the light of my life and the most precious gift a women could have, my son Kailen
November 8, 2005
Well, It's been a zillion years since I have updated here. First and foremost, I had lap rny with a panni, at the same time and I'm now 1 year 3 months and 3 days out. I have lost from 389 to 227. A total of 162 lbs........ I'm so very happy about that. HOWEVER, This surgery has not been the easiest on me. My surgery was August 5, 2004. From nearly the start it was down hill. I was in the hospital and out 3 times with several repair surgeries and debredding's before the end of September. On September 25, I was rushed too, my local hospital with an extremely high fever, and the inability to walk. YES.........I couldn't walk. I was yet again placed in Washington Adventist. Due to circumstances beyond my control, and being none coherient due to septic shock, I lost periods of time, I merely have a vague recollection of. The blame here has yet to be established, but I hope soon I will know where to point the finger. On Oct. 7, 2004, I was transferred to the rehab unit of a nursing home. At the age of 30, I was in a nursing home. I was in the nursing home until Jan. 10, 2005.... And left with a open abdomnial wound, that wouldn't heal. It is only today that I'm writing this, tha I only have approximately 2.2 cm left to close. After 17 months out from surgery, This isn't right. Instead of living my life after surgery, I battled and struggled to survive and live to the next day, the next week, the next month!!! Today I sit here writing too you, not to scare you out of having surgery. I sit here to inform you that it is a challenge, and struggle after you have it. Never did i think, 17 months ago that I would STILL be waiting for my open abdomnial wound to heal.
I also sit here today, 38 weeks pregnant. A miracle in itself!! My son is on the mark so far, and next week I will be induced. It has been a long rough road. And I didn't find out I was pregnant until I was 23.5 weeks pregnant (yes thats almost 6 months) after a trip to the emergency room.
If any one else out there has had similar problems with there surgery please email me. I would love too hear from anyone in a similar situation as myself. [email protected]
And please no flame mail...
July 27, 2004
Oh this rain is so depressing. And low and behold with all the stress, my monthly visitor that usually only appears every couple a months, Is roaring in with a vengeance. My housing situation may be looking up. Just its not going to happen over night. Say a little prayer for me. I'm a bit nervous about my surgery. Not the pain or discomfort (although this is a concern), but the foods I can eat. I'm a meat eater.... I live on meat at every meal... And knowing that for several weeks, I wont be able too have it, is a bit unnerving. But hey I will survive, I know this is so my "baby pouch" can heal without stress (well that makes one of us..LOL). 9 days left before my surgery....but who's counting. :) Single digit days too my surgery. Yeahhhh!!!
July 25, 2004
Well life is moving right along...I had my heart cath done on July 22 @ Washington Adventist Hospital [same place I will have my gastric bypass]. It was one of the hardest things I have done lately. And the pain wasn't bad but there was major discomfort. I passed this test, so I get my clearance for surgery. On Friday I did more pre-op testing for my upcoming IVC filter. That thing unnerves me a little. And too be honest I don't feel I need it, and I definitely don't want it. I don't have a history of clots, or anything else that would cause the need for the filter but my surgeon insist I need it. So I'm getting it done on July 30. Yeah me!!
I am majorly stressed out with trying too secure a new residence with the limited income I have. Can we say finding a place too me is like "finding a needle in a hay stack?" But I'm trying not too stress too much, my main focus now is my surgery. I need it, I want it, and I have fought for it for 3 years, I will take the other mess in stride as best I can. I may end up homeless, but hey I will be on the losing side of life, and that is all good. I have faith, that God will take care of this, and I just need too focus on the one gift I have already been given. This life saving surgery.
July 17, 2004
I'm so stresssed right now. The test never seem too end. Wed, I had a stress test. and not the easy one, as if any of them are but the 4 hr one,I was sick bc I was fasting from 10 pm the night before, and my appt was at 11:30am. Talk about a hard day. I have a few final office visists on Monday, and friday I have pre-op testing for the IVC filter that will be placed in on July 30. I just wish it was July 31, bc I have no more testing or appts so far scheduled, I need too relax and get my self mentally prepared for the surgery on Aug 5. Man can I fast forward too the day of my surgery. Another stressing factor is I'm about too lose where I'm living. My landlord is selling the house. Actually the bitch is doing this right behind my back I only found out yesterday. No advance warning just showed up yesterday and said she had a buyer, and If she makes a decent bid, then I will have too be out before closing. Well little does she know, I will make waves and go too court and make her put me out. She hasnt given me ample enough time too find a place too move that I can afford. I'm trying not too stress too much but its hard.
July 10, 2004
I AM APPROVED!!!!!! Yesterday I actually got the call. I cried a river of tears. For anyone having insurance issues or whatever the snags are. Take it from me... Don't give up. I didn't, yes along the way I lost faith. But my battle has been for long. Nearly 3 years of actually fighting for approval. Struggling.... So many trails along the way. When I started this journey too a healthier me.... I was married and in what I thought was a very strong marriage. Not going too bore you with all the details, But now after nearly 10 years with the same man, I'm seperated and heading for the big "D."But that is ok. I will find someone else, when the time in my life is right.
June 9, 2004On Life has been a bit crazy the last week, but I'm making do. On June 2, 2004, I had my first consult with Dr. Gary Harrington. I was very pleased with Dr Harrington, He took his time, did his own medical history on me, (in the past an assistant was always the one taking this info) . He was very thorough in his examine on me. I didn't feel like I was rushed, He answered all of my question. And too add he is very "easy on the eyes." He discussed doing abdominoplasty - removing my large apron (please don't pillar me with stones if I use the wrong terminology) when he does the LAP-RNY. Hey I'm down with that. Kill too birds with one stone. I do know that I may in the future need some work done, but anything is better than nothing in my opinion. So I left with a list of pre-op test that need to be done. So my happy lil ass jumped right on it. I started calling, getting specialist, making sure they are covered in my network, and if not getting the proper preauthorization codes assigned. Today, I had an appt. with my PCP. I lost 5 lb. in 6 days yeah me.. I wasn't even trying. I got 5 of my 7 referrals, and my letter of necessity, which was suppose too be done over a week ago. Now, I must vent a lil here, the appt.was very routine. I, in advance wrote down all the info for the specialist I need too see, thinking this will make my "check out a lot faster." Man was I wrong ... that women slow as sin. She took forever too do this, imagine if I wasn't prepared with the info in advance I would still be sitting there. She told me I could wait in the waiting room, if I wanted, there are no seats in the check out area, I declined, bc I know had I not stood there in her face, my referrals wouldn't have gotten the necessary attention they needed. So after all was said and done, I walked away with only 5 of the 7 referrals I needed, Making me go back tomorrow to get the other 2. Oh well, at least all is underway!! I so hope that I can get this done and get a July date. Wishful thinking but one can hope, wish and pray for an expedited surgery date. So after I leave here I go see the vampires. Yes, I know its necessary. but I don't like needles, never have and I'm a fainter. Yes, that's right my big ass faints. So I'm sitting there after giving a urine specimen, and I was making idol chit chat with the tech, she was very sweet. And before I knew it, it was over. That was fast, easy and I didn't faint, Yea me!! And like my sister said "A little prick will do yea!"Blessed be, Kisses & Smiles, Susan
May 30, 2004**Congratulations too my sister Edna, on the uncomplicated birth of her second son... Justin O'Neil on May 26, 2004 @ 12:05 pm...
**Happy 9th Birthday (May 30) My Sweet Nephew Chad - Growing up so fast.
Okay! Is this thing on?... What a roller coaster this journey has been for me. Well, I am once again with insurance. Hopefully this will be this time I can finish this journey too the other side.... In the case - I so want too be a "LOSER." Well, I have been on state assistance for nearly a year, and I must say I was procrastinating a bit after the recent breakup of my marriage. Life didn't matter too me one way or another. And this included if I lived or died! I just didn't care enough about me. A few months back while searching online for people with the same insurance as I have (UHC-medicaid) I came across a women's profile who had the same insurance as I, and her surgeon was Dr Fullum, (Washington, DC). So, knowing I had too leave soon, I put off any more searching until I was too get home that evening. After returning home, I read a lot of info on Dr. Fullum (www.safersurgery.com), and a lot of his patients profiles. I must say, this was gods way of telling me it was time for my surgery. I waited another week too call Dr Fullum's office too see what the next steps would be. Alfreda, bless her helpful heart, she explained I would need too attend his support group meeting too get all the paperwork to get the ball rolling. And this was too be on April 13, @ Washington Adventist. My sister and nephew took me there. I was impressed by the amount of pre-op's in attendance. The meeting started with Dr. Gary Harrington, (an associate of Dr. Fullum's). He basicly described in blunt terms, the surgery, the way it would happen, what you were expected too do postoperatively. He was direct and straight forward. Did not sugar coat anything. I liked his candor. I was a bit disappointed not too have meet with Dr Fullum, but I must say Dr Harrington, was a very well spoken, very handsome man. One of his patients from Richmond was there and speaking about her experience.... I for the life of me can't remember her name, but man she looked so great. So after the meeting, I got my info packet and went home. Again I procrastinated a bit due too the fact that I don't drive, and have too rely on my sister taking me too appointments, and she was ready too delivery her baby. So, the paperwork sat uncompleted on my desk for nearly another month. Then one day I was having an afternoon nap, and dreaming about having the surgery, when the phone rang, and awoke me. It was Dr Fullum's office, they had my initial paperwork, and wanted too know if I had a consult date scheduled yet. Well, ... no I didn't but If this wasn't divine intervention, I don't know what is. So we scheduled the consult for May 26. LOL now as you all can tell from the above announcement that was the day my sister went into labor. On May 20, I was too have my appt., with my PCP so I could get my referral, and letter of necessity from her. Mind you this is a new Dr with no past history of my weight loss attempts. I went too the appt., only too sit there nearly an hour an half after my scheduled appt. time, I decided I had too rescheduled, I had another appt. I couldn't miss, she gave me May 26, 8 am. LMAO. Well, too make a long story short at 2:30 am my sister decided it was time for her water too break, And yes away too the hospital I rushed following her in the ambulance. At 7:50 I left my sister's side and walked out the door of the hospital too my PCP appt. I went in received my physical and referrals. and back too my sister's side, in plenty of time. A few hours later 12:05 pm, My nephew made his way into the world. "Welcome to earth, 3rd rock form the sun," ( my sister said this too him...I thought it was cute) So now, I'm back on track, I have my appt. with Dr. Harrington on June 2. I think that Dr Harrington will actually be performing my LAP-RNY. But who knows, I will find out in due time. Please anyone that's pre-op and having insurance issues, Read my story, I have been trying since 2000, to be a "LOSER" and maybe this is my time to shine. Blessed be, Kisses & Smiles, Susan
January 1, 2004HaPPY bIRTHDAY TO ME. gOSH 30 YRS OLD . Well as all of you know who have read my profile here. I'm going to self-pay for my
surgery. I will be launching my website in the next day or so asking for a show of kindness from all that visit my site. Please no hate mail. If I was blessed with insurance that would cover my surgery or the ability to work and try to earn the money in that way I would. A few friends of mine are going to make crafts to sell, to help in my journey to raise money. God Bless everyone. Peace be too all of you.
November 29, 2003What a difference a day makes! After emailing Dr. Aguirre yesterday and receiving a response within a few hours. I now have a date scheduled for my surgery. I'm bouncing out of my skin now..... October 5, 2004. I do realize that this is a bit of a ways off, but I asked for the first week in October, since I'm going to self pay, and I need time to save the money. Keep me in your prayers that I secure the funds hopefully sooner than October, so I can get to the other side sooner.
November 28, 2003 Hello everyone, we'll things have been rough for me the past 4 months with the separation of my husband and I. After posting a question about insurance on the message board I received a response from Jennifer Carlsen (her profile is on here). We chatted on the phone for about an hour and she answered a lot of my questions. Thank you Jennifer!! She opened my eyes to Dr Aguirre In Ensenada, Mexico. Since the insurance approval (DENIAL) process is so long, I have made the decision to go South of the Border for my surgery. I will be self pay. I am starting now, to take donations and secure resources to assist with the cost of my life saving surgery. Please no hate mail.... Thanks, Susan
November 21, 2003So much has happened in the past year. After an appeal, I was again denied, and went into severe depression. I'm now in the middle of a separation. And still nowhere closer to having my surgery. Working on trying to get disability. I currently have been approved for Medicaid. Does anyone know of any surgeons that accept Medicaid in Maryland, DC or the surrounding area? I really need to get the surgery, my life depends on it. Thank you so much. Susan in Maryland
July 3, 2002Well, On May 1 I had my pre-surgical physical, and they set up all my paper work for the insurance company. Well, I waited to get my letter nearly 2 weeks later, I started calling the insurance co. on a regular basis after 2 week. They said they didn't have it. So I copied the letter and faxed it myself. I resumed calling on Monday. Still no answer but they had it. I let a day or two pass, and I called again. Well, the blow came. I WAS DENIED. I'm truly in the dumps about this. BUT IM NOT GIVING UP..... I'm getting on the ball to get my appeal ready. I really don't know where to start but I guess I'll figure all that out. The best of luck to everyone HUgz, Susan
February 18, 2002Its taken me a long time to get to this point, I just had my initial consult with Dr. Vanguri on 2/13/02. It was pretty much routine since I just went through the whole process with my sister last year. I think Dr. V is the best. I go back on May 1 for my physical and he will then submit a letter to my insurance company. Pray for a speedy approval. I wanna get on the ball and be healthier and happier with myself. The best of luck to everyone. HUgz, Susan
December 4, 2001Well a lot has happened since last year and the process to get my insurance has been a long and unsettling process. In Oct. I got my insurance after having to wait for open enrollment from my husband's insurance. I changed doctors, and finally got in for my physical on Friday Nov 30. The physical was great and my new doctor was more than happen to refer me to Dr. Vanguri in Baltimore. See my views on Dr. V has changed slightly over the year. I have had first hand experience with Dr. V because my sister, had her surgery with him in August. She is doing great and we go tomorrow to see him for her 4 month check up, she's hoping to have hit the 100 lb mark. I hope all the best for her. So, now that my physical is done, Referral is in my hand and my first consultation in FEBRUARY 13, 2002,............ LOL could the wait be any longer. That's ok. So hopefully with some luck, a willing insurance company, and of course God, I will have my surgery sometime I'm hoping in late April early May. This is me just wishful thinking, but if everything goes according to plan, like my sister's did, then Maybe Just maybe before summer sets in. I will be a shrinking butterfly. Love to you all, To anyone starting out. I understand what your going through, it has taken me a year to get to see a surgeon. Let alone what lies ahead of me now.
Jan 8, 2001Hello everybody. Happy New Year's to you all! Well, I have made the FIRM decision to have the surgery. My research has lead me to the conclusion, that if I don't have the surgery and soon. I will not live many more years. I'm still in the new insurance phase, but that's OK. I'm hoping to have my first consultation sometime in March. My sister (Edna Rainey - her profile is on here as well) and I are hoping to start attending support meeting in our area next month. I can't wait. Kinda scared though. I want my husband and my best friend to go with me so they can learn about the surgery as I do. My best friend is really scared about the surgery, and says she supports me just is scared for me. I'm sure everyone on here has someone in there life that has the same feelings as my best friend. Well, if anyone has any advice for me, always look forward to hearing from you all. And to the ladies that I have chatted to through e-mail, Thank you all so much for all the kind words and inspiring thoughts. You have made my decision, to become healthier, an easier one. You are all the best. To all newbies like myself, The people you may meet on here are so kind, and understand what your going through because they have been in the same position, or are in the same position as you. This group is truly the best, Hugs to you all. The best of luck in your decisions to have surgery, to all those who have had surgery, get well fast, and start your New Life. A question for you all, Seems my search for a Surgeon is limited too 2 now, Dr. Marcus of Maryland, and Dr. Afram of Washington, DC, anyone who has had either of these surgeons, If you wouldn't mind dropping me a line, and enlightening me with your experience with them, I would be so thankful to you. Thanks in advance. Hugs, Susan B.
December 18, 2000I'm doing research on having hopefully a LAP-RNY. I'm not very informed about the whole procedure, but still know that I wanna live a healthier life and be around a long time with my husband. Looking forward to any advice from Pre or Post-Op Patients. The best of luck to you all in the surgery that you have had, or will have in the future. Does any one have Care first of MD? And if so any luck with being approved for surgery.
~UPDATE~Ok since I have decided to go to Dr. Aguirre now do to the insurance game and now going to do self pay. I wanted to include my comments on my former surgeon Dr. Vanguri. If it wasn't for the heartaches of the insurance game, it's a travesty that a nurse has more say than what your Dr. recommends. So if I didn't have to pay for this on my own, Dr. Vanguri would definitely get my rave review, and do my surgery.
My first impression of Dr. Vanguri was one of compassion. He is rather quiet, but will answer all of your questions, and set your fears to rest. Dr. V's office staff have been very helpful so far, I like them all. One thing that, although it didn't bother me, but might bother others, was instead of seeing new patients on a one on one basis, after he meet you and gave an examine, he had all new patients go into one room, and he explained the surgery to all of us as a group. This didn't bother me, and the group of people I was with were all so funny and pleasant, but other people may not like a group setting as opposed to one on one. He seems to have a pretty good after care program, set to your individual needs. Monthly visits, weigh in and B-12 shots, plus every 3 months visit with him, so he can monitor your progress for the first year. I think he overall, is a great dr. He explained everything to me, no matter what it was. He didn't mind reviewing the surgery over all so we were well informed, and he didn't seem like he was in a rush to get us out of his office. Dr. V is #1 in my eyes.
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