just_jo
My History
I have been overweight since childhood. It has really become out of control in the last 5 years. I am tired all the time and have no energy. Even when I was 200lbs I still went to Step Aerobics and could work out. Now doing steps is enough to take my breath away. I wonder how I let myself get to this....?
My Goal is to be healthy. If I keep on this track I will die young. I have plenty of family history problems with heart attacks, strokes, High BP, etc. I'm only 28; I should be out enjoying myself! Not hiding inside!
I have been reading the site and I have to say, this site is wonderful! It really gives you a lot of info!
Update 04/16/04
I met with my PCP Dr Rastogi of Berks Family Care on 4/14 and he thinks I am a good candidate for surgery. He told me to get the all the info I can and then made a decision on what I want to do. In the mean time he referred me to a sleep center b/c he thinks I may have Sleep Apnea. He has requested some blood work, and put me on Meridia.
I am very excited. I thought that I might have to jump through hoops to have him agree with me, but no problem at all!
Sleep Study
I have an appointment on 05/10/04 at University Sleep Lab for a consultation and Sleep Study 5/11. I go in at 8:45pm on 05/11/04 and sleep over. I will most likely have to stay during the next day until 2:30pm, since I am very tired during the day. I am worried about needing a CPAP b/c I don't think will be able to sleep with it on.
05/01/04
I went to Paula's info session on Thursday night and have my consultation with her this Wed.
05/06/04
I met with Paula yesterday and set up my Psych, Nutrition, and Exercise Consults. FYI - there is a $200 fee for the program, $135.00 fee for the Nutrition Consult, $200 fee for Exercise and $100 fee for Psych.
Paula said I could try to submit to insurance, but I have an HMO so you need referrals for almost anything. Oh well, it’s a small price to pay to get healthy. I didn't realize I would have to pay that much out of my pocket. My appt with Dr. Bonanni is 7/2
Yippie!!!
I also need to get the following tests
Chest X-Ray
EKG
Ultra Sound-Abdomen
Stool for H-Pylori
CBC, Chem 7, Liver Profile, Amylase, Lipase, Total Protein, T3, T4, TSN, Calcium, Albumin, Lipid Profile, PT PTT
ABG
And I need to loose 15lbs prior to surgery. So I am trying to cut out the carbs and up the exercise. About 2 weeks ago I switched to drinking all water, and allowing myself one glass of "something else". I have only had Coke/Pepsi 2 times, so that is great, b/c after the surgery I will not be able to drink it. Wish me luck! :-)
Sleep Study Last Night / Today
I had my sleep study last night, and it wasn't as bad as I thought. There were a few electrodes on my face, head, on my ear lobes, on my collar bone area, and one on each leg. There was an oxygen monitor on my finger, a snore mic on my throat and a little tube under my nose to measure my breathing.
Since I am tired during the day, I had to stay in the morning for a series of naps. I did 4 naps which occurred at ~7:30, 9:15, 11, and 12:45. I was done around 1:45. I think I fell asleep during the 2nd and 4th... b/c they were longer. The 1st and 3rd I pretty much laid there. I was SOOOO tired, yet I couldn't sleep.
The most annoying part for me was having to go to the bathroom during the night. I usually get up AT LEAST 2 times, and when I did I had to knock on the headboard, someone came and unhooked me, I went, then came back, got hooked back up. By that time I was pretty awake. Not like the at home half asleep trip to the bathroom.
I will have my results by the end of the week!
May 20 2004
Today I had my Psych consult. It went well. He asked a few questions about whether or not I felt depressed, about my family tree, will my fiancé support me.... etc. It was very easy. I expected a lot of interrogation. He said he thinks I am fine to have the surgery. But brought up that the suicide rate is very high, and more people commit suicide than die from the surgery.... interesting information.
He also said Meridia was originally designed for depression, but people lost weight so they marketed it as such.... he said it changes the brain's chemistry. That scared me a bit, I am thinking twice about taking it.
Oh yeah! My Appt with Dr. B was moved up to 6/19!!
May 21 2004
Today I heard back about my sleep study. They want me to do another night. This time I will use the CPAP. Also, I forgot to take my Meridia and notice I feel different. Think I will stay off it.
May 23 2004
Today I went to the orientation at the Body zone and it is awesome! It's free for Dr. B's pre-ops so you know I am taking advantage of it!
May 24 2004
Today I had my nutrition consult with Teresa. She rocks! She wants me to keep up the good work with drinking mostly water. She wants me to cut the caffeine and also try eating 6 meals a day to get used to what the schedule will be post surgery.
June 1, 2004
Today I had my EKG. It is so fast! It takes longer to set everything up! Unofficially I am "normal" ha ha!
June 4, 2004
Today I had the second night of my Sleep Study. The first mask they put on me was like an oxygen mask.... I freaked, I think I almost had my first panic attack. The second one we tried came over my forehead and just went to my nose. That was much better! But the first time I woke up I freaked and took it off. But after that I slept well. They told me I did really well. I wish I felt better, I was very sleep deprived for the week and was looking forward to some sleep.... however I didn't get in my room to start the study until 10:30pm, and they got me up at 5:30.... not enough for me! Plus the bed was uncomfortable! They should do them in your home!
June 9, 2004
Today I went for my Chest X-ray and Abdominal Ultrasound. While waiting I met another GB patient...small world!
Insurance Company :-(
Ok I have to get an Arterial Blood Gas Baseline done.... yet my insurance can't
Also my PT appt was rescheduled until mid July.... but that will not hold up my visit with the surgeon!
Oh yeah I weighed myself this morning and I lost 10lbs since I started this journey! I need to loose at least 5 more to get a surgery date!! YIPPIE!!!
I have been going to the body zone 3x a week. I do 20-30 min cardio and about 45min on toning! I feel GREAT!
June 14 2004
Today I had my ABG .... OUCH! Oh my! This was not fun. Not to mention after I was told by my Insurance Company that I did not need a pre-cert or referral, the hospital wanted a referral!!
So everyone if you have Keystone just get referrals for EVERYTHING!!!
Anyway, they started in my right wrist, and could not get any blood. There was a little digging around going on and I let out a nice big SCREAM!!! So I was already freaked out by that, and then the said we have to use a smaller needle b/c your arteries are so small and they are rolling around! GREAT!!
So they finally got it out of the left wrist... I was balling by that point! I am a big baby with needles... I really have gotten better though! I can give blood without passing out. But all that digging was KILLING me! Anyway, that will leave a nice bruise on your wrist!
Click on the link below to learn about the test
June 19, 2004
Today I met with Dr. Bonanni and he is AWESOME! He is so nice!! He said I have a fatty liver, but most Obese people have fatty liver. He said that he thinks I am a good candidate for the surgery and that I do not require additional specialist appointments.
The rectal exam was NOT fun... I have never had one! I wonder if everyone heard me scream .
Now I need to be scheduled for an EGD.
Click below to learn more
I have all my info in so they will apply for insurance approval after the scope.
He was going to try to get me in before my September wedding, but I think that I should wait. Wedding planning is stressful enough let alone having surgery on top of it. He said that he could push for the 3rd week of July, but I am going to wait!
Everyone cross your fingers.... it is getting down to approval time!
June 23, 2004
My EGD is on July 22! I still need to go and get the results of my sleep study. I have just been so busy lately. The one thing about the sleep study is you pretty much HAVE to sleep on your back with all the stuff hooked up to you and what happens when you sleep on your back? You snore... I usually sleep on my stomach. Oh well....
July 20, 2004
Today I met with the Physical Therapist which was really a waste... since I pretty much went through all this with the Body Zone, but it IS required. But I got the same thing for free... this cost me $200! I walked on a treadmill, did some movements to see my flexibility, answered some questions, and discussed a work out plan.
July 21, 2004
Today I met with my PCP for a monthly check up b/c I am on Meridia... all is well. I gave him the info required for my Letter of recommendation from him. After that and the EGD I am ready to submit to insurance!!!
July 22, 2004
I had my EGD today! It is pretty interesting since they said you need to be somewhat awake to help swallow the scope but I don't remember a thing! No ulcers were found, but they did find a very small hiatal hernia. Oh my god I am so amazed that I am so close to actually doing this! As soon as Dr B's office gets my recommendation letter we can submit to insurance!! Wish me luck!!
August 3 2004
I AM APPROVED!! YIPPIE!!
Now I need to get a date!
August 24 2004,
A lot has happened since my last update! I got my date - Oct 25!!
I also got my CPAP results... I stop breathing an ave of 25 times an hour during dream sleep. The other times it is about average. BUT I HATE CPAP !! I can't sleep with it on.. I have to call my doctor today....
I got a great book
Before & After by Susan Maria Leach
. She tells her journey and gives recipes!
October 24, 2004
A lot has happened since my last post! I got married!! :-) I had my last meeting with Dr. B. on 10/08/04. We just discussed what has changed with me - damn bronchitis and sinusitis TWICE, and signed my consent forms!! On 10/14 I had my pre-admission "testing" which is no testing at all. You meet with an anesthesiologist and a nurse to go over your history and what you should do, bring etc the day of surgery. On 10/19 I had a class with Paula that went over what to expect and how to eat. We have the info in our books but I think it was great to go to the class the week before surgery as a refresher b/c you can't imagine the stuff going through your head at that time.
My surgery is at 8am tomorrow, and I must be at the hospital at 6am. Please pray for me! I will update as soon as I get home!!
:-)
My Surgery October 25, 2004
I went to the hospital at 6am for 8am surgery. They took me in and checked my vitals and took some blood. At this point I got scared and started crying. I kept asking my husband WHAT AM I DOING?? I was petrified!!
They then took my back to a bed and started an IV. They gave me something to calm me but I am not so sure it worked! They took me to the OR, and they were concerned about my cough, so they ordered a chest x-ray. So I am crying even more now, and I can’t breathe through my nose and I am just upset b/c I keep thinking that this surgery better not be cancelled.
Dr. B came up and said that my lungs were clear but he wanted to know if I had a lot of post-nasal drip. He said if I did that it would make me nauseous and interfere with the pouch healing. I said no, and we were on our way. This delayed my surgery 1 hour. And no one told my Hubby so he was a nervous wreck when they came out over an hour late and told him I was fine!!
I woke up in recovery after 11. I had a lot of pain, and then after they gave me pain meds I felt nauseous. I was in and out of sleep and finally said when can I see my husband? Not long after that they took me to my room. My hubby stayed, but I was in and out of sleep. I had a catheter in and the JP drain. I walked twice that night.
I didn't have any pain in my stomach that night, just in my chest and my back from the gas they put in to expand me. I didn't sleep much at all; when I finally did they needed to come in and poke me or change my IV or whatever! They seemed to come in a lot at night for various medications. I was on Torodol, Pepcid, Unisyn, and fluids. I also got multiple Heparin shots to ward off clots. If I asked for more pain meds I got Morphine, but that made me a little nauseous. I am a light sleeper so it was not fun!
I have to say that the nurses were very nice! I even got a back rub my first night!
I really missed my "kids". It wasn't the same sleeping in a bed all by myself.
October 26 2004 DAY 2
They next morning I felt pretty good, but thirsty. First thing they did was withdraw blood. My chest and back still hurt, but I had no stomach pain. I was up walking all over the place and begging for a drink! I was so thirsty and didn't have anything since Sunday night. Finally at 2pm I got 1oz of Crystal Light. Since that stayed down I was able to have 1oz per hour. So I was totally bugging them every hour for my ounce!! They also removed the catheter, so I had to get up to go to the bathroom. I had no problem "taking care of business" by myself. I was bugging them every hour to go, with all those fluids they were pumping and me finally drinking I couldn't stay out of the bathroom. Each time I went they measured my output.
October 27 2004 DAY 3
I woke up feeling even better! No pain at all. They took blood first thing. I began getting up myself to go to the bathroom, just drug my IV with me. I had breakfast that morning, Jell-O, tea and Crystal Light. That Jell-O tasted like HEAVEN!!! I walked around a lot that day. I also had lunch that day, it was broth, Jell-O and Crystal Light.
I was very happy when Dr. B came to see me and told me I could go at 1:30pm. They removed my IV and I waited for my hubby to get there!! He arrived at 4 and I was so happy to go!!
I have lots of black and blue marks from where they gave the Heparin shots.
I left with the drain in, which is the only thing that sometimes hurt. I spent the night sleeping on the recliner.
October 28 – 31 2004
I was able to progress to full liquids today which was great! I had a Fat Free cocoa and it tasted like heaven. I also had Black Bean soup, potato soup, Jell-O, Fudgsicles SF FF, Popsicles SS FF, protein shakes, broth, tomato soup, cream of wheat (YUK!). Nothing bothered me at all. I had to empty my drain and measure the liquid about twice a day. The book I purchased, Before & After by Susan Maria Leach has been a great help! She has some YUMMY recipes in there that I have made. They are easy and good for all levels of post op eating!
November 1 2004
Today I went to Dr. B's and they removed my drain and surgistrips. I am down 8 lbs. I am able to shower in 24 hours! Whoo hoo. I also got to advance to pureed foods. The first thing I had was mashed (pureed) instant potatoes, AHHH that was heaven! Dinner was some ricotta cheese, spaghetti sauce and a little mozzarella cheese stuck in the microwave. YUMMY!
November 2 2004
I can't tell you how great it felt to finally shower, 1 week of sponge baths SUCKS!! The drain site is weird... it's just this open hole there. Kind of freaky! I tried some oatmeal which was pureed for breakfast, cottage cheese for lunch, and unfortunately cottage cheese for dinner b/c I was in line to vote for 3 hours so my hubby brought me some over. I get in at least 2 protein shakes. I know they want 3 but I don't know when I would squeeze the last one in!
November 3, 2004
Everything is going great. I had an egg for breakfast with some cheese on it! Yummy! It's amazing how great things taste now. I haven't really craved things when I am at home. But going to the grocery store is like torture right now. My husband shops so slow and he's looking at things I wish I could eat... but at home I am fine!
November, 17 2004
I have been doing great! I still did not get sick on anything. I returned to the gym last Saturday and have been going daily. I spend about an hour there do cardio. I figure since I am still off work I might as well take advantage of it! I was told I can't return until my 4 week check up, which is not scheduled until 12/3, so I will be out 6 weeks. I have to tell you though it is good, b/c you will not have a lot of energy. This is the first week I feel "not so tired." I am sometimes eating >1/2 cup b/c I am still hungry.
November 30, 2004
Since my last update I have moved on to soft foods. But really I can eat anything but raw veggies, raw fruit, and steak. I have tried all sorts of foods and as long as I chew chew chew they go down ok! Thanksgiving went great! I had a glass of champagne, but it took my FOREVER to drink it! I had turkey, stuffing, potatoes and green beans. I even had my own special Splenda Pumpkin pie!
I have been going to the gym 5x a week and I am now down 25lbs! I feel great! I recently tried on some of my “too small clothes” and they fit! I also got my hair cut! I am a new woman. Today I tried on a pair of jeans and a shirt that I haven’t worn in 1-2 years and I cried when I looked in the mirror. I can see it! I can see myself changing and it makes me so happy!
December 09, 2004
I returned to work this week! I didn't tell my co-workers, only one knew, and my boss. A lot of people have been commenting that I look "GREAT" but I don't know if they don't really know what is different or they don't want to say oh you have lost weight! 3 people actually did say I lost weight. One did the whole, so you lost a lot of weight and you have been out, what's going on? Some people are just too much. Obviously if I wanted you to know I would have told you.
Anyway, I have been slowly telling people, but only those that I want to tell. If I am approached by other people, I just say what I had done is private and really not your business. It's just those few people that have to be negative... but the plant I work in is closing so most people will be gone at the end of December! Less nosy people!
December 10, 2004
I decided to tell a few people on my team. One because her sister is having the surgery on 12/15! They all took it very well!
December 19, 2004
I have told a few more people, but apparently they have kept it quiet like I asked b/c it hasn't become a big rumor! I am feeling pretty crappy b/c I haven't been getting to the gym. Returning to work put a BIG damper on that. I like going in the AM, so I have to find a gym closer to me that opens early so I can start going again. After work I have like NO energy.
Feb 2, 2005
It's been a while. Things are going ok. I found out that my sinuses are 99% blocked so I am having surgery tomorrow. this is what has been causing me all this pain and discomfort. Let me just give you guys a little advice, if you have sinus problems and needs surgery, do it before gastric bypass. I am still on Pepcid b/c all the phlegm running down into my stomach causes such reflux and heartburn. I feel so sick to my tummy. Also - warning this is gross - there are times when I eat a few bites and I am full.... why? b/c my tummy is filled with snot! YUM! And then it has really been making me ill, I throw up and it's just mucus/phlegm. YUM! So that is my advice! Also if you have a lot of post nasal drip it can affect the healing of your pouch!
So anyway, wish me luck with the surgery!
Feb 5, 2005 - WARNING GROSS OUT ALERT!!!
OWWWW... the pain... is horrible.... percoset is my best friend! This hurt more than gastric bypass. Everything is draining, my nose is stuffed, I can't blow it, I have to sniff back and expectorate, my nose was bleeding up until this morning... I can't sneeze... UGH~ I can't keep up with all the draining. I don't want to eat b/c I am full of phlegm! Expectorating makes me want to vomit, so I have been swallowing it down... YUM!
March 11, 2005
WOW I can't believe it's been that long since I updated. I guess b/c now I am spending my time out doing things and not in front of the computer!
I am doing much better since the last update. I can breathe through my nose!! I can't remember the last time I could do that! But my nose is very sensitive.. to the artic weather here! And to the touch as well!
Anyway, I am down 68lbs. I only lost ~5 lbs in the last month. I am on a CRAZY plateau and I REALLY hate it! Other than that I can see the changes in my body! I feel great and look even better! I have been going to the gym and working out and it feels amazing!
I am getting a little frustrated b/c a lot of other people that had surgery the same month as me have already reached the century club.... I have been so positive through this whole thing but right now I feel a bit down :-(.
The facility that I worked at is closing and a bunch of us were laid off. So if anyone works in Pharma... contact me! I am looking for a QA position! :-) Right now I am looking for a new job and enjoying some time off. I have had a few interviews, but nothing so far. this is very frustrating!
03/25/05
FINALLY! The scale has moved, I am off the plateau! YIPPIE!!!
05/31/05
WOW it has been quite a while! I started a new job April 19. It is going very well! Everything is going good surgery wise. Just losing so much slower now it's crazy. And I jump on the scale and I will have lost 5 lbs, only to gain it back.... I just fluctuate so much!
I feel great! I have been getting more male attention which is ALWAYS an ego boost! It's been a while.... :-)
I am still hitting the gym 3X a week. I need to work out more, it's just really hard! I got my bike tuned up so I can go out for rides on the days I can't make it, or don't want to go to the gym! Let’s hope my butt gets moving!
I took some more photos yesterday for my weight loss photo page so I will hopefully get them up tonight! I am finally back to PEAR shape (who would think I would be happy about that??) from just ROUND all over!! :-)
July 28 2005
I have not been updating as much lately. I guess you loose weight and the last thing you want to do is sit in online! I am finally down to 210 lbs! So close to 100lbs gone and I can't believe it!!
I am finally going out and about experiencing things I used to LOVE - like going out to the bar and listening to bands and dancing and not feeling self conscious.
We are getting ready to go to Cancun! This will be for our 1 year anniversary. We are staying at the Riu Palace Las Americas again! We went there for our honeymoon and the place is FANTASTIC! It is the best all Inclusive we have ever been to! The service is great!
I recently purchased a strapless dress for the trip, so I HAVE to get a shot of me in it to put on my page!!! :-)
8/21/05
Just returned from vacation to Cancun! Stayed at an all inclusive and still lost 2lbs on vacation! AMAZING! Had a great time. Added some new photos to my page! Please check out link at the top of page!! Only 5 lbs away from 100lbs lost!! I can't wait!! :-)
10/18/05
Wow it has been a while! I am almost one year post op and have lost 104 lbs from my starting weight. I was in a 26/28 top and bottom, I am now in a 14 top and 18 bottom (damn gastric ass and gut). I have lots of sagging skin, despite the fact that I hit the gym at least 3x a week. I do cardio and weights and I am sure that it made a difference, but some places it's just hanging - arms, thighs, stomach - YUK! But I have so much energy! I love going out now and meeting people! Getting dressed is GREAT! Don't get nearly as many headaches - which I think was caused a lot by my negative self image!
Things are great, my hubby is fantastic and is so supportive with my changes. It hasn't changed him at all. :-)
Also wanted to tell the post ops that NUVARING is a GREAT birth control option! When I was on the pill I would get my period early every time b/c I wasn't absorbing the proper amount of the pill. The NUVARING is fantastic - you put it in for 3 weeks and take it out! No more pills, no early periods, NADA!!!!
10/25/05
Wow so it's one year! I celebrated it by taking an ADVANCED step aerobics class! Usually I do 30-35 min on the Arc Trainer and then 12 weight machines 3 x a week and the other days are just cardio. I feel fantastic. I can't believe it!
11/25/05
3/8/06
Ok guys it’s time for me to get REAL. I found this surgery to be very easy...up until the last few months. I hate that I am still stuck in larger sizes b/c of all the excess skin - it makes me feel 300lbs again.... I see it and it makes me want to cry! This is definitely a BIG mind “F” right now that I am not happy with! My goal was 130 but recently I see that is NOT going to happen. Then I said well maybe 150lbs, then after PS I can reach my goal… now I am re-thinking THAT! I made it to 185lbs, and I am back up to 192lbs. I am 17 mo post op and the scale is stuck. I started working out more, nothing happened. I tried to eat better again, nothing happened. I can eat anything right now. I am getting in my protein, liquids, and exercise. But yes I can eat carbs, I can eat SOME sugar, I can drink alcohol….. (And all you people that want to email me to slam me, SAVE IT. I don’t want to hear it! If you have something constructive to say email me!) I don’t do this in excess but I don’t DEPRIVE myself. If I want something I allow myself some. Aren’t we supposed to be like “normal stomach people” now?
This is such a mind game.... I hate it! Some days I HATE MYSELF.... this DISGUSTING sagging skin on my thighs, stomach, arms, ugh. Can anyone else relate? Maybe I need to see a therapist. I don’t know. I am afraid, what if I am DEPRESSED. I don’t want to go on meds. Why? I am scared. My one friend is such a mess on hers (non WLS friend). I don’t want to be WORSE off.
I know I am stuck on a number, why? Well society beats it in your head. I KNOW I will NEVER be SKINNY – but I still want to be. I am talking to a Plastic Surgeon tomorrow on the phone, I am considering saying F it and have this GROSS SKIN removed. And just BE HAPPY! But I am NOT happy here, I won’t be happy even if 20lbs of skin comes off. I will be at 170! God I didn’t go through this to still be fat! What the hell. I don’t know what to do!
Then on top of this I am having these weird "spasm" type things. They seem to me to be located in my intestines. I feel it near my belly button or to the left of it. The first few times I noticed it was while I was eating. It's a "vibration" like feeling that last a few seconds and stops. It feels weird, but not painful. One night I had one about 1 hr after eating and one morning after drinking a 12 oz protein shake I had 3. The last one brought some shake up into my throat. I am going for a cat scan tomorrow.... Dr is not sure what it is. Has anyone else had this?
Ok I will make a point to post more as I go through this emotional rollercoaster!
3/13/06
Well I got my results from my CAT scan - digestive tract is fine, but they found NUMEROUS cysts in my ovaries. And my ovaries are enlarged. Great - never a dull moment for me. It's always something. My weight isn't going anywhere either.... everything SUCKS!
04/22/06
Well I have given myself an ATTITUDE adjustment!! I have come to the conclusion that I MUST accept myself where I am. I MAY not loose anymore weight, and I need to stop beating myself up. I have come very far and I am in general happy with myself. I have my PS consult with Dr Chapin AKA GOD this week. I met with my PCP last week to get all the documentation of what I need.
My medical policy for Panniculectomy states that
* panni must hang below the pubis bone (check!)
* must have lost 100+lbs (check!)
* If gastric bypass then you must be 18 months post op (Check!)
* must have stable weight for 6 months (check!)
* must have rashes that persist for 3 months and do not respond to treat (NOPE)
OR
* there is difficulty in ambulation and interference with the activities of daily living (CHECK!!)
My PCP was amazed at what I had hiding under my clothes! ;-) She measured my arms (and the amount of excess hanging), hips, thighs, abdomen (estimated a 3-4 inch hang of panni below pubic bone). She stated that my gait is off from the excess skin on my thighs. We discussed how this interferes with my daily activities:
* Sleep - I get extreme back pain if I sleep in any position other than on my back. I can't fall back to sleep b/c it hurts so much
* Hygiene - I shower multiple times daily. The extra folds of skin trap perspiration which leads to odor. I carry feminine wipes, deodorant, and body spray at all times b/c I am SO afraid and embarrassed of the odor.
* Exercise - My extra skin interferes with my exercise b/c it limits my range of motion therefore I can't work to my full potential. My attempts at jogging and aerobics were painful b/c my extra skin slaps against me. Also the odor increases with exercise. I also have vaginal irritation from all the rubbing of the extra skin which results in sores and pain.
* Walking/Sitting/Standing for extended periods of time cause back pain. I can't sit properly in a chair with my back against it do to the extra skin on my rear.
* Sex - well between the skin getting in the way, me hating the way I look, and due to the sweat and odor I will only have sex if freshly showered lets say my sex life is nearly non existent. My hubby is not happy, but is understanding.
If I think of anything else I will post it. Make sure you do your research. I found many helpful sites online!
http://mygastricbypass.com/appeals.htm
http://www.tuckthattummy.com/insurance.htm
http://mygastricbypass.com/appeals.htm
http://www.tuckthattummy.com/insurance.htm
I am getting a letter from my personal trainer and my chiropractor. I will get a letter from my gyno if necessary to try to get insurance to cover my thighs. I believe I meet the criteria for the Panniculectomy!
April 26, 2006
I had my consult with Dr. Chapin for a Lower Trunk lift! He thinks I am an EXCELLENT canidate! whoo hoo! He is so nice and easy to talk to! I felt very comfortable with him! I need a letter from my PCP and we will submit to insurance to cover the Panniculectomy portion - that is all my insurance will cover. Wish me luck!!
| Date | Weight | BMI |
| 04/16/04 | 300 | 53.1 | 10/25/04 | 288 | 51.0 |
| 11/01/04 | 280 | 49.6 |
| 11/11/04 | 275 | 48.7 |
| 11/20/04 | 268 | 47.5 |
| 11/30/04 | 263 | 46.6 |
| 12/15/04 | 257 | 45.5 |
| 12/31/04 | 251 | 44.5 |
| 01/15/05 | 246 | 43.6 |
| 02/15/05 | 237 | 42.0 |
| 03/11/05 | 233 | 41.3 |
| 05/07/05 | 223 | 39.5 |
| 06/29/05 | 216 | 38.3 |
| 07/28/05 | 210 | 37.2 |
| 08/21/05 | 205 | 36.3 |
| 09/12/05 | 199 | 35.3 |
| 10/24/05 | 194 | 34.4 |
| 12/31/05 | 186 | 32.7 |
| Date | Shoulder | Chest | Waist | Hips | Right Thigh | Right Arm | Abdomen |
| 06/04 | 53” | 49.75” | 44.5” | 64” | 33” | 16.75” | NA |
| 01/05/05 | 45.5” | 47.25” | 42.5” | 59.25” | 29.75” | 16.50” | 55.75" |
| 04/06/05 | 45.0” | 45.5” | 40.0” | 57.0” | 29.25” | 16.12” | 51.75" |
| 07/11/05 | 42.75" | 44.25" | 38.00” | 54.37” | 27.12” | 15.62” | 51.00" |
| 10/28/05 | 40.00" | 42.37" | 36.25” | 51.12” | 26.50” | 14.50” | 47.50" |
| Loss | 13.00” | 7.38” | 8.25” | 12.88” | 6.50” | 2.25” | 8.25" |
