ObesityHelp

12/02: I am currently looking for a good Dr. to preform the Gastric Bypass Surgery on me, I have a BMI of 53 and I am having a lot of problems due to being overweight, lower back pain, knee pain, shortness of breath, and many more. I need this surgery done, but the only medical coverage I have at this time, is medicaid and its hard to find a surgeon who will aceept medicaid. Please help me in this matter, I live in the south part of Ga, and will go anywhere in Ga to get this procedure done. Thanks

2/3/03: I finally found a great sergeon who will accept the insurance that I am on... "Medicaid". I went for my consultation and was scheduled for the exams they require. I hope all goes well...

2/20/03: All went well, and I had my Phychological evaluation completed by Ms. Cleveland in Peachtree City, Ga., for only $100 bucks, if you would like the phone number, Email me, Id be glad to give it to you. and my Nutrition evaluation completed and a letter was sent in by Janet St. Martin the Dietian at Douglas General in Douglasville, Ga. She was awesome and said she woiuld stand by me every step of the way if needed. Thanks Janet..now I wish all I was waiting for was a surgery date. That will be a while, Im sure!

3/7/03: I know now...I am waiting on my slow PCP. He hasnt even faxed the letter over to the correct person to speed this stuff up. Calling hasnt seemed to help. I guess I will update this when I hear of something good!

3/22/03: It has been a couple of weeks since I last checked in. I changed Drs now I have a woman Dr. and shes awesome, her name is Dr. Danforth in Newnan. I will be going for my PreOp blood work clearances on April 2nd 03. Hopefully everything will move smoothly from there, I will update this page as soon as I get good news..Wish me luck!

4/2/03: Good news!!!!I went for my Pre-Op blood work today, all went well. I will hopefully get the results back soon and then my PCP will start writing the letter for my approval. I predict that my surgery date will be the end of May...lets see how close I am to my prediction, Gosh I hope its soon, Im going crazy waiting...I have a "heel spur" so I have been in therapy for 2 weeks and will be in that for 3 more weeks. I will write more when I hear of more good news.

4/11/03: Errrrr, I said I would write when I had more "good" news, but I guess it all cant be good news when your going through this process..I still dont have the results to my blood work and unfortunatley I have to take "another" test. A test I didnt know I had to take, and wasnt mentioned in the beginning..I dont understand why I wasnt told to take the Pulmonary Test while I was waiting for my blood work to come back. Just wasted time. I guess thats their way of "stalling". I have an appointment today, 4/11/03 So I should get the results today...I will update then.

4/12/03: I got the results back from blood work, I passed all of those, I WISH I was good to go, and on my way...but unfortunatley it takes forever for this process to take place. My pulmo test is scheduled for April 21st. Wish me luck!

4/28/03: My pulmonary function test was rescheduled to the 28th of April. So today I went for this simple breathing test and I did really well. The woman who was in there with me had a great personality and a great since of humor,she did an awesome job at getting me through it. I do have to say that was the easiest test yet. The woman's name is Beth and she gave me the results in my hand to fax to Dr. Redmonds office myself. I'm sure there are more test to come. I will update when I hear something new!

5/1/03: I think im finally done with all my test unless I get some thrown on me unexpected. I just want to take this time to thank everyone for their prayers and to thank all the ladies that have stood by me during this difficult and frustrating time. I want to thank Cookie for calling me and giving me support by phone, and updating me on her situation. I have finally spoken to Dee (Redmonds office manager) she says that all im waiting on now is my PCP's letter of medical clearance, once I get that, I'm on my way to a surgery date. I cant belive im so close to the other side! I'll update on that later.

5/6/03: FRUSTRATION!!!!I am beginning to think this PCP is as slow as the first one I had. I can't believe my medical release forms are still not ready, she keeps saying she'll have them ready last week, this week, next week, whats up with that? she still has not written the letter for medical clearance, thats the only thing that Im waiting on now. How long does it take to write a letter?

5/14/03: FINALLY!!! After 3 months of waiting for just a piece of paper, its finally here. I have my medical release form now, but what else could go wrong? IM SICK NOW!!! I have upper respiratory infection and now I have to wait until Im better...Isnt that just my luck. Imagine that...isnt it ironic! I went to the Dr. again, and I should be better soon. I will update later!

5/18/03: I am finally getting better from my respiratory infection. My pcp gave me some medicine that has worked wonders to clear up my sickness. Im still waiting on Dee to call me for my next step. I still have (Plantar Facciitis) people know that as a heel spur, so if anyone knows how to get rid of that, please contact me. I will do almost anything at this point. I will update when I hear good news...I just want to say goodluck to those who are still waiting for a date and dont give up, and to those who are post op, congratulations!

5/23/03: I went to a podiatrist and he gave me a shot for my heel spur. It still isnt any better, but better than it was. Well well well, its almost the end of May, and I still dont have a surgery date. I think I predicted to soon. I guess thats just how fast I want it to happen. I cant belive it though, today I got a call from Dee and it looks like the surgery is finally going to be underway. Everything will be processed to my insurance company within a few days. We'll see if I get approved. Looks like my surgery could possibly be end of June, middle of July. I predicted May, but June/july isnt that too far off..or is it? Anyway, WISH ME LUCK! I'll update next time with a surgery date!

6/3/03: FINALLY!!!!I got a date...IM SOOOO HAPPY. It only took 4 days to get approved, and 4 months of waiting. I cant belive it. July 15th, is my new birthday, and now I cant wait to get to the other side...

6/14/03: I just wanted to take this time again to thank the very special people who I have talked to on the phone about their surgery. They know who they are. They have talked to me about the surgery itself, some have given me clothes, and others have just made me really feel at ease. I really appreciate everything. Thank you, My surgery date is almost near (July 15th) and im soooo nervous yet soooo excited. I cant wait to be a looser. Wish me all the best.

7/10/03: The time is almost near, exactly 5 days left until my big day. I am so nervous and scared its not even funny. I really hope GOD is with me on this, and I hope I have each and everyone of your prayers, I will truely need them! Special thanks to Denise Hughes for being my Angel, and to Kristi for being there every time Ive had a problem...and a special thanks to Lynne for giving me her clothes. Thanks to so many I cant name right now, I really appreciate the warm and kind words you all have given me. Until then, I will see you guys on the other side.

7/14/03: I want to take this last minute to THANK THE GOOD LORD ABOVE. He is the one that has let me come this far w/ no problems, and I hope he will let me live on to see my grandchildren blossom. Well....TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! I CANT BELIVE IT IS FINALLY HERE! Im so scared and nervous, but so excited. I really hope that you all are praying for me, Im really going to need that. My Angel Denise Hughes will be letting you guys know what is going on with me during my stay at the hospital, Denise thanks so much for being such great support. I will update again when Im feeling better. Bye for now!

7/20/03: I made it on the other side thanks to the good LORD ABOVE. Prayers always work. I just want to take this time to tell you guys how my went. When I started out I weighed 330lbs and right before I went in for PreOp on July 14th I weighed 318. So I had lost some weight before I went in due to already beginning my sugar free diet. When I left the hospital which was a long stay for me..6days, I weighed 310lbs so this surgery works and I look forward to losing more each day. The beginning of surgery I wasnt nervous at all, I was calm because I had gave all my fears to GOD and I knew he wasnt going to let me leave this world having 2 children and a husband to take care of. After surgery went well I came back to my room and was very very tired, sore, couldnt move and could hardly breathe. They kept working with me day by day and let me just say the nurses I had were absolutley WONDERFUL I give them all the credit in the world for making my stay at Paulding Hospital a good one, but of course my mother was there so she helped out where the nurses couldnt. Before surgery I had to be given a PORT to my vein, the Drs. couldnt find a vein big enough to handle all the medicaiton I was going to be recieving, they had to stick that in my shoulder and it didnt hurt, it was actually easier becasue when they needed blood they just got it from the little port that Dr. Redmond had put in. and so then it was soon time to come home and waiting for Dr. Hawkins to release me was so irritating becasue I was up walking and doing what I was suppose to do and he wasnt moving fast enough for me. I want him there to release me. I had done packed everthing before he got there because I knew I was going home that day. He soon came and departure papers were made, It was mentioned that my PORT had to be taken out. He said the nurses would be here to help me w/ that and so then he left. I was his last patient to see, and he was gone. When the nurse pulled out my PORT, my heart then began to race, I was hyperventalating, my right are then went numb (the side the port was on) my head got light and heavy, and I had tunnel vision. I was soooo scared I was having a heart attack and no one was going to be able to help me. I didnt know what was happening to me. They called the Dr. back and he said "send her to ICU" I was horrified becasue here I was about to go home and this happend. I had to stay in ICU all night until the next morning. I had already been in the hospital 5 days and that night wouildve made 6 ehhhh, they tried again to get a vein to give me fluids, but NO VEIN! "im a hard sticker" so I then slept in a ICU bed with nurses watching me the whole night. The nexy morning I had to go to Wellstar Cobb Hospital to get an ekcocardiogram done, becasue there was no one there to do it at paulding on sat. or sun. so I went by ambulance to cobb hospital then came back only to find out the test results of my ecko were NORMAL and Dr. Hawkins had already talked to the nurses at paulding so they had my paper work ready to release me when I returned. I was then fine enough to go home. Dr. Hawkins had said I had a faiting spell when they pulled out the port line. it was huge, about 5-6inches going to my heart, but that isnt what did it, in my opionion. Its July 20th and I feel fine, up walking around trying to find something to eat so I dont get sick. good luck to those of you who are about to have surgery with Dr Redmond HES AWESOME!

9/3/03: On Sept 15th I will be exactly 2 months PostOp, from 330lbs before surgery, ive lost about 55-60lbs. I now weigh about 270lbs. I am in a size 22 and have not been in a size 22 in many many many years. When I put on those size 22 jeans, I was SO happy, I almost cried. Thanks to Jesus I am now starting to lose the weight that I wouldve never lost w/out help. People are starting to notice that something is differant with me, they just dont know what...anyway, I am just now starting to get my strength back from the surgery. I havent had the erge to get online in a while. Ive been just relaxing trying to get myself healed up. Ive been having trouble w/ my right leg (sciatic nerve) going numb when I sit for a long period of time at my computer (nothing to do w/ surgery), so thats why I havent updated my profile in a while, but I am doing good. Its hard trying to find something to eat. I have went through the depression stage, where I just cry and cry because I cant eat the things I used to eat before. Its very depressing. I am dealing with that and Its getting better. Ive learned that I can eat most of what I want, just less of it and w/ a few changes. I want to send out a speacial thanks to the ones that have helped me through my questions, and concerns. This surgery isnt easy.... mentally, and it really does change your life. I wish everyone that has been through it or are about to go through it... the best of luck! If you have any questions, please Email me, I am trying to get online more frequently, so I will answer as quickly as possible. GOOD LUCK! will update next month.

Oct 15, 2003: I am now 3 months post op and have had a bit of trouble these last couple of weeks. Ive been to the ER 3 times in 1 week. They have said that I may have a possible ulcer in my pouch..and let me tell you...that isnt fun. Today is the first day that I have felt like even going outside, I am not on medication to help it and hopefully make it go away. Ive lost 80 or so pounds and WOW, I never thought I could look like this, although it has taken a toll on my family, Ive had great success losing this weight. Im still having a hard time dealing with not being able to eat what I used to eat, (McDonalds, Wendy's, chinese food) I could eat it, but it doesnt taste the same so WHY try??? Its hard coping, but Im manageing ok with Gods help. I will update again next month...wonder how its gonna be on Thanksgiving...Screeeeem!!!!

Dec 12th 2003: I HAVE BEEN ABSOLUTLEY WONDERFUL, THANKSGIVING WAS A BREEZE! I am NO LONGER having a hard time dealing w/ fast food resturants. I can eat just about whatever I want, except greesy foods/fried foods. I have lost 80lbs already and am very excited about the whole thing. I no longer regret having the surgery although if I had it to do over again I would change a few things if I had to go back and do it again...thank god I dont! I am moving closer and closer to the new me. Thank you Dr. Redmond, Thank you JESUS!

Dec 27th 2003: I am now 90lbs down, and feeling awesome. I cant believe for the first time in my life I can feel my bones. I have felt bones I never knew were even there. I sat on the floor the other day and wow...I felt my tail bone. OUCH!!! Im just so thankful im here alive and well. I cant wait til im 100lbs down, im going to party!!! Until next time. Happy New Year!

JAN 3rd 2004: Whoo hoooo, I had a great New Year, Its now 2004. I cant believe its here already and will be gone in no time. I had someone spruce up my profile page with butterflies, and I was just seeing how it works. I will post again in February.

April 2004: It has been such a long time since I have updated my profile. I have lost 112lbs in 9 months. I am so happy to have had this surgery now that all my pain is gone. People still ask me if I would do it again. WELL...I would, but without the pain. I look totally different. I have tried to post my picture but for some reason its not posting. I just want to say to those who are trying to have this surgery, Keep your chin up and keep praying, it will happen, and to those who have already had the surgery, Congratulations, and to GOD...Thank you!

June 2004: I have lost 118lbs so far and Next month in July will be 1year. Im doing really really well, and im still very thankful for this surgery. People do not even recognize me. Sometimes I find myself not even speaking to that person because I feel they wont recognize me. Sometimes I do speak, and they have trouble remembering who I am because I do not look the same, they say...GIRL...what have you done to yourself, youve lost weight. WOW, howd you do it. I say Ive had the surgery, they say WOW GIRL. You look great! I just smile and say Thank You. It feels 100% great to feel the way I do today. Thank GOD! GOOD LUCK to everyone!

Jan 2005: I havent updated in a while. WOW, Ive had a blast, and man have I went through a tough journey. I have lost 130lbs in 18 months. I think Ive stopped losing. I think Im at my stopping point. I wear a size 18 pants where I used to wear size 28. I feel great and can only Thank the good lord above for making this possible for me. I can do more with my children and they love it. I went skating for the first time in years, since I was 16. My son was so amazed that I could still skate. He had never seen me skate, so he was in shock. It made me feel good. I can do so many things that I could never do before. I love myself now. If I could just get rid of the excess skin I'll be doing even better. Until next time...

11-05-2005 WOW its been forever since Ive updated this thing. Ive lost a total of 135lbs and loving it. I want to lose more, but I have so much skin hanging that atleast weighs a ton. hahaha! Wish I could have it removed. Anyway, good look to those who are looking to have this surgery done, and Congrats to those who have done this surgery, its a life saver! Anyone reading this who has any questions/comments please feel free to Email me, I am online daily and will respond to all Emails. Take Care!Mimi2200@aol.com

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Profile put together by Sherri Garrett on 1/2/04
If you'd like your profile spruced up you can write to one of the fine HTML Volunteer's here at: htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com