Lisa Gotro
04/13/2004
I had my initial consult with Dr. Dewitt today. I am fired up now! I have made this decision and it seems like the next step for me. I have no second thoughts. I am seeking a permanent solution to a life long problem. I have lost 75 pounds 2 times on Weight watchers, I have taken Meridia for 6 months as well as countless other unsuccessful attempts at loosing the extra 150 pounds I am so tired of carrying. Each time I diet, I gain it all back & then some.
04/19/2004
I have scheduled my Psyc. Evaluation, Food & Nutrition, & Physical Therapy appointments for 05/18/2004. I hope this is not premature. I hope to have my approval by then.
04/27/2004
Well.....I called BCBS today and was told that they received the request for pre-approval yesterday and it was in medical review. Oh my....more waiting. I was told it may take up to 30 days, but I could call back May 5th. I also got a letter from Dr. Dewitt's office where they had scheduled my Psyc. Eval., Echo & EKG for that same day. I am not sure I want to pay the $255 for these tests until I know I am approved. I guess I will try to be patient for now. I will think about it next week!
05/03/2004 I called BCBS today and was told that this review process takes from 30 to 45 days and I need to allow the proper time for the process. I think I'd better not call again for 2 weeks. I have 3 of my appointments scheduled for Tuesday May 18th. I will call again Monday the 17th & maybe I'll find out something then. In the meantime I will practice patience.....something I'm lousy at!
05/06/2004
Ok...I know I said I would wait until Monday the 17th...but something told me to call yesterday and I am glad I did! My claim is still in review but had been pended for additional information. They need medical records for a time when I didn't have insurance and diet attempts for the last year. I took matters into my own hands and made up a packet of the requested info and sent it to them in todays mail. I also sent Dr. Dewitt's office a copy and kept a copy for myself. I hope this is good news. I think I will call back Thursday the 13th and see if they have recieved the information.
05/19/2004
Yesterday I went to Carraway for my Fitness Evaluation, Nutritional Evaluation, Psyc. Consultation, EKG & Echocardiogram. Whew...it was a full day. I think everything went ok. I also called BCBS to see if they had recieved the information I mailed to them and I was told it was received on 05/11, but still no decision. Okey dokey then....more waiting.
05/21/2004
Well, as I feared I have been denied. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! I was denied because I am serving a 1 year waiting period for pre-existing conditions, and in order to qualify I have to be overweight for at least 2 years, hence the condition had to be pre-existing or I would never qualify. Anyway.................I can re-apply October 1st! I am very positive about this, it will give me more time to get ready & build a better case for myself. All of the pre-op tests I had done are good for 6 months, so I should be good to go!
08/02/2004
I wait..............................................
8/16/2004
Well now.............I went to my new PCP today for an annual pap & check-up. I must say I love my new Doc. She is young and very easy to talk too. Guess what though?? She found Arthritus in my left knee & put me on BP medicine. WOW! I was suprised. I had pain in my knee, but never addressed it. She was just checking my reflex and noticed it. As far as the high blood pressure, it has checked high at the doctors before, but it was never addressed either. I am glad she was attentive to these things. I did not want to be on medicine for high blood pressure, but I am glad to take it if I need it. I am not happy about it, but both of these things will be improved by weight loss and who knows, maybe they will consider it as co-morbities and help me get approval from BCBS.
09/15/2004 Well..................as you are all aware I have been serving the 1 year waiting period. It's up in 2 weeks! October 1st! I called Tiffany @ Dr. Dewitts office this morning & she was so nice, I think she remembered me. I am going to send her a letter from my PCP stating she recently put me on BP meds & that she found arthritus in my left knee. Tiffany said she would re-submit everything on that Friday morning. I hope I can hang in there that long. All I think about is this surgery. Every sentence that comes out of my mouth begins with "After I have my surgery........".
09/25/2004 The First Annual Bama Bash! Wow, what a fun day. I rode with Elle & Dixie Chick rode back with us. Those are two wonderful ladies. I met so many people from the Alabama message board. Everyone was so sweet! I enjoyed moving around & talking with post-ops & pre-ops. I am more excited than ever.
09/28/2004 Well now! Only 3 more days until I can try again! I am so excited. If I think about it too much, I can't concentrate on anything else. I think I'll call Dr. Dewitts office Thursday to make sure they don't forget about me!
10/01/2004 Well guys..........today is the big day! I called Tiffany @ Dr' Dewitt's office yesterday and she said she had it ready to go. Everything I can cross is crossed. Everyone here on the message boards has been so sweet & encouraging. It really helps. Ok, now more waiting..................................
10/04/2004 I finally heard those words! I wasn't going to call BCBS until Friday, but you guys all know me, I couldn't wait. I called @ 5:01 pm today & was told that my request for gastric bypass met all required criteria. I yelled to the poor lady "SO I'M APPROVED" & she said "Yes, you are". I have been waiting so long. I am so excited. I want to tell you all thank you for your support. I might have given up if it were not for you guys. Honestly, I think I would have. I know this is right for me. I'll be working on that date for surgery now!
I had the best time @ La Fiesta with everyone who came to the dinner. Elle, Preasha, Lisa Graham, Tammy Y.,Dixie Chick, Amy Mena, & Sheri Crawford. Oh, & Ramone too! We had a great night. It's wonderful to fellowship with oue fellow post-ops & pre-ops!
10/05/2004 I called BCBS back today to make sure I wasn't dreaming yesterday! As it turns out, I wasn't dreaming. I am still approved! They said the letter should go out this week. I called Dr. Dewitt's office to share my wonderful news, but I got the machine. I left a message. I was hoping to speak with someone because I am curious to see if I can be on their cancel list. I may call back later.
10/08/2004 Guess what! I have a letter of approval in my hand & I have a DATE! Tuesday November 9th! How's that? I think it's pretty good. Oh boy, I have so much to do.....................
10/18/2004 I have been ordering protien samples like crazy & today I found a little battery operated mini mixer @GNC. I thought it might be nice away from home to mix up that powdery stuff! I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow. It's a re-check of my blood pressure. It's been really good lately I have been checking it & writing it down for her. This will be my first opportunity to tell her that I have a date for the RNY. ONLY 3 weeks from tomorrow! We went to the Alabama/USM game this past weekend & it reminded me how bad I want this surgery. There was no room on the bleachers & it was so hot. I finally had to go into the concession area & cool off, luckily Elle was there working on of the concession stands & she took a break to take care of me. She fixed me a drink & nachos & sat with me for a while. Thanks Elle!
10/19/2004 I saw my PCP this morning & she was pleased with my BP, it's not normal yet, but it is going down. She was happy about my surgery date & interested in what blood work would need to be done in the future. I am so glad she is supportive of this surgery, in my case.
11/02/2004 Well guys..........IT'S FINALLY NOVEMBER! I started my pre-surgery high protein/no sugar diet today. I go to B'ham tomorrow for my nutrition class, pre-registration @ Carraway & final consult with Dr. Dewitt. How exciting is that?!
Thanks to everyone who posted to my surgery page. It's so uplifting! You guys are the best!
11/01/2004 Wow, another great dinner @ fellowship with WLS friends. Wow, we had a big turn out this time! I appreciate this time to visit with other WLS ladies. It helps so much. Everyone is so supprotive & willing to talk about their experience.
11/12/2004 Well, it's Friday & I have been a looser for 3 days! WOW! I had my first meal this morning, grits & cheese. It was heavenly! Ok, lets start with Monday......I worked 1/2 day & then Chip & I left for B'ham, it's about 1 hour drive. We checked into the hotel @ Carraway at 2:30 & I promptly drank my mag. citrate, YUCK! I didn't like it. I figured that after 2 days of clear liquids, it wouldn't be a big deal. Wrong. I had to be @ Carraway @ 7:am. I was there @ 6:am. They took me back right away, I had to give a urine sample & then change into a gown. They started my IV & then Chip was able to come in the room with me. Stephanie Dutton, the bariatric coordinator came in to talk with us & told us that Dr. Dewitt had a family emergency & would be late. so we waited. My boss & her sister came and waited with us. They took me back at about 11:30. They wheeled me into the OR & asked me to slide onto the OR table. I did & before I even laid down this guy explained he was giving me some medicine. The next thing I knew, I was waking up! The hospital stay wasn't bad. I a terrible sore throat & that hospital bed hurt my back something fierce. I tried to do everything they asked me too. I came home on Thursday morning. I have been doing fine. I am taking it pretty easy. I feel great!
11/24/2005 My sore throat did not get better, so I saw my PCP and I had Strep throat. I knew that the pain was to bad to be just from the surgery.
12/02/2004 I had my 3 week check-up yesterday & everything was fine. I have lost 26 pounds (including 9 lost before surgery)! I feel great. I feel taller!
01/07/2005 Happy New Year! I had my 8 week check-up on Wed.01/05 and all is well. 42 pounds gone! Everything is fine. I did have a terrible sinus infection & Dr. Dewitt gave me a perscription for a Z-Pak, so I am on the mend & feeling better. He really stressed excercise. I have been going to the gym about 3 times per week, but last night I took a "Muscle Pump" class & I LOVED it! It was hard, but it made me feel so strong. I am going to try & go twice a week, along with my regular routine.
Oh, I almost forgot, I now wear a size 20 in pants, I was a 24 before. My tops, I am not sure, I have bought a few XL sweaters & they fit fine, but they are strechy. I guess that is all for now!
02/08/2005 Well, it is already time for my Feb. update. I am down 60 pounds now & in a size 18 pant. I feel wonderful! I am still working hard @ the gym. I am adding more cardio. Today I did 45 minutes. Phew, I was whipped! I go back tonite for Super Circuit which is more cardio. I hope I make it!
03/08/2005 I don't have alot to add this month except to say that I am down 70 pounds! I have gone from "Super Morbidly Obese" to "Severely Obese". I go back to Dr. Dewitt on the 6th of April. I am looking foward to having the bloodwork done & see how I am doing on my supplements & vitamins. My hair is falling out like crazy. It's gross. I have to leave my vacuum cleaner plugged in in the bathroom now, because I have to clean the floor each time I dry my hair and again if I just brush it. I started taking the GNC Nourishair vitamins. I am also supplementing 23 grams of protein per day with the Nectar Fuzzy Navel. I am even learning to like it somewhat & I try to eat 1 Power Crunch bar each day. That's an additional 15 grams of protein, I do not think I would look good bald! I am still working hard at the gym. I am getting to where I hate to miss a day. I am impressed with what I can do now & I feel so much better. I hope it helps tone me up. I know it can't hurt!
03/23/2005 Well, I have big news! I have "mastered" the stair master! Until now I have avoided that machine like the plague. For over a year before surgery I would get on it only to be able to stay on a couple of minutes. 4 minutes was my record. It would just kill my knees & chins. I can do it for 20 minutes now! Then, I go on to do 20 more on the total body arc trainer or the eliptical. I am so proud of myself! Stairs have long been a challenge for me with arthritus in both knees. I can do them so much easier now! I am in a size 16 pant now! I am down 75 pounds!!!!!
04/06/2005 I had my 5 month check up with Dr. Dewitt today. He is a man of few words, but basically I am on track & doing very well. He & nurse Judy went over all of my meds & supplements & I guess I am taking everything I am supposed to. He asked about exercise & I was proud to say I am getting lots! He said my color was good. That is kind of funny, because I have been in the tanning bed! I am wearing a size 16 bottoms & XL/L tops. WOW! I am so excited about the BAMA Bash this Saturday. I cannot wait to see everyone. I have a new digital camera! I just have to learn to make a photo album & post it's link to this page. I feel so good! I can cross my legs like a pro now! Oh! I am down 81 pounds now!
5/12/2005 Well.........I am 6 months out now! I love my new life!I know that sounds crazy to some, because I said this surgery would not change me, but it has. My husband said it was like watching a flower open. I just feel so much better. I am down 92 pounds now & I am very baggy 16's. I think I need to go shopping!
I wanted to thank all of the T-Town girls for my suprise birthday @ Los Torascos! What fun! They all pitched in & got me a massage! All I can say about that is WOW! I NEVER would have done that before & it was great!
Chip & I and another couple went to New Orleans for our birthday & we had a blast there as well. We had such a good birthday this year.
06/04/2005 OMG!! Guess what? I made it to the CENTURY CLUB!! I am 100 pounds down in 7 months!! I bought a new pair of Levi's last week & they are a size 12! I am still wearing some 14's. My BMI is now 33.7 which is obese! Pretty exciting since I started as super morbidly obese.
07/06/2005 It is already time for an up-date. Wow, how time flies! I had an appointment with Dr. Dewitt yesterday & he said I am doing very well! I am down 105 pounds in 8 months! The weight loss is slowing down to maybe 5 pounds per month. That's fine with me, I'll take whatever I can get. My BMI is 32.7 which is just "obese". Only 2.8 points to go till "overweight"! I am hanging in there with the exercise. Dr. Dewitt looked at the skin on my tummy & said it looked real good. He said any abdominal work out that I could do would be very beneficial at this point. I was excited to hear that. I just don't know how I feel about PS right now. I am wearing 10's & 12's now. How cool is that?
10/13/2005 I have put this update off as long as possible because I am STUCK! LOL It's been about 6 weeks since I have lost anything. This is my first plateau and for that I am very thankful. I have ordered some protein from Unjury & I am going to cut out snacking. I hope that will give me the boost that I need to loose 30 more pounds. That would put me around 140! Woo Hoo! Still overweight for my 5'2" self, but I think it would be just fine. I have recently become obcessed with plastic surgery. I know for sure that I want to pursue a Tummy Tuck. I don't know what else I want done yet. My 1 year anniversary is in 3 weeks!
11/09/2005 Well, here I am @ 1 year post op! I am so happy with myself. I am down 113 pounds! I have made an appointment with Dr. Howell on Friday December 2nd for my first Plastic Surgery Consult. At this point I am only considering the Tummy Tuck. It's all I can afford at this time. I think I'll be happy with just the one proceedure. I know it will make a big difference in how my clothes fit. I don't think I'll be turned down. As I look back on the past year, I feel like I have gained so many new friends, I only regret I did not have the surgery sooner.
12/29/2005 Well, my December update is a bit late! I have not lost any more weight. I actually go up & down a bit now. YIKES! I had my plastic surgery consult on Dec. 2nd. I have not heard anything from them. I do know that the Dr.'s office sent the paperwork to BCBS on Dec. 20th. So I wait. I have an appointment with Dr. Dewitt on January 4th & I wanted to loose some weight before I go. I also wanted to start the new year with a new resolve to use this amazing tool I have been given to it's fullest potential. I was over on the main message board & I saw this Plateau Buster posted. I started today & I must say, I have not been hungry at all. Its alot of protein & an average of 1000 to 1200 calories. I am gonna give it a whirl & see what happens. I am also logging my food into Fit Day.com. I need to have a perspective on how much I am eating each day. This could also be accomplished with a food diary.
Plateau Buster Diet
#1 - Do this for 10 days to break a plateau
#2 - Drink 2 quarts of water a day
#3 - You must have 45 grams of protein supplement and all your vitamins/minerals supplements each day (some suggest at least 60 and up to 80 gr)
#4 - You may consume up to 3 oz of the following high protein foods, 5x a day
beef
pork
chicken
turkey
lamb
fish
eggs
low fat cheese
cottage cheese
plain yogurt or artificially sweetened (?)
peanut butter
beans/legumes
You may also have:
sugar free popsicles
tea or coffee
sugar free soda
sugar free jello
broths/bullion (sp?)
crystal light drinks
#5 - If it's not on the list, you can't have it for 10 days!!!!
#6 - Keep a food diary and try to get up to 30 mins of exercise
01/19/2006 Wow! Another month gone already! I have BIG news!! I GOT APPROVED for a Tummy Tuck! My surgery date is Monday Jan. 30th!! I am so excited!! This is just another step towards my goal. I am using Dr. Eli Howell here in Tuscaloosa. He spoke at our Genesis Support Group a couple of months back & I really liked him. He was very thorough in my consultation. He took his time & answered all of our questions. I saw Dr. Dewitt on Jan. 4th. He said the same thing he always says, "Eat protein & walk, walk, walk!" I did get a perscription for B-12 shots. I am to have one every 3 weeks. I did the first one myself. It wasn't bad at all. I am still holding my weight right around 171. It's frustrating, I have been there about 5 months. However it is better not to have the plastic surgery done until you have maintained for several months, so I should be alright there. I am still in 10's & 12's. Maybe after the TT that will change a little.
02/10/2006 WOW! I am 11 days out from my Tummy Tuck! Phew, it's been a tough road. This surgery was a MUCH bigger deal that my RNY as far as recovery goes. I am doing fine now & actually looking foward to going back to work on Monday. Dr. Howell took off just under 4 pounds of skin. I am down to 163 pounds now! That is a loss of 121 pounds!!!! My surgery went very well. I had minimal pain while in the hospital. I stayed about 24 hours. Once home, I did need someone to help me. Chip was wonderful. I was suprised how dependant I was. It was very difficult to get up & down on my own. I had 2 drains & they were awful. It was very hard to wear anything. I had to empty the drains 3X per day & write it down. By the end of the 1st week there wasn't much in them. I went back for my 1st check-up on Tuesday, the 8th day & Dr. Howell took my drains out!! Can we all say YES! I want to thank my OH family, especially the Bama Board for all of the calls, cards, gifts & mostly for all of your prayers.
05/02/2006 WOW! I cannot believe it has been over 2 months since I updated my profile. I don't have much to report in the prea of progress. I am at about 164 lbs. I am in between sizes which is frustrating. 12's are too big & 10's are too small. I am trying to loose about 15 more pounds. I have been really slack on the working out lately. I hate that. I did so good for so long. My boss is cancelling my gym membership because I haven't been in 3 months. I am trying to figure out something I can do at home before work. I am really doing well on my diet. I am trying to stay around 1000 calories a day & at least 60 grams of protein. I really really want to loose some more. I would love to get into an 8. I am also trying to make sure I get in all of my water. I guess you might say & am trying to get back to the basics. I'll try & remember to update my profile next month & hopefully I'll have some good news to report!
