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Ann V.
Post Op - BMI: 39.2
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: V1062246691
Surgeon: Bradley Thaemert, M.D., F.A.C.S.

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I have struggled all my life with weight issues even in kindergarten I was the biggest kid there. In High School I began going to doctors and getting diet pills and losing I looked ok in High School but after getting married and having kids it has been diet lose and then gain more then diet again over and over till I am 5'7" 275lbs and 52years old. My job is cooking at a college so I am never far from food which helps to never stay on a diet. My friend had this surgery in 1995 and went from 375 to 145 and is doing great today. She has tried to talk me into this for a long time and I've considered it but my husband was against it. He now sees that I am not going to lose weight without some permanent help so is finally supporting me in this. I have been to one facility in our area but am not real comfortable there since they just began the program and have not had any surgeries yet. So on Tues. the 23rd I am going to Sioux Falls to talk to them. I have already talked to my insurance they do approve this surgery if a doctor recommends it so I hope I will have no problems. I know that one lady where I work had this surgery last year and the insurance paid hers so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

10/05/2003

I did go to Sioux Falls and met with Dr. Filler he thinks I'm a good canidate but I think he wishes I had some comorbidities I do have pain in knees and back but nothing else. I go back on the 15th of Oct. to have my psych eval, meeting with the nutritionist and the surgeon so after that they will submit to insurance. My insurance said it takes about 2 to 3 weeks for approval so Dr. Filler thought it was within the realm of possibility for me to have the surgery in Dec. that would be great because I get 2 weeks off anyway and would only have to use about 3 more weeks of sick leave and would be leaving at a slow time during finals week. I would like this I have about 7 weeks of sick leave but if there is a problem later you hate to use it all up. I'm looking forward to getting on with the program. I have to say last night we went to a birthday party where my husband knew everyone but I had only met like 4 people. Of course all the wives were skinny and then there was me. It is so bad when they all begin talking about new clothes they have bought and they are so full on appetizers that they can't think of eating dinner but maybe they will force down a bite or two. Boy I am hoping that the next time I am with these people I can only force down a bite or two. Oh and it was like 100 degrees in the house and one lady was having hot flashes so I explained my red sweating face away with hot flashes also (which could be true) then one of the other women was amazed we thought it was hot she had a turtleneck sweater with long sleeves and a long sleeved silk underware top on underneath I about died. Oh I can't wait to lose weight and feel normal again.

10/19/2003

Well on Oct. 15th I went to first my psych exam not tests just a little conversation I left without the straight jacket so I hope I'm sane. Then on to the surgeon and I liked the guy he answered the questions I had and took a look at the belly and said there should be no problems with a lap surgery that pleases me. Then to the nutritionist she explained what we are to eat how much etc. and gave us a booklet with it pretty much detailed out so I should be able to follow it to the tee. I am just having such a problem realizing that I will be full just eating that little bit. Now what I think is the hardest part of the whole ordeal is the waiting for insurance approval. I'm already trying to figure out how long to wait before I begin checking with people to see if the ball is rolling. I will try to be patient but I so want to have the surgery during Christmas break otherwise I have to wait til May when school is out.

10/30/2003

Well I guess I am feeling like I am on my way for sure now unless of course I'm denied. Yesterday I finally got a hold of my surgeons nurse and she said she had faxed the paperwork to my insurance company on Monday. Then I got right on the phone called the insurance company and lo and behold they had my paperwork and the lady there said she would forward it to the peer group for review and they usually have an answer back within 10 days so I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.

11/07/2003

OMG OMG OMG I debated about calling my insurance today didn't really want to bug them too bad but I called and I am approved letters were sent out a few days ago to me and my surgeons office. So I called my surgeons office asked for the date I've had in my head for a long time and got it. I truly believe this was meant to be so I hope all goes well from here on out. My date for beginning a new life will be Dec 8th. I am so excited hope my boss can deal with this date I'm sure it will work.

Update goes here. . .

Created by Leigh Ann
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Bradley Thaemert, M.D., F.A.C.S.
My first impression is he is young but that does not bother me I feel like he must have had the latest instruction so should be up to date. He is head of surgery at Avera Sioux Falls and does a lot of lap procedures. He was very straight forward about the risks and answered all my questions the first time. I go back again soon I will get more impressions then.
Insurer Info:
Select Benefits Administrators, PPO
I was worried because I could find no other person with the insurance that had been approved. They were great though the girl that handles my employers claims told me what they needed and I gave that info to the surgeon and they handled it all. It was really much faster than I ever expected.