Rick Felzien
11/20/04 ----BMI 47.4
At first, I was going to have the RN Y surgery, until I attended a support group meeting and heard a lady who had lap banding, and her insurance covered it. She said she had United Healthcare, and I do too. I called United Healthcare and it is now a covered procedure.
I went to an orientation meeting today in Shawnee Mission, KS for lap banding. I am very impressed with Dr Stephen Malley. I have a December 1st appointment at 1:30 pm and may get a surgery date in December, depending on how fast my insurance responds. I am so excited, because I feel this surgery is much safer.
My wife Lori had RNY surgery May 03 and lost 157 pounds so far. She has done very well with it. She had checked out lap banding to start, but at that time insurance didn't cover this procedure. Now it does and I'm ready.
12/7/04
Depending on how soon I get my insurance letter, I may have my surgery as soon as the last week of December.
We started a new St Joseph Weight Loss Support Group. Members can join at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/stjosephwlssg/
Our first meeting is January 22, 2005 11:00 am at the St Joseph Public Library (southeast corner of East Hills Mall Parking Lot)
My wife has lost an additional 7 lbs. Hope I do as well as her.
12/29/04
I got my approval today from United Healthcare. My surgery is set for Thursday, January 6, 2005. I'm so excited.
1/3/05
It's a new year, and ready for new changes. My surgery is this Thursday. I can't wait. I have a lot of support from friends and family. After watching my wife lose so much weight, it's hard to believe my weight will soon be coming off. A special thanks to my Lord Jesus Christ, for letting the correct doors open, for me to have this opportunity.
1/6/05
Well, I have fasted and was ready to go for surgery, and the anethesiologist, said she wanted me to have an EKG before doing the surgery. I went to my regular physician, and he put me on hold till my thyroid is under better control. He's going to see me again, the first part of February, then I might be able to then schedule my surgery. I'm so disapointed, but know it will all work out.
1/22/05
We just had our first St Joseph Weight Loss Surgery Support Group Meeting today. We had a pretty good turnout. Our next meeting is Saturday, February 12, 2005 at noon at the St Joseph Public Library (downstairs in the Theatre Room)
2/26/05
My surgery date is now scheduled for Thursday, March 10, 2005. I am ready to get this over with, eventhough I'm afraid of surgery.
3/11/05
I had my lap band surgery yesterday at 1:30 pm at Hearland Spine & Specialty Hospital in Overland Park, KS with Dr Malley performing the surgery. He did a wonderful job and the staff at Heartland were great. I had no pain at all, and I'm home just one day later. Now it's time to shed the pounds. It's hard to believe I'm now POST OP. I highly recommend the Lap Band, and Dr Malley. My surgery was 1 and 1/2 hours, but men usually take longer.
3/17/05
One week Post Op and 22 lbs lighter. Starting to eat soft foods such as eggs, pudding, etc. I had absolutely NO PAIN. I am so excited, it's still hard to believe I did it! NO REGRETS. Dr Malley is GREAT and I highly recommend him.
3/24/05 ----BMI 43.0
Two weeks now and 29 lbs off. My BMI to start was 47.4 and now it is 43. I am so thankful for this surgery. My scars don't look bad at all. I am now eating regular foods, just not as much. I have to chew everything real well. I feel better than I've felt in several years.
4/9/05 ----BMI 40.9 (1 point from morbid obese to severe obese)
I am now 4 weeks post op and have lost 43 lbs now. My first visit to Dr Malley was 328 lbs. I'm now 285 lbs. This is a great blessing. I give all credit to God for opening this door for me. I feel so much better. I haven't had to take even one amaryll pill for diabetes since the surgery. I eating anything I want, not having any problems or sickness. Thank You Jesus.
I got to go shopping today. I went from 48 inch waist to 44 inch waist, and went from a 4 XT shirt to a 2XLT shirt. Amazing!
6/19/05 ----BMI 39.7
Just a little over 3 months and I've lost 66.5 lbs. Since my second fill, I've only been able to eat from 5 to 10 bites of food and I'm full. I've had three vomiting episodes, but it's nothing like vomiting in the past. It's just a little bit and don't know how to explain it, it's just different. I have alot more energy. Even if weight loss stopped right here, it was worth it, but I know alot more is going to come off.
8/12/05 --- BMI 39.5
5 months post op now and right at 70 lbs lost. Still feel great. I'm probably ready for another fill. I'd like to have another fast drop.
9/16/05 ---BMI 38.5
I had another fill a couple of weeks ago, and weight is now dropping off again. My BMI went down 1 whole point. I'm fitting into smaller clothes again. This is great!
12/23/05 ---BMI 36.3
I had another fill a week before thanksgiving. I've now lost about 91 lbs and doing very well. I am so thankful for the Lap Band
2/13/06 ----BMI 34.1
I've now lost 106 lbs and I can't believe how different I look and feel. I recommend this journey to anyone with a weight problem. I never would of dreamed of being this size again.
6/15/06 --- BMI 30.4
It's been awhile since I posted, but I now have lost 130 lbs and I am doing great. There's been 40 people at my workplace have the lap band, and their all doing great also. I highly recommend this surgery. I post some more pictures soon.
