debbih

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Just logged on for the first time in a year or so.  A lot has happened, some good, some bad. 

First the bad - About three weeks post op I developed an infection at my incision site.  Surgery to remove port, another surgery to put the port back in, finally in October 2009, complete removal of my band.  Talk about devastating.  I was down 100lbs in just a little over a year!

After waiting six months to completely heal, I went back to my doctor to get my band put back.  This time my insurance company DENIED my request.  I had lost too much weight and was no longer considered a bariatric patient.  Appeal letters one and two came back denied as well. 

In August 2010 I filed my third and last appeal.  Highlighting their own policy.  Bariatric surgery is approved on ONE of three criteria: the third being when a mechanical malfunction causes the removal of the previous band.  I could read and understand their policy, why couldn't they?

Now the good - In February I get a call from my surgeons office. An independent reviewer of my case FINALLY saw things my way!!!  I"m good to go for surgery.

March 29, 2011 was a good day. My new band is installed and almost one week post op things are looking good so far.  On track to lose the 40lbs I gained while in the appeal process then another 30 after that.

I hope everyone is well, I think this is truly a new start for me.

d

Hi Everyone,
Tomorrow (3/16/09) I'll be on Coach Cher's live broadcast.  Tune in at 6pm to hear how things are going.

Had surgery yesterday to re-install the port!!!   A lot sore today but glad to know that things are going to get back on track. 

Went to the doctor yesterday.  The incision site finally closed up after all this time.  Hopefully I'll be able to get a surgery date soon.  My weight is holding for right now, but I want to get back on track.  Will keep everyone posted.  d

Well, heading to the doctor this afternoon.  Will hopefully get the all clear and be able to have a new port installed.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Will keep everyone posted.

Here we are three days into the new year and I dreaded having to go and buy some new clothes for a party that we had to attend tonight.  So, I head into Lane Bryant, The Avenue and Catherines not able to find anything I like.  Head into another department store and right to the women's section.  I pick up a couple pairs of pants to try on and my wonderful husband comes over and hands me a third pair.  I give him the evil eye because these don't have a 'w' after the size, but agree to try them on to prove to him that I even though I have lost some weight, I'm not out of the plus sizes yet.  Well, I put on the pants he picks out and to my surprise THEY FIT!!  I almost started crying right there in the fitting room.  I even tried on some different styles and brand names to make sure it wasn't a fluke.  I'm wearing a 16!!!!!!  This is going to be a great year!!!

It's been a while.  The port is still out and I have been doing great.  Will probably have a new port put in after the first of the year.  I just want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!  d

Had the port removed yesterday.  Feeling a little better.  We'll see what today brings. 

Went back to the doctor yesterday, infection is still there and the port needs to come out.  Surgery scheduled for Monday.  Just got a call from the hospital, my insurance company is not going to pay for the port removal.  Fighting with them is stressing me out... 

I don't think this week could get any worse. 

Got laid off on Monday.  Company lost a lot of money last week when the stock market crashed and since there is no business coming in several of us had to go.  Now I'm doing the whole housewife thing (which I'm not very good at).

Can't get this infection to clear up.  Went to the doctor yesterday.  He says it's looking good but there is still a chance he will have to go in and remove the port for a while.  I'm completely bummed about that but I'll do whatever I need to do to get this cleared up.

Good news is that even though I'm dealing with the wound site he was able to do my first fill of 3cc's. 

Until next time...d