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Margaret F.
(7-07-04)
Surgery date scheduled
Surgery Type: RNY
Member ID: d1075222470
Surgeon: Robert T. Marema M.D.

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2-4-04 ATTENDED WLS SEMINAR IN FT. LAUDERDALE TURNED IN MEDICAL PROFILE AND INSURANCE INFO TO US.BARIATRIC

2-06-04 REVIEWED MEDICAL HISTORY VIA TELEPHONE W/DOC GIVEN LIST OF PRE-OP CLEARANCES AND TESTS NECESSARY

2-06-04 REVIEW INSURANCE COVERAGE W/DOC OFFICE GIVEN LIST OF PAPERWORK NECESSARY TO SEND IN SURGICAL REQUEST APPLICATION

2-09-04 MADE CARDIOLOGIST APPT. FOR CLEARANCE AND TO DISCUSS PROTOCAL FOR SURGERY: REQUEST PARTICIPATION IN SURGICAL PROCEDURE ie. pre and post operative care

MADE PSYC. APPT. FOR CLEARANCE AND EVALUATION: REQUEST PARCIPITATION IN SURGICAL PROCDURE ie. pre and post operative meds.

March 2004

Went to psych eval.all went well, my doc sent the report to the surgeons office.

Had to get a nuclear stress test at the cardiologist, passed with flying colors, hooray. Reports were faxed to the surgeons office, so now my heart is cleared for the WLS. Was necessary because I had a Mitral Valve replacement in 1998 and have a mechanical valve in my heart.

3-09-04
Still waiting for my PCP referral letter, this is taking so long.

3-24-04 Fianally my PCP sent my referral letter to my surgeons office. I was patient because he has been my doc for a long time, and in fact he saved my life back in 1998. I guess the surgeons office will send it right over to BC/BS for insurance approval.
my surgeon is not in the network so I have to pay out of pocket for him. $10,000.(he has reduced his fee for me to $ 6,000.00 )

4-06-04 Talked to the surgeons office today, they sent my request for surgery in yesterday to BC/BC.

4-19-04 Made a call to BC/BS to see if they received the letter from my surgeon, they said they haven't received it yet so I called my surgeon to verify it really went out. She confirmed it went out by mail on 4-05-04. Because my surgeon is not a BC/BS provider, they could not fax in the request, everything is going so slowly because of this.

4-23-04 Went to Ft. Lauderdale to have an appointment with the Psychologist at Dr. Marema's office. Thought it was time to go to U.S. Bariatric to make some contact and get any fears talked out. The doctor was great, and she helped me so much regarding my upcoming surgery. Also checked out hotels in the area for my post-op stay and made a decision where I will stay.

4-28-04 Still waiting for insurance approval, BC/BS has contacted my surgeon twice now for more info. I guess they have everything they need now to make a decision.

5-5-04 Still waiting for insurance approval. Tomorrow is my 6 year anniversary of my open-heart operation, and for some reason, I have a feeling I will get the anwer from BC/BS on that day. It just seems right. WLS will be my second half of the second chance at life, that god has given me. So the second half should be on that date.

5-7-04 Today I received my Insurance Approval. I did'nt receive it on my Open-Heart Anniversary, but the next day is good enough. I received so many well wishes from my AMOS family it was so nice to be able to share my joy. My family was equally happy and relieved this part of the journey is over. Now I can focus on getting things ready. Next week I will get a call from the Surgicall Co-ordinator at US Bariatrics to get a Surgical date. Then it's on to the pre-testing, dietary education class and all the wonderful things that US.Bariatrics offers their patients.
My insurance letter was sent on 4-05-05--approved--5-07-04 took approx. 1 month for approval.

5-13-04 Today I received a surgical date of July 7,2004. I'll be going to Mt. Sinai Hosp. in Miami Beach. I'm so glad that this part of the journey is over. Now I can really get focused on my journey.

Future Update 5-17-04 Had my appointment with Dr. Eisenfeld, he is the Pulmonologist. He has ordered a Sleep Study to be done for Sleep Apnea. Did the H-pylori blood work. Made appointment with Psychologist here in Ft.Myers to see weekly before operation. This was required by my Psychiatrist and Dr. Chewonny at U.S Bariatrics. Went to Mt. Sinai Hosp. Heart Institute this past Fri. They have a bariatric wing and it everything I hoped for. Private rooms with a waterfront view. Dr. Marema's office is right in the hospital. Everything was just what I need, now I can check in and feel very comfortable.I ran into a women post-op who was doing her walking, she gave a great recommendation for Mt.Sinai, and Dr. Marema.

Future May 20,2004
Today I had my pulmonary function test at SWR Medical Center. Tonight is my sleep stydy test there too.Update

UpdateJune 13,2004
So much has happend since my last update. Starting with the Sleep Study, What a hoot!! After 3 hrs of getting all the wires connected to my head, I fell right asleep at 11:00 P.M , never woke up til the technician shook me to get up at 5:00 A.M. Now this is a girl who has had insomnia her whole life. Go figure ?

Went to the Pulmonologist to get the results of the Sleep Study
Failed that test, stoppped breathing 28 times an hour. Ordered a CPAP MACHINE Oh how lovely!!

FINALLY met my surgeon Dr. Marema, he is great, very cheerful with a great bedside manner. His confidence and experience were just radiating from him. Answered all my questions, and especially made me feel at peace about my decision to have WLS.
I trust him, and have all the faith he will perform a very successful surgery on me. Also attended my Nutrition Class, had a meeting with the Chaplain, and sat in on a lecture on Pain Management the same day at the U.S.Bariatric's facility.
I was given a tape to use during surgery to play on a headphone, that contains guided imagery, and positive statements to enhance my recovery....ie. Following your surgery, you will be very thirsty and want to drink lots and lots of water.

Have used the CPAP machine now for two nights, have made it through only about 4 hrs a night, dreaming so vividly and having nightmares. Hopefully that will subside with time.

I have planned a cruise for my family to the Bahamas this week-end. Can't wait to get to Paradise Island.Thought a little fun-time with my guys before the operation would be a good thing for all of us. We are all excited.

JUNE 28,2004
Well today it is one week away until my admission into the Hospital for my surgery. I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I kept very busy today to keep my mind off the big event! I have been on the pre-op diet for one week, it's been hell , I cheated once, I had a turkey and cheese sandwich, I could'nt sleep, and lost control. The midnight cravings were always my downfall. Today I woke up and got right back on track. The rest of this week I will be doing last minute details for my trip Miami Beach for the Surgery.

JUNE 29,2004
I just walked outside, and looked up into the sky, and there it was a full moon, and of course I thought of Jade. She has been on my mind so much this week and there it comes a full moon. I feel so close to her right now. Her and Momma Angel will be my special guardian Angels. I feel their presence with me.

Well the fireworks are exploding right outside my window, as I sit here a type my last entry before I leave for the hosptial in the early morning.
I am as ready as I can be for this surgery. I've spoke to all my family and they are such a great support for me. I know the prayers will be flooding heaven for me on the 7th.
I look forward to the huge transformation that is coming in my life, i want to have my health restored back to me and I thank God that he is giving me this opportunity to have WLS.
I know this next week is going to be difficult, but I know my Lord will Bless me and keep me safe. I think about my Mom now who would want me to close with this prayer:
LORD, GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,
COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN,
AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU PEACE. margaret

Future Update

Profile put together by Sherri Garrett on 5/14/04
If you'd like your profile spruced up you can write to one of the fine HTML Volunteer's here at: htmlhelp@obesityhelp.com

Member Interests:

Family & Friends - Without them I am nothing, all of them I cherish with my whole heart

Fitness & Exercise - Look forward to being able to do more of this in the future post WLS

Dogs - when my son comes home to visit he always brings his two dogs Zorro and Bodhi

Museums & Art Galleries - Someday I want to go to the Lourve in Paris

Cars - I drive a S430 Mercedes, my dream car zoom-zoom-zoom

Cards - Love to gamble, Vegas here I come!!

Christianity - God you are my refuge, my strength, and my hope

Boats - I live in fla, on the water, how could I live w/o one.

Rock - this girl is originally from the home of the Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame

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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Robert T. Marema M.D.
Insurer Info:
BCBS of FL, Garanteed Issue