Ktzmeow
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WELCOME! THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY MY PAGE TO CONNECT WITH ME AND MY STORY! BUCKLE UP, IT'S VERY BUMPY!
I have been going back and forward with the idea of having WLS for over a year. I know three people directly connected to me who have had WLS and now I am convinced that this is for me. I have been overweight for about 10 years or a little more and I am tired of being fat. Some of the methods used and tried are as follows:
* Bally's Total Fitness (trial membership) maybe in 1995
* Xenedrine diet pills from GNC from 9/1999 until 9/2001
* Slim Fast from 2002 to 2003
* Trim Spa diet pills 1/2004 to 4/2004
* World Gym Xpress from 5/2004 to 5/2005
* Doctor prescribed diet pills called Xenical in 5/2005 to 8/2005
* Curves from 9/2005 until 12/2005
Now don't get me wrong, they have all worked to some extent, but I was not left with permanent results. I have now chosen to go with a permanent approach. I am married and my husband and I have one son. My husband and I have been together since 2001, married since 2004, and he says that he likes me the way that I am, which is super sweet, but he now knows how passionate I am about losing weight and possibly taking the WLS route and he somewhat supports me in my decision to have the surgery. Again, we have one son and he is very energetic. He is three years old and I need to better my health for MYSELF first, and for my son second! He knows the diffence between big and small and recently he called me "his BIG mommy". I was shocked to hear him say that so I asked him, did you call me your "BIG" mommy, and he denied it. All I could do is tell him that that's not a nice thing to say to me or anyone else. He also did that in a store once before, he said, mommy look at that big lady...pointing to her and everything and I told him the same thing. Since then, it has not occurred again, so he now understands.
Beleive me, I know how things like that can make one feel. From an adult, it's bad, but from a child, it's even terrible, because kids love everyone. They are taught by their parents and other relatives or ones close to them to be mean and nasty.
I am so uncomfortable with my weight that all I want to do is go to work, because I still have to make a living.....and that is it. It's like pulling teeth most of the time to get me out because I always feel like people are looking at me commenting to themselves about my weight or the way I look. Some are bold to whisper and laugh in front of you. People used to do that to my sister, who had WLS also. (Black Butterfly). I try to keep myself looking neat and purchase clothes that compliment me, but I still feel out of place, fat and sloppy.
I have back pain often, and I cannot stand for a long periods of time due to the back pain. I feel that once I have my surgery, (God willing), I will slowly get back to the outgoing, energetic "ME". I used to LOVE being out of the house doing something....even showing off the figure I used to have. I am a home body for sure. In pictures from my past, you could always see me right smack in front of the camera, now.....I do not even want to take pictures, because my face and neck are magnified as well as my body. Which makes me look a hot boiling mess. The only portion of my life that I am happy with is my marriage, my son, my family and my job. Other than that, the rest is not worth talking about.
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3/14/2006
I have my consultation with Dr. Halmi out of Virginia and I am very excited about this appointment. I hope that everything goes well and he feels that I am a candidate although I am only 244 pounds, well since the last time that I was weighed. It would really be a blessing for me to have him consider me for the surgery. I will update later with what I was told.
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3/14/2006
Well, first of all, I was late, but I called and tried to get there as fast as I could. Secondly, when I walked into the Doctors office, I was given all of my papers to fill out. Then I was asked to give my weight, which was 248. Shortly after that, I was taken back by Dr. Tran, not Dr. Halmi as I had made my appointment with. He stated to me that he was brought on board due to his experience with performing the surgery laparoscopically and that he was from Connecticut.
So, I was surprised by that, because I had kind of made up my mind to have the open surgery. Dr. Tran told me that the open surgery is especially for those who are severely overweight, but for me, I would be more than likely to have the laparoscopic. He said that if I feel more comfortable with the open, then I am the "Boss" and they will perform the open. We then talked about my health and he inquired about what weight loss efforts I endured. He did state to me that I was very healthy. I asked if Dr. Halmi would be performing the surgery or of he would.
He then told me that he would be, but Dr. Halmi would be there as well. He also tried to breif me on the lap band when I first got there, which I knew going in that I did not want that for sure. After a few more health questions, he concluded my appointment and I went back to the front desk to check out with him along with me.
They told me that they would verify my insurance and submit my request to have the surgery, and that if I don't hear anything from them in two weeks, to call them back. I paid my co-pay of $20 and I left.
My overall office visit:
My take on the entire visit is that, I made my appointment with one doctor and to see another one, I was not happy about that at all, but I am WILL address this. I don't know anything about this guy and I am just to let him do my surgery? Beleive me, as soon as I hear that I am approved, I will address that matter. Well, that is all for now. Pray for me.
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3/21/2006
I am nervous because it's been a week since my consultation and I have not heard anything. I am going to call tomorrow to be sure that all paperwork was submitted to my Insurance and to see if there was anything else that they needed from me! Waiting.....is nerve wrecking. I am nervous also because I feel that I am going to have a lot of unwanted skin once I lose the weight. I have been having dreams about that....call me CRAZY, but I have. That could be a sign that I am going to have WLS. At least I've already had the surgery in my dreams. That's a great sign. Please pray for me!
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3/22/2006
Well, I heard from Dr. Halmi and Dr. Trans's office today regarding the surgery. The receptionist, Ruth left a message stating that my insurance company is requesting some additional information that they do not have on file. So, I can either call them back or I can call directly to CoreSource. I went home and started cleaning up, I did not actually did not know that there were messages on our home phone. I use my cell phone for all of my personal calls, because all of my family and friends have Maryland phone numbers. So, I automatically thought that the blinking messages were probably for my husband. The very last message was from the Doctor's office. Wish me luck, I am going to call directly to my insurance company to find out exactly what it is that they are requesting from me. As always, pray for me!
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3/23/2006
Happy Birthday Tara!
I called my insurance company to find out what it was that they requested that the Doctors office did not have. The representative told me that they needed to confirm the length of time that I had my insurance with them. In December 2005, I decided to go with Kaiser, which I did not like them at all. I joined back with CoreSource effective February 1st, 2006. Therefore, I was only without my insurance for one month. The representative said that she would give all of that information to the enrollment department and will call me back with how everything went. As always, pray for me!
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3/24/2006
I called to Dr. Halmi and Dr. Tran's office just to see what was up. I spoke with Ruth who shared with me things that I have to do BEFORE my surgery would be approved by CoreSource. They said that I needed:
* TSH level (thyroid test)
* Psychic evaluation
* Nutritional appointment or consultation
* Support meetings for after the surgery
Now I have to get busy scheduling these appointments IN ORDER to have the surgery. I have a friend at CoreSource now, she said whenever you call, just ask for me, which made me feel a lot better. I will be in touch, as always, pray for me.
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3/28/2006
Well, it's been a few days and the information that I was given from Ruth at Dr. Halmi's office was not really helpful. Trying to find a doctor that accepts my insurance is a true test. I have my appointment tomorrow for the "thyroid" test. I still have to find a Nutritionist that accepts my insurance. I found two that were in Fairfax, VA, but they specialized in children. Also, I have left a message with a doctors office for the "Psychic Evaluation" and they have not called me back yet. So, you can say that I am not feeling good about this, but I have to remember that people do not operate as I do.....at the speed of light. Then I called Dr. Halmi's other office in Fairfax, I think and the Nutritionist there told me that in the Woodbridge office, there is a PART-TIME nutritionist there. Now, why in the H-E-DOUBLE HOCKEY sticks did the woman Ruth NOT tell me that? So, If I want to go to Fairfax, or where ever his other office is, I would have to pay $75 for the Nutrition Consultation. I hope that his office is not being funny or treating me differently due to my race. (Beleive it or not, that's how MOST of the people in VA act.) I will update tomorrow after my thyroid test, as always, pray for me.
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3/29/2006
Today was my appointment with my primary care doctor specially to have my blood drawn to determine my thyroid level. That at least, went off without any complications. I will be receiving my results in about a week. So, one down and two more to go. I am soon to get help from another Dr. Halmi patient that referred me to him. She is going to look in her notes and see if she can give me all of the places that she visited to have all of her tests run, etc. So, hopefully that will come through. I don't care at this point if I have to go back to Maryland, I would go. We have the same insurance, so I cannot see any problems developing. I would just be so happy to have all of this completed so that way I can set my mind at ease to know that I am not doing all of this for MY HEALTH, no point intended. Of course I am doing all of this for my health.....you all know what I mean. Today I heard from through email another Dr. Halmi patient. Her name was Diane. Diane, thanks for your words. They really helped me out a lot, and I hope to meet you at the April 6th meeting held by Dr. Halmi's office. Coming to the Virginia area has been an experience for me, because the people here have NOT been FRIENDLY! So, that's why I automatically assumed that the office was treating me this way due to that fact. So, thanks again for the words. I sure hope that my Nutritionist consultation and my Psychic evaluation is not all that hard. Pray for me as always.
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3/30/2006
Today I did not receive the information that another Dr. Halmi patient said that they would give me. So, tomorrow, I am going to call Dr. Halmi's Woodbridge office to see if they in fact have a part-time Nutritionist in their office. If so, I am going to make an appointment with that person. I talked to Dr. Halmi's other office and the lady Sally explained to me that she would charge me $75 for the consultation. So, instead of paying the money to her, I will try my hand to see if I can consult with the part-time nutritionist in Halmi's office instead. My emotions right now are raging and I just want to get everything done today. I know that things take time, but I am this way about all things. I am off tomorrow because I have to work on Saturday, so I will get to the bottom of the nutritionist matter. Also I am going to see if the doctor that Ruth gave me for the psychic evaluation accepts my insurance and make an appointment with him. Because the other doctor's office that I left a message with has not called me back, and that has been since Thursday or Friday of last week. I have just so busy at work that I just cannot make all of these calls at work, and plus theirs a confidentiality piece. Not that my assistant does not know that I want to have the surgery, it's just that you want your privacy, that's all. As always, pray for me.
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3/31/2006
Well today I was able to make my Nutritionist appointment with Dr. Halmi's office for April 10th, 2006. The cost is still $75 and I also called to make the appointment for my psychic evaluation. The doctor that Halmi's office referred me to for the physhic eval was not in and I was forced to leave a message. Their office is only in session two days out of a week. That is kind of crazy. When I called Dr. Halmi's office today, the woman that answered the phone, I am not sure of her name, told me that I would still have to pay another nutritionist $75 also after I am approved for the surgery, because the nutritional consultation that I have to have now is basically from her words "to see if I could do it on my own without surgery". I swear I hope that I am not running around like a chicken with my head cut off for nothing. I mean, if I decided to go this extreme, obviously I cannot do it with diet and exercise alone. I don't know the office staff to me is not all that friendly. I am not sure if I am expecting a lot, or what, but I am not feeling the warmth that I feel that I need to feel from them. It's more like a bother to them than a service that they are providing. When I go for my appointment that day in April, I am going to discuss with them the switch-a-roo of the surgeons and see what their response is. My experience with trying to undergo gastric bypass has not been an easy one. Contiunued prayer is definitely needed for me as I will be praying for myself.
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4/1/2006
I received my results of the TSH (thyroid test) today in the mail. I immediately faxed it over to Dr. Halmi's office. Hopefully, soon it will all be over and I will see if I can have the surgery. Continue to pray for me.
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4/2/2006
On Thursday, I plan to attend the "Staple Club" support group that Dr. Halmi's office sets up monthly at the Hillendale Fire Station in Woodbridge, VA. My best friend is supposed to accompany me so that I can have her support. I cannot wait, I have a list of questions that I would like to ask the surgeons, plus I just want to see others who were successful with their surgery. Well, until next time.
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4/5/2006
THE DAY THAT AFFECTED MY LIFE!
I had a terrible day today at work and personally. Then to come home, check my mail and find out that my insurance company sent me a letter. Based on the letter that I received today, I have decided to no longer be affiliated with Dr. Halmi and Dr. Tran's office after today. The cover letter said, please see the enclosed letter that was sent to the following doctor regarding a recent claim. The letter asked six questions that their office should have been able to answer on my behalf as well as called me for the rest of the answers. I was prepared for this, I had it already typed and ready to go. Dr. Halmi's office told me over the phone that my insurance company wanted me to have all of these tests done (mentioned above 3/24/2006), but in my letter, those things are NOT mentioned.
The letter said:
1.) What is my current height, weight, and my body frame size?
2.) What is my BMI?
3.) Is my weight endogenous or exogenous?
4.) Do I have medical conditions that are aggravating my weight?
5.) Provide the estimated length of weight loss programs and the costs.
6.) Please list other weight loss programs and or methods attempted along with the outcomes of all.
I felt that all of that could have helped them out as well as my consultation with Dr. Tran. But, I was told to complete all tests and they will advise my insurance company and will have to wait for my result.
I already gave blood to determine my thyroid level. I have made an appointment with Halmi's office for April 10th, to see their part-time nutritionist that their office NEVER mentioned that they had. They gave me the number to their second office in Fairfax, VA, but to me Woodbridge is closer than Fairfax from Manassas, where I live. This nutritionist appointment will cost me $75 twice because I was told that I would have to pay it a second time after I am accepted for the surgery. Last, but not least, I have YET to speak with two different offices trying to schedule the psych test. I have left a message with one doctor that they deal with and one that my insurance gave me, and neither called me back yet. Which is a headache, but is not their fault.
I have felt from the moment that they had me see Dr. Tran (a new doctor in Halmi's office) without telling me that I was NOT important to them. Based on the letter received today, those six easy questions could have taken care of for me. I am no longer going to go through their office for my surgery. I really don't feel that there is an excuse for this.
My best friend (Duan A.) had her surgery by Dr. Afram out of DC and she had to pay $1,500 out of pocket, but he is awesome, so I think that I am going to go with him and just pay the $1,500. Plus he has done over 3000+ surgeries and dedicates 100% of his practice to bariatrics.
My sister (Black Butterfly) used Dr. Gary Harrington out of Silver Spring, MD and her experience was great also, and only had to pay $300 out of pocket. To sum it all up, Dr. Halmi's office did not CARE about me as a patient, and it showed in their service to me from day one. I mean, I tried to overlook a lot of things, but this one took the cake. Sorry Diane. As always, pray for me in that my NEW search for a surgeon goes well. I will be back to update.
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4/7/2006
I have decided to go and check out Dr. Afram's Thursday seminar. If I like what I hear then he will become my NEW surgeon. I think that I will like him just based on what my friend told me. I know enough to look into him myself. Have him meet me face to face and for him to evaluate me. So, I will keep posting.
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4/8/2006
"REST IN PEACE BIRDY BIRD and UNCLE ELLISON"
I would like to start off saying that one of my two birds died tonight and I am really going to miss him.
Also tonight, my best friend (Duan A.) was here today to see the fight between Jab Juddah and Floyd Mayweather on pay-per-view and she looks even better than I imagined her. I took a few snap shots of her so that she can place the pictures on Obesity Help. She has a page, but no photos. She is a year and four months post-op. We took some photos after I got married in July of 2004, and you would not beleive that it's the same person. She looks awesome. But, enough about that.
I also found out that there has been death in my husband's family on his grandmother's side. So, I may not be able to go to my seminar with Dr. Afram on Thursday. So, I may try to go the following Thursday....but I am sure that I am going to go before May 6th, 2006, which is the next Saturday seminar. I will keep posting.
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4/12/2006
Tomorrow I am going to attend the seminar as earlier mentioned. I plan to catch the train because from VA to DC would be hell driving. Not to mention the parking situation in DC. So, I am excited about that. The train ride will be theraputic. I have not riden the Metro in so long. Anyway, pray for me and I will post later.
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4/16/2006
Well, I made it to the Thursday seminar at Dr. Afram's office. From the moment that I walked into their office, I felt good about my decision to cancel dealings with Dr. Halmi's office.
Dr. Afram's staff was very friendly. I got there at exactly 2pm, so I barely had time to fill out my paperwork before the seminar began. So, Dr. Afram introduced himself and his staff of two other doctors. Then he began speaking about the surgery, risks, what to expect, and the pre-op testing. You may as well say that he covered everything. Once he was finished, he opened up the floor for questions. There were 10 of us in the entire seminar. Once all of the questions were asked, they began taking everyone back one by one, to speak with Dr. Afram and the other two doctors.
During the one on one session, Dr. Afram had the other two doctors in the room, but he was asking ALL of the questions. After that, you were sent again one on one to talk to ladies in the office that dealt with insurance etc. So, I gave her all of the documents that I have obtained from CoreSource and Dr. Halmi's office. I gave her the letter that I wrote to the Doctor on behalf of my past history, etc. I also gave her the letter thyroid test that I had taken for Dr. Halmi's office also.
Sally said to me that based on the letter that my insurance sent to me, it looks like Dr. Halmi's office did not send my insurance company a pre-determination letter on my behalf, which lead for my insurance to ask all of those questions.
She assured me that they send a pre-determination letter to the insurance company so that they will have all of the information that they need to say yes or no. Based on what Sally told me, the letter would be sent to my insurance on the very next day. So, pray for me as I will be waiting on pins and needles for a SECOND time, if I will be able to have the surgery.
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4/18/2006
While I am waiting to hear from Dr. Afram's office regarding my surgery, I have ordered the book off this website. The book is $10 and it's called "Making The Journey Together". It will be my distraction while I am waiting. So, for those who can spare $10, please get the book, because it will be helpful.
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4/20/2006
Thank you Black Butterfly for the skinny on how to upgrade my once boring page.
Today makes a week that I had my consultation with Dr. Afram. I am very nervous about what's going to happen, but I am not going to call the office. I am going to be patient and wait, but trust me, I am losing my head. This was just a quick post while I was urgrading my page. As always, pray for me.
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4/24/2006
I was planning on calling Dr. Afram's office out of nerves and they called me.....at work. I spoke with Sally and she said that my insurance is requesting for me to have my thyroid level checked, which I had already provided them with on the day of the seminar. I had that done when I was affiliated with Dr. Halmi's office. I also have to have a psychic evaluation and a nutritionist evaluation. Those were the same things that my insurance requested with the other Doctors office. Damn this insurance.
The one thing that I can honestly say, although I changed Doctors and have the same result from my insurance, to do all of this crap.........BEFORE they advise me of my approval status, I would do it all over again. Dr. Afram and his office staff are professional, more knowledgeable, has a better approach with prospects and I feel has a better practice as well as pre-op and post-op involvement.
Before I got off of the phone with Sally, I had scheduled my nutritionist appointment for Wednesday, May, 3rd and the psych evaluation for Thursday, May 4th. To make it easier for me, she tried to schedule both tests in the same day, on May 10th, but I HAVE to be at work! So, I said although I am in Manassas, I will go two days in a row, because I want to be approved!
Regardless of the cost associated with having my surgery performed by Dr. Afram, he and his office is definitely a better fit for me....hands down. I will post later. As always, pray for me.
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4/25/2006
Today, I am feeling anxious about my upcoming appointments. I just want to fall asleep and wake up on Wednesday for my first test with Dr. Afram's office. My best friend, (Duan A.) told me that the psych test is easy. She said that there will be a bunch of questions written down pertaining to my mental state and self esteem questions. So, she said that it was a piece of cake, but I am going to take it slow and answer as honestly as I can. Anyway, this was just a quick post.....As always, pray for me.
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4/27/2006
I appreciate all of the email responses that I am receiving from members of OH. I love to reach out to others to see how their progress is coming along, and it helps me through this trying time. So, for that, I thank you all. Your emails have been helpful and encouraging. Keep them coming and thanks again!
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5/2/2006
Well, tomorrow is my psych test and I am kind of nervous and happy at the same time. My friend encouraged me and told me that I would pass it.
By next Monday, my insurance should have received the results from tomorrow and Thursday's tests from Dr. Afram's office. My answer from them should come in about a week or less. So by Friday, May 12th, 2006, I should know if I am approved to have WLS and that's when the REAL celebration begins. So, as always, pray for me, as I will be praying for myself.
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5/3/2006
"My Psych Test"
Today I completed my psych test. My therapist's name was Maia. I don't recall what her "Dr." name was. It was a tricky test. Several questions were in the test more than one time, but just worded differently. TRICKY, TRICKY. I guess it went ok, I am not at all that insane. My respect level was the greatest of all categories. They scored all of my answers and anything over 75% is questionable. So, nothing but respect was greater than 75%. Maia was happy about that. She just wanted to ensure that after surgery that I would have my support system in line and in place.
Which that will not be a problem. Maia said that she thinks that she should be finished with the report to my insurance within the week. Whatever that means....I am hoping it's turned into them as well as the fact that I attended the nutritionist consult at least by Monday, May 8th, 2006.
I explained to her that "I" needed to the psych test done and turned in my insurance for them to FINALLY APPROVE ME FOR THE SURGERY. I have to go right back to Dr. Afram's office Thursday, May 4th, 2006 to see the Nutritionist. I feel that the insurance has no reason to deny me for the surgery, because my psych eval states that I am depressed.
I feel depressed in my mind from work, and my finances (or lack thereof), my weight, and my overall health. Plus this whole surgery thing is a lot to deal with. So, we will see what happens. I am PRAYING to have an answer by no later than Friday, May 12th, 2006.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW THE WORDS OF PRAYER, PLEASE PRAY FOR ME.
MY LORD, PLEASE STRENGTHEN ME, MY FAMILY, MY JOB SITUATION, MY FINANCES AND ALL OTHER UNKNOWN DEPRESSIONS THAT ARE IN ME RIGHT NOW. JUST TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME LORD. FOR YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I NEED, WHAT I DESIRE AND WHAT IS BEST FOR ME. IN JESUS NAME, I PRAY, AMEN.
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5/6/2006
My nutritionist appointment went well. I got there early, so the nutritionist named Dr. Jacqueline Charlier saw myself and another lady at the same time. She began by giving us her voice mail number to call for questions of any kind. She then asked when were our surgeries scheduled for? We both said that we needed this in order for us to be approved. So, she went on with the four phases of the very strict diet that we MUST follow after the surgery.
Phase 1:
Clear Liquids
Once cleared after surgery, this will be your diet for the first 5 days after surgery. You would consume things like......chicken broth, jell-o, popscicles, cranberry juice, clear bouillon, apple juice, etc. Things that you can see through is determined clear.
Phase 2:
Pureed Foods
This will begin on the 6th day after surgery (pending the Doctors approval.). This will last for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Such foods you will consume are as follows. Blended fruits, blended veggies, and blended meats. (Like baby food. For this, I am going to go and grocery shop for baby food to get me through this stage. Because I cannot stand the thought of foods being blended to look like baby food. I may as well eat the baby food. I happen to like the taste. My son is only 3 years old, so, I am used to the taste.)
The only thing is the meats, fruits and veggies can not all be consumed at the same time. It's either the meat as a meal, fruit as your meal, or veggies as your meal. All pureed, of course.
Phase 3:
Soft Foods
This will begin 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. (Depending on how well your Doctor thinks that you are doing.) You will be on this phase, for 1 week. You will be able to consume things such as scrambled eggs, chicken salad, cooked carrots, ground chicken, yogurt, asparagus, green beans, get it.....soft.
Phase 4:
Solid Foods
This will begin 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. Such foods able to be eaten are as follows. Oven browned potatoes, chicken without skin on it, cooked carrots, corn flakes, grits, yogurt, pasta primavera, whipped potatoes, canned peaches (in it's own juice), crab meat, low fat tuna salad, oatmeal, baked salmon, sweet potatoes, etc.
* Keep in mind that your Doctor may have a different diet that he or she wants you to follow.....this was just an idea to some who may be interested in knowing what the diet may be like. *
Now, on to the status of my surgery......before I left Dr. Afram's office on Thursday, Sally told me that ALL she is waiting for is my psychic evaluation that I had done on Wednesday. I hope that Dr. Maia does not take past Tuesday or Wednesday to complete the psychic eval.
Once Sally receives that, she will fax everything to my insurance. I should still be able to get an answer by May 12th. (My guesstimation.) So, pray for me as always. This next week is going to be rough!
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5/6/2006
Next Saturday, May 13th is my company picnic. I thought that I would go out to get a cheap shirt to go with a pair of jeans that I got for my August 2005 Bahamas trip. I went to Old Navy, my favorite store, and I found 4 shirts that I did not like the way that any of them fit me. I was so depressed after all that, I did not even want to go into another store to look, let alone try on anything else. I mean, you talk about humiliated. I swear, I cannot wait until I have my surgery, whenever that's going to be.
I get so frustrated when there is a function that I want to attend and I have to get a really nice outfit, because it's always a hassle. I can never find what I need, or am looking for.
1.) I cannot wait until I can go to some of these stores, including Old Navy and grab something off the rack that I do not have to try on. That is the biggest disappointment for me.
2.) I am tired of feeling like an outcast in public. I mean people open doors up all the way to let you out, like you are as wide as the door that you are going through. That is awful.
3.) I want to be able to tie my shoes or fasten my shoes without having to grab my pant leg to pull my leg up to do so, and in the process, I sit back up feeling like I need to take a 5 minute break before going to the next shoe. Feeling very light-headed after all is said and done.
4.) My husband and I just recently purchased bikes, before I decided to have the surgery and I cannot ride for a long time. It feels like someone just kicked me in the butt. That is very difficult to deal with. I feel like a sore loser when I say that I am done after about 10 minutes......I just cannot even tolerate it for too long.
5.) I feel terrible going to lunch or to grab something to eat alone, because ignorant ones stare at you like, now she knows that she should not be eating that, she is big enough, that's her problem now.
6.) Since I have gotten heavier, I sleep terrible at night. Let alone the snoring "LIKE A BEAR" as my husband says, but now it is very uncomfortable to sleep. I tried to buy a body pillow, but that does not seem to help either.
7.) Walking up the stairs is extremely tiring to me also. Even walking up slight hills. I was about to pass out today when we went to Leesburg Outlet to shop. I felt out of breath and ready to sit the hell down....fast.
8.) I am a picky eater. I cannot wait to let go of some of these unhealthy foods, so that feeding me will be a snap. I just think that I make terrible choices in foods. I do not consider myself to eat a lot, but when I do eat, I want a meal so I am not hungry as fast.
9.) My son should be able to go outside for more than 20 or 30 minutes, with me out there with him. I just cannot be out there that long, I get tired too quickly. You know playing ball, frisby, or even baseball. I just be ready to go inside and relax.
10.) I actually had a female look at my stomach as I was walking in her direction in another outlet in North Carolina in April 2006......then she had the nerve to speak to me. I was truly ready to get back into the car. I had on a short shirt, that came right to the top of my jeans, I would not have had the shirt on if I knew that someone would be able to see my stomach through my jeans and shirt. My blood was boiling after that. Now some of you may say, well how did you see that. I was looking right at her when she did it, plus "US" fat people see everything negatively. I went into Nike and purchased another shirt to cover my stomach and butt, so that way the rest of my time in the outlet would be an somewhat enjoyable one.
I just want to be healthy, overall. Not feeling like everyone is watching me, what I eat, how I eat, and why I am eating. It's terrible the way that others treat you when you are overweight. To have someone look at you when you are more than confident with yourself is one thing, but when you feel like spectators see you as......(you fill in the blank) what other way is there to look at yourself and accept the way that you look......there isn't.
Well, enough of that, but I just had to get that off of my chest. I am going to go to bed now. Please pray for me and I will surely be praying for myself.
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5/10/2006
Happy Birthday Khaleel!
Today is my husband's birthday. I knew that today would be a busy time for me because of his birthday and because I had an office visit from the Owner's.....yada yada yada. Anyway, I got the call from Sally at Dr. Afram's office at 11:06 a.m. She told me that I was APPROVED to have WLS. I told her that I had a feeling that she would call me today. You could tell that on the other end of the phone she was smiling, which meant a lot to me. This is a huge weight lifted off of me since, March 14th, 2006, when I had my initial let down consultation with Dr. Halmi's office.
Once I got the good news and exchanged small talk, I asked Sally if I could call her back because I was in a meeting. She told me to call her tomorrow to discuss what's the next step in my weight loss journey. I cannot get my happiness across in words, although I am so happy.
TO SUM UP MY ENTIRE PROCESS WITH DR. AFRAM'S OFFICE:
4/13/2006 Dr. Afram's seminar / sign-up for the surgery
4/14/2006 Approval letter sent to my insurance company
4/24/2006 Word back from my insurance of requirements in order to be approved
5/3/2006 Psychic Evaluation completed
5/4/2006 Nutritionist Consultation completed
5/10/2006 APPROVED!
It took me exactly, 3 weeks and 3 days to get approved!
I will update tomorrow once I call Dr. Afram's office to see what's in store for me next! Thanks for all the prayers, keep them coming!
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5/11/2006
"I've Got A Date"
My date has been scheduled for June 20th, 2006 at 10am. Sally told me of the pre-op tests that I need to have completed before surgery, which are:
* Upper GI
* See the pulmonologist
* Have a chest x-ray
* Have an abdominal sonogram
I also have to see my PCP for a complete physical and blood work. My PCP doctor is on vacation until June 1st, 2006 and my appointment with her is on June 5th, 2006. I was trying to be proactive to obtain referrals to see the doctors listed above, but the office is saying that I have to see her first and then she will give me all that. My surgery is exactly two weeks away from my PCP appointment. I feel that with co-pays and etc. there is no way that I can have all of those things done in that short time span. Including having to work and prepare for me to be out of work for a few weeks. I think tomorrow that I am going to just call my insurance company and see if they can give me some phone numbers for the doctors that I have to see for those things and go from there. I should not need a referral for that, but there is so much red tape these days, we will just have to see.
I made my sleep apnea consultation for May 26th, 2006. It is not determined that I have it, but for some of the things that my best friend told me that she "did" before surgery, I don't do while sleeping. EXCEPT SNORE! She told me that she would wake up out of her sleep gasping for air. She also said that her boyfriend would have to nudge her due to her loud snoring. I guess I just have to see. I hear that the sleep apnea process is lengthy. My sister had to go twice.
Sally also set-up for me my last consultation with Dr. Afram on June 14th, 2006 and to see the personal trainer in Dr. Afram's office for the same day. There is also a MANDATORY group meeting that I have to attend the same day. Plus there is a bariatric class at the hospital on June 14th, 2006. So, I may as well schedule to be out of work that day because I will not make it in with all of that going on.
I received my psych eval in the mail today, and I am a bit unhappy about some things that Maia (the therapist) put in there. She mixed up a lot of the things that I told her, but what's done is done, and I was approved after all, so I really cannot be mad at all.
All I can say is that I am very happy that things are starting to finally take shape. I mean, I can literally see my results of the surgery in my near future. I just pray that I do not have to change my surgery date for anything. Everything should flow from this day forward, but who knows. Keep me in your prayers.
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5/14/2006
"Happy Mother's Day to all of the Mothers on OHelp"
Hello Everyone. I got a call yesterday on Saturday from my PCP's office from Tiffany, the female that I was in constant contact with pertaining to getting referrals to have my pre-op tests scheduled before I see my Doctor was approved. She said that the on-call doctor, covering for my PCP said that once I receive the paperwork through the mail from my surgeon's office, then I can make an appointment and she will give me the referrals that I need to begin my pre-op testing.
I was happy about that because, it was looking like I would not be able to until I see my primary care physician and I would possibly have to reschedule my surgery....but it all worked out, so now that I have the ok, I am going to make my appointment to see the on call doctor and get my referrals.
Oh, yesterday was my company picnic....(pictures are in the website address at the top of the page.) I thought that I looked cute, but I looked and felt fat. I was surprised at how big some of my colleagues have gotten. I mean, this obesity thing is a trip. A few of them shocked the hell out of me with their weight, I just wanted to go over to some of them and ask them if they knew of a "tool" that was available to them that would help them lose weight, would they be interested. But, that was JUST a thought. I am not that insensitive, and I would hate it if someone did it to me. N E WAY.
I felt so out of place everytime I placed food into my mouth. I mean, there was soooo much food, that I was glad to leave. I could have did myself in yesterday.
I felt horrible. I just kept thinking to myself while making the walk of shame, to the food and back to my seat.......for all of those who were looking at me like, she know that she does not need that 1/4 chicken and that corn on the cob with those baked beans..........wait until you see me at next years company picnic. I am going to blow you away.
This is the feeling that I get while going anywhere where there is food besides being around family because they know that you like to eat and do not make fun of that fact. But in public, those are the real critics. I was so glad to leave that picnic, although it was really nice. I now see how obesity is depressing and can cause people to be self-concious about themselves. I can clearly see that now. I just hope that my surgery date comes quickly, because I would like to enjoy some of the summer weather showing off my new body to all that would care to look.
Keep the emails and prayers coming, they help me out a lot. Take care.
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5/15/2006
I HAVE FINALLY FOUND A QUICK AND EASY WAY THAT I CAN ADD PHOTOS TO MY PAGE WITHOUT BOTHERING THE WEB DESIGNERS HERE AT OHELP. I CREATED A YAHOO PAGE AND I CAN ADD AS MANY PHOTOS AS I WANT, AND GUESS WHAT.....IT'S FREE. CHECK OUT MY PICTURES!
Today I made my appointment with the other primary care physician in my doctor's office. Now I don't have to wait until June 5th to see my original PCP. My appointment has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 23rd, 2006 to have the surgery clearance physical and blood work. I will also be given ALL of the referrals that I need to have my pre-op testing done. I am definitely on my way now. Keep me in your prayers.
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5/21/2006
"Congrats on your Graduation Khaleel" and "Happy Birthday Jada"
I am just a few minutes short of posting on the actual day, but my husband graduated on Saturday, May 20th, 2006. He received his Masters Degree. It was a great day. A full day, but a great day. A new picture after the graduation was added to my website up above. Please take a look.
I have been so busy at work, and trying to prepare myself for the entire month of June, because it's going to be a busy one with the surgery and all. Also for my pre-op appointments, and my last appointment with Dr. Afram and then the DATE. My SURGERY!
I found on this site a lady named Sharon Neva, who has obviously had WLS and she has a page and a book that she wrote. I linked onto her page and she has written a book about the entire surgery process. Whether you are just looking into having surgery, pre-op, or post-op. There is a link on her page which you can purchase her book. There is also a phone number that you can call and also an email address.
I am going to purchase this book. The book that OH has for $10.00 on this site called "Making the Journey Together" helped a lot, but I think that I still want to read Sharon Neva's book also. It will give me something to do leading up to the surgery and also reading material in the hospital.
My support team is growing. I am now up to three people that I know will be in the hospital with me on June 20th, 2006. My husband, of course, my mother, and my half-sister. Which is a great thing. Anyway, this was just a quick post. Continue to email me.......my date is slowly approaching! Take care.
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5/24/2006
"Physical, Bloodwork and EKG Day"
All tests were completed today without a hitch. My weight is still the same, 248.......Thank you Lord. I also received a tetanus shot in my arm and had to consent to the HIV test, which was required by my surgeon. I gave answers to alot of questions that the doctor had pertaining to my history with my weight. It was a list of questions that I had received in the mail from Dr. Afram's office. The doctor told me that she would finish filling out everything else once she gets the results of the bloodwork back and will fax all documents to Dr. Afram's office, which is fine with me.
The physical exam was next. The Doctor checked my breasts, my skin, my ears, my nose, my throat, and my reflexes. She even tested my stool for blood. She placed her finger in my bottom, YUK and took out a small culture. She then placed it on this little test kit to see if it were change color. The test was NEGATIVE. Then she documented that and threw the test kit in the garbage.
The next thing was the EKG. The nurse put one sticky monitor on each of my legs and one on each of my arms. There was also one on my right breast. The majority of the stickies were placed around my heart. The nurse named Tiffany said that it takes longer to set-up than it does to actually get the report of the functions of my heart. So, once that was done and she connected the cords to the stickies, she asked me to take a deep breath and relax and the report started. Just like that.....it was over, like she said it would be. She took the report of the functions of my heart to the doctor, and she asked for ther to do it again, but that was fine. Once that was done, I got dressed and was told to wait until the lab was ready for me.
When the lab was ready for me, I was taken in and gave three tubes of blood. Once I did that, my visit was over. I got out of there. I was also given the referral to go to the hospital to have the chest x-ray, the abdominal sonogram, and the upper GI. I think that I am going to do that some time next week all at the same time.
So, my next thing is the sleep apnea consultation on Friday, May 26th, 2006. I am well on my way now. I wanted to get it all over and done with so that the results would be to Dr. Afram before my final appointment with him on June 14th, 2006. All I have to do now is see what two days are good for my best friend and I to attend the support group meetings before the 14th of June. So that I can ensure Dr. Afram that I am ready to rock and roll. My support system has grown so, and I thank everyone from this site and at home who is there for me.
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5/26/2006
Sleep Apnea Consultation
Today is my sleep apnea consult. Wish me LUCK because all of a sudden, I feel strapped for time to do everything, and right now, I do not need to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. He also did my pulmonary exam as well.
I noticed on the brochure that they gave me, that they were pulmonary specialists as well. I thought that I would have had to come back for a second appointment. But he went on and took care of both things while I was there. GREAT.
The sleep study will be another appointment, that I have to get done and have the results delivered to Dr. Afram before June 14th, which is too much, but hey. On yesterday, I made my appointments for the upper gi, the chest x-ray and the abdominal sonogram for June 7th, 2006.
I will be going to the hospital close to me, so that's good. All three tests will all be completed on the same day. Hooray. I am a nut, because I forgot that I had to see the pulmonologist and the referral from the PCP does not say pulmonologist on the referral. I totally forgot to tell the doctor about that. So, I called back to the PCP to see if I can check the box on the referral myself and make the appointment for that also on the 7th of June. I have not gotten a returned call yet. But, the 7th is almost a full two weeks away, so I have time.
Anyway, my book was shipped out by Sharon Neva on the 24th, 2006, so I will have some more gastric bypass reading material. You can never be too educated, right. Well, this was just a quick post, I have to step out now, will update later.
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5/26/2006
Sleep Apnea Consult Completed
I was told by Dr. Byron Cooper that I MAY have a mild case of sleep apnea and that I should get the study done just to be on the safe side. So, I have to wait until the sleep lab contacts me to give me a date. Then I would go to the sleep lab from 8 p.m. at night until 6 a.m.
If I don't hear from them, I will call them myself on June 2nd, 2006 to see if they have received the referral from the doctor and schedule it myself. Hopefully, I can go to have the study between the week of June 5th through the 9th. I am not ready for that at all. But I guess I have to do what I have to do. Especially if it would help the anesthesiologist in putting me under and waking me up after surgery. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.
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5/30/2006
Sleep Apnea Test scheduled and my Bloodwork Results are in!
Today I received a phone call from the sleep lab at National Rehab Hospital. (Across from Washington Hospital Center in DC). I spoke with Crystal and she said that the only date that's available is Monday, June 5th, 2006 @9pm or the next test date is June 14th, 2006, which is the day that I meet Dr. Afram again to finalize my surgery. They had a cancellation, so I am there.
This is getting exciting and crazy at the same time. I mean, I literally cannot beleive that the surgery is actually
