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Jody M.
Baltimore, MD, USA
Post Op - BMI: 34.7
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: M991946733
Surgeon: Thomas H. Magnuson

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Well my three year anniversary was yesterday. I have lost roughly 100lbs since my surgery. I am able to eat all of the foods that I like, but very carefully and in small quantities. For example I love ice cream, but the combination of fat and sugar makes me feel sick; thus I will order the kiddie size eat part of it and throw the rest of it away. I also drink nothing but skim milk and still have some trouble with things like cereal. Another challenge in vegatables because I really like things like cabbage and broccolli (they are really good for me but give me gas which hurts alot) so i have to eat them in very small portions. My weight has stayed stable for the most part. If I eat very carefully and exercise I loose some weight easilier than some other people, but it is also possible to gain weight if you eat lots of junk food (trust me itis possible to eat the junk food. once a month I go on a chocolate craving and can eat little bits through out the day, which is can be more than what a normal person eats.)Point is that yes, this is a life/eating habit change that I am reminded of everyday. I feel that it is helpful to talk to people about it, that way they understand my eating habits and do not critize me as much. BUT I love the energy I have, the way the my clothes fit, where I can shop, and most importantly how my self esteem and confidence has increased!!!! I hope that what I had to say was helpful to you in some way. Please feel free to email me if you have questions. =)


Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Thomas H. Magnuson
Dr. Magnuson is very patient, friendly, and makes me feel secure that things will go well. He is also very busy, so unless you are very persistent and/or very lucky be prepared to wait for a date. (note: this is true for many Johns Hopkins Dr.'s as it is such a world famous hospital) I have met with him twice so far, the first was for me to ask questions and make sure he thought I was a good canidate ect. The second time was for my parents to meet him before my surgery and let them ask any questions. He was able to answer all my mom's questions (a definite challenge) and did not make us feel that we were holding him up. It was great to have my parents on board and feeling more comfortable about it all. (I am 23, and a graduate student, so I need their support.) His office staff is very friendly, especially Ashley the nutritionist, and have been able to assist in trying to juggle my appointments so that I could get everything done and be on my way to recovery before school starts. So, far I am very impressed...more to come Post-op.
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross, CareFirst
The policy does not exclude the procedure, but it does not include it either. Thus the HR people requested an one time addition be made, with their consent that it should be done. (this was upon appeal) I was still turned down, and not for any reason in particular. Simple, "it isn't included, NO!" Someone else on the site mention a new law effective October 1, 2001 that requires it to be covered in this state. I am trying to find out if we can get it covered retroactively to that date. As you can imagine, I am not pleased with the insurance company. They mess up all my medical and mental health bills frequently, so this doesn't really surprise me.