Edward C. Facundus, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Sleep Help USA
I am 49 years old, 5'1" and weight is 204 lbs.I have my first consult with Dr. F on 1/2/04. I can't wait for that day. I am so ready to do something about my weight. I want to be normal again.
1/26/04 - I have completed my sessions with the bariatric counselor, the nutritionist and the consult with Dr. Facundus. I am no waiting for approval from Blue Cross. It seems to be taking them a really long time. I have learned so much from this website and from the many people who have chosen to share their stories. I am so appreciative to each of you for helping me to be brave enough to continue on this journey.
1/27/04 - Called BCBS today and was told that I have been turned down. I am so diappointed, I could just cry. I called Dr. Facundus's office and talked to Stacy. She told me some things to do to get ready for the appeal. Hopefully, I will be approved the 2nd time around. This is the pits......
2/3/04 - Getting ready for the swallow test tomorrow. The preop stuff sounds somewhat similar to getting ready for the RNY. Hopefully all will go well with this test. I have to go to Dr. F's office for another weigh in today and they will file my appeal with BCBS. Looks like I can get ready for another 2 to 3 weeks waiting to hear from the appeal. Everyone keep your fingers crossed and keep saying those prayers that this gets approved.
2/9/04 - Well I'm done with the testing that Dr. F required. I also dropped off all the paperwork that they requested. I'm now waiting for the insurance appeal to be sent in. I guess it's hurry up and wait again.
2/10/04 - Spoke with Stacy late yesterday and she said that my appeal information was faxed to BCBS on 2/4/04. I'm afraid to call and check on this, what if I jinx myself. I will wait to hear from them and hopefully it will be good news. Please keep me in your prayers.
2/19/04 - Well the news keeps getting worse. I was denied again by BCBS. My BMI is 39.4 and they say that my co-morbidities are not bad enough to warrant the surgery. I could just cry. I'm so close. I don't know whether I should try to gain a few more pounds or just give up. Any encourgement would be greatly appreciated along with prayers.
2/24/04 - I spoke with Susan at Dr. F's office and she told me that I would need to weigh at least 215lbs to reach the 40 BMI. I guess I will have to work on gaining a few pounds and try again.
3/22/04 - I haven't posted in awhile. I've been busy trying to get my weight up to 215. Weighed in today at Dr. F's office and I am at 214.1. They are going to send this in tomorrow and see if they will approve me now. Everyone please pray for me. I need this surgery so bad for health reasons. I just want so much to be able to do what normal people are able to do. I will start checking with BCBS next week. Until next time....
4/12/04 - Great news today, I called BCBS and they have approved my request for surgery. I am so very happy and excited. I called Dr. Facundus's office to let them know and also left a message for Melinda to see what my next steps are. I have already had the consult with the counselor, nutritionist and Dr. Facundus. Not really sure what comes next. Will wait to hear from them.
4/23/2004 - WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOO, I got a date, 7/28/2004. While that seems a long ways off, I'm sure the time will fy by as I get prepared for this. I seem to be eating everything in sight. I need to start to get myself prepared by cutting out cokes and trying to start some type of exercise program. I know that doing these things prior to surgery will make things go a lot smoother for me.
7/1/2004 - I haven't updated in awhile. When I got my surgery date it seemed so far away and now here it is, just alittle over 3 weeks away. I had my h pyroli test yesterday and that was negative, which is a good thing. Next week will be pre-testing at Crestwood and then my visit with Dr. Foreman on the 16th. I have still having trouble believing that this will actually happen. I keep thinking that something will come up at the last moment and they will call and say, sorry Jennifer, we can't do your surgery. Well until next time.....
7/6/04 - Went for my pre-admission testing at Crestview today. Everything went well. I spoke with the anestiseologist (sp?) who told me I have a very small mouth and that could cause some problems with tube placement. Funny thing, that's the first time I've ever been told that I had a little mouth as opposed to a "big mouth". His assistant also gave me a patch to wear the night before, he said that this would help with nausea. I got pretty nervous while waiting for my test. The reality that this is going to happen gets closer each day. I must stay strong and committed.
7/7/04 - Had a message on my phone yesterday to call Melinda at Dr. Facundus's office. By the time I got home they were already closed and today the office is closed. I keep hoping they will call to move my surgery date up. Now I will have to wait until tomorrow to find out what she wanted, unless they decide to call me today. The suspense is killing me. I guess I will just have to be patient (not one of my stronger suits).
7/27/04 - Well tomorrow is the big day. I will be so glad when I am on the other side. I've been busy training someone to fill in for me and haven't had a chance to post much lately but I do get on the board as often as possible. I will post again as soon as I am able. Good luck to all others who are having surgery in the next few days.
8/10/04 - I finally made it to the other side. I had my surgery on 7/28/04 at Crestwood in Huntsville with Dr. Facundus. I was told to arrive at the hospital at 10:00am. After waiting in the lobby for 1 1/2 hours they finally called me back and told me that I was next in line. Gave me the gown, stockings, and started the IV. At 2:00pm I was still in the waiting area and getting more nervous by the minute. I asked the nurse if they could give me something for my nerves and she said "no problem". They gave me a shot and just a few minutes later they came to get me. The waiting was horrible....but I'm sure it couldn't be helped. Once in the surgery room, they put me on the skinny table and started to get me ready for anestethia (sp). That's the last thing that I remember. When I woke up in recovery I do remember them removing the cautheter and that wasn't too bad. Also, I was freezing in recovery. I was so cold that I remember shaking uncontrollably and my teeth chattering. That's about all I remember from recovery. Next we were off to the room. The nurse came in and said that someone should stay with me for the night as they were short-handed. This was a surprise I hadn't planned for and had to have my aunt stay with me. I didn't really need her except to do the walking. She helped disconnect all the wiring from the IVs so that I could walk down the hall and back. The nurses came around often to check vitals, etc. but were not too interested in whether I walked or not. I kept calling them asking when it would be OK to get out of bed. I got into a room at 6:30pm and they didn't let me get out of bed until 11:00pm. I walked several times during the night with the assistance of my aunt and a couple of times alone the next morning before the leak test. They came to get me for the leak test about 8:45am. It wasn't too bad and results were good. Dr. Facundus's nurse came around and went over instructions with me. I left the hospital around 10:00am. Pain level was never unbearable. I did use the morphine pump each time I would get up to walk. It helped keep the pain level down for the getting up and moving around. I never had any nausea, not sure, but think that the patch they gave me for the night before surgery must have really helped with that. They also gave me a nausea shot just before my leak test. All in all, it was not a bad experience. I've had much worse, like an appendectomy and hysterectomy back in the old days of long incisions and long recovery times. I took it easy from Thursday through Sunday. I started back to work on Monday, 8/2, working 4 hours per day and am back full-time as of 8/9. I have a sit down job so this wasn't too difficult. I'm just really tired at the end of the day and usually need a nap. I started walking the day that I got home and am walking 3 to 4 times per day for 10 minutes each. I am still pretty sore, but mostly on the left side. Right side hasn't bothered me at all. Still haven't experienced any nausea and so far haven't had any problems with my diet. I am looking forward to starting soft foods in 2 days. I will try to post more often. I have weighed a few times on my scales, but I am waiting for the official weigh in at Dr. Facundus's office on 8/13. Will post weight loss at that time. BTW, Dr. F. also repaired a hiatal hernia while doing the RNY.
8/27/04 - Well, it's time for an update. My 1 month anniversary was 8/25. I have lost a total of 27 lbs and 20 inches. I am starting to notice a little of extra room in my clothes but not a lot just yet. I know that this will come in time. I went for a week with no loss and then this morning I lost 2 lbs. I'll take that any day of the week. I am able to tolerate pretty much everything that I have eaten so far. My visit with the nutritionist went well. Hunter said that I am pretty much on schedule with my weight loss. He told me that I needed to increase my protein intake by 10-15grams. Hopefully I can do that. I have been walking every afternoon for 45 to 60 minutes. Will update again soon.
9/22/04 - Today is my 2 month anniversary. I have lost 36 lbs and 26 1/2 inches since my surgery. I have had an uneventful time of it. I have vomited 3 times, each because of eating too fast and not chewing well enough. I walk at least 6 times per week for 1 to 2 miles each time. It's still hard for me to believe that the weight is coming off and that I won't fail at this. I'll just take one day at a time and be thankful for all that I have lost so far. Until next time....
Future Update 10/20/04 - Today is my 3 month anniversary. I have lost 44 lbs and 35 inches. I am doing great and life is good on the losing side. I wouldn't change a thing. My loss is slow compared to others but that's OK, as long as it comes off I'm happy. Until next month.....
Future Update 11/28/04 - I just celebrated my 4 month anniversary. I've lost 50 1/2 lbs and 37 inches. The weight loss has slowed down some. I will go for 2 weeks or so and then the lbs will go away overnight, it is very strange. I've had one dumping spell, I tried some sweet potato casserole over the Thanksgiving holiday and it was no fun. Don't want to go thru that again, if I can help it. Everything else has been fine. I exercise about 3 to 4 times a week, walking 1 to 2 miles on the treadmill. I still struggle with getting in all my water. There never seems to be enough room in the pouch for all that liquid. I probably average about 50 oz per day. I'm still trying to get to the 64 ozs. I get most of my protein from food, but still have a protein shake every other day. I wish everyone on this journey much success and I hope things go as easy for them as they have for me so far. Till next month.......
Future Update I missed my update for my 5 month anniversary. It was on 12/28 and with all the holidays, I just never got around to doing this. I had lost 60 lbs and 43 1/2 inches. I still can't believe that I have lost so much. When I look in the mirror I don't see the changes, even though I've gone from a size 20 to a 16, it just doesn't register when I look at myself. Oh well, hopefully my brain will catch up soon. I still am able to eat most anything that I want. I haven't tried anything with sugar and don't plan to go down that road. I wish all preops and postops the best. This surgery was the best thing that I could have ever done for myself. See ya on 1/28 for my 6 month update. I hope to be at a 70 lb loss by that day.
Well, I made it to my 6 month anniversary and I met my goal. I have lost 70 lbs and 52 inches. I still can't believe that this has worked. I have followed the surgeon's rules very closely and have had very little to no trouble since my surgery.I find it hard to believe that when I look in the mirror I still see that person who was morbidly obese. Hopefully that will change one day and soon. I actually purchased a size 14, petite pants this week and just about fainted when they fit. I wish all preops and postops success in their journey.
Future Update 3/15/05 - I forgot to update on my 7 month anniversary, so here it goes. I have lost 80 lbs and 73 inches. I still have trouble believing that it's really me when I look in the mirror. I can eat pretty much anything I want with no problems. I still haven't had any sugar, bread, rice, pasta or soft drinks since July 28th, 2004. Most of these were my weakness and I choose not to try them because of that and also because I know they aren't healthly choices for me. I wish everyone good luck with their weight loss journey. This is an amazing ride. Oh, I forgot, I'm down from a size 2X to a 12 petite.
4/2/05 - My 8 month annivesary was on 3/28, I know I'm late updating, but it's because this has been a tough month for me. I lost 2 lbs and 4 inches for a total of 81lbs and 77 inches. Believe I am grateful for this but have been a little upset about the 2 lb loss. During early March I had to have 3 facet injections for migraines and fibromyalgia. These are steroid injection, I got them approved by Dr. Facundus. I know that steriods can affect your weight loss so I'm trying not to stress about this. The scales haven't moved in well over 3 weeks. I guess I will have to start the "How to break a plateau" diet if nothing changes by next week. Anyway, still haven't had any problems. I can eat most anything but have chosen to not try those things that would be a weakness for me. I wish all preops and postops the best as they travel on this amazing journey. I almost forgot, I was able to buy and wear a 2 hook bra from Victoria Secret this month and I also fit into a size 8P skirt. Still in shock about that. Until next month.......Future Update
5/4/05 - I can't believe that it has been 9 months since my surgery. I have lost 87 lbs and 83 inches. My weight loss has slowed down a great deal. If I don't lose another pound I will still be overjoyed with my success so far. I can do so many things that I was unable to do just 9 months ago. I love my life again and I feel like a different person. My aunt took some pictures at a get together and for the first time I can actually stand to look at them. The funny thing is I don't recognize the person that I have become. I'm getting ready to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon. I don't believe that BCBS will cover this but I want to at least do the consult and see what happens. I also have an appointment with an opthamologist to see about getting the excess skin removed from my eyes. It is touching my eyelashes and I believe this will be covered by BCBS. I am going to see a sleep doctor to see if I can get rid of my cpap. I don't want to need this anymore. I haven't been sick since right after my surgery and even that was my fault, overeating and not chewing well. I wish everyone good luck on that journey, no matter where you are. Oh, I have gone from a size 20 to a size 8.
Future Update
6/2/05 - Well 10 months have now passed since my re-birthday. I have lost a total of 90 lbs and 85". I am wearing size 8 in petites and mediums in most things. I haven't had any problems other than eating too fast occasionally and getting the foamies, which I hate. I am able to walk outside now that the weather has improved. I try to walk 1 1/2 to 2 miles at least 4 times per week. I am also thinking about joining Curves to try and get rid of some of the extra skin. I saw the opthamologist about the extra eye skin and I have to go back in a few months for pictures and he will submit these to BCBS. We will see. I haven't made an appointment with a PS yet. Still need to get that done. I wish everyone much success on this journey. It has definitely changed my life in so many ways. I did see the nutritionist last month and had blood work done, both reports were great so at least I'm doing OK on the food and vitamine routine. Take care.....
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Future Update
Profile created by Linda M - Sept 8, 2004
This profile was made by an OH volunteer
Want your profile spruced up? email us:
htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com
Hospital Reviews
(Huntsville, AL) - Crestwood Medical Center (COE)
Member Interests:
Books & Literature - Fiction - Any type of mystery
Fitness & Exercise - Walking
Games & Entertainment - All types of movies
Hobbies - Collecting Barbies
Birds - Green Winged Macaw named Scarlett
Motorcycles - Husband has a Harley Davidson
Music - Top 40s, Classic Rock, 70s, 80s and Country
Language - English
Religion & Spirituality - Christianity
Grandchildren - One boy named Chase
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Edward Facundus, M.D., F.A.C.S.
I had heard nothing but good things about Dr. Facundus before my appointment with him. I was not disappointed. He was very thorough and efficient. He seems geniunely concerned about his patient and wants to make sure that all the bases are covered. He has a good bedside manner and allows you to ask as many questions as you need too. He emphasizes aftercare and has a very structured aftercare program. He was very open about the risk involved with surgery. I would rate him excellent both in surgical competence and beside manner.
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, PPO
BCBS was easy to deal with and always polite. They did turn down my first request, based on BMI. Dr. F's office had to fax them additional info on co-morbidities. Awaiting approval from 2nd request.Finally approved after 2nd appeal letter.Started process in February, 2004 and didn't get approved until April 20, 2004.
|
