Lyn S.
I have been battling with my weight my entire life. After almost a year of researching WLS, I have begun taking steps to better my health. I have already had my consultation and qualified. I am in the process of waiting to have my psychiatric evaluation. As soon as that happens, my paperwork is sent off to my insurance company for approval(I pray). I am anxious, excited, and scared all at once. But, I know I am making the right decision for my health and family.
April 9, 2002
Well, I had my psych evaluation appointment set for May 22, 2002 and I was so depressed because that was the earliest that BTC could get me in. That is a whole two months away. I was very upset. I am so impatient. Well, I prayed and prayed about it and asked God to somehow or someway move up my date or help me find another doc to get me in sooner. Well, BTC called me yesterday
and said that they had a cancellation and would I want to come in Wednesday, TOMORROW. I said YES YES YES!!!!
Now tell me that God does not answer prayer cuz he sured answered mine. I go tomorrow at 11:30AM for my psych and I am psyched.HaHa
I will let you all know how things go.
April 10, 2002
Well, I just got back from my psych evaluation and it went good. I am pretty tired though. I was there for four hours. When I got there, I first had to read aloud a page of different words. By the time I got to the bottom of the page, they were words that I've never even heard of and could hardly pronounce them. I guess that was the whole point though.
After that, I had to take a six hundred word test to see if I was emotionally stable. I passed.
When that was done, I had to fill out a packet of information of my lifes history concerning my weight, other health problems, my relationships with others, and some other stuff.
When I finished that, A doctor came in and went over my packet with me question for question.
Finally, she ok'ed me for the surgery and wished me good luck.
I am now waiting for my approval.
Wish me luck.
April 22, 2002
Well, I opened a letter from BTC this morning stating that the review board looked over all of my paperwork and decided that I did not meet BCBS of MI's requirements for the surgery.
Despite this being depressing news for me, I am not going to let this get me down. I know I was meant to have this surgery and I will when God feels that it is time.
Good news is, all the paper said that I need to do is get a PCP recommendation letter sent in to them stating how he feels I can benefit from this surgery. I have hope. This task seems small in comparison to all of the work I have already put into this journey, therefore, I am not going to allow myself to become discouraged. Thank-you all for your e-mails of support. They mean so much. Wish me luck & God bless you all.
May 14, 2002
I had an appointment two weeks ago with my PCP so he could put me on some more diet pills. When I told him that I wanted to have WLS he said he would not refer me so I found me another doc.
I had my appointment with my NEW PCP today and she is great. Not only does she support my decision 100%, but she said she will fight for me. She also told me that she would write my letter of medical necessity today and mail it out for me. Let me just say I wanted to fall to the florr and kiss the ground that she walks on. I was so excited. I wil let you all know what happens. Wish me luck!!
June 14, 2002
BTC called me this morning. I am approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And.........., they have an opening a week and a half from today for my surgery. God truly answers prayer I tell ya.
God bless everyone who has supported me this far. Wish me luck.
June 18, 2002
I had all my pre-op work done today. It took three hours. I had blood work, X-rays, ultra sounds, and consults with the doctor and dietician. Everything was normal and I am ready for surgery. See you all on the other side. My surgery date is scheduled for June 25, a week from now.
June 24, 2002
Tomorrow is my big day. I am nervous and excited. It is about 11PM and I am in the process of getting my bag packed. I know it will be hell for a while, but pain is temporary. I live by this.
I will have my husband update my profile and let you all know how I am doing. I will write back as soon as possible. Love you all!
June 29, 2002
Well, I made it through ok! My surgery was on Tuesday and it is Saturday today. The staff at BTC was great. I had a lot of walking I had to do and a lot of pain shots. Everyone kept telling me how well I was doing. By the way, they released me yesterday.Last night I had a bad case of gas and the doc told me it was probably because I hadn't had a bowel movement yet. Two enemas later, it all came out. Feeling much better now. I have been walking today and have already ate some cherry Jello and a popsicle. Also have had my pain pills too. I will keep everyone informed on how I am doing and again, thank you to everyone for all of the support. I love all you guys!
July 15, 2002
Tomorrow I start my pureed food stage. I started with one week of clear liquids and then have spent the last two weeks on full liquids. This stage has been hell. I am not going to lie. I just do not like protein powder or raw egg beaters mixed to make a shake to drink. The thought makes me sick. I have survived these past two weeks on Carnation Instant Breakfast and skim milk. Also, I do like Dannon Light N' Fit smooth yogurt. I believe that I have lost quite a bit of weight in the last few weeks. Yesterday, I put on a pair of capri pants that I wore 2 years ago. They weren't even tight. I have already made arrangments to give my clothes away that are too big on me. I have been having to roll my pants down to my waist about 10 times just so they fit. I know I am going to lose all of my weight but I just can't belive that it is really happening. Good luck to all of you post ops out there trying to make it through your first few weeks. God Bless.
July 18, 2002
I had my post-op follow up appointment with my surgeon yesterday. I have lost 20% of my weight that I need to lose. Can you believe that? I gave my clothes to a friend today because I just can't pull off wearing them anymore. They are just too big for me. I am so excited. The pureed stage in the healing process is definitly my favorite so far. I have so many more options. Well, good luck to all of you out there, and I am open for questions or advice anytime. God Bless.
July 25, 2002
I am officially under the 200lb mark as of yesterday. I made sure that I weighed myself on a few different people's scales before I knew for sure. But, it's true. It is exactly one month since I have had my surgery and I have lost a total of 28lbs. Go me!!
Every day, someone else lets me know how different I look. I still get depressed when I look at pictures of myself. I can't wait till I am at goal. Good Luck to all of you out there.
July 27, 2002
I had the best night. My husband and I went out tonight and I fit into a pair of jeans I wore back before I even had my daughter. I couldn't believe it. And, they were not even tight. Also, some friends of mine bought me a shirt a year ago that I haven't been able to wear because it was too small. I wore that tonight too. I just wanted to share with all of you how happy this surgery has made me. Well, so long for now.
August 27, 2002
Well, I have hit my 2 month mark as of two days ago. I have now lost a total of about 50lbs. I still can't believe it myself. Everyone, and I mean everyone has made it a point to tell me what a difference they can see in me. Not only in my appearance. I feel so much better. I am never home now. Also, I haven't been updating as much as I used to. I have an appointment tomorrow so I will let all of you know. God Bless!
September 9, 2002
I celebrated my 23rd b-day last monday! I do not visit the sight as I used to. I attribute that to my never being home. I feel good in clothes now and I am enjoying trying on old clothes that used to not fit me that fit me now. I try to tell as many people about my experience as possible because I can't imagine being where I was a few months ago. I was absolutely miserable. I can honestly say that I am happy. I enjoy going everywhere. Please, anyone out there with questions, write to me. I would love to help in any way that I can. Talk to you all soon.
September 22, 2002
I broke my plateau today:)I have been stuck at my weight for a couple of weeks now. Today when I got on the scale, I had dropped another 5lbs. I have officially lost 57lbs and my three month mark will be in three days. So, 57lbs in three months, I would say that it hasn't been that bad. I think I am doing great!
I hope all is going well for everyone else out there researching this and for all you post ops. I will be putting pics up soon.Bye.
Setember 30, 2002
I have lost another 5lbs since my last post. I am now a in a size 14. I still can't believe it. Talk to you all soon.
October 16, 2002
Hi all! I am just giving a quick update. I am down another 5lbs. I got my hair chopped off and I got glasses. My own family members did not recognize me. It's pretty crazy. I am still feeling a hundred percent. I need to keep remembering to get all of my 64oz of water a day. I am on this milk and orange juice kick right now. I need to lessen those and drink more water. I love eating out now. I feel confident in my food choices and most people can't tell by food choices that I have even had surgery. I love answering questions, so if any of you out there need some answers, write me. Till next time, adios!
November 4, 2002
I never remember to update. I am on another plateau. I know it will break soon. I am confident. I am doing great and I found some new sugar free chocolate cream wafer cookies that I love.Halloween was a breeze for me. I just ate my sugar free candy when I had a craving. Hope all of you are doing well. God Bless!
December 31, 2002
Well all, I just hit my 6 month mark as of the 25th of this month.Christmas was good. Ate a lot of goodies. I am now in a size eight dress size from a 22/24. I can't believe it. I have been going out and old friends do not even recognize me. Still got a ways to go, but I am happy where I am now. I pray that all of you out there researching can see what a terrific life changing procedure this is. I know I have. Good Luck.
April 7, 2003
I cannot believe that it has been as long as it has since I updated. I had a follow-up appointment with BTC back in Febuary and was 5 lbs away from my goal then. I have since lost those 5lbs and a tad more. Not a day goes by where I don't thank God for this opportunity. It has been a life saver. I love clothes again. Something I would never love again. i actually still love food, just in a different way. It's not my answer for everything anymore. I am too busy doing other things now. Good Luck to you all.
June 19, 2003
Wow, my 1 year mark will be on the 25th of this much. I can't believe how far I've come. I have lost 105lbs to date. I now weigh 130lbs. I am so happy now and I openly talk about my surgery with anyone who wants to know about it. I feel good about myself and haven't felt this way in a long time. I pray this surgery helps as many people as it has me. God Bless all of you.
June 26, 2003
Well, it has officially been one year and it went by so fast.I love to talk to people about my experience where as before, I was nervous about how people would react to it. A lot of people can't believe I had the surgery at my age, but I did:)
I promise that I will get my pic on asap so people can see what a big change I have went through. The best part about the whole process was getting my energy back. I am coaching again full force and loving every minute of it. Praise God for the wonderful surgeons trained to perform this surgery.
September 27, 2003
Well, even though I am well past my year mark, I am still losing if you can believe that. I am now going between 122lbs and 125lbs. I still feel the same inside, but I know my appearance has changed dramatically. I love talking to others about my experience. All is well and keep up the good work to all of you post-ops out there.
February 5, 2004
Wow, what a ride this is been. I am nearing my two year mark. I feel like I have informed so many people about my journey and have actually helped a couple in their journey along the way. I am currently fluxuating between 118lbs and 122lbs. I am happy. I have had no complications. God is the reason for my good fortune I believe. Talk to everyone soon.
December 1, 2004
I can't believe it has been so long since my last update. I am currently 9 months pregnant and I am going in tomorrow to have my labor induced. Pregnancy sure has been different this time around since my surgery. I have gained a lot of weight, but only in my stomach. It was harder being pregnant because I am a lot smaller than I was the first time and my legs took a lot of battery because of the extra weight I have been carrying around. Other than some anemia, my pregnancy has been normal. I hope to get back down to the weight I was asap.
January 24, 2004
Well, I had my second daughter December 4th, 2004.
Labor when I was fat was definately a lot easier that's for sure. I had a 33 1/2 hours of hard labor. It sucked. But, it was worth it. When I came home, I ws really depressed about my weight. I guess I just expected it to fall off within that first day. Everyone kept telling me to give it time. I was still really swollen from being pumped with so much fluids that my maternity clothes were still tight for that first two weeks. I have lost two dress sizes since then. I have ten more pounds to lose and I will be back at my pre-pregnant weight again. I guess that's good since I gained a total of 50lbs while pregnant. i am just looking forward to getting those last few pounds off. Till next time........
June 25, 2006
Today is my 4 year post-op anniversary. I can't believe it. I am still maintaining my 125lbs weight. I just found out recently that I am 9 weeks pregnant. So, this will be my second pregnancy since my surgery. I am pretty excited. I am having some low iron problems again just like my last pregnancy. I will start medicine for it soon.
I still have no regrets:)
July 1, 2007
I just hit my five year mark last week. I have had another baby in January of this year. So I have had two babies post op. I was 130lbs when I got pregnant with my third daughter and she just turned 5 months old. I was 185lbs when I delivered her. I am currently 150lbs and still losing. I am hoping to get back to my 130lbs before the summer is over.
Hospital Reviews
Weight Loss Survey Responses
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Neil S. Marymor, M.D., F.A.C.S.
My first impression was an excellent one. He was middle age, nice looking, and very friendly. When he entered the room, he shook my hand and then my husbands. He sat down and started my consultaion. The office staff was pleasant. I felt pretty comfortable being there. There wasn't anything off hand that I can think of that upset me or disappointed me with the whole experience. He was extremely nice and very to the point. He did not sugar coat anything. Aftercare was very important to him and his staff. They have a well structured aftercare program. He told my husband and I every possible risk you can think of. He did not hold anything back. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give him a 9 just for the simple fact that he was so blunt and informative, yet very friendly. I would say that both his surgical competence and bedside manner are great.
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
They were wonderful. After my doctor sent in my letter of necessity, it was maybe not even two weeks until I recieved my approval call. I have heard from others that BCBS of MI is one of the best in approving patients for this type of surgery. I guess insurance companies are finally starting to realize the importance of weight loss for millions of obese people.