bfnelms
I have researched WLS for 2 years and was delayed at pursuing it because of a family illness. I have been significantly overweight since my mid 20's. I went to the seminar with Dr. Shina on 6/29/04. Received denial letter from my insurance company on 9/7/04. I am continuing to see my PCP and a Dietician monthly. I am preparing to appeal the insurance company's decision within 180 days of the denial. Since 6/29, I have lost 17 pounds.
March 7, 2005 - I have seen my PCP and Dietician each month through December of 2004. I had to spend about a month in Southeast Texas caring for my mother up until the time of her death in early February. So, I was delayed in filing my appeal. It was filed on February 22 and Aetna sent an acknowledgement noting that I will have a response within 15 days. My Mom was my life. With the loss of my Mom and Grandmother within 36 hours of each other, I am more anxious than ever to move forward with the bariatric surgery!
March 10, 2005 - I received word from Aetna this afternoon that I have been approved! I composed my appeal letter myself. In addition, I composed the one from my PCP and he signed it. I would be happy to share my appeal submittal with anyone else who is seeking approval through Aetna. Please send an e-mail if you would like more information. I am excited that I can finally move forward with this!
March 25, 2005 - I had my Psych evaluation today with Thomas Hedden in Louisville, KY. It was a rather strange experience. However, he said he would write the letter to my Surgeon recommending me for the surgery. So, I should know my surgery date next week!
April 5, 2005 - I have a date! I am scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2005. I am very excited!
April 7, 2005 - I received all my pre-op appointments, instructions and surgery orders from Dr. Shina's office. My surgery will be at Norton Suburban hospital in Louisville on 5/20 at Noon. I'll go on 4/22 for pre-op blood work, EKG and x-rays. Then, I'll go on 4/29 for my cardiac and pulmonary clearance. It took nearly 11 months to get here. But, the ball is definitely rolling now!
April 14, 2005 - As expected, I received notification of my appointment with the vascular specialist for the Inferior Vena Cava filter. I will meet the Dr. on May 5 and I expect the procedure will be scheduled after that. What I did not expect was the note indicating I would have to pay $1,200 cash for this procedure! I expected that it would be covered by insurance. I plan to call Dr. Shina's office to inquire as to whether or not I should expect any additional surprises that I should be prepared for. Otherwise, I am excited and only have 5 weeks to go!
April 22, 2005 - I went to Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville today for my pre-ops. I was measured for a binder, had an EKG, chest x-ray, blood work, urinalysis and was given an incentive spirometer. The people I dealt with were very nice and efficient I was done in an hour and a half! I then went and paid my out-of-pocket amount of 189.00 for my surgeon. Four weeks to go!
April 29, 2005 - I had my Cardiology and Pulmonary consult today. Both went quite well. On my pulmonary function test, I scored 85% of predicted normal. Not bad for someone weighing over 450 lbs! EKG's from 4/22 and 4/29 are both perfect. On 5/4 I meet the Vascular Surgeon and then my vena cava filter insertion procedure will be scheduled. After that, I am ready for my surgery day.
May 17, 2005 - I checked in at Baptist Hospital East in Louisville at 5:30 this morning for my vena cava filter placement. Everything went very well. Dr. George was great. I felt a couple of minor needle sticks. But, nothing major. The worse part was having to lay still for an hour; that made my back hurt. Once I got home, I slept very well for much of the day. Now, I don't feel any pain in the groin. But, I am having some cramps in my lower right abdominal area. This seems to be worse when I stand up or walk. So, I have sent my brother to pick up the pain medicine. I am hoping I'll feel well enough to go to work 2 more days. I will start my liquid diet tomorrow and report to Norton Suburban on Friday at 10:00 for my surgery that is scheduled for noon. Thanks to everyone who has posted messages of support and encouragement!
May 25, 2005 - I had surgery on Friday, May 20. Everthing went very well. There were no complications. Aside from the soreness one might expect from an open procedure, I really feel great. I don't feel like doing a whole lot, but, I am able to do everything for myself. Later in the week when I feel like sitting at the computer for a while, I'll write a detailed description of my experience with the surgery. Thanks again to everyone who sent such kind messages of support and encouragement!
May 29, 2005 - I am now 9 days out from my surgery. I feel very good. I have never felt sick and have not had any problems at all. I would say that the experiences has more than exceeded my expectations! Here, I'll try to tell you about the surgery experience: My brother and I arrived at Norton Suburban Hospital at 10:00 a.m. on May 20 and registration only took a few minutes. From there, I went into a room where I removed my clothing and put on the hospital gown. They checked my vitals and started an IV. Dr. Shina stopped in for a minute to talk to me. He told me "this is your last chance to back out". I assured him I was ready. I also met the Anesthesiologist. He asked a few questions and was satisfied. At nearly 1:00 p.m., I was taken into the operating room where I was positioned on the table. I remember that my head and neck was lower than the rest of my body as they prepared me so that I could be easily intubated. Next thing I remember, I hear people talking about me and moving me from the operating table. It was strange because I was fully alert and aware of what was going on, however, I was still completely paralyzed. I remember trying with all my might to open an eyelid or move a finger and couldn't do it. I wasn't alarmed because based on their conversation, I knew I was okay and that everything went well. In no time at all, the paralytic wore off and I was able to open my eyes and then felt perfectly normal again. When I woke up, I was still intubated and on a ventilator. This was rather discouraging because I had no doubt I could breathe adequately. But, Dr. Shina is very careful. I can't fault him for that. And, as I had anticipated this, I was not surprised. In anticipation of this, I had also instructed my brother to ensure they did not keep me restrained. Before my brother was allowed in the room, I wrote the Nurse a note explaining to her I had a medical background, understood why I was intubated and knew not to pull the tube out. That didn't matter to her. All she could worry about was losing her license. So, I asked for a call button which I should have already had anyway and I pushed the button until I had adequate help and ultimately my brother was allowed into the room. Eventually he was allowed to stay in the room and I was not restrained as long as he was there. When he left, I had to make it clear to the Nurse that the restraint could be attached to allow movement rather than having my hands tied securely to the rail. That part of the hospital stay was rediculous. They could have done a much better job. I later found out it was only one Nurse who didn't have a clue. The next problem I had was when the indotracheal tube needed suctioning. I thought I was going to choke while trying to convince them I needed help and wasn't just trying to get the tube out. Had to ask for and use the call button again... I was on the ventilator overnight and then it was removed the next morning. It was much easier to breathe without it. For someone who is not ventilator dependent, it actually creates resistance and makes breathing difficult. I was then moved to a regular room where I was by myself. Nursing staff didn't pay a lot of attention to me. I had an IV in my left hand infiltrate. With the ID bracelet on that wrist, my hand and arm swelled and cut off circulation to the hand. Since I had a morphine pump, this didn't hurt and I wasn't aware of it until I woke up. So, I called for help and the IV was removed quickly. Two Nurses immediately wanted to start another IV in the left arm or in the right hand. I informed them that with me going to the restroom and caring for my own needs, I would not have an IV in my right hand and that I was going to have a break. They didn't like that and I informed them that I was not giving them my consent to start another IV. They acted as if it was all about them and their feelings. If I were not doing so well or if I expected problems, I would have been more than willing. My hand weeped fluids for two days! They didn't require I get up and walk like they were supposed to. I was the one with the motivation making that happen. The bed was designed for bariatric patients. Aparently, nobody knew how to operate it because it was so high, I could barely get into and out of it. My brother and I figured out how to fix that after reading the manual. While it was set up to make movement within the bed easy, it was very uncomfortable and rough on the lower back. It will definitely motivate you to want to go home! Otherwise, this has been an experience that I do not regret. I have felt great from day one and it only gets better every day! I feel like I would be very comfortable driving and going back to my office now. So, I am certain I'll be able to by June 6, like I had hoped to.
May 31, 1005 - Went back to Louisville to see Dr. Shina for a check-up. All is well. Have lost 21 pounds in the first 11 days. I expect much of the weight loss was from fluids used during surgery. However, I feel much better. Dr. Shina removed the drain from my right side and will remove the g-tube in 2 weeks from my left side.
June 11, 1005 - I am 3 weeks and 1 day post op now. I continue to feel great and I have had no problems. I eat whatever I want to while avoiding bread, sugar, carbonated drinks, starches, etc. I have not had any problems with digestion and have never come close to vomiting. Bowel movements are regular just like before surgery. Last Saturday, I went to a company picnic and didn't drink enough water. I got too hot and dehydrated and that left me feeling sort of week for a couple of days and I couldn't tolerate heat very well. I went back to work on Tuesday, June 7 and worked the remainder of the week. So, I only missed 8 workdays (two weeks)! I return to see Dr. Shina next Tuesday and he will remove the g-tube. So far, this has been a very good experience for me!
June 14, 2005 - Went back to Dr. Shina today for a check-up and to get the g-tube removed. All went well. I have lost a total of 38 lbs in the 26 days since surgery! I continue to feel great!
July 25, 2005 - I have been feeling quite well in the 2 months after my surgery. While I haven't weighed, I would guess that I am down about 60 lbs. I have dropped about 8 inches in the waist and have had to buy new pants. I flew to California and then to my home in Texas during the July 4 weekend. On the last flight as I was returning to Louisville, I no longer had to wear a seat belt extension! I avoid bread, carbonated drinks and sugar like my Dr. says I should. Otherwise, I am able to eat just about anything I want. However, I can't eat much. I have never experienced hunger. In fact, it takes some effort to ensure I get enough nutrition. I have never got sick. I have only had one incident where I ate too much, too fast or didn't chew well enough. It was the most horrible pain I have experienced. After a few minutes, the pain went away. I will go to my second support group meeting on Tuesday and then I will see Dr. Shina some time during the last half of August.
August 26, 2005 - I went to Dr. Shina for my 3 month check-up on the 24th. I have now lost 87 pounds since my surgery! It is exciting to think that within the next 2 weeks, I will have lost 100 pounds. I should be down 150 pounds by Christmas! I continue to feel great and have yet to have a bad day. Dr. Shina was very pleased with my progress. I feel 25 again! My friends and co-workers all tell me I look 10 years younger. I have tons of energy. My resting heart rate is now in the 50's and my blood pressure runs about 118/76 which is the lowest it's been in my adult life.
September 23, 2005 - I can't believe it has been just over 4 months since my surgery. I have never felt better in my life! I have so much energy I can hardly sit still. I bought a scale that was delivered last week. I have lost about 110 pounds since my surgery. If anyone is looking for a high capacity scale, I found a 440 lb capacity scale in the Sky Mall catalog (www.skymall.com) on a recent flight. It cost about 59 dollars and has about a 30 year warranty. Probably the biggest surprise is what the surgery and weight loss has done to my testosterone levels. I had no idea that being overweight lowered testosterone. But, after suspecting that something was different, I researched it and confirmed it is so. I have gone from a 5x shirt to a 2x and from a 60 inch waist to a 46 or 48 inch waist. That is very close to where I was in my early 20's. If anyone reading this has any questions about my experience, please write. I'll be more than happy to share more details about my experience.
October 7, 2005 - I spent most of the last week at my home in Southeast Texas cleaning up and helping neighbors rebuild from hurricane Rita. I am thankful that my house escaped with only minor damage that we were able to repair immediately. I spent many hours using a chain saw and lifting and carrying pieces of trees we had cut. These are oak trees that are 80 to 90 feet tall and almost 3 feet in diameter at the trunk. I couldn't have done this 4 months ago! The extra energy and agility I have now has definitely come in handy. I weighed when I returned to Indiana and according to my scale, I have lost 125 pounds! Now that I am smaller and can fit comfortably into something other than a truck, I have bought a new sports car. Gastric bypass surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Life is great and getting better every day!
November 1, 2005 - I just got back from another trip to Texas where I spent more time cleaning up after Hurricane Rita. I am amazed at how hard I can work now without getting tired. I weighed when I returned yesteray and I have lost 140 lbs since leaving the hospital after my surgery. I am surpirsed I am still losing almost a pound a day! I still haven't had a bad day and am very pleased with the way I look and feel.
December 21, 2005 - I am now down about 160 lbs! I feel better than ever and have so much energy I can't sit still. I don't think I have the capacity to feel hungry any more. Although, I do enjoy food when I eat. I have become a somewhat picky eater. If it doesn't look right or even if the thought of something isn't right, I can't even talk about it, much less eat it. I have been to my surgeon and PCP within the last 2 weeks. All my blood work is excellent. I am definitely getting enough protein. And, my cholesterol, which wasn't bad to start with, has been cut in half. In fact, I have never seen one as low as mine! So far, the only complication I have had from the surgery is an abdominal hernia that I discovered several weeks ago. Aside from the fact I know it is there, it doesn't cause me any grief. My surgeon says we will fix it when I get down to about 220. I may be able to get this done at the same time I get a tummy tuck. So, we'll see. I am very pleased with the results of the surgery. I am certain I made the right decision!
January 27, 2006 - I continue to lose weight, although, it is more slowly now. I feel GREAT! I have so much energy and everyone tells me even my disposition has changed for the better. I am really enjoying life and now that I can fit in a coach class seat, I can afford to travel often. I have gotten into some extreme 4 Wheeler riding near my home in Southeast Texas. I am also taking an EMT class in order to re-certify. Everything is so much easier now. I can do things I had not been able to do in the past. I am wearing a 2X shirt and 42x32 pants. This is the smallest clothes I have bought in my adult life and these are the exact sizes I was wearing when I graduated high school. When people realize I have lost over 160 lbs., the most common reaction is that they are amazed at how healthy I look. Most people seem to think it is impossible to lose weight so fast and remain healthy. This experience has far exceeded my wildest dreams!
March 15, 2006 - I have now lost about 175 lbs. I am under 300 for the first time in about 20 years! I am continuing to lose weight slowly and I expect it to pick up some since I am just starting to exercise consistently. In fact, I really can't sit still. I can run with ankle weights now and I love it. I am not able to exercise my abdominal muscles because of a hernia. I'll be glad to get that fixed. About 3 weeks ago, I realized my 42x32 pants were getting baggy. So, I am now wearing a 40 inch waste. Since I have been out of high school and buying my own clothes, I have never bought pants that small. I have even gone from a size 14 to a 13 running shoe. As I have mentioned previously, the biggest change I have experienced is the huge ncrease in testosterone levels. I have learned that it clearly shapes who you are and where you are going in life. Much of the time, I am absolutely overwhelmed emotionally and cannot believe this is me! I am not complaining, but, it is a challenge learning how to live again. I am no longer satisfied being sedentery and isolated. I didn't even realize I wasn't living before. I am certain that having gastric bypass surgery was the best thing I have ever done!
May 26, 2006 - May 20, was the 1 year anniverasary of my gastric bypass surgery. I can't believe it! I am still very convinced I did the right thing. I have lost about 185 pounds. The weight loss is much slower. But, it continues to come off. When I don't feel like I am losing pounds, I find that I am still losing inches. I am not sure if that makes sense, but that is the way it is. I am in a 38 to 40 waste, down from a 60. I can wear a L or XL shirt, down from a 5X. I have really gotten into bicycle riding. I can't believe my endurance and ability to ride in hills. To me, this has really been an easy process and I am thankful for that. I have never been more fit or healthy in my adult life!
November 15, 2006 - It has been almost 18 months since my WLS. I still feel great! I cannot believe this is me, down about 192 pounds in only 18 months. Without having gastric bypass surgery, it would have been possible for me to lose that amount of weight in 18 months. I am very pleased. If there is any down side to this, it is the fact that I tend to spend too much money on clothes and cars! My gift to myself for what I have accomplished is a 2002 Camaro SS in mint condition that I bought in April. I guess one more thing worth mentioning is that before, when I weighed nearly 500 pounds, I would not bend over to pick up a penny. It was not worth the effort. Now, I pick them up all the time just because I can. I bend over, pick it up and smile as I put it in my pocket! I also bought my first pair of boots ever. And, much to my surprise, I am wearing a size 12, down from a 13 or 14!
I didn't realize it, but, before my weight loss, I was so unhappy and hated life so much that I took out my hatred for life on some of the people I respected, admired and cared about the most. I didn't do it intentionally and wasn't even aware of it at the time. But, it is very clear to me now. I am now much closer to my family. My brother and I are friends for the first time in our lives. And, as of Oct. 2006, I have made everything right with everybody! It feels really good.
As I have mentioned before, if you have any questions, please send me a note. I will be glad to answer all. Unless I have something new and significant to contribute, it is not likely I'll update this page as often in the future. I know this experience is not always so easy and successful for everyone. But, if you are researching and considering gastric bypass surgery, I wish you the very best!
November 12, 2007 - I didn't realize it has been almost a year since I updated this page. The last year has been good to me. My weight loss stabilized and I have enjoyed a very healthy active lifestyle. I am very pleased I had gasttric bypass surgery and wouldn't change a thing. I quit my job after 18 years to seek new adventure and it has been the best move I ever made. I now work with people who never knew me prior to my weight loss experience. I couldn't be happier.
The only challenge I have faced, especially after moving back near my home on the gulf cost, is dehydration. It is hot and humid here. I can't seem to get enough fluid during the hot humid summer months. This can lead to very severe muscle cramps! Someone I work with who has had a colostomy suggested I drink Pedialyte. So, I drink that or the CVS generic version of it. I like the grape or bubble gum flavor. When I suspect I am not getting enough fluids, it seems to help.
I will hopefully go for one more surgery during the first quarter of 2008 to get an abdominal hernia repaired. After that, I should be able to exercise in a way that I haven't previously. I don't have significant excess skin which is amazing for someone who has lost 200 pounds. I am still so excited and cannot believe this is me!
August 26, 2008 - I wanted to make an entry today because I just got the results of a physical I took on 8/22/2008. My blood work is as follows:
Total Cholesterol is 123 versus a range of 100 to 199
LDL (bad) Cholesterol is 64 versus a goal of 0 to 99
HDL (good) Cholesterol is 45 versus a goal of 40 to 59
Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio is 2.7 versus a range of 0 to 5.0
Total Cardiac Risk of less than ½ that which is average. YEE HAA!!!
Triglycerides of 63 versus a range of 0 to 149
I am very pleased with my physical. My weight has held steady. I haven't had the hernia repaired yet. But, I am doing well and I am more convinced than ever that Gastric Bypass Surgery saved my life!
Best wishes to everybody considering weight loss surgery!
