butterflyjen24
Well, I've been researching this weight loss thing for about 2 years now. I finally got put on my husband's insurance and I'm PRAYING they approve me.
I had my surgeon consultation on July 6, 2006. It went really well. I think I shocked him when he went to open my gown in the front to show me where the incisions will be and he saw that I have nipple rings. It was funny. He told me that I needed to get a sleep study, ultrasound of my gallbladder, labs, psych eval, internal medicine clearance and meet with a nutritionist. As of July 18th and 19th, I did my sleep study (very weird, but cool), did the ultrasound of gallbladder (that was sooo painful because she was trying to shove that thing INTO my rib cage), met with nutritionist (not very informative, just basic...don't eat sweets or drink sodas kinda thing), did labs and got clearance from internal med. doc, and did psych eval (not too screwy, haha! did have to take a test of 370 t/f questions). Now, as of today, July 24th, the surgeon's office is supposed to send everything over to the insurance company for approval. They said that by law, we have to give them 30 days to decide something. I'm just so anxious to see if they will approve me. PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.
I spoke to my mother about this and she is SUPER supportive. She's offered for me to stay with her during the first few weeks, just in case anything happens, I will have someone there to let someone know. My husband works all the time and it would be just me at home by myself. So, it makes me feel alot more secure of my decision. Also, it doesn't hurt that my step-dad is a paramedic. haha! My real dad on the other hand, makes me feel like crap. He is supportive in all this, don't get me wrong...he is looking at it in a vanity type way. I told him that the surgeon explained to me that my ideal weight is 133lbs. and i said that i would be happy with 140 - 160 considering I've NEVER been small. And do you know what he told me?? He told me that my ideal weight should be 125 and that he would buy all the clothes I needed if I got that small. Why would I want to be that small??? I just want to be healthy...and happy. How can i be happy with a father that tells me stuff like that, will it ever be enough? Oh well. At least I have a mother, husband, friends and other family that support me 1000000%.
My cousin has even been watching the Discovery Health Channel to learn more about the surgery because she said, even though she isn't having it done..she wants to know everything about it so she can mimic it with me. She's sooo awesome. We are 9 months apart and grew up like sisters. Well, I'm not sure if this is how i'm supposed to update this thing, but I've rambled on too long as it is. I would love to meet some people on here and make some good friends. I'm very outgoing and sometimes have a naughty sense of humor. ;)
7/28/06 - Well, I got a letter from NeWeigh yesterday stating that they have sent everything to my insurance company and that they will call once a week for status. They have been soooo helpful! All the ladies there are so nice and seem to remember everyone. Everytime I call, I ask for Dana...and I say, hey this is jennifer...and she immediately knows who I am. Makes me kinda good. :) In other news, I've been trying to keep myself busy with trying to fix up our house. It needs quite a bit of work...and I have noooo creativity as far as putting a room together. The only thing that I can pick out is a comforter set (bed in a bag), but I fall out of love with it within a month or two. Grrrr!! I know my profile must be mucho boring-o, but I'm trying to meet new people on here. Don't worry...I usually have interesting and entertaining things to say...just not right now! Here's a good one though...IT'S FRIDAY!!
8/8/06 - I got a call from Neweigh today. Apparently, the drs office didn't request all the labs that I had orders for, so now I have to find some place to do them over again...or at least for the 3 i'm missing. Bleh!! In other news, I spoke with Paula in the insurance department, she is the sweetest thing!! She told me that she received a letter from my insurance company. (I know!! My stomach was in my throat!!) But, apparently, they just wanted records from all of my doctors from Nov '05 to now. They are trying to determine if it's a pre-existing condition. Well, come to find out...I was on BCBS HealthSelect with the State of Texas from Aug '05 until June '06...and I started BCBS of AL in July '06. So, Paula wanted me to fax her a copy of my Letter of Credible Coverage or something like that from BCBS Healthselect. So, I called BCBS HealthSelect to request one...Here's what happened:
Me: Hi, I had coverage last year and I'm needing a copy of my credible coverage-thingy. BCBS HS: Okay, what is the address it needs to be mailed to? Me: XXXX Chester St, Dayton...blah blah blah...Is there any way you could fax it to me? BCBS HS: Well, do you have a private fax? Me: Well, no, but my mother does. Can you fax it to her and I will pick it up when it comes in? Her name is Paula. (my mom's name is Cindy..haha) BCBS HS: I'm sure we can do that. What is the fax number? Me: 713-XXX-XXXX I really appreciate it. BCBS HS: No problem, she should get it tomorrow. Thank you. Me: No, thank you. Okay...the funny part about it is...I gave them Paula at NeWeigh's fax number so they would fax it directly to her! hahaha!! I called and told her what I did and she was tickled to death when I told her that I told BCBS HS that she was my mom. Hahaha!! So, fingers crossed, this makes them approve me!!! Please pray for me!!! LOVE?!!!
10/30/06 - Okay, I know it's been a while, but I've just been so frustrated about everything that I just haven't been emotionally right to put it down in words. So, here it goes: I was denied because I have to have a 6 month supervised diet. Now, I'm not too mad because it could be worse...but I was wanting to have the surgery done before the end of the year. So, I have one month down and 5 more to go. My PCP wants me to try Meridia as an appetite supressant...but do you know how much Meridia is...almost $10 a pill...and I have to take one a day for 30 days...Like I have that kind of money to throw around for an appetite supressant?!? So, I told her that I will monitor what I eat and exercise more, but I can't afford that and as long as I lose "some" weight I will be fine. I'm not looking to go to her to lose 60 pounds, but to maintain my weight and to show that I am consistant and determined to do anything to help myself for this surgery. I just got off the phone with NeWeigh and it looks like they re-submitted my claim to the insurance and it is pending. Christine from NeWeigh said it looks like it will be mid-November before we hear anything because for every appeal process, it takes 30 days to make a decision. Well, that's good to know that it will be sooner than I thought for a 2nd decision. So, until then...1 month down, 5 to go... I really wish I could find a wls buddy in the Baytown area...
12/29/06 - Okay, I wanted to try and get something in before the new year. I have been doing good on my 6 month supervised diet...I have 3 more months to go! Also, I got a new job that offers FREE health insurance effective for me 12/27/06...well, I got my insurance cards in today, as well as, my benefit booklet...and guess what? They cover weight loss surgery!!!!! So, I sent the card and a copy of the page that has the "Covered Charges" over to NeWeigh and Christine says she is calling to find out my benefits today and will submit my pre-determination on Tuesday, January 2, 2007!! How cool would that be to find out at the beginning of the New Year that I am approved for surgery. Although, I don't want to set myself up for a disappointment, I just can't help feeling like this is going to happen really soon!! I'm just so excited! I've been reading up on my friend Nonny! She looks sooo fabulous! It is so cool that we got to know each other...she is uber cool and looking wonderful! Congrats to her!! Well, I will keep you guys informed on what happens! Everyone have a safe New Year!
1/5/07 - In other news, I have gotten APPROVAL for my surgery!!! Yeah!!! I'm so excited and nervous...all at the same time! I've been fighting with Raymond's insurance for about 9 months now for approval...and then I got a new job that offered benefits after 30 days...and after 3 days of having it...I was approved for surgery. So, I was supposed to find out today when my surgery would be, but the lady is out sick...so I have to wait. When I talked to the insurance lady at the surgeon's office, she told me that it could be middle of February (if I don't need my secondary insurance approval) or it could be April (if I do need my secondary insurance). Either way...I'm going to be a new person come Christmas...hell, maybe even Halloween...then I can dress all sexy like...cuz...you know that's the one day of the year that us women can dress like slutty sluts and get away with it! hahaha!
I'm scared too...but not about the surgery...because...I've had surgery before...it's just I'm scared to see what I'm going to look like after I lose 100+ lbs. I've always been a bigger girl...and when my surgeon told me that his idea of a goal weight for me was between 140-160 lbs...I almost started crying. My "ideal" weight for my height and body size is 133 lbs. THAT IS INSANE!!!
So, my starting out weight 268 lbs. I've lost 5 lbs with my supervised diet with my doctor, so that brings it down to 263 lbs. The doctor's office said that I will be on a strict 1 week liquid diet before surgery (eek!!) and then BLAMMO...surgery is done...on to healthier Jemmifer!
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I had a weird dream last night...about my surgery...I guess cuz it's all i've been thinking about since I've gotten approval from my insurance. But, here it is:
I'm being wheeled into surgery and no one is wishing me off...like on the surgery shows where people kiss you right before they wheel you in the OR...so I was really bummed to be alone, but I was like, Fuck it...I'll just do it and be strong because I'm the one doing this to myself and I want to be healthy and no one is going to help you, but you...so then I see them put the medicine in the IV and I'm out...Well, when I wake up, the nurse comes in and tells me that I need to get up and walk around (which actually I have to do in real life), but before I do, he offers me chips and salsa??? And I was like...I can't eat that...like physically CAN'T eat that and he's like...oh, okay...well, I'll eat some then...so I go walk into the waiting room...it's like that scene in Titanic at the end when Rose (Kate Winslet) finally dies and goes back to the ship and walks in and everyone is standing around clapping that she is reunited with everyone on the ship and Leonardo DiCaprio...ya know? Well, all of my friends and family (people I hadn't seen in forever ie Celia, Debbie...example of 2 that stick out) and they are cheering me on and tell me what an awesome job I did and asking me if it hurts...and for some reason...I was like...well, my stomach doesn't hurt...but my back sure does??
Then, I woke up...with Raymond's knee in my back.
1/9/07 - Looks like they are trying to schedule my surgery for January 24th. Oh...I'm sorry...I forgot to add my excitement...
I'M SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY ON JANUARY 24th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*deep breath*
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
I'm mucho scared now...I've got so many things to do...
I've got to:
1. Come up with $1250 for deductibles unless my secondary approves before surgery.
2. Buy vitamins, broth, protein shakes, comfy pajamas
3. Buy lots of Crystal Light (because I can't stand water...)
4. Tell all my loved ones how much I truly love them...
5. Thank all of my friends at ObesityHelp.com
1/22/07 - Well, I can't help but look back at my last post with disappointment. So, NeWeigh called last Thursday and told me that since my insurance caps at $20,000 the hospital will not accept me as a patient unless my secondary insurance approves to cover the rest. So, I'm back at square 3...which is pending for insurance even though I'm still approved by my primary insurance. I'm just so disappointed...even though deep down, I just knew something was going to happen. I chalk that up to being a pisces and semi-intuitive. Oh, well. I called my husband to tell him and when I got home, the house was cleaned and he bought me some tulips and a card that made me laugh so hard and was backed by love. It was so sweet and made me feel better. I guess things happen for a reason...so we will see. I called BC/BS of AL today and they say they have received my file and it's pending for approval. Dang...I hate having to wait. I'm in a "constipated" stage...cuz I'm only 1/2 approved.
2/18/07 - Well, I guess I should update before it happens because I'm going in for surgery tomorrow morning!!! Feb. 19, 2007 will be my new birthday!! I have met a lady on here that is having the same surgery, same day, same doctor as me and we are going to visit each other when we are up walking around! I'm so excited! I think the more I sit here, the more my stomach turns from being so excited. I am going to try and go to bed early (yeah right!) and prepare for tomorrow! See you on the losing side!! :)
3/1/07 - Wow, I really need to update. Okay, so I had the surgery on Feb. 19 at 8 am. I finally met Loser2B (Teresa) and she was so wonderful...though her poor husband had to sit my my crazy ass family for the time that I was in surgery and then during her surgery!! hahah! Well, I remember them taking me upstairs and giving me the "cocktail" and then I was waking up with horrible back pain, but then I pushed my morphine pump and blammo, I was out like a light! At sometime during this point, I was trying to roll over but my stomach and back were hurting, and my husband told me later that I grabbed my pump, looked at him and said, give me a million dollars or I'm going to blow us up, to which he replied, I don't have it, and then I pushed the button, it beeped and then I went "Bamm" and went right to sleep. So, apparently, I'm hilarious on pain medication! hahaha!
I was discharged the afternoon of Feb 20. Wasn't bad at all, pretty text book from what I hear. So, fast forward to today, 3-1-07 when I had my 2 week post op appointment with Dr. J...I've lost 21 pounds!!! I was sooo excited. I'm still a little sore on my left side but my incisions are healing beautifully and everything it good. I'm on soft foods now and have never been more excited about eating tuna fish or scrambled eggs or lunch meat!!! hahaha!!
Well, i'm off to bed, but good luck to everyone, wherever they are on their journey!!
3/29/07 - Well, I am scheduled to be at my 6 week post-op appointment at 1:45pm today. I think I may have lost another 20 pounds or so, but we shall see. I haven't doing very good with my medicines. I usually take my flintstones vitamins (1 in morning/ 1 at night) and I take my pepcid ac before I go to sleep, and my B-12 around lunch time. Now, I try to get in as much protein as I can, but I can't stand the protein drinks that I got and then I bought the protein powder in Vanilla...and ewww...is all I can say. I'm going to try and mix it up with some bananas and ice for a smoothie type thing and see how that works. Also, I've been having some problems with my hands tingling...and then it will cramp up...like a fist. It only does it for maybe, a minute or two, but it's freaking me out. So, that will be another thing that I will be discussing with Dr. J today. Other than that, I'm doing good. I had to buy a smaller bra...YEAH! And for my birthday, I bought some size 18 jeans from Old Navy, only for them to be too big in a week. So, i have no clothes that fit me...and if they do, it's because I throw them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to shrink and then put them on. Hahahaha! Well, I have to get back to work, but I will update on my total loss as of today!! YEAH!!
4/12/07 - Well, as of this morning, I'm at 221!! I went to Old Navy to find some capri pants and found out i'm in a size 16!!! I haven't been in a size 16 in like...at least 12 years!! Also, I'm about to post some new face pictures of me...I got my hair cut and colored...and apparently, it makes my eyes stand out so much that people keep asking me if I got contacts, but no..those are all me!!! I joined a gym on Monday...worked with a hottie personal trainer...and almost passed out!!! It was so embarassing!! But apparently, I'm not getting enough water in...that and I've never really worked out before so I wasn't expecting so much work in a 20 minute time frame. I took last night off...but I'm going tonight...well, I can't decide if I want to do that or go play bingo with my husband...cuz...i miss him.
5/16/07 - In 3 days I will be 3 months post-op. As of today, I am at 205 which is 61 pounds lost!! I'm feeling really good. I've had a few times where people don't recognize me, which is cool and funny at the same time. I'm still in a size 16, but they are getting mighty baggy in the butt area and that's no bueno!! I've been trying to do better with my protein shakes...so i'm getting there. Also, with my water intake. I have been CRAVING watermelon lately and can't seem to get enough of it. It's just so...damn....good. I've gotten sick a few times, once from chicken...once from turkey and once from water! I had drank too soon after eating and it just came back up. I hate throwing up, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be. I have been going out dancing alot lately...like every weekend. And I drink...it's fun. I'm drunk off of one drink...so I usually sip on it all night and feel pretty good. Other than that, I've been doing really well. I caught some kinda bug that was going around, but i'm better now. I think I want to be an angel...so i'm going to browse and see if anyone needs my help and friendship!! Friends welcome!!
6/6/07 - Well, today has been a very good day. I am now in ONEDERLAND!!! I weighed in at 197.6 lbs this morning. That's a total of 69 pounds lost from 2/19/07!!! I am now in a size 14 pants and wear Medium/Large shirts. I'm so excited!
I've been feeling kinda down in the dumps lately. I have been trying not to become a statistic, but I don't know what to do. Things haven't been well in the marriage department. I didn't think I would change THIS much. I've come to realize that when I was bigger, I would try to hide myself (i.e. not going out with friends, staying in all weekend and wearing baggy clothes). Now, I've gotten alot more confidence and the husband is still the same. He's a bigger guy, but is a hermit. He likes to stay at home and play video games all the time. I want to go out dancing and hang out with friends...which I do...by myself. And I hate to say this, but I like it that way. I like going out without him. I mean, I'm not looking for anybody different...I just like doing things. I've tried explaining this to him, but he's just so stubborn about wanting to do nothing. I am thinking about just separating from him for a while to clear out my head...to see if it's my hormones or if I am really feeling this way. I love him...I just feel like we are so different, that I love him as a buddy...not as a husband. Also, I have no sex drive. I don't want him kissing me or anything...it's so weird. So, I will have to update as time goes on...as to what happens.
8/9/07 - Wow, i didn't realize it was 2 months since the last time that I updated this thing. So many things are happening in my life...for the better that I just don't know what to do! 1st - I'm down to 176...that's 90 pounds lost since Feb 19!! 2nd - I'm in a size 11-12 in jeans and med-lg shirts depending on the cut. 3rd - I'm getting divorced which is a mutual thing between us. We've grown apart and realized that we married our best friend...and that life is too short to live unhappily. 4th - I get to keep my apartment, furniture...pretty much everything which is good and bad because i have to pay for them on only MY income, but it can be done! Also, since we split i had to give up my 2005 Honda Civic with excellent gas mileage for a 2002 Ford F-150 gas guzzler from hell!!! But, i'm trying to trade it in for a car with better gas mileage and junk...so wish me luck!! 5th - I have so much energy now it's UNREAL. I'm always doing something...i'm hardly ever home...just making up for lost time, i guess.
Oh and i"m going back to school this fall to try and get my Associates Degree in Business Administration and Management with a field study in accounting. I eventually want to get into International Business...so i'm trying to learn a few different languages before I get into the course work. I'm so excited. I'm 25 and finally able to have to guts to go back to school and really apply myself this time. I've already got 24 credits towards my major...so i'm taking steps in the right direction.
Other than that, I'm doing wonderful!! :)
