Have I done something stupid...pancreatic enzymes??? (long)

Several months ago my endocrinologist, who I've only known and worked with since two weeks after my surgery (November 2004) decided I should be put on pancreatic enzymes to increase my absorbtion of vitamins A & D as well as Calcitrol, because my "levels" were low. So, being the "good girl" I am, I complied. He has also mentioned (several times) that losing weight slowly is much better for the body. (Which I know.) I do need to mention that he is very, very well-versed on the DS and knew lots about the possible problems that could ensue if not monitored closely. OK. So, now I call Dr. K's office (my surgeon) to discuss the removal of "Joey" (my hernia. I've named "it" that since kangaroos' babies are called joeys.) I am asked how much weight I've lost so far and what my average monthly loss is. I casually mention that is has slowed down somewhat since I started taking the enzymes. Well, the nurse says to me, "Does Dr. K know you're taking the enzymes?" No, I say and then BOOM it hits me -- I've done something stupid!!! So now, I need to know if anyone else has been put on enzymes prior to losing all your weight and what was the outcome? I feel like I've gone through all this, and I've f__cked it up. Melissa, Diana, Carolyn...help! Oy. Anyway, I've made an appointment with Dr. K for Tuesday, it's a 3 hour drive to his office. What precipitated this was a letter from Blue Cross saying my yearly deductible has been met -- $2500. So I was trying to figure out if I could get the hernia repair/tummy tuck done before the end of the year and save that $2500 out of pocket. Any experiences you've had would be helpful at this point. Thanking you all in advance. Fern B. 267/176/150 (who knows?)

.....or Patty L....?? I'm sure they'll be along shortly to help, meanwhile, I'll take a stab at it--for comedy purposes if nothing else. You probably just SLOWED your weight loss, and can get your full benefit of the window if you STOP taking the enzymes until after you've lost all the weight you wanna lose. I've only heard of people taking the enzymes if they lose too much, OR they've lost all the weight and have some vitamin deficiencies. I would think you should try other means of upping your low nutrient levels (whatever Dr. *K* suggests) before taking those enzymes. But Honeypie, I'm sure you ain't EFF-ed nuthin' up! Just get with Dr. K, ASAP and get him to straighten it out!! LeaAnn

I think you are fine. The only thing that could possibly be termed a mistake was not letting your surgeon know that you had, on the advice of your endocrinologist, started the enzymes. You only have another 26 pounds to lose and another 12 months in your window of opportunity. No problemo! Were you wanting to get a tummy tuck done at the same time as the hernia repair? Because you know you get better long-term results from the tummy tuck if you wait until your weight loss has stabilized. I think I would prefer to wait and get them done together later, as that would probably cost less in the long run. You may have to pay another deductible, but if you have the hernia repair done first they probably won't pay anything at all for the tummy tuck.

dont forget that the 2500 can be total tax deductable with a health care reimbursement account, but you have to plan now for next year.

Walter, Thanks for the thumbs up, but I can't get a MEdical Savings Account until (who knows when) because of the DS now being in my history. I'll have to wait until I have no related issues thru the insurance. Regards, Fern B. 267/175/150 (who knows?)