Toni M
9/20/06 - Well tomorrow is my official 18 month surgiversary. I weighed in at 154.4 this morning which is a total official weight loss of 112.6 lbs. I've been doing pretty well at keeping the weight off and would really like to lose 10 more pounds. I know if I actively work at it, I'll be able to do it. I've finely posted a couple before pictures, didn't have them up before partly because I didn't have a scanner and didn't have any in digital format. But they're up there now so everyone can see where I came from.
The world of dating has been interesting. There have been a couple of men in and out of my life this year. I haven't found the one to spend the rest of my life with yet but I'm out there taking chances that I never would have two years ago. That's another thing that I know will happen if I keep actively working at it.
5/22/06 - I'm so discouraged, I've gained three pounds since having my gallbladder surgery and just can't seem to get it off. I cancelled my gym membership because they quit offering the group classes that I was taking and not offering any classes at all. I need direction, I can't just walk into the gym and do time on the elliptical trainer. I get too bored and don't stay motivated. I hear all these post-ops saying that they are addicted to exercising and just love to work out now, I just don't understand that mindset. I wish I did, then maybe I could get to goal. I envy those people who are able to self motivate, please send tips on how you do that my way when you get a minute. OK - I think I'm done feeling sorry for myself now and can get back on track.
4/17/06 - Well, two days after seeing my surgeon for my WLS follow-up, my gallbladder decided it was done. I had the worse pain I've EVER experienced in my life. I'm glad he had mentioned something about it or I would have thought I had somehow exploded my pouch and was dying. Anyway, it's out and I'm back normal again. I've gained about a pound and a half over the last two weeks, I'm sure it's because I haven't been able to workout or really do much of anything. But I'll get back on track this week and get moving in the right direction again.
3/27/06 - One year and one week post-op, I had my one year follow-up visit with my surgeon. I weighed in at 152 lbs, I've lost a total of 115 lbs total since my consultation with him and exactly 100 lbs since day of surgery. All my labs came back good with the exception of the bilirubin which was slightly elevated. The surgeon thinks it may be my gallbladder starting to go bad. I haven't had any symptoms so he said just to be aware if I start having pain in my side. He also said to stay away from greasy foods, which made me chuckle 'cause greasy foods have been off my diet since before surgery. He told me I'm doing a great job and to just keep doing what I'm doing. He told me when I get down to 130-135 lbs to "stop". He's so funny sometimes. I've felt really good about my progress and myself but it was nice to get the validation from him that things are going well.
Now for the non-surgery related news - I'm dating a wonderful man that I met online. He is very kind and supportive and just the best man I've ever met. We've been dating for about a month and I really see potential for building a long term relationship. We're taking our time and getting to know each other and enjoying the process. I'll keep everyone posted on how things go.
2/8/06 - OK, so it's been a while since I posted an update. I'm down to 157 which is a five pound loss since mid-December. Better than nothing I suppose. Surgeon wants me to lose about another 17 lbs and get down to 140. I know I can do it, it's just a question of can I get there before my 1 year check up at the end of March? I think I can get close but not so sure I will make it all the way to goal before then.
Here is the latest pic of me, I cropped out my sisters.
Here's a pic of me and the kid. He turned 20 years old this past weekend. It just blows my mind sometimes, I'm so proud of him.
12/12/05 - Well, five pounds down since my last post. Not as well as I would have hoped but then again, I didn't follow my plan to the letter for getting back on track. I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I saw my PCP for my annual physical and she was very impressed with my progress. Not only had I lost 103 lbs, I must report that my cholesterol is down to 137 (it was 209 pre-op) and my triglycerides are down to 84 (they were 344 pre-op). My blood pressure is very good, 117/78, so overall, my health is much improved. I will see Dr. A on Wednesday for a follow-up. Hopefully he'll be as pleased with my progress as my PCP.
11/15/05 - OK, I've been gaining and losing the same pound and a half for almost a month now. I've become complacent. I've not been paying close attention to my diet, eating too many carbs, not getting enough protein, estimating instead of measuring, etc... I'm committing to getting back on track!! I'm going back to keeping a food diary and closely monitoring my carbs as well as ensuring I get enough protein and water every day. I've been pretty good about exercise, I do two hour long aerobics classes every week as well as take brisk walks with one of my girlfriends just about every day, so I feel pretty good about that. With the holidays coming up, I don't want to get derailed and fail at this whole thing before I've reached my goal. My next goal is to be at 150 lbs by New Year's Eve. That's seventeen pounds from where I am today and about six weeks. I think that's a realistic goal, and it will put me back on track to make my surgeon's goal by my surgery
anniversary. Sometimes it sounds funny to be your own cheerleader but we got to take it where we can get it.
10/20/05 - 7 months tomorrow and I made century club today!! BMI is 29.6, I'm officially "overweight". Now, 32 lbs to my surgeon's goal and 37 lbs to my personal goal.
9/21/05 - Six month surgiversary. Weighed this morning, 171 lbs, BMI 30.2 I can't believe I'm only four pounds away from the century club!! The loss has really been slowing down but it's my own fault, I've made some not so good choices and let carbs get in the way. But, being this close to the 100 lb mark has really inspired me to get back on the program and do what I'm supposed to do. I'm very excited and motivated. Also, my BMI is 0.3 from being "overweight", that's just as exciting to me as the number on the scale! I've been obese for half of my life and now I'm so close to just being overweight.
8/31/05 - Weekly weigh in 177 lbs. BMI 31.4. Officially down 90 lbs. I had a session with one of the trainers at the gym last week and I'm going to start working with her soon. I've not been very good about getting in all my protein the last couple days so I need to get on the ball with that! It seems the weight loss slows when I don't get enough protein, need to remember that!
8/17/05 - I am less than 180! This morning the scale read 179 lbs and I was rather excited about that. BMI is 31.7, getting there. Short and sweet this week.
8/10/05 - Well it's been a couple weeks since I updated. Weight today is 182 lbs. BMI 32.2, slowly going down but that's OK. I've not been very good with my diet, I've had a lot of head hunger and gave in to some of it. I've also not been consistent with going to the gym to workout. I'm just having difficulty being motivated lately. It might be easier once Casey goes back to school, then I won't have to worry about what time I get home after work. I could take a gym bag and stop on the way home - get the workout over with and not have to go back out. Anyway, enough excuses! Time to get on the ball.
7/20/05 - Weekly update - 186 lbs. BMI 32.9 so still in the obese category but getting closer to just being overweight. That will happen soon. I'm getting better at getting in all my protein every day, target is 50 grams and I've been averaging between 40 and 50. I'm still a little low on the water but that is coming along also. I'm averaging about 40 oz daily, could be better but it could be worse also. I'm not even going to talk about exercise today, I'm just so frustrated with myself about that.
On another note, I met "Sassy Cathy" last Friday, she was in town for some training and we made arrangements to meet. She is very nice with a bubbly personality and she is doing very well with her post-op journey. She's about 13 months out and is just an inspiration to everyone on the boards. What fun!
7/13/05 - Down to 190 lbs. Progress is a little slow but I've not been going to the gym as much as I should and having trouble getting in all my water. But slow progress is better than no progress. BMI is down to 33.7, still obese but much better than when I started this journey, so no complaints.
6/29/05 - Weekly weigh-in 193 lbs. I just love the progress I'm making. Grant, at the gym, was so excited about my progress that he hugged me. It's really cool that I have people in my life that are so supportive and into this journey with me. I've been better about getting to the gym. I've put it in my day planner as an appointment and that has been a good tool to keep me from blowing it off. It's still not my favorite thing to do but it is becoming more tolerable. Who knows, one day I may not mind it at all.
6/17/05 - OK, I broke my own rule about only weighing once per week. I just had to get on the scale this morning and now I'm so very excited! I was at 197 lbs, down three from Wed. I'd been over 200 since 1990 at least. Our "new" bodies are surely strange and wonderful things, are they not?
6/15/05 - I've hit my first slow down, the scale didn't move this week. Well, I knew it would happen sooner or later, I guess three months out isn't too bad. I know it's probably my own fault because I only went to the gym twice instead of three times and I haven't been getting enough water down everyday. I really need to work on the water. I am happy with my progress so far, I just need to focus and get moving again.
6/8/05 - 11 weeks out and down to 200 lbs for a total of 67 lbs loss so far. I've not seen this weight in at least 15 years. Getting back on a regular schedule with work and going to the gym is getting easier. Still not my favorite thing to do but I know I have to. The loss is slowing down, like the doctor said it would, but I think if I do better at drinking all my water it will remain consistent. I've been challenged with the water over the past couple weeks but I am making a concerted effort to do better. I know... water, protein and activity are the keys!
5/25/05 - 9 week post up check up with Dr. A. I'm down a total of 61 lbs, (15 pre and 46 post op). Doc has released me to return to full activity starting next week. I'm going to get the Pilate's schedule from the gym on my way home. Now, to stay committed to exercising! That will be my on-going challenge.
5/18/05 - Sorry so long since I've posted an update but being on short term disability put me with limited access to a computer. But I'm back to work and hope to update bi-weekly or so. Eight weeks out and I've lost a total of 57 lbs!! I've started working out at the gym and feel great!
3/28/05 - One week post-op and down 15 lbs!!! Sorry I didn't have anyone to post updates or progress while I was in the hospital. And can I say the nurses on the 6th floor at Skyline "TOTALLY ROCK"! I haven't had much pain and have really been feeling good. I over-did a little today and am feeling it but the Dr says that everything is progressing wonderfully. He took out the staples, can we all say "yeah". It's amazing what a real shower can do for your attitude when you've been taking sponge baths for a week!
3/21/05 - Surgery day. As it turns out, Dr A couldn't remove my gallbladder. State law prohibits removal of a healthy organ and Dr said mine was one of the healthiest he's seen in a very long time. Surgery went well, it took a little longer then anticipated but all in all a very good outcome. Casey, my dear son, got to stay until it was over but had to get on the road back to school before I came out of recovery so I didn't get to see him. I called him as soon as I could to let him know that everything was OK.
3/16/05 - Last appointment with the Dr before surgery! Everything looks good and we are ready to go. He told me that he will bypass 120 cm of small intestine and that will give me 12 to 13 month time frame for my weight loss.
3/14/05 - Went for pre-ops today! It seemed they took a pint of blood (not really but it was several tubes). The heart echo seemed to go well then they came out and said they needed to do it again. After a moment of anxiety, they said the tape had been defective so they switched VCR's and got a new tape to do it again. Now I'm really excited for next Monday.
3/1/05 - Surgery is scheduled for Mar 21.
2/28/05 - APPROVED!!!!! Got a call from Jo at Dr. A's office and she said they got the letter from the insurance approving the surgery! YEAH!!
2/25/05 I called the insurance company and they said they mailed me a letter on the 23rd. The girl I talked to claimed she didn't have a copy so I would have to wait until it came in the mail. How could they not have a copy?!? This is nerve racking... Can't hardly wait to get the mail!
2/18/05 I broke down and called the insurance company. My pre-determination package has been forwarded to a Care Coordinator for clinical review... that sounds ominous to me. She said it will take several weeks to complete the review and I will get a letter with their decision at that time. So still we wait...
2/17/05 Well, the insurance package was sent in on Jan 25 and we wait...
1/19/05 Saw the dietician for the second time and have lost 11 lbs on pre-op diet!!! Making walking one of my goals for next month. Also found out that "Nutritional Counseling" is not covered by insurance... very frustrating!!
12/30/04 One on one consult with surgeon. I weighed in at 267 with a BMI of 47.3, I've actually gained 5 lbs since my PCP wrote my pre-determination letter. But we did go through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dr A said I am an excellent candidate for the surgery and has sent me back to my PCP with a list of additional tests to be done. Finally, I feel like I'm on the journey to a new life.
11/2/04 - Today is my 39th birthday and I've decided to make some major changes in my life this year. First, I had my annual physical today and I asked my PCP about bariatric surgery. I was afraid of what the reaction might be but I was pleasantly surprised. She didn't laugh or tell me that I was stupid for asking. She listened to what I had to say about how being overweight has affected my life and she gave me very sound advise and a referral to a surgeon. I thought I was going to cry right there in the exam room. She actually took me seriously and validated all my concerns and reasons for seeking this surgery. So today, I start my journey to better health and fitness.
Here's a picture of me and a friend singing at my sister's wedding in the spring of 2003. I was about 250 lbs here.
Well well well, the old fashioned 17th century
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class, and follow that of the original
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your mystical ways and looks is amazing, and
most people would often call you The
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You are a goddess!
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Curious Faerie
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your nose deep inside your latest book.
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What elemental dragon are you?
Your an ice dragon! Congrats! Out of all the dragons, you are most powerful but do not like to show it. A rare and special creture, you have artistic style and are great at expressing yourself. You think friends and Familly are the most important, and are a hopeless romantic. But of course, as ice goes, you can be a little cold or harsh at times. But not to worry, you always apoligize later!
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Reflections of the Spirit?
You reflect the magic of the spirit. You are a mystical person who values the magic in life. You enjoy the beauty in almost everything; every sound, smell, touch, taste. Although you find yourself pulled back to reality by the pollution of earth, this a very lovely quality to have, for there isn't much magic left.
Please rate high ;-)
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Photos
Insurer Info:
UnitedHealthcare, EPO
My surgeon has sent the "package" to the insurance company 1/25 and we are waiting to hear what they decide. As I understand it from an HR person at the company I work for, United Healthcare considers bariatric surgery as a cosmetic procedure. I feel they will not approve readily, it will probably be an uphill battle. 2/18 I called the insurance company to get a status and they told me it was in Care Coordination for clinical review. It could be 4-6 weeks before we hear what they decide. 2/25 Called ins company and they said a letter had been sent but they could not tell me what the letter said. 2/28 - the Dr's office called to let me know I was approved!
The world of dating has been interesting. There have been a couple of men in and out of my life this year. I haven't found the one to spend the rest of my life with yet but I'm out there taking chances that I never would have two years ago. That's another thing that I know will happen if I keep actively working at it.
5/22/06 - I'm so discouraged, I've gained three pounds since having my gallbladder surgery and just can't seem to get it off. I cancelled my gym membership because they quit offering the group classes that I was taking and not offering any classes at all. I need direction, I can't just walk into the gym and do time on the elliptical trainer. I get too bored and don't stay motivated. I hear all these post-ops saying that they are addicted to exercising and just love to work out now, I just don't understand that mindset. I wish I did, then maybe I could get to goal. I envy those people who are able to self motivate, please send tips on how you do that my way when you get a minute. OK - I think I'm done feeling sorry for myself now and can get back on track.
4/17/06 - Well, two days after seeing my surgeon for my WLS follow-up, my gallbladder decided it was done. I had the worse pain I've EVER experienced in my life. I'm glad he had mentioned something about it or I would have thought I had somehow exploded my pouch and was dying. Anyway, it's out and I'm back normal again. I've gained about a pound and a half over the last two weeks, I'm sure it's because I haven't been able to workout or really do much of anything. But I'll get back on track this week and get moving in the right direction again.
3/27/06 - One year and one week post-op, I had my one year follow-up visit with my surgeon. I weighed in at 152 lbs, I've lost a total of 115 lbs total since my consultation with him and exactly 100 lbs since day of surgery. All my labs came back good with the exception of the bilirubin which was slightly elevated. The surgeon thinks it may be my gallbladder starting to go bad. I haven't had any symptoms so he said just to be aware if I start having pain in my side. He also said to stay away from greasy foods, which made me chuckle 'cause greasy foods have been off my diet since before surgery. He told me I'm doing a great job and to just keep doing what I'm doing. He told me when I get down to 130-135 lbs to "stop". He's so funny sometimes. I've felt really good about my progress and myself but it was nice to get the validation from him that things are going well.
Now for the non-surgery related news - I'm dating a wonderful man that I met online. He is very kind and supportive and just the best man I've ever met. We've been dating for about a month and I really see potential for building a long term relationship. We're taking our time and getting to know each other and enjoying the process. I'll keep everyone posted on how things go.
2/8/06 - OK, so it's been a while since I posted an update. I'm down to 157 which is a five pound loss since mid-December. Better than nothing I suppose. Surgeon wants me to lose about another 17 lbs and get down to 140. I know I can do it, it's just a question of can I get there before my 1 year check up at the end of March? I think I can get close but not so sure I will make it all the way to goal before then.
Here is the latest pic of me, I cropped out my sisters.
Here's a pic of me and the kid. He turned 20 years old this past weekend. It just blows my mind sometimes, I'm so proud of him.
12/12/05 - Well, five pounds down since my last post. Not as well as I would have hoped but then again, I didn't follow my plan to the letter for getting back on track. I'm not going to beat myself up about it. I saw my PCP for my annual physical and she was very impressed with my progress. Not only had I lost 103 lbs, I must report that my cholesterol is down to 137 (it was 209 pre-op) and my triglycerides are down to 84 (they were 344 pre-op). My blood pressure is very good, 117/78, so overall, my health is much improved. I will see Dr. A on Wednesday for a follow-up. Hopefully he'll be as pleased with my progress as my PCP.
11/15/05 - OK, I've been gaining and losing the same pound and a half for almost a month now. I've become complacent. I've not been paying close attention to my diet, eating too many carbs, not getting enough protein, estimating instead of measuring, etc... I'm committing to getting back on track!! I'm going back to keeping a food diary and closely monitoring my carbs as well as ensuring I get enough protein and water every day. I've been pretty good about exercise, I do two hour long aerobics classes every week as well as take brisk walks with one of my girlfriends just about every day, so I feel pretty good about that. With the holidays coming up, I don't want to get derailed and fail at this whole thing before I've reached my goal. My next goal is to be at 150 lbs by New Year's Eve. That's seventeen pounds from where I am today and about six weeks. I think that's a realistic goal, and it will put me back on track to make my surgeon's goal by my surgery
anniversary. Sometimes it sounds funny to be your own cheerleader but we got to take it where we can get it.
10/20/05 - 7 months tomorrow and I made century club today!! BMI is 29.6, I'm officially "overweight". Now, 32 lbs to my surgeon's goal and 37 lbs to my personal goal.
9/21/05 - Six month surgiversary. Weighed this morning, 171 lbs, BMI 30.2 I can't believe I'm only four pounds away from the century club!! The loss has really been slowing down but it's my own fault, I've made some not so good choices and let carbs get in the way. But, being this close to the 100 lb mark has really inspired me to get back on the program and do what I'm supposed to do. I'm very excited and motivated. Also, my BMI is 0.3 from being "overweight", that's just as exciting to me as the number on the scale! I've been obese for half of my life and now I'm so close to just being overweight.
8/31/05 - Weekly weigh in 177 lbs. BMI 31.4. Officially down 90 lbs. I had a session with one of the trainers at the gym last week and I'm going to start working with her soon. I've not been very good about getting in all my protein the last couple days so I need to get on the ball with that! It seems the weight loss slows when I don't get enough protein, need to remember that!
8/17/05 - I am less than 180! This morning the scale read 179 lbs and I was rather excited about that. BMI is 31.7, getting there. Short and sweet this week.
8/10/05 - Well it's been a couple weeks since I updated. Weight today is 182 lbs. BMI 32.2, slowly going down but that's OK. I've not been very good with my diet, I've had a lot of head hunger and gave in to some of it. I've also not been consistent with going to the gym to workout. I'm just having difficulty being motivated lately. It might be easier once Casey goes back to school, then I won't have to worry about what time I get home after work. I could take a gym bag and stop on the way home - get the workout over with and not have to go back out. Anyway, enough excuses! Time to get on the ball.
7/20/05 - Weekly update - 186 lbs. BMI 32.9 so still in the obese category but getting closer to just being overweight. That will happen soon. I'm getting better at getting in all my protein every day, target is 50 grams and I've been averaging between 40 and 50. I'm still a little low on the water but that is coming along also. I'm averaging about 40 oz daily, could be better but it could be worse also. I'm not even going to talk about exercise today, I'm just so frustrated with myself about that.
On another note, I met "Sassy Cathy" last Friday, she was in town for some training and we made arrangements to meet. She is very nice with a bubbly personality and she is doing very well with her post-op journey. She's about 13 months out and is just an inspiration to everyone on the boards. What fun!
7/13/05 - Down to 190 lbs. Progress is a little slow but I've not been going to the gym as much as I should and having trouble getting in all my water. But slow progress is better than no progress. BMI is down to 33.7, still obese but much better than when I started this journey, so no complaints.
6/29/05 - Weekly weigh-in 193 lbs. I just love the progress I'm making. Grant, at the gym, was so excited about my progress that he hugged me. It's really cool that I have people in my life that are so supportive and into this journey with me. I've been better about getting to the gym. I've put it in my day planner as an appointment and that has been a good tool to keep me from blowing it off. It's still not my favorite thing to do but it is becoming more tolerable. Who knows, one day I may not mind it at all.
6/17/05 - OK, I broke my own rule about only weighing once per week. I just had to get on the scale this morning and now I'm so very excited! I was at 197 lbs, down three from Wed. I'd been over 200 since 1990 at least. Our "new" bodies are surely strange and wonderful things, are they not?
6/15/05 - I've hit my first slow down, the scale didn't move this week. Well, I knew it would happen sooner or later, I guess three months out isn't too bad. I know it's probably my own fault because I only went to the gym twice instead of three times and I haven't been getting enough water down everyday. I really need to work on the water. I am happy with my progress so far, I just need to focus and get moving again.
6/8/05 - 11 weeks out and down to 200 lbs for a total of 67 lbs loss so far. I've not seen this weight in at least 15 years. Getting back on a regular schedule with work and going to the gym is getting easier. Still not my favorite thing to do but I know I have to. The loss is slowing down, like the doctor said it would, but I think if I do better at drinking all my water it will remain consistent. I've been challenged with the water over the past couple weeks but I am making a concerted effort to do better. I know... water, protein and activity are the keys!
5/25/05 - 9 week post up check up with Dr. A. I'm down a total of 61 lbs, (15 pre and 46 post op). Doc has released me to return to full activity starting next week. I'm going to get the Pilate's schedule from the gym on my way home. Now, to stay committed to exercising! That will be my on-going challenge.
5/18/05 - Sorry so long since I've posted an update but being on short term disability put me with limited access to a computer. But I'm back to work and hope to update bi-weekly or so. Eight weeks out and I've lost a total of 57 lbs!! I've started working out at the gym and feel great!
3/28/05 - One week post-op and down 15 lbs!!! Sorry I didn't have anyone to post updates or progress while I was in the hospital. And can I say the nurses on the 6th floor at Skyline "TOTALLY ROCK"! I haven't had much pain and have really been feeling good. I over-did a little today and am feeling it but the Dr says that everything is progressing wonderfully. He took out the staples, can we all say "yeah". It's amazing what a real shower can do for your attitude when you've been taking sponge baths for a week!
3/21/05 - Surgery day. As it turns out, Dr A couldn't remove my gallbladder. State law prohibits removal of a healthy organ and Dr said mine was one of the healthiest he's seen in a very long time. Surgery went well, it took a little longer then anticipated but all in all a very good outcome. Casey, my dear son, got to stay until it was over but had to get on the road back to school before I came out of recovery so I didn't get to see him. I called him as soon as I could to let him know that everything was OK.
3/16/05 - Last appointment with the Dr before surgery! Everything looks good and we are ready to go. He told me that he will bypass 120 cm of small intestine and that will give me 12 to 13 month time frame for my weight loss.
3/14/05 - Went for pre-ops today! It seemed they took a pint of blood (not really but it was several tubes). The heart echo seemed to go well then they came out and said they needed to do it again. After a moment of anxiety, they said the tape had been defective so they switched VCR's and got a new tape to do it again. Now I'm really excited for next Monday.
3/1/05 - Surgery is scheduled for Mar 21.
2/28/05 - APPROVED!!!!! Got a call from Jo at Dr. A's office and she said they got the letter from the insurance approving the surgery! YEAH!!
2/25/05 I called the insurance company and they said they mailed me a letter on the 23rd. The girl I talked to claimed she didn't have a copy so I would have to wait until it came in the mail. How could they not have a copy?!? This is nerve racking... Can't hardly wait to get the mail!
2/18/05 I broke down and called the insurance company. My pre-determination package has been forwarded to a Care Coordinator for clinical review... that sounds ominous to me. She said it will take several weeks to complete the review and I will get a letter with their decision at that time. So still we wait...
2/17/05 Well, the insurance package was sent in on Jan 25 and we wait...
1/19/05 Saw the dietician for the second time and have lost 11 lbs on pre-op diet!!! Making walking one of my goals for next month. Also found out that "Nutritional Counseling" is not covered by insurance... very frustrating!!
12/30/04 One on one consult with surgeon. I weighed in at 267 with a BMI of 47.3, I've actually gained 5 lbs since my PCP wrote my pre-determination letter. But we did go through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dr A said I am an excellent candidate for the surgery and has sent me back to my PCP with a list of additional tests to be done. Finally, I feel like I'm on the journey to a new life.
11/2/04 - Today is my 39th birthday and I've decided to make some major changes in my life this year. First, I had my annual physical today and I asked my PCP about bariatric surgery. I was afraid of what the reaction might be but I was pleasantly surprised. She didn't laugh or tell me that I was stupid for asking. She listened to what I had to say about how being overweight has affected my life and she gave me very sound advise and a referral to a surgeon. I thought I was going to cry right there in the exam room. She actually took me seriously and validated all my concerns and reasons for seeking this surgery. So today, I start my journey to better health and fitness.
Here's a picture of me and a friend singing at my sister's wedding in the spring of 2003. I was about 250 lbs here.
Well well well, the old fashioned 17th century
vampire, one of my faves. You look for the good
things in life, you posses a lot of classical
class, and follow that of the original
vampires, you have no shame in what you are,
infact you embrace it, you love it and wouldn't
have it any other way. Your wealth is
unspeakable and your way of luring people with
your mystical ways and looks is amazing, and
most people would often call you The
Seductress. Please rate this quiz!
What Kind Of Vampire Would You Be. (New And Improved, With COOL Pics!!!) FOR GIRLS ONLY!!!!
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You are a goddess!
Which Ultimate Beautiful Woman are You?
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 | You scored as Winter. You are WINTER. You're more introspective, thinking deeply, feeling deeply. You love nothing better than to enjoy one on one time with those who are important to you. You are cautious, and sometimes second guess yourself. Dreams, though you have them, are a luxury, because life is not a plaything.
What Season Are You? created with QuizFarm.com |
Curious Faerie
You are the Curious Faerie. You're always wondering
what's going to happen next, what's happened
before, that sometimes you miss what's going
on now. You can almost always be found with
your nose deep inside your latest book.
Wings: Black and dark blue
Power: Knowledge
Sexual appeal: You are a bookworm; sometimes
obsessively. But luckily for you, many guys
think this is very cute seeing as you can
sometimes be oblivious to what's going on
around you when you're wrapped up in a book.
Just don't let him talk you into doing his
homework for him.
What you look for in a guy: You aren't
really picky about what guy you have. You
want to discover as much about him as you
possibly can; no matter who your man is, as
long as he respects you, you will definitely
be a very close couple.
What kind of Dark Faerie are You? (Girls only with beautiful pics)
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What Kind of SOUL do you posses? (For Girls only) Incredible Anime Pictures!
You have a twisted soul! Twisted Souls are never bad, and actually, are a rarity amongst souls. These souls are a little combination of everything, with always a little of their own chaos to add. Twisted Souls are kind, loving, weird, zany, temperamental, and very talented. They have their own firm opinion, and can at one time be very outspoken and passionate, and the other time shy and feeling insignificant. Twisted Souls have good senses of Humor and other times can be a bore. You can act quite intelligent at one time, and grasp concepts easily, while other times they can find it difficult to understand. Twisted Souls are always very fun and Kind, and can be party animals. But, if you love someone, youre serious about it, intense, and forever loyal. Congratulations-the world should have more like you.
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What elemental dragon are you?
Your an ice dragon! Congrats! Out of all the dragons, you are most powerful but do not like to show it. A rare and special creture, you have artistic style and are great at expressing yourself. You think friends and Familly are the most important, and are a hopeless romantic. But of course, as ice goes, you can be a little cold or harsh at times. But not to worry, you always apoligize later!
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Reflections of the Spirit?
You reflect the magic of the spirit. You are a mystical person who values the magic in life. You enjoy the beauty in almost everything; every sound, smell, touch, taste. Although you find yourself pulled back to reality by the pollution of earth, this a very lovely quality to have, for there isn't much magic left.
Please rate high ;-)
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Photos
 approx 275 Summer 2004 |  | 155 lbs Christmas 2005 |
UnitedHealthcare, EPO
My surgeon has sent the "package" to the insurance company 1/25 and we are waiting to hear what they decide. As I understand it from an HR person at the company I work for, United Healthcare considers bariatric surgery as a cosmetic procedure. I feel they will not approve readily, it will probably be an uphill battle. 2/18 I called the insurance company to get a status and they told me it was in Care Coordination for clinical review. It could be 4-6 weeks before we hear what they decide. 2/25 Called ins company and they said a letter had been sent but they could not tell me what the letter said. 2/28 - the Dr's office called to let me know I was approved!
