rstauz
My Journey
My journey for weight loss surgery began in 1990. I went to a consultation with a doctor at Great Lakes Medical Center on the South side of Milwaukee. He said that because I wasnít 100 lbs. over weight, I could not have the surgery. I was 90-95 lbs. over weight.
Then in 1999 I began looking into the surgery again, only to find out that the insurance coverage through the State of Wisconsin had an exclusion in their policy for weight loss surgery. Even if itís medically necessary. I had an option to change insurance companies but didn't want to because we wanted to have another baby. If we made the switch now, I would have to choose a new OB/GYN. Didn't want to do that.
We had another baby in 2003, Nelia. Now itís time to choose insurance again. The rates for State insurance has gone up so we took a look at the insurance available through the county. I called the insurance carriers for the county and found out that the surgery was not an exclusion. Itís a good day. After signing on to my husbands insurance, I immediately called to schedule an appointment for the beginning of the year when the insurance went into effect.
January 5, 2004
Today I met my new primary care physician, Dr. Jane Hawes. My weight was #$%, the most Iíve ever weighed. Dr. Hawes is a wonderful lady, the best doctor Iíve ever had an appointment with. She did a physical, talked to my about the weigh loss procedure, stating that I was an ideal candidate. She had me sign a release of medical records to get my charts from Dr. Roby and Dr. Fuhr. She then gave me a referral to Dr. Regan.
January 14, 2004
Iíve been trying to call Dr. Reganís staff assistant for a few days and havenít been able to connect with her. Finally, today we talked for about 15 minutes. She seems to be as excited as I am. It is so real now, I can hardly stand it. WOW, I have an appointment on March 9th, 2004. Right before I go on vacation. She answered a lot of my questions and gave me a lot of information. As we talked, she stated that the doctorís will fight over me because Iím such a good candidate for the procedure. Once again, Iím so excited, words can not explain how I feel. I get teary eyed.
March 12, 2004
I have a date for surgery!! April 19th, I now have to wait for insurance approval. Things moved along very quickly. I can't wait to be happy in shorts again!!
March 15, 2004.
I have insurance approval!!!!!!!!!! Life is good, Humana is good, my doctors are good, GOD is GOOD!!!
April 8, 2004
I had my psychological evaluation and it turned out to be problematic but in the end, all was fine. The psychologist was concerned that eating a small amount of food after surgery may be a difficult transition for me (no kidding!) She recommended that I seek counseling before surgery and have another evaluation. My doctor's office didn't agree so the wheels are still rolling. I only have 11 days until surgery and I'm very excited.
April 23, 2004
I am now POST-OP!!!!!!!!! I never thought I would see the day and now itís here. On the day before surgery I was hesitating because I couldnít eat and I kept thinking, ìwhat am I doingî. I was so hungry. Now that Iíve been home from the hospital a few days, itís OK!
Iím not feeling hungry at all and have had very little to eat. I am very uncomfortable, a lot of pain on my left side where the larger incision is. Iím trying not to take too much of the pain medicine (I donít like the taste of it and itís liquid). Iím on pureed foods now, such as Cream of Wheat, mashed potatoes, creamed soup and applesauce. Iím really waiting to see some results!! Exciting times are ahead.
May 16, 2004
Today I am 4 weeks post-op. Iíve lost (according to my home scale) 29 pounds. I am so happy!! Iíve been keeping track of what I eat, drink and my exercise diligently. I walk around my block, which is 2/3 mile, twice a day. I need to increase this soon. The hardest part for me is getting all the fluids in. Most days I have to settle for close to 64 oz. Another struggle is eating slower and not be able to eat what the rest of the family is eating.
As I think about shrinking, here are a few things Iím really looking forward to:
biking with my kids - fitting into small bathroom stalls - sleeping better at night - SHOPPING - wrapping the bath towel all the way around and having it conceal me - going out in public and feeling good about myself - running - sitting in seats designed for average people (like in airplanes and at sporting events)
I discovered a product advertised in Obesity Help magazine. Itís a Nectar protein drink. I ordered it on line and love it. It tastes like fruit juice. To me, itís much better than protein powder drinks. Itís a little pricey but if youíre interested, go to http://allstarhealth.com/detaildisplay.asp?prodid=2461&ref=froog2461 and check it out. It shows the food label. It comes in several flavors. You can do an internet search to find other vendors and get additional flavors. I have fuzzy navel (peach and orange). Per serving you get 23g. of protein, no sugars and no carbs.
7/16/04
3 months post op
Today, my total weight loss is 50 lbs. I canít believe it. Iím so proud. I can feel it, exercise is enjoyable, stairs are easier, chairs are nicer, energy lever is up, clothes fit betterÖ.. the list goes on. I struggle with getting enough water everyday, Iím working on it.
January 2, 2005
8 months post-op and 95 pounds lost.
I canít begin to explain all the changes in my life. Most of all, I feel so good about myself. I feel confident, energetic and just so much happier. Shopping for clothes, the kids fitting on my lap, fitting chairs better, not so tired all the time. The list goes on.
I was so skeptical before surgery. Thinking I would never be approved or something would go wrong. It was such a dream come true. Now that Iíve lost a majority of my weight, I finally believe it happened, Iím so fortunate to have had the surgery.
