Phenomenal Woman
I am at the beginning of my journey. I have my first visit with Dr. Malik 10/25/2005. I had some of the pre-op blood work done today and will have some other test done prior to my visit. My PCP has been very coorperative with my decision to explore WSL.
Added in on January 26, 2006:
Well, first I wanted to thank you for visiting my profile to learn a little about me. I am appending this information because I noticed that I just jumped right into the main thing and not really talked much about myself.
Well, here goes. I am 33 years old and I have a 7 (soon to be 8) year old son. My son is the joy of my life and if it wasn't for God blessing me with my son - there wold be many days that I would consent to just leaving this earth (no joke). My stay here on earth has only been to raise my son. But Jesus said that he came that 'I' might have life and have it more abundantly so why have I felt like this for so long? Well, lets just say that things are not always what they seem on the outside. But at this point in my life I am embracing everything (not just my son) that God has given me and living. This is a journey that I am no longer afraid to take. On this journey expect to get to know myself, love myself, and be myself. I want the world to know that I am who I am only because Jesus lives in my heart. I thank him daily for walking beside me and yes, sometimes carrying me. God is awesome and I encourage everyone to "try Him" and get to know him on a personal level. It will be the best decison of your life. Romans 10:9 (the Amplified Version) says: Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. And once you do this remember that your past means nothing to Jesus be cause in 2 Corinthians 5:17(the Amplified Version) says :Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! Most importantly you must then get in a "true" bible based church and learn how to live by the word of God.
I wish you well on you journey and hope that you allow God to guide you.
10/27/2005
I've had my first visit with Dr. Malik and I am going to do the "thang thang". I don't feel like I have any other choice. I am ready for my journey. I have had all of my pre-op procedures done except speaking with the dietician and the psychologist or psychiatrist. Oh, I almost forgot. I have to have the wonderful Upper Gi Study done. I also have to visit with my doctor every month to monitor my weight and diet. I am really going to try and lose some weight prior to my surgery. Hopefully, I will be able to have my surgery done in May (right after school is out) so that I will be healed by August when school starts back up. After Dr. Malik reviews all of my test results, I will visit him again and then wait. Other than being over-weight, waiting seems to be something that everyone on this same journey has to get accustomed to. LOL! Take care and I wish each of you well on your journey.
10/31/2005
I have been reading about WLS and the information that I have obtained has been great. One book has me thinking about everything that I do. I thought for so many years that because I was mobile that my weight was not a problem but I am seeing now that I was so wrong. I have a weight problem not just in pounds but in life. Something as simple as waiting for the handicap bathroom stall because it is wider and the seat is a little higher. Chosing slip-on shoes vs. tie up shoes. I see my world so differently now. I realized that I am 2 people (140 lbs ea) and a normal weighing 5 or 6 year old (40lbs). I'm like WHOA! I am thanking God that I have made this far and asking him to give me his continued covering to help me see this through.
11/1/05
Nothing much to report today. My surgeon's office called to report that I needed a CT scan to get a better look at my liver. So that adds another pre-op visit to my list. Hopefully, after next week, they will all be complete. Take care.
11/9/05
Nothing much going on right now. I had my psych visit Monday and I guess I talked to much because I have another appointment with him in December. Yes another pre-op visit added to my list. I was hoping that I would have everything done this week. I am glad that I am getting everything out of the way now. Some surgeons do not encourage their patients to get the pre-op tests and evaluations out of the way prior to them being approved for surgery, but Dr. Malik does. He knows that I have at least 6 months before I can be approved so why not use that time to prepare for the surgery. I'd rather do it all now (I don't plan to have the surgery until May anyway) then to wait until March or April to be running around like a chicken with my head cut off. It just seems like a lot because I am in school full - time.
I have a supervised weight visit today. I wonder if I have lost any weight. I have been drinking my water yesterday I was able to drink 84oz. I haven't drank that much water in a very long time. I feel like if I can do it once I can do it again. So my daily goal now is to drink 84 oz of water.
11/14/05
Well I spoke to the Medical Assistant at my surgeon's office today. All of my test still are not back. My CT Scan has a comment on it that I may have to go back for another scan without the contrast in it. I can not imagine dealing with all of this if I had waited until my insurance approved the procedure. UGH!!! Other than that life is ok. I have told my 3 best friends about my decision to have this surgery. I have received 3 different reactions. Most importantly, I received their support, and that is all that counts. I have been doing well on my daily water goal. When I have accomplished it completely, I will set another goal.
11/15/05
Praise God from whom all blessing flow! I pre-registered for my Spring classes today, YA! There was a class that has a prerequisite that I have not taken and my advisor allowed me to take the course along with the prerequisite. Thank you God for your favor. If I did not take the class this semester I would be in school an extra semester. I need to finish by December 06 so that I can take my behind back into the workforce. I have to be able to sow a seed into the Kingdom of God so I will able to bring in my harvest. What God has for me is for me!
I received yet another call from my surgeon's office today. I have to go to a pulmonist next month. My PFT's were not normal so I have to be re-evaluated. More tests. I keep thinking that if something really serious is in the works . . . It will be found by the time I have this surgery. What if I never decided to have the surgery? A lot of people die young because they display no symptoms of serious conditons. Thank you God that I decided to have the surgery. I had another CT scan today, I wonder what they found? Hopefully nothing but my creatine was normal so that is a plus.
12/2/05
Hello everyone!!!. I hope you are doing well on this wonderful day that the Lord has made. Come let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!! I am blessed to be almost finished with this semester. I have been swamped with my course work. All my teachers are trying to get me to complete every assignment on their agenda. I am tired. I stay up late nights and then at least 2 days out of the week I just say no to books. Of course this has me scrambling the next couple of days but I work well under pressure.
Everyone has demands on my life. I feel like I am being pulled like silly putty. Ya'll remember that? If so YOU ARE AS OLD AS ME!!! I live with my grandmother (76) and my son (7). They each need a piece of me daily. Then I have to remember my darling Lorenzo (40) whom I do love and hope to one day marry. Our relationship has been a litttle rocky these past couple of weeks but there is a God and I know that God will prevail in our relationship. God always has the last say. But I feel a lot of pressure from those 3 plus my course work and on top of that I am very active in my church Kingdom Of Our Lord Ministry in Rocky Mount, NC. God first right? It seems so hard to prioritize everything else when they all up in my grill.
But over all, I am doing well . . . just waiting. Waiting on God to do a supernatural work in my life and waiting on me to tap into the trueness of myself and live according to that truth. I am taking this time to learn about me. Have you ever sensed that you really didn't know yourself? After we lose all of this weight are we the same person? How can we be? If we are being reborn why would we even want to be the same person we were prior to becoming a "loser"? Sounds like something I sould post on the BAF discussion board, huh? Maybe I will.
I have found the BAF discussion board memebers to be very helpful. They all seem very supportive and I think that is the key to successful weight loss. I have always been a supporter of sorts. If I noticed a changed in a person I would always acknowledge it. But it seems like with weight loss - especially if you have a lot to lose, people don't really know how to be supportive. If you wear a support bra (as an example) you wear it for just that support but it is not designed to always provide you with the support you need. The point is that support doesn't last long. After a few weeks or months people around you aren't as supportive as they were in the beginning. Sometimes they change and begin to police you. Watching you like a criminal, just waiting for you to mess up. It has been those times that I have just said forget it. When I become a "loser" I will not tolerate being policed. I am going to ask God to place it in my spirit to stand up for myself and at the same time not kill the person with my AK-47 tongue. I have been known to cut a #$#$# for crossing the line. But the Lord is working on me.
Well that is enough for now take care all. Have a blessed holiday.
12/14/05
Well I am here at school for the last day. I am waiting for one of my teachers to come back to her office in order for her to sign some papers for me. I really should be home resting but she was not able to sign them on Monday. I actually don't have to be here until tonight at 6pm. But I am waiting now.
I have an appointment with a pulmonary doctor on the 19th. Other than that nothing new to report about WLS. But I will report that our God is an awesome God and He is ready to do an awesome work in my life and I am ready for him to do it too. Christmas is coming up soon (too soon) and I hope everyone knows the real reason for the season. We are celebrating the life of Christ, who came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He is so awesome -words can't express the magnitude of my graditude. I can't thank him enough for loving me so much.
Well before I begin to preach, I will end by wishing everyone a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
12/29/05
Well another year is coming to an end. Where does the time go? Well I give God all the praise for not only bringing me through another year in one peice but for being my guide. This year has brought me more wisdom and insight into my destiny. He has brought me a mighty long way. When I feel as though I can't make it through or I am not worthy of is grace and mercy he reminds me:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11.
That is enough to keep me running to reach my expected end. Thank You Jesus for the love, grace and mercy you have bestowed onto me.
Now back to WLS. On 2/20/05 I met with the pulmonary specialist and she gave me clearance for surgery. She told me that I would probably have to have 1 last chest x-ray prior to surgery but that would just be for observation.
Now I am ready for the spring semester of school to be over! I would like to have the surgery after the spring semester is over. That would give me a little over 3 months to heal prior to completing my last semester. OMG I can not believe how God has changed my eye sight. I am not only looking forward to something in the middle of the year but I am planning and looking forward to things in 2007, praise God. I can not speak for everyone but for me that is something that I have never done. Well, except for my junior year of high school, of course!
My future plans (partial list):
WLS - 5/06
Graduation - 12/06
New Job - 1/07
Trip to New York - 7/07
Pass the Medical Coding Associate Certification (CCA) - 7/07
I wish I could put in a wedding date, but right now I can only focus on my mind, not the mind of others. But I do know that marriage is in God plans for my life (he just needs give Lorenzo a little push in the right direction - Hee Hee Hee). I haven't been to New York since 1991. At one point it was a money issue and then it became a shame issue. No one would ever believe that I have gotten as large as I have. I know, everyone changes but I have just been so ashamed of my weight, that (where I am from) no amount of make-up or temporary diet can conceal. Anyway. I have plans and I have some direction and I am reaching for the stars.
Well I am sure that this will be my last posting for the year. Have a Happy New Year everyone and remember: Friends don't let friends drive drunk.
1/1/06
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. Another year gone by and a new coming in. I am excited about this year and I can't wait for all that God has in store for me. I am looking forward to an awesome year in God. I proclaim that this is my year. I know, I know, I just let the gate open for the enemy but it will be well worth it. "Punks jump up and get beat down!" My gaurd is up and my mind is made up. . . . I am going to pursue the abundant life that Jesus so graciously came for (John 10:10) Glory to your name, Jesus.
Nothing to post about WLS I just wanted to post my proclaimation for 2006.
1/10/06
First and foremost I want to thank God for the awesome confirmation on last night after bible study. The Lord used my pastor to confirm what I have been feeling in my spirit for about 4 weeks now. I have been feeling or sensing an abundant lifestyle breaking through. 2006 is going to be a year of foundation. Some things are going to be put in place in my life and once that is complete, I will live the abundant life that Jesus promised us all. I am preparing for a new life and I give God the glory all the way there. I got a copy of my credit report and I was looking at some "Adverse" items. Items that may appear as "bad". They were all collections accounts. Some had been paid and others I was thinking about paying. The only thing about paying them off now is that they will stay on my credit report an additional 7 years. If I was to ignore them I would have good credit in like 3 to 4 years. But if I pay them off, these items will remain on my credit report for a total of 10 years. What is my incentive to pay them?
Well anyway, I was thanking God for his awesome faith restoring word and my pastor said "You wont have to wait 10 years for to repair your credit." I look up and he was like, "Yeah, you. This time next year you wont be in this same place you are now." First of all I haven't mentioned my credit history to any one so once again God has proved that he is All Knowing. And this world better recognize.
Well I have other good news as well. I am going to be honest about this too. I have been going to the supervised weight visits every months but I have not really been making a real attempt to lose weight, but I have lost 27 pounds OMG. Oh, if you are wondering that is the dr office scale not mine LOL.
Well I just wanted to stop by and post real quick. I have to go to class tonight. Until next time. Take care.
1/10/06
Well, I am back. I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Lorenzo - the love of my life. Re-dedicated his life to Christ Sunday. I am so happy. We are on our way. For me that is the first real step that has been taken towards marriage since we have been together. I have had a ring for almost a year now but it really didn't feel like it until he told me today. I knew that he was going to do . . . . I just wish I was there. Lo has a lot of things going on in his life but I know that he is in good hands now. (SIGH) I can relax now. But today was soooo different. He talked about my son (previous relationship) as our son and I let him. In the past I have corrected him by saying,"You are not his father." I know it probably hurt a little but it was true because at that time he wasn't doing any more for my son than my son's father. But today I felt comfortable with him referring to my son as our son. I know that everything is working out for the good.
Lorenzo and I also looked at rings (jumping up and down) today. I saw a few nice Keepsake sets that were less than $700.00. But then I saw the 1 carat diamond solitare. Now why did I have to see it. I was fine with the nice Keepsake sets (quality diamonds at low prices) but no that was not enough. I told him that if he bought me that one ($2300.00 sigh) I wouldn't need a wedding or a honeymoon. But it sure was nice though.
Anyway that is enough for now, I have got to go to bed. I am tired tonight.
1/21/06
Hello everyone. There isn't much going on right now as far as my WLS journey goes. I have completed all of the pre-op tests and I only have 2 more months of supervised weight visits. I have already scheduled them for 2/9 and 3/9 and I go to see the surgeon on the 4th of April.
I got a call from an old friend of mine her ex's (also an old friend) father died on Wednesday. I am debating on wether to go the funeral or not. I probably wont. I am not a funeral person. He was a nice man but well, I don't know but I am just not a funeral person. So I might just call or send a card or something. When I call her back I will get their address.
Other than that not much is happening in my life right now. School is back in full swing. I already have 2 test set up for next week and at least 1 the following week. But I am loving school. I can't wait for this semester to be over. One reason being that I will have my surgery soon after the last day of class and two being that after the summer, I will only be 1 class away from graduation and returning to the workforce. I would really like to work in Wilson, NC or maybe Tarboro, NC. I am thinking about traffic. There is little or no traffic back this way. If I have too, I will work in Raleigh. But I would really rather work closer to home and I do not have any desires to live in Raleigh.
But I would like to send a shout our to Andriene and Holly - I met them from this site and we converse from time to time. It really looks like we will all have surgery around the same time (a couple months apart) by the same surgeon. I hope to have my surgery on May 15th. As of right now my last day of class is 5/8 and I will be finished. That will give me 6 days to prepare for my surgery. Keeping busy will allow the time to go by faster.
Well, that is all for now - take care eveyone and thanks for stoping by. Feel free to e-mail me if you want to chat.
2/15/06
Well, another month has come and almost gone and I am that much closer to my surgery. WooooHoooo. Hopefully, in 3 months from now I will be on my way to or in recovery and Nash General Hospital. I have 1 last supervised weight visit next month and I will have my paperwork forwarded to my surgeon. I will meet with my surgeon on April 4th and hopefully by that time I will be approved. I am very optimistic. I do not believe that God would bring me this far to allow me to be denied.
A lot of stuff is going on in my life and I feel like I just need a vacation from my life. But that seems impossible when you provide care for a 77 and 8 year old. It seems impossible when you are needed in your ministry. It seems impossible when you have your own life that you are trying to live according to the will of God. But I remind myself that nothing is impossible according to the will of God. It is God's will that my life be abundant and I live, so that is what I am going to do.
School is going well. I can't wait until this semester is over and I have my surgery. I am just excited about the new life that I will be able to live once this weight is off. I just can't wait.
I am going to go now. I thank all of you visitors for stopping by.
3/1/06 - Long Post.
Well, hello everyone - thanks for stopping by. I had the pleasure of meeting several OH members at an information session held last night by our surgeon. I really only went to meet Holly and Adrienne, who I communitcate with outside of OH. I really enjoyed meeting them for the first time. We will all be going in back to back, Adrienne is first then Holy and last but not least will be me. I am really looking forward to crossing over to the losing side.
I have been trying to make slow changes in my diet this last month and now I am ready to make some more. I have a set a water intake goal of at least 128 oz per day and today I have made greater efforts to eat foods that contain more protein instead of carbs. Even though I didn't learn anything new at the session, I feel good about my decision and I am certain it the right one for me.
Well I have a praise report and update. A few posts back I reported a word that I received from God. The Lord said that I would not have to wait 10 years for my credit to get straight - you know to purchase a home, car anyting really. Anyway last month I received a response,from one of the credit bureaus, to a despute that I have submited several times. Each time that I had submitted the dispute the response would always be that the adverse item would remain. It really frustrated me because this was an account that was always in good standing!! Anyway, I disputed it and I got the respnse that I have been waiting for. . . . the item of dispute has been removed!!! Praise God and I can only give him the glory for this victory. Also I never mentioned this but I also have student loans (from a previous degree) and now that I am not working (May will be 1 year) in order to go to school full-time my money is almost non-existant. Well, when I enrolled in school I thought about going to the registra's office and having some forms filled out in order for my student loan payment to be deferred. Well, the last time I was enrolled in a community college I had to have those forms filled out every semester for the first year and it was a hassle. This time I vowed not to go through that and I said, "God, you know how limited my income is, so you have to make a way for this student loan payment to be made every month. Lord, I am believing you to do this for me." Well, about 3 weeks into school, I receive this letter from the loan company stating that they had received and granted deferment on my student loan until - get this 12/15/06 the exact day that I am scheduled to graduate. Well, I am jumping up and down praising God because I DID NOT REQUEST THIS! I am not receiving financial aid from the government so I do not know how they even got the information that I was in school or that I needed deferment in the first place. So I am still riding high on that when last month I recieved yet another letter from the loan company which stated once again that they had received and granted my request to extend my student loan repayment date. My new repayment date is now get this . . . 5/15/07. I am looking for the next letter to say you don't own us anything else. But I praise God for grace and mercy and I want to remind all you believers that God is always on time. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah - thank you Jesus - glory to your name.
I have my last weight visit nest Thursday and I will request that my records be forwarded to my surgeon's office. I meet with my surgeon on 4/4/06 so I am praying that I will be approved by then. I still hope to have my surgery on 5/15/06.
Well, I think I have given a detailed update so until next time(probably next week!), take care. Thanks again for stopping by.
3/2/06
WOW, 2 posts back to back!! Well, I got so caught up in yesterday's post, I forgot to post my list. A lot of people are posting what they want to do after WLS so I decided that I would post another type of list. Yeah, I gotta be different (smile).
I NO LONGER WANT TO:
-Hide from people tat i haven't seen in years.
-Be ashamed of the way I look.
-Be the largest person in most settings.
-Be ashamed to try new things b/c of my size.
-Avoid taking baths in a standard sized tub.
-Hide under over-sized clothing.
-WEAR A GIRDLE ON SUNDAYS!!!
-Wear flats or snakers for comfort.
-Lose my breath during physical activity. (I ain't Beyonce' LOL)
-Take medication for B/P, Diabetes, or GERD.
-Over-eat.
-Gain weight.
-Put limits on myself b/c of my size.
I will add more as they come to me. Take care and thanks for stopping in and reading my profile.
3/5/06
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Greeting everyone. I hope this post finds you all well. I am feeling wonderful today. It is the 1st Sunday of March, and I partcipated in Communing with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Did you know that if it had not been for the shed blood of Jesus we wouldn't be here? Not only that, had he died before the blood was shed or spilled out of his body, we would not be here. Think about this, they could have poisoned him and his death would have been in vain because not blood would have been shed. Remember the blood is what saves us and gives us life. Romans 5:9 says, much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
I wanted to share something with you all. . . . today I was given my certificate of license for ministry. I am now a Licensed Minister of the Gospel. I thank God for this elevation and I thank my pastor for believing in my call. Thank you Pastor Orrell.
Today was a day like any other Sunday. My son did not have a cub scout den meeting so after I ate, I took a nap. I didn't want to get up but I had to so that I could complete my homework. I have an on-line class and all assignments are due by Sunday @11:59. Any assignments received after earn Zeros. I have to take a test this week as well.
One thing that I am looking forward to is my last supervised weight visit. I am sure that I have gained weight but it is my last and I have tried. I have found that I do very well Monday thru Thursday because I am in school and I am not sitting around bored. I have learned that I eat when I am bored. I used to smoke when I was bored too. So I have to get active. I am going to the resouce center in town and ask about the fitness program they have. I know they have a treadmill that you can use but they have other services as well and most importantly the services are what?!? FREE. I like that (chezie smile). But Thursday is my appointment with my PCP and I am praying that nothing goes wrong. I could be approved by the end of this month no later than Mid - April. I meet with my surgeon on April 4th. I am excited . . . .I am getting so close that I can feel my incisions LOL!!
Well, I am going to go now but I wish everyone a blessed week. I know I will update at least one more time this month. Take care and thanks for stopping by.
3/8/06
Well, I didn't plan to post today, but yesterday was such a trying day for me that I decided to journal it. Without going into details, I will say that the enemy planned and plotted against me but did not triumph over me or my spirit. It began as soon as I woke up but with God on my side I defeated that devil before I went to bed last night. I give God the glory and honor because I began to have doubts about myself, my life, and my purpose. Now, I know the voice of God, so how can I doubt what he said? (That is what I told myself.) So I am back on top my weak moment did not last and now I know what to look for.
I want to encourage anyone that is having doubts about your life to remember what God said and stand your ground and tell the enemy, "God can not lie so I know it will come to pass and so do you (the enemy)."
We have to remember that the enemy knows (not believes) how great we are and he plots and plans ways to defeat so we will not believe how great we are. He knows that we are conquers, the problem is we lose faith (with his help) in ourselves. So don't lose faith, ya'll. "We're all in this together". Don't lose faith and don't give up! Choose your friends wisely. Your friends ought to build you up, not tear you down. Live as though the victory has already been won.
Take care everyone and thanks for stopping by. I will post tomorrow since that is when I planned to post. Take care.
3/9/06
Well, everyone today was the day. I had my last supervised weight visit today and I am glad that they are over. My weight today was 309 so I was able to lose 12 pounds. So that is a good thing. It would be nice to be under 300 pounds by May though. I will work on that. My diabetic readings have not been good to me. My doctor says that they are not bad but I have been feeling bad. I start feeling bad with blood sugars of 120 or higher. A blood sugar of 145 or more and I am struggling not to fall alseep. So I did get another medication today so that I can have better readings and feel better. I am comfortable when the reading are 90 - 115 but I most peoples comfort zone is like 70 - 140. I am miserable at anything greater than 118 and anything less than 90. So my window of comfort is very small. So she did give me another medication to try. My diabetic medication is the first one that I expect to come off of after surgery.
So I am one more step closer to my surgery. I will be able to get my records today - Ms Barbara (who copies the records) said she would go on and make the copies of the visit for me and give them to me today. I am so excited. I called my surgeons office and spoke to Jennifer - but she is not in the office today. She wont be in until Tuesday. So before I go visit Adrienne (shout out) on Tuesday I will swing by the office to drop them office for Jennifer to review and submit to the insurance company. I am just excited because last Tuesday was a terrible day (previous post) and I am getting the victory today. The enemy wanted me to give up and I didn't because I know what God promised me and I am standing on that word. God, I thank you so much for loving me like you do. So today, around 1:30, I will be able to pick up my medical records for my surgery. Thank you Jesus. Man have I got a praise that I have to get out. I can barely sit still. But Ima wait until I get to my car because I don't want to be carried off to the mental ward - it might delay my surgery (LOL)!
But that is all you guys. God is just working it out and I give him all of the praise. I encourage everyone that reads this profile to get to know God. A relationship with Him, WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. That is all for now - I am just so excited. Anyone that has a dance - dance along with me today. Praise Him, Praise Him, for He is worthy to be praised.
Later in the day . . . . 7:30pm Well, all of my paper work is in the hands of my surgeons nurse. I was going to e-mail her to let her know to look for the information on Tuesday morning when she returned to the Rocky Mount office. Well, she posted under my post to let me know that she received it today. I am soooooo happy. I know God is working in my favor. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. I am so excited. Take care and I hope to post soon that I have been approved. Yeah!!!
3/15/06
Well, I am sitting here with nothing to do. I am hoping that my paper work will be submitted for approval sometime this week. Please, Please, Please be all that Medicaid needs for approval. A fellow OH site member (same surgeon) just had surgery on Monday (3/13) and another was denied (all of us have Medicaid) so I can see it going either way. But I have done everything that I was asked to do and the extra stuff. . . so all I can do is believe God to approve the request for surgery.
I was feeling bad Sunday and a new minister (to our church) came up to me and began to speak into my life and encourage me as she placed something in my hand. I placed it in my pocket and when I pulled it out (when I got home) it was a one hundred dollar bill. I was like whoa!. But to God be the glory, I was able to pick up some of my necessities needed for surgery. Ya'll have to remember that I am not working right now so my funds are very limited. I was able to purchase some of the things that I needed. I was so happy. I have all of my vitimans that I need and I will pick up a few cans of soup stuff as I go along. So prayerfully, I will be reporting back to ya'll real soon that I have been approved and I have a date. Whose report to I believe . . . . no ones but the Lord.
Well, that is all for now, but thank you all for stopping by to read about my journey. Be blessed in your journey as well. Bye - Bye.
3/16/06
Well, I am back with some news. I had my doctor's office submit my paper work to my surgeon's office, thinking that it would be submitted to Medicaid this week. I wasn't sure, so I e-mailed the nurse and asked and she replied that my paper work would not be submitted until I saw Dr. Malik and signed consent forms. Well my appointment is not until April 4th! So now I have to wait until April so with that being pushed back other things can be pushed back as well. I was really counting on a swift process. Meaning that everything would go off without a hitch. Well, I am at my hitch. But, I can still give God glory because worse things could have happened. I did e-mail the nurse venting my frustrations but either way you look at it, my paper work wont be submitted until after April 4th. I expected the enemy to step in the way but not at this point - maybe this is a good thing.
Well, I will go for now, I just needed to express myself in neutral space. Take care and thanks for stopping by.
3/20/06
Well, I wanted to come back and give an quick update. Last Thursday evening (3/16/06) Jennifer (surgeon's nurse) e-mailed me for me to call her so that she could see if I would be able to get into the office earlier than April 4th. And she would (if needed) submit my paperwork before I got into the office if she could. Well, I called her Friday morning and she was able to squeeze me in on March 21, 2006 tomorrow at 9:15am. I might be a little late to class but I e-mailed my instructer to let her know that if needed I would make my time up in her night class if needed. So I am getting closer to that time so I am anxious.
Well, I have got to go back to class now. We had a test so I had a longer break and thought I would update quickly. Lata, gata!!
Well, I had my last consult with my surgeon and my surgery packet will be mailed to EDS today. I am really excited about that. Jennifer did confirm that I wanted May 15th as my surgery date and I said,"Yes Maam." I signed all of the needed forms and I even made it to class by 10:30am. I am so excited about this. I am getting so close, I can feel the IV in my vein LOL.
I chatted with a OH friend name Holly and she has been approved and her surgery date is April 10th. I am excited for her as well. She has been on this journey longer than I have so I am glad that it finally happening for her. Adrienne (another OH friend) is at home recovering well. She said she hasn't had any complications yet . . . she did mention that she was alittle bored b/c she isn't supposed to drive yet. But soon she will be zooming and losing all at the same time LOL. I know realy corny, but I can do that because I am excited.
Well, I am going to go for now. The next time I post, will to confirm my approval and surgery date. Take care and thanks for stopping by.
3/27/2006
Well, I am feeling real anxious right about now, I am trying not to contact Jen (nurse) to ask about my approval. I want to call so bad. But I am going to wait because until tomorrow (long time right) and call when I know she is in the office. I just want to see if anything came back yet. If not I see if she will call for me. I have seen posts where Medicaid sends the denial codes to the patients now, I haven't received anything so . . . . well lets just leave it at that. There is not usually a long turn around with Medicaid so I will wait and call tomorrow and call the office. I just wanted to keep a little busy so that I would not e-mail her or something. I wonder if it would count if I e-mailed her late tonight, know that she will read it tomorrow.
Anyhoo, the OH volunteers have posted my pics on my profile and I have started a on-line photo album too. I will post the address later. I have to make sure all of my pics are up there with captions. But I want to keep that up - something visual and proof of the unseen.
Well, I am going to go now, take care everyone and remember to seek God first and you will never go down the wrong path. Your steps are ordered and he makes no mistakes.
March 28, 2006
Still no word from the insurance company. Maybe I will hear something tomorrow. Lord, I know you did not bring me this far to leave.
3/29/06
DENIED, DENIED, DENIED!!!!!
3/30/06
Well, I am back. I wasn't going to post anything until I was approved but God showed me that I couldn't leave my profile like this.
Yesterday, I received a denial letter from Medicaid but I was unable to find out why . . . I decided to wait on Jennifer and let her tell me. I am not going to stress over it because I did what was required of me so I know victory is on its way. Also, looking back on my entire day yesterday, I know it all was a set up by the enemy. He is trying to trip me up so that I will give up.
I will not give up. This is my year of victory and I will walk there in. So Ha Ha devil you can't stop me because my steps have been ordered by God, yeah that's right because I am righteous and I am deserving of the life that God has destined for my life. I am the head and not the tail and I am more than a conqueror.
Well, that is all the motivation that I need so I am ready to start my day.
Thanks for stopping by to read up on me. Stay motivated and encouraged on your journey.
3/31/06
Well, everyone I did it and God has prevailed (as always). I patiently waited and did not call the surgeon's office to ask about my denial. This is important to me because I have real strong feelings about this and I would have ended up getting real upset because I would have probably felt like they weren't working as hard as they could. This is only what I say would have happened b/c it has happened in the past with other issues. But I believed Jen when she said not to worry and I believed Adrienne and Holly that Jen and Dr. Malik would do whatever they could to get me approved. Of course they were right.
Well, I was denied because (drum roll please) . . . . they (prior approval personnel) didn't look for the information and also the PA didn't write what I asked her too. The info that was requested for the most part was in the chart records B/P Duh?! I have hypertension so you know they checked and recorded that - didn't look. A1C's and fasting glucose levesDuh?! I am a diabetic of course this information was provided. Okay no my diet plan was not included and no my excersis outline was not provided either (but I did specfically ask the PA to write this info). But Jen did say that once the information is received there would be no problem approving me. YES! So I typed up a form letter to give to my PCP to have them put on lettehead and to be signed by one of the medical providers. I will drop that off bright and early Monday.
So those of you going through the process here are some tips:
*Give the insurance co as much information as you can find about you. Write a detailed letter about how obesity has affected your life.
*Get complete instructions from the insurance personnel on what your insurance carrier usually looks for and give that to your PCP. Type it up and lay it out plain enough for them to understand. Know that most of the times the Dr is not the person that fills out forms or pulls records so make it simple yet detailed.
*Save reciepts and contracts for diet food, diet plans, and / or gym memberships etc. Anything you have purchased or signed up for to assist in losing weight.
*Document, Document, Document
*Come up with a complete plan of action and have the doctor write it in the chart or you type it up and have them sign it. . . this is proof of the dicussion of weight loss.
*Make sure all visits have obesity as a diagnosis code and all information is recorded. Make sure progress is documented in your chart. Pester them. Appended information may not be accepted later.
*Keep up everything pertaining to your weight loss efforts in a folder - for easy referral. If you can't get your chart records at least keep up with request dates and when information was sent off.
*Don't take short cuts. Know from the beginning what the insurance company needs for approval and provide it. Short cuts do not work unless everyone involved is on the same path.
These are just some tips but I do know that if you do what the insurance co askes there will be no problem but this helps them sort through the information easier. Some prior approval units search through medical records with a fine toothed comb while others skim it like a magazine and ask for the same stuff over and over. Be patient there is no need in you getting your BP up if you know you have done everthing right. Most of all believe God and know that the trap may be set but you don't have to fall in it.
Wishing you well on your journey. I look forward to posting that I have been approved real soon and ya'll know the date 5/15/06 and you know this MAN! I may be on the sidelines now (cheering everyone on of course) but I will be crossing over real soon. Take care everyone and thanks for stopping by.
4/3/06
Good morning everyone!!! I am feeling good this morning/afternoon. It is rainy and stormy but to God be the glory that I am seeing another day. I took the information to my doctor's office this morning about my diet plan and excersis, blah, blah, blah. I walked Becky through it and she started to get some of the information while I was there. But look how God works, normal mornings the office is PACKED but this morning there was no one there. Office hours have changed and even at 9am there was no one there to be seen by the DR. Great. I asked that if she could, have the info ready by tomorrow. . . Jen is in the office on Tuesdays and she could work on it and send it back out to Medicaid tomorrow. So I am looking forward to that call.
Another praise report . . . I made a 102 on my math test. Life is looking up and I give God the praise and glory for it all.
Until next time ya'll take care, I have got to run some errands. Just want to stop in and say hello and update. I'll keep everyone posted. Take care.
4/4/06
Dr. Malik's nurse Jennifer is the best health care professional that I have dealt with in years (wink wink ) (inside joke ya'll)
Well my PCP wrote a letter with the information that was requested by medicaid and Jennifer so graciously waited (after 5 pm) for me to drop the papers off to the office so that she could mail the information off to medicaid. Thank you Jennifer for being sooooo caring. So now I wait again. But I feel confident that this time I will be approved.
Until next time. Take care
April 12, 2006
Well the moment has finally arrived. I got the call today. I have been approved. Thank you Jesus!!!! My surgery is officially on May 15 @ 7:30am and my pre-op is on May 9th no time has been determined yet.
April 15, 2006
Well, in exactly one month I will be on the losers bench. Woo Hoo. I have waited for this for so long and I am truly at a loss for words. I can't believe it. I am really psyched. I picked up some unflavored protein so I think I am ready. I have all of my supplements and I have already started picking up items for the liquid diet. Just so anxious. School is almost over and I will have 3 months to heal and shock the world!
Be blessed everyone and thanks for stopping by. I am who I am because of God's love and mercy. I was created to serve him and I walk in victory. Why don't you walk with me.
4/25/2006
Hello everyone. I hope this post finds you all in a place that God can use you. As for me, I am doing well . . . counting down the days until my surgery. I am not as fearful as I have been because I've reminded myself that my steps are being ordered by God and he will be right there with me guiding the hands of Dr. Malik and his assistant. 20 more days until surgery - WOO HOO. Time is really flying by.
I have 7 more days of school and 5 more tests - I will have exactly 5 days of rest before my surgery and I am going to take advantage of them. I have my pre-op appointment at the surgical center on May 9th at 10am and my post-op appointment on May 23 at 10:30am. I am just about set.
I do need to pick up a few more items prior to surgery (so I don't have to worry about them later) after that I will be all set. I just need to find the right words to tell my son about the surgery. He has a tendency to be sensitive in some areas and I don't want to scare him. But other than my son, I have told all of the people in my life that I am going to tell. Once I begin to lose weight, I am just going to tell the others that I am on a very restrictive medically monitored diet. I want people to see the good from the surgery not look for the bad. You always find what you are looking for. Yes, there are some risks, yes I will have some drastic changes in my life but I will also be able to live a better quality of life. My temple will be cleaned out and once it is clean it will stay clean.
Well that is all for now, thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful day in Jesus.
Be careful of those W~E~A~K days during the W~E~E~K give God the glory any way, your blessing is just around the corner.
5/1/06
Hello everyone. Nothing really to update except that there are only 14 more days until my re-birth day. I went shopping for some of those last minute items . . . . I still have a few more things to pick up and I still need to talk to my son. UGH! God please give me the words of assurance.
School is almost over . . . As of right now I know that I have 2 A's and 1 B I am not sure about my coding class . . I just pray that it s a B. Other than that I am just waiting for the big day.
Like I said nothing much to report just want to post a little to keep ya'll aware that I am still here . . . . waiting (patiently of course LOL). Take care everyone and have a great week.
May 9, 2006
Hello everyone! School is over and you know what that means . . . I have my surgery NEXT WEEK! I had my pre-op appt today and it went well. I am looking forward to Monday . . fa real! ONLY 6 MORE DAYS! I still have somethings that I need to tie up before surgery and I feeling like I am running around with my head cut off . . I have to get my car inspected, and I have to get my hair braided up so it wont get damaged from laying around on it. I will keep them in for a couple of weeks then get my much needed perm . . ya'll sista's understand! LOL.
I have food for my liquid stage, my protein and my vitamins. I am ready! I talked to my son and he knows that I am going to the hospital on Monday and am going to have surgery that will help me to be healthy again. So he is okay with it. just don't want him to worry.
But I just wanted to update a little bit and I probably wont update again until I am post-op, a loser, have crossed over, or sittin on the loser's bench . . . all that!
Well, take care everyone and thanks for stopping by and have a great week . . .I sure will.
5/13/2006
Well I am almost there . . . 2 more days. As a matter of fact the next time I post on this site, I will be on the other side! I am really giving God praise right now. This week has been some thing else. Last Saturday, this lady tried to tell me that there were no jobs in my field (that I am currently studying and soon to be completed) then DMV tried to take my tags off my car, and last and final the surgical center tried to cancel my surgery. But as always God prevailed and I stand in victory today and I thank God for it. Victory
About Me
Eastern, NC
Location
41.1
BMI
Surgery
05/15/2006
Surgery Date
Oct 13, 2005
Member Since
