- HOME
- ARTICLES
- PHOTOS
-
FORUMS
- WEIGHT LOSS RELATED
- Main Forum
- Exercise & Fitness
- Diet & Nutrition
- WLS Graduates
- More
- MEDICAL CONDITIONS
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- More
- SURGERY DATES
- GO LOCAL
- Regional Forums
- GROUPS
- HEALTH TRACKER
-
COMMUNITY
- Newsletter
- OH Personal Newsletter
- More
- Member Q&A
- Chatroom
- Events
- MYJOURNEY
|
Janie D. Cushing, TX, USA Post Op - BMI: 33.3 Surgery Type: RNY Member ID: D1023329562 Web Site: http://www.expage.com/mseasttexaslady Surgeon: Hugh P. Babineau M.D.,F.A.C.S. |
Click here for Janie's surgery support page Click here for the 03/2003 Reunion Page Click here to print Janie's cards (You can print your own cards, and if you're good at it, you can help print cards for your friends as well!) |
  A little bit about myself. I'm a 41 year old Mother of 3 boys. I'm 5'5", weigh 324# with a BMI 54.4 (when I began this research journey in May 2002). My hobbies are reading, sewing, my family, and my  double dapple dachshund, Lucy. I'm a teachers aide for special needs students in a Life Skills Classroom, I work for a public school district. I love what I do, the students are great. I work with Ms. Betty Montgomery, she is wonderful teacher and friend.I'm concerned about WLS but, who isn't to some point. I am aware of the motality rate for this type surgery. I'm worried about the psych eval more than going through surgery. I keep wondering if, I will have a problem with the food after surgery. Making sure I don't over eat. I'm just terrified, I will over eat. I want WLS to work for me. I want to be happy and healthy. Ross, my husband and I celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on June 2nd. Our sons are Travis 20 yrs, Caleb 11 yrs, & Trey 6 yrs old. The last 21 yrs, have gone from overweight to super morbid obese. I have problems with arthritis in my hips, knees and feet, type II diabetic, high blood pressure, and rising cholesterol levels. Ross is a very quite and private person. All he says is he is worried about me either way. He could lose me to obesity and health problems. He could lose me in surgery. I told him I am willing to go through the surgery, because it will give me more time with my family and I would feel better. Ross gives me little facial expressions to let me know he is ok with how I will look after this jump start to losing weight. I would love it if he were verbal. I need his words of support or concern whatever he is thinking! It really hurts. Caleb is extremely worried about this surgery. "He has told me that he loves me now matter what I look like." Travis is a very private person & has said nothing one way or another. He just kisses me on my forehead & tells me "he loves me." Trey, he doesn't realize what I'm going to do. I think it best not to worry him. I have to feel better for me but more so for Ross and our sons. I pray my Heavenly Father will hold my family and myself in His loving, protective hands, keep us safe and well. My Family History Myself - Arthirits in Back, Hips, Knees, Feet, Depression, High Blood Pressure, Type II Diabetic, Super Morbid Obese, 2 Pregnancies Threatened with Gestational Diabetis, C-Section Last Pregnancy, Gall Bladder Removed, Rising Cholesterol Levels, My Brother - Overweight (He's 6'3" & about 250#) My Mother's Side of the Family: My Mother - COPD, High Cholesterol My Mother's Mother (Bigmomma)- Overweight, High Blood Pressure, & Depression; Died of Heart Failure My Mother's Father (Bigdaddy)- Overweight, Heart Disease; Died of Liver Cancer My Mother's Brother - Died of Lung Cancer My Father's Side of the Family: My Father - Postate Cancer (removed 2004), Kidney Cancer (one Kidney removed 2005), High Cholesterol, Arthritis, Type II Diabetic (Controlled), Beginnigs of Parkinson's Disease My Father's Brother - High Cholesterol, Arthritis, Heart Disease My Father's Mother(MaMaw) - Heart PaceMaker, Alzieheimers, Died of Colon Cancer My Father's Father (PaPaw) - Diabetic, Poor blood circulation in legs which led his leg artery's being striped in each leg, slightly Overweight, Died of Fatal Heart Attack My Father's Father's Mother - Morbid Obese, Died at age of 55 from a Heart Attack (I look like her photo's)   ~~~~~1/24/06~~~~~ I'm almost 3 yrs post-op. I have been diagnoised with Neuro-cardiogenic syncope also known as Vasovagal Syncope. My heart is not pumping enough blood to my brain. My Cardiologist has prescribed Topril XL 75 mg, Wellbutrin 30 mgs, & Paxil 40 mgs. I'm still an enemic. I'm maintaining around 205# to 210#. ~~~~~3/15/05~~~~~ I'm two years post op and loving it. I'm still losing slowly but surely. I'm down to 200 lbs. by my PCP's scales. I need to go to Dr. B's and get my offical weight. ;-} I have not updated my profile in awhile. Since August 2004, I have been diagnosed as an anemic. I have gone to the emergency room three times (two of which were by ambulance and I stayed in the hospital two different times for several days of test) between August and February. On February 15th, 2005 I was told I was a severe anemic. My CBC was at an 8 should be between 14 and 18. My PCP, Dr. Cline prescribed Hemocyte (Iron tablets) twice a day. I have an appt on March 21st to check my CBC. I personally would be happy to have a total hysterectomy. I think that would take care of alot of the anemie. ~~~~~11/18/03~~~~~~ I had my 8th month checkup with Dr. Babineau this afternoon! I'm down 101.8 lbs.  I am very pleased. I'm wearing a 18W/20W slacks, and 22W jeans with a 1X top or 20W. I have not worn this size in 15 years. I am soooo pleased. I would like to get down to 150 lbs. Dr. B said at 180 lbs I would not be obese and at 150 lbs I would not be overweight. I have a check-up at 1 year anniversary. ~~~~~7/10/03~~~~~~ Hi All! I went to Dr. B this morning for my 4 month check-up. I finally got to meet a WLS Sister Margaret Mitchel at Dr. B's office. We were able to visit in Freda's office for a few minutes before going into our exam rooms. Margaret is sooo sweet and looks great. She is doing wonderful. I recieved a great report. I can not believe I am down 76#'s. Dr. B said come back in 4 months and excerise!!! I have been bad, I have not been excerising. So, I went and walked the mall in Tyler.;0) I will walk tonight on the tread mill for 15 minutes. Then slowly increase my time walking. It's to hot to walk outside 95 degrees today with a heat index of 110 degrees. The heat index is the killer around here. Oh yea, I am having fewer and fewer problems with my hips, knees, & feet. In fact, I tried on shoes while at the mall.lol I went by East Texas Medical Center and saw Shannon Phillips. She had her Lap RNY on 7/9 and Shannon was doing great and looked great. I enjoyed visiting with Shannon and her husband. ~~~~~6/9/03~~~~~~~ I went to the local clinic on Friday/6th with my youngest son. I weighed 276 lb's so, I am now down 62 lbs by their scales. We had a retirement party for one of our teachers on Sunday/8th. I was able to wear a size 26W blue jeans confortably. To think just 3 months ago I was wearing a size 32W blue jeans. It is still very hard to believe that I'm down this much. I look in the mirror and still see myself as 338#. I guess that takes time. ~~~~~5/16/03~~~~~~ I went to the clinic here in town today and weighed & the blood pressure thing. I weigh 282#'s so,I am down 56#'s by their scales. I'm 9 weeks and 4 days post-op. ALRIGHT WOWOWOWOWOWOWO I just need to exercise more. Oh ya, blood pressure was 122/88 with no meds. ;-) ~~~~~4/22/03~~~~~~ It has been 6 weeks since my surgery. I went to Dr. Babineau today, I weigh 291. That means, I'm down 47.4 pounds. He said I was way above the curve. I can not believe I have lost this much weight. I have not been under 300#'s in 5 years. I Still can not believe it. I wore size 28W blue jeans Friday for the first time in 5 years. I was in 32W jeans and 4X tops. I'm wearing 28W or 3X tops. (I'm glad I did not get rid of my clothes as I got bigger.) My health has improved since my surgery. My blood pressure is running 128/84 and my blood sugar is normal (110 average). My hips, knees, & feet do not hurt nearly as bad. I have not had an pain meds since I came home from the hopital. I can walk a mile now. Where this time 2 months ago I could not walk from the truck to inside Wal-Mart and buy groceries without sitting down for awhile. I go back to Dr. B. July 10th. ~~~~~3/9/03~~~~~~~ My BMI as of today is 55.4 weight 333.4 lbs. Well, tomorrow morning, I begin a new life. I'm not nervous or scared or worried. I ask my Lord to please take all of these fellings from me and He has. I'm ready for tomorrow. I have the boys situated as to where they will stay, Ross will be with me, and our bag is packed. I have my house chores complete, so I will not come home to laundry and such. Not that I'll be able to do it for awhile. ;0) I would like to thank everyone here at obesityhelp for all the prayers and support. ~~~~~~2/27/03~~~~~~ I went to my new PCP (Dr. Mark Cline) this afternoon. Dr. Cline told Ross and myself all the blood work was in normal range. D., Cline also, ran an EKG and it too was normal. I have 10 days to surgery. I'm still nervouse but I am getting my ducks as my friend and co-worker WLS Deb says in a row. (quack quack) I have been working on my Will and Living Will. I hate talking about these things. I'm just 42 yrs old. ~~~~~~2/16/03~~~~~~~ Well about 21 days and I start a new life. I'm fighting a Sinus infection right now. I went to my new PCP on Thursday and he gave me med's and told me if I did not feel any better Friday to come back in. I was coughing more by Friday so, I went back to PCP's office and he gave me a shot and told me to stay on the oral med's. I think he is trying to keep me from getting Broncitis. Which would probably cause a delay in my surgery. I like Dr. Mark Cline and His staff. They are nice and friendly. I'm getting nervouse and anxious. I still have 3 weeks to go. Silly, huh. ~~~~~~1/18/03~~~~~~ Blue Cross Blue Shield of TX - TRS/ActiveCare has made me a very happy woman. I rcvd my "letter of approval" for Dr. Hugh Babineau to due my surgery. I'm soooo excited. I could just scream. I know ya'll can not see me but I'm doing the happy dance. ;-) LOL Thank you, my Heavenly Father for being so loving, kind, and giving. Thank you WLS family for your support. Prayers and Blessings to you all. ~~~~~~1/8/03~~~~~~~ I called Dr. Babineau's office, to see if they had heard from BCBS. Ms Freda said "no" and she suggested I wait until next week and check back. I ask if I could have a surgery date of March 10th and she said that would not be a problem. I called BCBS & they have not rcvd anything from Dr. B's office. I ask if I would be re-approved and BCBS rep said it should not be a problem. So, I am waiting. Please remember me in your prayers. Thank you! ~~~~~~12/27/02~~~~~~ I had my consult with Dr. Babineau on Thrusday, 12/26/02. I like Dr. B. He is very informative and I like how he conducts new patience consultation. He meets with a group up to 9 people. He goes over everything in this meeting. He incourages the patients to ask questions in an open discussion at the end of the meeting. Then, each new patient is called into his office for a private consulation. I like what Dr. B said, "with the open incesion I'm able to put my hands and eyes on my work." I have ask for a surgery date of March 10th, 2003. I am waiting to see if I get it. ~~~~~~12/04/02~~~~~~ I went on 10/21 for my appt with Dr. Thomas. He was very standoffish. He seemed very pre-occupied. I knew one of our WLS sisters had surgery that morning. (Little did I know at that time surgery had had a problem. Come to find out our wls sister stayed in the hospital 3 weeks.) He told me he does one LAP RNY a month. I ask for December it was taken, I ask for March. The nurse called me at school & told me Dr. Thomas was taking that week in March off to be with his children for spring break. I feel this is the Lords way of telling me not to have surgery in Nacogdoches. So, with that decided, I looked to going to Houston & having surgery. I made an appt with Dr. Glorsky and cancelled. Then, I tried to make an appt with Dr. Naaman but they never returned my call after I faxed my paperwork to them. I took that as I'm not supposed to use him. I called Dr. Babineau in Tyler and my appt is 12/26/02, Ross and I will be off for winter break. He is going with me on the 26th. I will let you know when I have completed my appt. Also, did you know that an approval letter is only good for 3 months? That is what I was told. It's not suppose to be hard to get re-approved. ~~~~~~10/19/02~~~~~~ Good evening, everyone. I wanted to update you on my WLS journey. Monday/21st, I have an appt with Dr. Thomas in Nacogdoches at 3:30pm. Ross is going with me and we will see what Dr. Thomas has to say. I would really like to have my surgery soon but I'm just not sure of Nacogdcohes. If I go to Houston and have surgery, I will be there for 10 days. I'm just not sure what I will do. If anyone has any advise or any kind of words, I would really appreciate your input. ~~~~~~10/4/02~~~~~~ Hi! :0) I hope this finds everyone doing well. Caleb throw a great pass for a touchdown last night!! Yes! Yes! I spoke with Connie of Dr. Glorsky's office today. Their office is in Houston. She is very informative and helpful. She is sending a packet for me to fill out. Connie ask that I send a copy of my APPROVAL letter, pshyc eval info and any letters I have from my PCP and mail all back to her. She advised, I would have to stay in Houston at least 10 days after LAP RNY. If that is the case, I will wait until July of 2003 for surgery. I can not take off work for 10 days in the middle of the school year. Ross & I have talked about surgery in December at Christmas break and we agree it would not be a good time. We would either have to stay with Ross' dad or with my brother. Ross' dad and new wife would be celebrating their anniversary and I KNOW they do not want Ross, our boys & myself envading their privacy. My brother & his wife have 3 teen & 3 pre-teen daughters, couldn't you see Ross, our 3 boys & myself going in on them during the holidays. LOL More specially, me just out of the hospital. I think I'm going to see about someother kind of arrangements for lodging this summer and not impose on any of them. I plan to continue going to support group in Nacogdoches at Tomorrow's Weigh. Thank you for your paryers. Prayers and Blessings to all. ~~~~~~9/28/02~~~~~ Good Morning, All! I have had a busy week this week and have not had a chance to post after my pshyc eval. I spoke with Dr. Cheryl Wilson in Nacogdoches on Monday/23rd. She is a very nice lady. She would ask a question then I would answer. I told her about ya'll and what a help ya'll have been in my decision making. She ask did I know that Dr. Thomas was now performing the Lap-Band surgery. I told her yes but I was not interested. I have been researching Lap-Band; I have found were the band can slip down the stomach, erosion of the band into the stomach, port and tubing problems, & mechanical malfunction of the band. All of these are known to occur in 10-22% of patients, and many require another operation to correct the condition. The LAP-BAND is not a permanent device and will require replacement or removal at some point in the future.(I found this info at www.drchampion.com/lapband.htm). Dr. Wilson said I had researched well. I believe I gave her information she was not aware of. I spoke with her for an hour. She said I would do fine with WLS. I had an appt with Dr. Thomas on Friday/27th but I cancelled it. We were very busy in preparations for homecoming pep rally. To be truthful, I am not sure what I am going to do. I must have the surgery but I do not know where or by whom. I know, I want the RNY! Please pray for me. Prayers and blessings to you all. ~~~~~~9/20/02~~~~~~ I recieved my letter of approval today. I'm excited! Not really, I found out today from Phil, Dr. Thomas no longer does the Lap RNY. He has began doing the Adjustable Lap-Band. I began researching and I do not like what I'm finding. I will turn this problem over to my Lord. He will know what I need to do. I have an appt with Dr. Thomas on Friday/27th. I will see what he has to say. The Tomorrow's Weigh support group will meet on Thursday/26th instead of Tuesday/24th. So, I will not be able go to support meeting. You know, it's Thursday Night Junior High Football, my son Caleb will be quarterback. Now, this is exciting. I'm so proud!!! ~~~~~~9/18/02~~~~~~ I'm yelling, I'm screaming.... I have been APPROVED for surgery. I called BCBS and was advised, I have been aproved. The letter was mailed on the 17th. I'm soooo nervous now!!! ~~~~~~9/9/02~~~~~~~ Hi!! I spoke with Phil @ Tomorrow's Weigh his afternoon. Phil informed me, he sent my insurance request on Friday, Sept 6th. He said to give BCBS two weeks to receive and process my request. I'm praying there are no problems or delays. I'm in alot of pain from my hip and knees. I called my primary physican, he has prescribed a pain reliever and analgesic combination. So, I haven't been feeling well but, I haven't missed a day of work. HOPEFULLY my surgery date can be on October 7th. But, I haven't had an appt with Dr. Thomas so, that date may not be available. I have an appt for a psych evel set for Sept 23rd. That is as far as I can go with pre-op testing without Dr. Thomas' orders. As soon as I hear something I will advise you. Prayers and Blessings ~~~~~~8/16/02~~~~~~ Another week down. I have 16 days until Monday, September 2nd or 2 weeks. I pray, BCBSofTX will give me the anwser I pray for. Next week will be a very hetic one, with the students returning and trying to get everyone back on track. ~~~~~~8/9/02~~~~~~ I return to school Monday the 12th and students return the following Monday the 19th. This month has sped by. I can't beleive the 2nd of Sept is 23 days away. Then, I will find out if the new BCBSofTX through TRS-ActiveCare will think I am morbid enough to cover my WLS. ~~~~~~8/1/02~~~~~~ I have 31 days until Sept 1st. Then, Phil @ Tomorrow's Weigh will submit my surgery request to my new BCBSofTX insurance company. I'm very anxious. I wonder how long it will take before, those golden words 'You Are Approved for WLS surgery' are sent my way. ~~~~~~7/20/02~~~~~~ ;o) Happyyyy Birth-dayyyyy to me! (singing) lol :o) I am 42 years old today! Well so far, no one in my family has remembered that today is my birthday. Well, that's how that goes. My thoughtful hubby never said anything. Today is his daddy's birthday also. (I guess, it is mine also, since he is 30 yrs the oldest!) I cooked my own birthday supper! Isn't that a kicker. (I guess, I need to stop the pity party.) My wonderful friend, Betty did remember my birthday! To my AMOS famiy members who sent wishes. Thank you! :o( I'm alittle sad, I was in hopes I would be on the 'losing' side but I'm still on the 'gaining' side. I have 6 weeks until the 1st of September. Then, I will find out for sure if, I have the medical necessity that I need to have WLS. Isn't it a kicker when the insurance company is the one who makes the decision not the doctor who has personal contact with the patient... What can we do? Change insurance companies? It would do no good. It would still be up to the insurance company in the long run...so, I'll Pray and pay the premium and go on with my life. ~~~~7/08/02~~~~ I spoke with BCBS by phone and was advise "they would not approve this surgery no matter." It was NOT allowed on my policy. On September 01, 2002, my insurance will change to BCBS of TX through TRS (Teachers Retirement Systems) and wls is allowed if the patient is morbide obese with health risks. I'm in that catagory. So, I will wait until Sept and see what is said then. ~~~6/29/02~~~ ~~TEARS~~ ~~TEARS~~ I recieved my letter from BCBS today and it reads "Currently, Blue Cross Blue Shield does not predetermine any services not yet rendered. However, after a thorough review by our Medical Review Department, it has been determined that the Roux-n-y Gastric Bypass would not be eligible for benefits under your health care plan. I am sorry our reply could not have been more favorable." I will post later. I will continue to pray. I want this surgery. "I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears. Surely, I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5 ~~~~6/26/02~~~~ I spoke with Ms. Jones today. She confirms BCBS has recieved my request and it is in medical review. Ms. Jones urgies me not to be discouraged and to stay positive. Then, she ask me was I aware I would have to pay about $850 at the time of admittance. I know my insurance has a $500 deductable and I know I would have to pay percentage. I told Ms Jones, I was aware I had to pay these charges but I thought that would be after the surgery. When, my bill was totaled. Since I elected to have this surgery, I have to pay this up front. Of course, the tears are flowing by now. Ms. Jones, she is so sweet, she said she know I could do this not to let it get me done. Ms. Jones will check with BCBS on 7/9/02. I'm soooo sad and down. I have cried a good bit of the afternoon. Ross came home & told me get out of that mood (I just love this man) and we would handle this. I have to get down on my knees and turn this over to the Lord. "He is my strength." "Through my Lord all things are possible." ~~~~6/25/02~~~~ Good Morning all! It is Tuesday the 25th & I hope Ms. Jones will be able to get an approval from BCBS today. I'm very nervous. I will go, once I hear something I will let you know. ~~~~6/21/02~~~~ I called BCBS today & spoke with a very nice lady, Jamie. She advised me the letter from Phil & Dr. Thomas was rcvd on 6/19/02. She was expediting the letter to the review office. Jamie advised, I could call back next week and should receive an answer. Ms. Jones to check with BCBS on 6/25. I am soooo anxious. I have communicated with several different ladies who are waiting for approval and one lady who is trying to decide who & were to have the surgery. I know I am ready. ~~~~6/17/02~~~~ I spoke with Lela Jones of Nacogdoches Medical Center today and she advised me my letter was sent off on Monday June 10th. Ms. Jones will check with BCBS on 6/25 for an answer. ~~~~6/6/02~~~~ Ross & I meet with Phil @ the Tomorrow Weigh Center of Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches, TX today. I turned in my application and I was advised that the center would turn my request to the insurance company the first part of the following week. My precious guardian angel. Love ya and I thank the Lord for sending you!!! 
Personality cocktail From Go-Quiz.com
Find out at Go Quiz
Photos
Hospital Reviews Weight Loss Survey Responses Click Here To View Member Interests: Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members. Surgeon Info: Surgeon: Hugh P. Babineau M.D.,F.A.C.S. My first impression of Dr. Babineau was scrubs & cowboy boots! How cute! He is a young man, and I keep looking at his fingers. They are long, slender, and fine what a surgeon needs. I met Shelly and Amy. They are very nice and helpful. Freda was out. I will get to meet her on the next visit. Insurer Info: BlueCross BlueSheild of TX/TRS-ActiveCare, PPO |
You are the all time favorite, chocolate! Turning white kids black since the 1800s. Staining carpets, car seats, and bed sheets for centuries. One thing is for sure, you will never go out of style. You can't go wrong with chocolate!
© 2013 ObesityHelp, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
