Why didn't I know about this?

How did I not know about this forum before today? I have always said it's different being SMO than just MO. People would be like...really how? I said well when you are so fat you don't know how fat you are because there are no scales to weigh you....that's a diffence. Or I don't go to the beach because I'm too fat to be seen in a swimsuit...or because I'm too fat to be able to walk in the sand. There IS a differnce. I had WLS 3 years ago, have never had that "ate too much" full feeling...never. Upper GI shows my pouch is too large. So despite the fact I was able to lose 200lbs by following the protocol of diet and exercise for the past 3 years....I'm still SMO. I need a revision to make things right. And my insurance denies me, while someone who weighs 204...yes...204 and goal is 140lb for her height just got approved. I've had 2 mini-strokes in the past 2 years....and my only risk factor for future strokes is my weight. Sarah Margaret

Hi Sarah Margaret, Welcome to the board. It is great here. I see you post on the main board all the time. I usually just lurke on the main board. Everyone here is super sweet. (((hugs))) Diana 379/171/? starting bmi 62

Hey Sarah, I am so sorry you have went through all this and it not be right. Just hang in there and maybe somethng will change. We are here for anyone who needs to yak.And I am partical but this is one of the best boards around. We are here for you thick and thin.... Hugs Marge ( p.S.) love your name lol

This is such a great place, everyone is so supportive and wonderful... glad you found us! It is different when you are SMO and I've got to admit I sometimes get frustrated when I hear about someone who only has to lose 80 pounds - I know it's a lot for them, but I just keep thinking that if I only had to lose 80 pounds I would be pretty happy. I know how frustrating insurance is, I'm fighting them over my surgery and it hasn't been fun. I actually had my advocate at my insurance company tell me about how she thought about surgery and made up all these problems so she would be approved, but when they denied her she went ahead and did it "the right way!" I pretty much knew right there that she wasn't going to help me at all. They just seem so heartless. Come and vent often - this is a good place for it!

If I only had 80 pounds to lose, I guess I'd be dead now (I've lost 180). I wonder what kind of shady surgeon would do WLS on someone weighing 200 lbs? Maybe the kind that tell you to take a Flintstone vitamin every so often? Some dude was on 20/20 saying he went blind in one eye because of that. Not to take responsibility away from the doctor (who was a flaming quack), but patients should research pretty thoroughly before letting some glorified veterinarian cut them open. This forum has been really helpful. The problems was face as SMO people are very different that those who are under a BMI of 50. Not that those people don't have real problems, but they don't really know where I'm coming from much of the time. Welcome, Sarah Margaret! Good luck with the insurance *******s.

Actually, I know her surgeon personally, and yes he is a shady ******* He used to practice in my hometown. He treated me years ago for a leg ulcer, while there, he asked me if I realized I had a weight problem...I was at the time way over 500lbs. I said yes, I was currently working with my PCP on my weight. He said oh well that's good. I saw him about a year later for a second opinion on my legs...as to why they were so big and I had lost a little weight and they weren't getting better...he put me on coumidin and said probably nothing would work except to chop off the excess tissue. Now, mind you...I had lymphedema...thank goodness, I got the sense that my PCP and him knew NOTHING and got the heck away from both and got proper help...and my legs are doing GREAT. Then I find out this guy begins doing WLS in my hometown. I bet he was trying to make me one of his first patients. Later when I was actually interested in it but was going out of town, I wouldn't even have my tonsils out in my hometown, my PCP wanted me to see a nutrionist before she would even do a referral. So I called the hospital's nutrionists and she basically said I couldn't come to her sessions unless I was Dr. X patients. I said well can I just meet with you? She never returned my call...like he had them on lock. I did get my referral and letter to medicaid...and was well on my way. He messed up a close friend of the family's surgery really bad. And instead of just admitting he didn't know what else to do he kept opening her back up and trying things. Then he up and decided to move to another state. Before he was leaving the family was saying how they wanted refered to another doctor and he said "no one else is going to know what I did in there". Can you believe that!?!? They were the only people we didn't tell I was going to have surgery and they ended up at the same hospital with this family member while I was having my surgery....thankfully getting her some help. Although, I honestly don't know how she is doing now. Now this doc. is back in my hometown area....It amazes me the way I see people talk about he is like a WLS god. I know the other side...to me he is one that is just in it for the money. That's why he'll do anyone. Chop shop in and out. Sarah

Sarah, I have followed you on the main board and also the Florida board. I didnt realize you didnt know about this board! It is amazing how much more understanding people here are. Even if someone hasnt personally gone through something, they are very understanding. I too am biased about this board. This is home to me. This is where I go to for support and encouragement. There isnt the back biting, bickering, and BS going on here. Its plain and simple support for all aspects of life, not just WLS. Glad you came to join us here. Amber M*

Welcome Sarah, This is a very supportive place. It is so different starting out as SMO, then just MO. We understand that. Your letter made me scared though as I've stopped losing for the past 2 months and am afraid I'm done. I exercise like a maniac and record all my food in fitday. I don't eat perfectly, but, I do feel I really put an effort out to eat as nutritiously as possible. I've lost nearly 150, but, really would like to lose another 38 lbs as a minimum, just to get into onederland. This is not magic. Especially for those of us who start out big. Big hugs, Lori 384/237/199

Hi Sarah, Welcome. You are right, there definitely is a difference! I am sorry about your insurance troubles (I have seen your posts on the main board). I hope you are fighting it and that you win. You deserve it. It has been one year since my surgery and I am still obese (just barely, but wondering if I'll ever drift into overweight). I, too, have always had an easy time eating, but feel satisfied on much less than I used to, although I can eat a whole sandwich without much difficulty, but only half a cheeseburger (thankfully, because I love cheeseburgers so much I would marry one if I could). Anyway, best of luck to you in your continued success. Isn't it great to do so much more now? My entiure motivation was to ride roller coasters, and I do it all the time, and it is so awesome! Take care, Carrie By the way, my mom was approved for the lap band at a weight of 149 pounds. It doesn't sound like much, but there is a couple of photos of her in my profile, and she is definitely obese. It was a reputable surgeon who approved her, and said her ideal weight was 87-92 at 5' tall.

Hi Carrie, Thanks for the welcome. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that any surgeon who does surgery on a person who seems to us to be a low weight isn't reputable. I know every individual has their own health reasons for needing surgery and trust most other surgeons follow the normal criteria. Your mom's height is short, and with lap band BMI doesn't typically doesn't have to be as high...this person I mentioned was having RNY and had no co-morbs that I knew of, I honestly not sure how the insurance approved it. Sarah