Tanya B.
My Intro... re-vamped a bit.
Apr 19, 2011
Hi everyone.My name is Tanya. I'm 44 years old, and right now, I'm 5'8" and weigh 248 pounds.
I've always been a "big girl" as my parents so lovingly called me. Like everyone else, over the years I'd tried one diet fad after another, all to no avail. I'd lose 10, 20, maybe 30 pounds but gain it all back along with some extra. Being big, though... is about to cost me my life.
I suffer with panic disorder, and have dealt with that for over 15 years now. I have mitral valve prolapse w/regurge, and was diagnosed with that in 1997. In 1999, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and put on medications for that. That same year, I was also diagnosed with a herniated disk (L4/L5) and migraines. This was the first time a doctor had told me to lose weight, and I weighed about 230 at that time. Easier said than done though, doc....
From 1999 until 2002, I pretty much only saw a doctor for medication refills (and they'd call in 6 months to a year at the time) unless I was having a problem and then I went to the ER. I didn't have a "primary care" doctor. In 2001, I had a gall bladder attack. That was about the most miserable week of my life, thus far. In 2002, I saw a new cardiologist (I'd moved to a different state) for the mitral valve prolapse. He did a stress echocardiogram on me, and since I couldn't do the treadmill it was induced medically. That one incident had more impact on me than anyone can imagine.
When they put the medicine in the IV, about 5 seconds later I felt like my head was about to blow up. I remember telling the doctor to please stop the test, and that's the last thing I remember. I passed out from the pain. Later, my husband told me what happened while I was passed out. My BP spiked to over 200/150 and I looked like I was having some sort of seizure. When I finally came around and was able to sit up on the side of the table, I promptly threw up. Before we left I had to find a bathroom again. On the way home my husband had to pull the car over 3 times... and we only lived 2 miles from the hospital where the test was done. I got home, and got sick again. I can't tell you how many times I did... I finally took 6 Advil and laid down to try to get rid of the massive headache. Went to the doctor that afternoon for the results of the test and he didn't seem concerned. Said the tests were fine.
In September of 2002, I went to the local women's clinic to get my yearly exam. While there, they did a urine dipstick test and my glucose was as high as it could go. The chart went to 1,000 and that's what the color of my test was. They wanted me to get a glucose tolerance test, but I didn't have the money to at that time. My weight was still hovering around 235, 240 then.
In 2003, I qualified for Medicaid. I went to the doctor and they did do a glucose tolerance test. It was high. The doctor told me that I was "pre" diabetic, and to change my diet so I did. I also weighed in at 260. I started drinking only diet soft drinks, and cut back on carbs. Just by doing those 2 things, I lost almost 40 pounds. I got down to 228. Soon though, my weight went to inching it's way back up.
In April of 2004, I was officially diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Along with that, I was diagnosed with high cholesterol. I was put on medications for both of those. In August of 2004, we moved to Tennessee and I started all over again with new doctors.
Since then, I've been diagnosed with Degenerative Disk Disease. I now have 3 herniated or bulging disks in my back (L3/L4, L4/L5, L5/S1) and am on Relefen, Soma, and Lidoderm patches for those. I've also became asthmatic, and am on Advair and Albuterol inhalers. I also found out that I have COPD. I thought I had another gall bladder attack back in October, and my PCP had me see a gastroenterologist. He did an endoscopy.. I have erosive esophigitis (from GERD), and gastritis. I'm on Prilosec for that.
I'm on 15 different medications a day. I take 31 pills a day. I test my blood sugar 4 times a day. My neurologist put me on Zonegran to try and help me lose weight. I've gained 4 pounds over the last 2 months while on it, and haven't lost one bit.
I've been looking into WLS for about 7 years now, but didn't really get "serious" about it until I found out about the diabetes and high cholesterol. I'm currently in the process of locating a surgeon that will take my insurance (Medicare/Medi-Cal). Medicare will cover the surgery if it's medically necessary, and I think I have found one. I have to go to my first appointment on Friday, and that's with his nutritionist. I have a BMI of 37.7, and I also have co-morbid conditions as well. My PCP backs me on this, so that's a good thing.
So... that's basically where I'm at right now. Trying to find a surgeon who would take me on Medicare/Medi-Cal. I won't give up though. If I don't lose this weight, then the other medical problems I have BECAUSE of the weight can kill me. I've tried it on my own, and it hasn't worked. The weight leaves, then comes right back, PLUS some more! A 44 year old shouldn't have to take 31 pills a day just to be able to live, but that's exactly where I am right now. 44, disabled, on Social Security, and dying (literally) to lose this weight.
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About Me
CA
Location
40.3
BMI
Surgery
08/01/2011
Surgery Date
Nov 28, 2004
Member Since