June 4, 2009

Jun 04, 2009

Hi Gang,
I had a great profile on here a few years ago that got deleted when OH did their website update.  Oh well.  My life is totally different now anyhow, so here's an update.

My name is Lea Anne... I know, my username isn't that creative, but it works I guess.  I am 29 years old, crazy happy married to my loving husband Daniel.  I have two children, Gracie-8 and Cyan 14 months. I am originally from Southeast Missouri, but I live in South Florida near Ft. Lauderdale now.  I work for Comcast as the  Customer Operations Supervisor for Broward county.  I am also a full time student online working toward a degree in Human Resources Management.  I love to sing karaoke, play video games, read, attend seminars, and play with my children. 

I've been heavy as long as I can remember.  I was the fat kid in school.  I was the fat friend in my group of friends. In 2003, I weighed 250lbs at 5'3".  I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea and lymphedema. I decided to have gastric bypass surgery.  I attended a seminar, saw a doctor in St. Louis, Missouri and then my mom begged me not to go through with it.  Because she would not support the surgery (and she was the one in the doctor's office with me) the doctor refused to perform the surgery.  He said I would need a strong support system and would need assistance when I returned home.  Without that support system, he wouldn't do it. 

About a year later, my mom saw my weight increasing though I was dieting and working out. I had also experienced two hospitalizations due to cellulitis and lymphedema.  She came with me to my primary doctor and he suggested a gastric bypass.  My mom finally agreed to support me and I found another (closer) surgeon.  I attended the orientation, met the doctor and nutrionist, and went through insurance denial, appeal, and final denial.  They required 12months medically supervised diet.  My insurance at the time was BCBS of IL. I began my medically supervised diet but moved to Nashville, TN only 5 months into the diet.  I also lost my insurance when I left my job to move.  I couldn't afford insurance being unemployed.

In 2005, I moved to Florida and in March of 2007 I weighed 306lbs. I had another hospital stay for cellulitis.  I still wanted the bypass though I had no insurance.  I asked a friend for a personal cash loan to pay for the surgery.  He didn't have enough money to fund it but did have the $10,000 for lapband surgery in Tijuana Mexico.  I borrowed the money and had the surgery thinking that the lapband was better than nothing.  My weight was going to kill me if I did nothing. By this time, I was experiencing embarassing stress incontinence and joint pain.  I had no love life to speak of.  I focused on my daughter, my volunteer work and studies so I could pretend I wasn't lonely. 

Two months after surgery, I met the man that is now my husband.  I had lost no weight, and he still found me beautiful and we fell in love. I had my first fill and experienced restriction for about two weeks.  I lost about 3lbs and never lost anything else.  I got pregnant and started my new, very stressful job, in July.  My brother committed suicide in August and I just couldn't deal. Between the pregnancy and the emotional stress, I gained 20lbs.  In April 08 I had my son, Cyan.  I had major complications with the c-section due to my obesity.  I was home bound for 3 months and I packed on the weight.  I got another fill in July 08.  I didn't feel any restriction and lost no weight.  None. My doctor prescribed Phentermine 37.5mg to help me lose weight and Pristiq to help me with the depression.  I gained another 10lbs during the holidays.  I reached 335lbs.  I went to Quick Weight Loss Center and started their diet.  I lost about 20lbs and then my body just stopped.  I did every trick they told me to do.  Upped my water intake, upped my protien, cut salt down to only 1/4 teaspoon of "lite" salt a day... no luck.  I gave up after 5 months of struggle.  All the weight came back and brought a few lbs with it.

I went to the Renfrew Center in Coconut Creek, FL this past Monday.  I thought I might have an eating disorder.  What else could explain my consistant failure?  They advised me that I probably don't have an eating disorder but they'd be happy to have me attend day treatment or evening outpatient treatment just to gain a healthier relationship with food. My therapist and my doctor both advised me to consider gastric bypass.  I thought that because I had the lapband already, my insurance would never cover the revision.  I reached out to an OH member that suggested I contact the Cleveland Clinic.  (Thanks Candy!!)  I did, and here we are.  My insurance does cover revisions (Independence BC PPO) and doesn't require a 12 month dr. supervised diet.  I'm having the testing done and taking care of paperwork now. 

I'm looking forward to getting down on the floor to play with the kids and getting back up with ease.  I'm looking forward to dancing again without taking a break before the end of the song.  I'm looking forward to sleeping without my cpap.  I'm looking forward to cute clothes instead of whatever I can find in my size.

Here's to a new perspective on health!
Love,
Lea

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