RNYMom
I had open RNY on 2/9/00. I was 333 pounds with a BMI of 55.17. At 12-months post-op I had lost more than half of myself. I weighed 165 pounds, and had lost 168 pounds. I had a tummy tuck to remove the excess skin when I was 13-months post-op. I went from a size 30/32 to a size 14/16.
Before surgery I suffered from diabetes, GRD, sleep apnea, and arthritis pain. After surgery all that disappearred. . . even the diabestes, and I was insulin-dependent pre-op.
My primary insurer was Regence BC/BS of Oregon and my secondary insurer was CHAMPUS. My surgeon wrote letters to both insurers, knowing Regence would deny (as they didn't cover WLS back then at all). CHAMPUS approved me for surgery the same day they received the doctor's letter.
I had the best surgeon of the time. Dr. Latham Flanagan was President of the American Bariatric Surgeons organization, and was the expert who taught everyone else. I hear he has since retired, but the Oregon Center for Bariatric Surgery is still in Eugene and is a Center of Excellence, beyond none.
The best thing I did, besides the surgery itself, was get involved with a suport group. I went to meetings before and after my surgery, and I made many great friends. I'd encourage everyone to find a good support group, and attend regularly. Not only do you GET a lot out of it, but your experiences are bound to help someone else. Knowledge is power.
