Kris I.
Hi I am Kris. I know I'm not posting my story until late (after sugery and weight loss) but better late than never right?
Well, I began my journey in September of 2009 after going to my PCP and finding out that I was diabetic and was put on medicine to control my blood sugar. My PCP mentioned to me that if I could lose some weight that would help me and could quite possibly cure the diabetes. I told him that I had been on several diets and tried different types of weight loss programs only to have lost a few pounds here and there, and then regain that all back plus more. He recommended the Lap Band referred me to a bariatric surgeon. I went home and Google searched Lap Band and read so much information that I could have probably implanted the damn thing into myself!! (not really) anyhow, while reading information on that I came across different types of WLS. The Lap Band kinda freaked me out with the thought of having a port. (I know it's pretty crazy) but that's just me.
I ended up looking more and more into the RNY reading all the information I could find, both good and bad. I made an appointment with the bariatric surgeon and went to see him and got his opinion on which surgery would best suit me. He told me that either one would be fine and he'd do whichever one I decided.
In the meantime, while searching online again, I came across another local Bariatric Surgeon. Dr. Newlin. I decided that a second opinion wouldn't hurt. So I made an appointment to see him and after meeting him I KNEW he was the one to do my surgery. His staff was awesome and I felt he was more experienced with the RNY than the original surgeon because Dr. Newlin specialized in bariatric surgery, whereas the other Dr. was just a "general" surgeon.
Dr. Newlin sent all the information to the insurance company and within a week I was denied coverage. Long story short, within 2 months, and getting the Attorney General involved, I appealed the insurance's decision and they changed their tune, and approved me. Not too bad. (Thank goodness I have a fax machine at home because that hurried the process along by a lot)
Well, my RNY surgery was on December 1, 2009 and as of today. (July 17, 2010) I have lost a total of 85 pounds. I started out weighing 225. The day of my surgery I weighed in at 208 (I know not that big) but to each their own and having diabetes, and GERD, I met the criteria for the surgery. I started out wearing a size 18, and am currently wearing anywhere from a size 6 to a 9 depending on the brand of jeans, I am wearing a small/medium shirt. I never thought I'd ever feel this good about myself again. Having the surgery was the best decision I could have made for myself.
I have been at a standstill for the past month or so hanging around the 140 mark, I think my body is content, and is done losing. I would like to discuss my options regarding some plastics, however I don't think that insurance will consider it "medically necessary" so I may have to start saving for it to pay out of pocket myself. I would start with a tummy tuck and maybe head toward a breast lift/enlargement. I can't believe the difference in my chest size, I used to have a D cup, now I'm a small B. and they feel like saggy water balloons. (sorry TMI) I look good in clothing and my husband loves me the way I am, so that's all that truly matters. I will keep you posted on any changes....
