal for me now, which is not much. This is the first time I have ever lost weight in Vegas! Now down 60 lbs to 235. Almost half way there!! My BMI is now 34, which is only Obese. I am no longer super or morbidly obese!
December 25 - Christmas Day and I made it to my short-term goal of 70 lbs by Christmas!! It has been a little over 4 months since surgery. It is so wonderful to lose weight over the Holidays. A year ago, I was eating everything in site and gaining, gaining, gaining. Now, I am eating normal for me, and it feels great!
Down 70 lbs to 225. The amazing thing is I no longer have the desire for sweets. By the time I eat my 20 grams of protein per meal, and a few bites of starch, I am very satisfied.
January 16 2006 - Today is my 5 month anniversary, and I am down 78 lbs!
February 16, 2006 - Today is my 6 month anniversary, and I am down 87 lbs to 208. Only 9 more pounds to One-der-Land!!! My BMI is now 30. I am no longer "Obese", I am in the "Overweight" category! I love life and am so thankful to Dr. Jawad and his staff!
March 16, 2006 - Today is my 7th month anniversary, and I am down 96 lbs to 199! I made it into the One hundreds!! It has been so long, I cannot believe it! I am still doing wonderfully, with no problems whatsoever. Next month is the family cruise, so that should be fun!
April 16, 2006 - Today is Easter, and it is my 8th month anniversary. I am down 105 lbs to 190! The cruise was great! I am looking back at pictures, and I cannot believe how good I look. (I will try to upload some). Personally, things are really changing also. I have started my own home-based business. The multi-vitamin, calcium, and protein shakes work well with the requirements after gastric bypass. And the anti-aging skin care line is wonderful also. Check out my website at: www.retireyoung.usana.com!!
May 16th, 2006 - On my 9th month anniversary, things are fantastic! I am down 111 lbs to 184! People are starting to say "Stop losing", but I know better! My business is going well, and I am looking forward to a couple of vacations this summer.
July 25th, 2006 - I made it to my goal weight! I am down 125 lbs to 170! I will send in some updated pictures. Vacations were wonderful. I was able to sit in the coaster seat with no problems! Have lots of energy, and am so thankful for this surgery!
August 16th, 2006 - My ONE YEAR anniversary! I am so happy that I cannot stand it! I have lost a little more, but am definitely slowing way down, which is fine! I am down 128 lbs now to 167. I leave in September for a trip to Vegas, then an am attending an International Convention for my company in Salt Lake City. Oh, and I started dancing again. Very fun!!! I was so used to being invisible, that the attention is kinda strange. Life is great, and anyone considering this surgery should GO FOR IT!!
About Me
Longwood, FL
Location
25.9
BMI
Surgery
08/16/2005
Surgery Date
Sep 23, 2005
Member Since