Supreme Queen
| Supreme Queen Metro Atlanta, GA, USA Post Op - BMI: 29.9 Surgery Type: Duodenal Switch Member ID: R1098993348 Contact: Click here to send a Personal Message Surgeon: Dennis C. Smith Jr. M.D. |
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*****Feel free to scroll down to POST-OP if you'd like*****
December, 2004
My surgery journey began almost a year ago. I decided it was time to look at drastic measures for my weight issues. My mother had her stomach stapled 20 years ago, so surgery was a very real option for me too. Most of the female members of my family are overweight.
I found Dr. Titus Duncan, who as it so happens I had (sort of) met about 13 years ago when I was a surgical technologist. He was training the doctors in my hospital on laproscopic techniques. He is highly recommended and I feel confident in his ability.
About me: I was always very athletic and in shape, but still also slightly overweight (usually by about 10 pounds), or fighting not to be. I'm a former beauty queen (Miss Douglas County 1985 among dozens of other titles) and a former professional dancer/actress/model. I'm 34 years old, and in 1999 I had back surgery and I gained alot of weight after that. Then, in 2003 I had my second child and gained more weight. And, yet another back surgery in 2004. I am hardly mobile anymore, and now I'm super fat! (5'3" 245 lbs.) Lucky me though, my very athletic husband (former pro basketball and minor league pro football) still loves me... Oh, and I have 2 children, a teenager and a toddler. MOMMY HELL! ;)
After lots of mishaps and misunderstandings along with a very stubborn primary care physician who refused to write the letter of clearance I needed. My paperwork was finally submitted to insurance... DENIED! What? I couldn't believe it, but it appears that being self employed I have a slightly different policy from the norm with Blue Cross. Silly me for not checking first, but everyone said BCBS always covered this surgery... I have an exclusion for this type of surgery.
Well, they don't know me... I tend to get what I want. I am self employed and have enjoyed some success in my life, and it's not from waiting on others to help me. I know how to help myself. So, of course I am appealling it. If I have to appeal it 20 times I will.
So, that's where I'm at now. It's funny that in February (2004) when I first decided to have the surgery I actually thought I'd have it by Spring and hopefully be on my journey by this past summer... I was wrong. Well, I'm still holding out for next summer. I guess I'll update here as things happen. Wish me luck! Oh, and if you want to e-mail me, feel free.
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12-29-04 ~ After speaking with many professionals, and many of you wonderful people, I realize that I may be fighting a losing battle with this appeal process... I guess I will pay for it myself, or finance it.
I'll update after the new year. And, yes call me gluttonous, but I am pigging out since these will be my last pig out holidays... ;)
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1-5-05 ~ I have been diligently researching and I've decided to have the BPD/DS instead of the RNY. I will have to change doctors too, so I plan to see Dr. Dennis Smith. I am changing my profile to reflect this change in doctors...
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1-15-05 ~ My new initial consultation with the new doctor, Dr. Dennis Smith, is set for February 18, 2005. AAARRRGGGHHH! I'm so sick of all of the waiting and put offs that come with this surgery. I can't help it... I want it, and I want it NOW!
I still haven't gotten a reply from my first appeal, but I'm sure it will be a denial. I am looking into other insurance plans, and most likely will self pay (finance) this surgery.
I learned earlier this week, after a visit with my neurosurgeon, that I definitely need a fusion. No ifs, ands, or buts about it anymore. He's the 4th opinion I've gotten since I began with the back surgeries, and he was the most conservative. He is also not sure if it is in the area of L5-L6 where I've always had trouble, or if it is above it in L4-L5. For those who know anatomy, yes I said L6... I was born with a so called birth defect and I have an extra vertebrae. You'd think it'd make me taller, but I guess not... ;) Anyway, I told him I didn't want to hear that right now, so for now I will remain in pain. All of my paternal family have this same defect, and they have all had multiple surgeries that have not helped.
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1-18-05 ~ Not that it was unexpected but I got the letter... Denied yet again. They were sure to send me a copy of the exclusions page which includes this information. They were also kind enough to highlight the part where it says that it does not cover WLS. Aren't they oh so sweet!?!?! NOT! I guess they thought that I was just so ignorant that I couldn't see it for myself. I also realized that I was never allowed to read the exclusions until after I had already activated the policy... Silly me. I need to be much more attentive to these tricky details. I will be next time...
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2-20-05 ~ I have now met with my new doc... (Dr. Smith) I can't be more pleased, not to mention assured, I've made the right decision regarding both my choice in doctor and surgery (DS). Well, a few more tests, and then I get my surgery date. I hope to have it by next week.
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3-2-05 ~ I finally have a date!!!! My surgery is scheduled for March 31, 2005! WOOOOOHOOOOO! OK, so it's still pending lab results, but at least I have the date scheduled.
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3-20-05 ~ Somehow I knew it, but my date was changed... The doctor had to reschedule that week for personal reasons. New date, 4/21/05.
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3-21-05 ~ This is a post I put into the DS forum regarding my pre-op meeting with the nurse and dietician...
"I went to my pre-op meeting with the nurse and dietician. This 3+ hour meeting we discussed everything about diet pre and post op, supplements, and lifelong supervision. I was rather shocked at all of the expectations post op. I was thinking that maybe one or 2 supplements a day would be it...
I couldn't believe that they recommend (and this is if you have no problems later that need more supplements) are 2 complete multivitamins and mineral supplements a day. One in morning and one at night, but NOT to be taken with the Calcium supplements. Then, 3 doses of Calcium citrate a day, again not to be taken with the vitamins. Then, 3 ADEK supplements a day, throughout the day, too!
So, it seems that ALL DAY LONG we will be taking pill after pill after pill... This in addition to eating 6 tiny meals per day... YIKES!
Is this the same for most of you?"
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4-8-05 ~ This past 2 weeks I've had my pre-op visit with the doctor, and the pre-admission testing at the hospital. All seems well. I'm a bit tired of the poking and prodding, but it'll be OK... The doc I chose is very thorough, and makes sure that you are very well educated and informed on everything. He's quite a bit redundant, but at least I am very clear on what is happening, and what is expected of me.
The financial side of it is hitting me now... I've paid the doctor, and his surgical assistant, over $10,000.00 and the hospital $19,000.00. They were clear in telling me that it only covered the surgery, not tests, professional fees, etc... So, I'm sure I'm coming out of pocket several more thousands of dollars before it's all over with.
I guess it's time to do the will, living will, etc. That scares me. As of today I have less than 2 weeks until surgery. YES!
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4-18-05 ~ Today is my last day to eat! I'm nervous, excited, and scared to death. Tomorrow I start my liquid diet for 2 days, then surgery on 4/21... My husband is taking me to a nice restaurant tonight. I'm so nervous that I'm not sure I'll enjoy the meal! Well... maybe just a little! ;-)
Starting weight: 242 (highest weight ever, 245)
Starting BMI: 42.9
Starting sizes: 26 (XXL to XXXL) shirts and pants, 42 to 44 DD bra, and 7 shoes.
See you on the other side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POST-OP!~~~~~~~~~POST-OP!~~~~~~~~~~POST-OP!~~~~~~~~POST-OP!~~~~~
4-29-05 (242 original weight, and already down to 220, one week out!) ~ Surgery was 4/21 and all went well. I was told that my common channel was made 95cm which worries me a little. I wanted it shorter, like 50-75cm... My stomach is like 1/3 of it's original size, but he didn't tell me the "ounces" size it is now. I vomited several times in the hospital, mostly blood, but none since I've been out. Up until yesterday I was really having trouble eating, but I woke up today feeling "normal" and have tried some more normal foods today and have strayed from the pureed diet a bit. Shame on me! But, it was fine. The pain after the Lap DS was all from gas! IT HURT! But, mostly the gas is gone now. I'm ready to get back to life, and work. :-) Life is going great!!!!!
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5-6-05 ~ I spent last night in the ER! I have moved my diet along too fast, and I'm supposed to be on pureed food now, but I've been eating a lot more normal than I'm supposed to. Anyway, I was on my was home from work at 2:30 p.m. and I was HUNGRY! I stopped and got a Krystal with cheese. I thought that if I ate it slowly it would be OK. NOT! I ate too much, too fast, and it blocked the intestines! I spent the night in the ER until about 11:30 p.m. and the pain was worse than kidney stones and childbirth, both of which I've experienced numerous times! Take it from me, it's not worth it to try to eat normal too soon out from surgery... Bad move on my part!!!!! I'm just over 2 weeks out, and have lost the initial 22 pounds, but no more as of now.
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5-10-05 ~ My weight is still the same... Only 22 pounds gone, and almost 3 weeks out. OK, so I know many of you are following my follies with this surgery... I am just hard headed, and I find that I can NOT stay away from dairy 100%! (I'm now lactose intolerant completely) Soooo... GAS, POOP, GAS, POOP! That's me most of the time. My stomach is so loud and rumbly that it makes people look at me... I have not overdone it to the point of going back to the ER like last week, but I have overdone it to the point of needing pain pills a couple of times, vomiting a few times, and of course more poop. I mean I have BLOWOUTS! My son thinks my gas sounds like a car engine reving (sp?) up....
I'm trying to get a handle on this but it's SOOO hard! I still have not wrapped my mind around the fact that I can NOT have all of the food I want when I want it. I still over order food, and I still eat the dairy products, and I still get scolded by my hubby! But, it's all becoming in good fun as I slowly come to grips with this.
Oh, and one more thing for those who haven't had the surgery yet and are wandering, the poop is a lot like a very creamy peanut butter, and it sticks to the bowl! (YUK, GROSS!) And that's even when I'm totally complying and not eating fatty foods, or whatever else...
Man, this is a ride, and I know I'll enjoy it eventually.
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5-19-05 ~ Tomorrow I have my 1 month check up, but so far according to my scale I've lost about 23 pounds. OK, I think I'm starting to get a handle on this surgery... ??? I'm about a month out now, and I can eat anything I want to, except ANY dairy... But, I do tend to feel slightly nauseous throughout the day so to make myself feel better I go back to old habits of eating bready things... Crackers, bread, etc. So, I end up eating a little bit several times a day. (the bad carbs, white bread, etc) I worry that the carbs will counteract the surgery and cause me to not lose as much weight as I can. Any recommendations on 1. What else will help curb nausea, and 2. How to get off the carbs. I'm addicted.
I also can't have the "fake" sugars like Splenda, Nutrasweet, etc. They make me very nauseaous. So, I do also drink sugary drinks to give myself variety from water... Usually tea. (It's a Southern thing!)
My eating habits are SOOOO much better than they were before surgery, but nowhere near where they SHOULD be... Anyone else like this?
Well, I'll check in again after my 1 month post-op visit tomorrow...
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5-23-05 ~ At my one month post op visit, I am officially down 25 pounds! ;) And since I am officially 100 pounds overweight, I have lost 25% of my excess body weight! Although, I truly want to lose more than the 100 pounds, like maybe 120... Starting weight 240, current weight 215. Yes, I need to take more supplements, and yes I need to stay further away from carbs and fat. But, overall, I'm doing very good! The nausea is also subsiding, and the eating is coming more under control. I don't think I'll ever be a carb free or even a very low carb person, but I'm much healthier than I was... Also, keep in mind I haven't always been fat. So, my metabolism is most likely a bit higher than someone who always was obese. Once I am able, and feeling healthier, I will resume my once athletic lifestyle. I plan to dance again, and I may join a softball and basketball team. These are things I did most of my life. I can't wait to get back to 'em!
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5-25-05 ~ I'm now down to 213! YES! I also can now fit into a tight size 16 shorts, and an XL shirt. I was in a tight size 24 shorts, and XXL to XXXL shirts! WHEW! I love this!
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5-26-05 ~ I want to add that I have had 2 back surgeries in the past 8 years, and am in need of a fusion... (Major surgery!) My point is that I thought that losing weight would take pressure off of my back, thus relieving some of the pain, but the exact opposite has happened! My back pain is significantly worse, and the pain in my leg has returned with a vengeance! Seriously, Demmoral and Morphine are not touching the pain... I don't know what to do right now. I can't have the fusion until at least a year out from DS surgery, and my doctor wants me to be significantly smaller too. In the mean time I have to suffer...? Man, I can't win for losing sometimes.
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5-30-05 ~ It's Memorial day and I'm working... I'm now down 30 pounds though! YES! Start 240, 5 1/2 weeks out 210! I just wish this back/leg pain would ease up.
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6-17-05 ~ I about 2 months out now, and I've lost a total of 34 pounds. I weigh 206 today. My weight loss has gone as follows: 20 pounds in the first week. 25 total pounds lost at 1 month. 34 pounds at 2 months out. It's slow, but it's working. I've finally defeated the head hunger, EXCEPT when I'm PMSing... I must have carbs and chocolate at that time! For the most part I'm compliant with the following exceptions. I still drink sugary drinks, and I crave them. That craving never went away. I still eat white bread and occasional sweets. Mostly I eat what I'm supposed to, and not too much. It's so good to not want to over eat anymore... Thank you GOD! I'll update again when I go for my 3 month check up and they will do my blood work then too.
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6-20-05 ~ Just a quick update... Down 2 more pounds. 204! I find that I will go 5 days or more and lose nothing, then wake up one day to find 2 or 3 pounds gone.
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6-22-05 ~ I am now 203. 37 pounds gone forever! I am joining a gym this week too. My leg pain is finally subsiding. I feel better physically and mentally. I'm ready to get back into the world... :-) I also am now getting the bills from the professionals who were not prepaid for the surgery. So far, I'm paying out another $3,000.00. If you don't have insurance, be prepared to PAY!
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6-26-05 ~ Weight now 202. In the past week or so I've sort of overeaten a little. Gotta get a handle on it again. I don't vomit, but it hurts bad. I also bought some Cokes to keep in the house. I simply can't say no to Coke! I also still eat too many carbs... But, the weight keeps coming off for now. I wonder if after the honeymoon period is over I will gain a lot back. On an up note, I joined a gym. Haven't gone yet, but will start soon...
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7-6-05 ~ In the past 2 weeks my weight has been hanging around 201 to 204. It won't budge... I've gone to the gym once so far, and want to more, but my back is acting up. Although, I was surprised that I could walk 1.3 miles in 32 minutes. That was SOOO much better than I thought I would do.
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7-15-05 ~ I just found out that I can wait no longer. I have to have the fusion in my back... My weight has been hanging around 200. I just can't seem to get it going again. But I keep hearing how good I look and how "skinny" I'm getting. But, it's not enough. I need to lose at least 60 more pounds. Well, maybe this back surgery will help me get back on track. The pain meds make me eat when I'm not hungry. Can't explain it, but it's true.
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7-18-05 ~ Finally losing again... 198 today! I finally broke out of the 200s and I hope they are gone forever! GOOD RIDDANCE! Well, now I have lost 42 pounds total. Just about 60 or so more to go...
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7-21-05 ~ I have taken myself off of all of the pain meds I've been on for the back issues, and I am now eating less, and the weight seems to be moving again.... Damn Demmoral! It's great for pain, terrible for weight loss... Anyway, I hope the weight will begin to fall off again. It has been at a bit of a stand still for the past month. Tomorrow is my 3 month check up.
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7-22-05 ~ Well... I'm a bit pissed off. I drive 45 minutes to my 3 month check up and sign in, fill out the questionnaire, and wait for 40 minutes in the waiting room only to be told that the Physician's assistant, with whom I had the appointment, was out ill. The doctor and nurses are there but they are all booked and nobody can see me today! They "claimed" they called me and couldn't get through because I have a private number block on my phone, and apparantly their #s are all private. Yet they also claimed they left me a message at my office. However, this is impossible since my office phone is forwarded to my home phone... You know, the one that wouldn't allow their calls through...? So, they made the mistake of not calling me to reschedule, then they let me wait over half an hour in the waiting room, and then they refused to work me into the doctor's schedule! I'm VERY pissed off! I needed to speak to the doctor to find out if I have a green light to have the spinal fusion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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8-1-05 ~ The 3 month post-op visit went very well. They drew 19 viels of blood, and I'll get the results in about 3 weeks. I'm down to 195. I've lost 47 pounds in 3 months! They are very pleased with my progress, but of course they want me to get rid of the caffeine, sugar, and carbs... I simply can't do it. In the future I will have to curb as much as I can, I actually do curb, but can do more obviously. I hope my labs are OK. My back fusion is rescheduled until August 31. Overall, I'm happy, healthy, and thoroughly thrilled with my DS!
I posted this to the forum..."I wasn't always obese. In fact I was very in shape, and at one time I had youth and beauty too. In the past 5 to 7 years I've gotten bigger and bigger, and lost the shape, youth, and beauty. Well, thanks to this DS I am finally feeling "pretty" again. I went shopping and bought new clothes (clearance, since I will lose more weight), cute panties (THONGS!), a pretty bra, and some really nice perfumes!
For me this is a huge deal. I'm feeling pretty again, and I no longer need to shop in the plus size section so I can buy clothes pretty much anywhere now. AND, I actually have had like 3 or 4 guys flirt with me in the past few days!! WOW! I had forgotten how nice that is. I spent so long not wanting to look at myself, and not wanting anyone else to look at me, that I had forgotten how it feels to be alive and happy!
I am so happy to be experiencing this, and the funny thing is that my hubby hasn't seemed to notice at all... No comments good or bad, but he never commented on my weight either. He is very athletic and in shape, and he loved me thin, fat, and hopefully thin again, but lately he doesn't seem to see the butterfly emerging... Well, thanks or listening to me. I hope you are all experiencing this wonderful metamorphasis too!"
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8-15-05 ~ Just an update on weight... 188. That's 54 pounds gone! My size 16s are getting too big, and 14s are tight, but I can get into them, and button/zip them! I'm finally bak into a Large shirt. My shoes are all getting too big. I was a size 6 shoes when I was thin. I used to be a size 6 to 8 pants, medium shirts, and 34C bras... I hope to get back there again.
I made the mistake of asking my 15 year old son if I still looked "fat" or if I was looking thin. He said I don't look fat like I did, but still chunky fat. That was a bubble burst. But, it keeps me in check. It's hard to see one's self as you truly are...
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8-24-05 ~ I finally got the results of my lab work... As I expected my Calcium and D are low. Parathyroid high. K is low. Folate is low. (What is Folate?) Cholesterol is lower than it used to be, but good cholesterol is too low. Triglycerides are higher...? Huh? A bit confusing, but I haven't been as compliant as I should be with the supplements. I just forget. I'll have to put them somewhere so that I can access them all 3 times a day. Also, have to start taking Folate, and get retested in 6 weeks. I just always have to do things the hard way!
On a funny note, the other day I was at the lake and had to use the restroom... The place was already nasty and smelled of sulfur. Then, I go in and an older lady had just blown the place up with her poop. So, I have to poop and I'm surprised the place is still standing. Then, as if I wasn't already embarrassed pooping there to begin with, a few teenaged girls came in and immediately starting loudly dry heaving from the smell! They were very nasty about how the place smelled like something died and they ran out of the restroom pretending to vomit... My husband was sitting right outside and saw them! Then they came back in and proceeded to poop and add to the stench. After all of that they had the nerve to knock on my stall door and ask me if I was OK!!! I was mortified! NO MORE POOPING IN PUBLIC if I can help it! Yeah, hubby and I got a good laugh out of it, but at the time it was humiliating!
On another note, my weight has been fluctuating in a funny way for the past 2+ weeks. It is going between 185 and 193... Strange!
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9-8-05 ~ I had my spinal fusion surgery last week... Pain! I am home and OK now... I got the staples out today. The brace they gave me is already getting too big and I have to tighten it as tight as I can. My weight is steady around 185. I hope it starts moving again. I can not lift my 2 year old daughter for 6 months! But, I'm already back at work part time.
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9-22-05 ~ I'm still recovering from the back surgery. Still in a lot of pain. My weight is fluctuating between 184 and 188. I've been eating a lot of carbs though.... The meds tend to make me a bit dizzy and nauseated, so I counteract it with crackers and bready things... That's probably why weight loss is halted for now. I've also been craving milk products even though they do a number on me... I have had ice cream several times. But, soon I will get back on track.
I have to go back to see Dr. Smith in a few weeks to get more blood work drawn... I really want to get down to like 125, but I'd settle for 140. That would put me at a size 8 to 10. Am I dreaming or is this realistic? I simply don't have the willpower that many of you here do.
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10-19-05 ~ OK, I updated my file like 15 minutes ago, but all of the updated info disappeared!
I'm down to 180 and can fit into some size 12 pants! I've been weaning myself off of pain meds, and it helped jump start the weight loss again. But the foul gas and poop prevail! YUK! I've had a few accidents recently too... Thank God I was not in public.
I will be going for 6 month check up Friday.
My neurosurgeon won't allow me to exercise at all. He says I can stretch so that's all I do. I'll update more later...
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11-2-05 ~ My size 12s are getting bigger. My weight is now around 179 and my appetite is good. I still want to lose about 40 or 50 more pounds, but everyone says I look great like I am now! I've always carried my weight well. But, I want to be back in size 4 again and I believe it can be done. I'll get my labs back in about 2 weeks, but otherwise I'm healthy, happy, and ready to take on the world. OK, so I do have one problem that I haven't gotten rid of... My blood pressure has gone back up again. It's most likely pain related. I have developed a high tolerance for pain with my back issues, and the blood pressure dropped significantly right after the WLS, but it has since gone back to about 140/102 on average...
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11-6-05 ~ Weight is now 177. Last night I had my 35th birthday party! Birthday is actually tomorrow though. But, at my party I got so drunk! This is the first time I've drank in about 5 years. I got drunk very easily, and remained drunk for a long time. The hangover was pretty bad too. But, the party was a blast! Everyone kept telling me how great and pretty I looked. Many guys were flirting with me too, but my husband barely paid any attention to me... Hmmm... Well, it was still great! I haven't told everyone about the surgery so most think I just lost the weight on my own. Some hadn't seen me in a few years and had no idea how fat I had gotten too. All in all it was a major success! I'm happy like I haven't been in years.
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11-14-05 ~ Size 10! Weight 177! Oh yeah! OK, bloodwork has come in from 6 month post-op tests. Parathyroid still raised. D is in the low normal range. Good cholesterol still low. I was told that the parathyroid being raised could be from too little D to help the Calcium, but it could also be from a benign tumor!!!! WHAT??? Gotta go back in 6 weeks for retesting on those things.
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11-16-05 ~ My family eats out most of the time. It's a personal preference, and I hate to cook... So does hubby, so we eat out. We have for years. But, now that I'm eating so much better, and so much less, I still have the problem of the eyes being bigger (much bigger) than the stomach. I am hungry when I arrive, then I see all of the good things I want to taste, including appetizers, etc. So, I order 'em all! Then I just pick at everything... A bite of this,a taste of that. I'm asked so often by waitresses if I didn't like the food because it looks almost untouched. But, I am completely satisfied. I eat exactly what I want, and how much I want. I don't feel like I deprived myself. But, it sure is a waste of money...
I have to psych myself out like that though. When I feel I "can't" have something I want it, but if I feel I can have whatever I want, then it's OK to not have it... Make sense?
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12-7-05 ~ Just an update... Weight is lingering at 174.
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1-14-06 ~ Weight is still lingering at 174. ARRRRRGH! I've been stuck at this weight for over 2 months. I guess that's all the surgery is going to do for me. I can begin an exercise program at the end of February and hopefully that will help me shed this last 30 to 40 pounds that I need to lose. I'm in a size 10 pants, or 12 depending on who makes them, and in a large shirt. I can't seem to loose the middle area fat.
I've also been having a constant dull pain in my lower left abdomin. I hope it's not an obdtruction forming. But, my poop is now more mushy and "formed" than before, and I'm not losing weight so I'm wondering if the food I eat is getting trapped inside me longer, so my body's absorbing more. I will be going to the doctor in about 2 weeks for my 9 month check up and labs.
On another note, I plan to open a dance studio. I've found the perfect location, and hopefully if all goes well I can open it within the next 6 months. I used to be a professional dancer and although I'll never dance like that again, due to all of my back surgeries, I can own the professional studio. This is not one for kids, it's for professional dancer's to take classes... Adults and teens only. I'm so excited to see a lifelong dream coming true!
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1-20-06 ~ My weight is finally moving again. 172! I also went and worked out at the gym for the first time in God knows how long... I took a step aerobics class and did better than I expected to do. I lasted about 45 minutes. My back was giving out right along with me too though... But, it's a start and I hope to continue.
Please let this weight start coming off again! I really still need to lose about another 30 or 40 pounds. I also am about to have my 9 months lab work done. I'll post results here when I get them.
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2-16-06 ~ I visited my endocrinologist today. He had some of my test results, and it looks as if my D is WAY too low! I'm starting on a prescription D once a week. He also gave me a bone density test. The tech who gave me the test told me that I have decreased bone density in my hip and arm, so I will probably have to start on some prescription meds for osteoporosis. Hmmm... I'll post again with the official results.
Current weight: 169
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2-24-06 ~ Today I posted on the MAIN message board about Michael Moore's upcoming documentary concerning the horror stories of health care. I also posted on the DS board, but I was attacked by 3 insecure psycho ladies from the MAIN board, one of which took her attacks against me into e-mails, but I won't post those here since she is obviously disturbed... (side note: all of the people who had a problem with me or my post happened to be RNY patients...Coincidence? Hmmmm...) However, then I received the following e-mails...
Here is the original post:
*Send Me Your Health Care Horror Stories... an appeal from Michael Moore
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=193 This could potentially help us all... If you have a health care horror story, contact Michael Moore.*
This post was attacked both on the Main board and in e-mails, then the crazy ladies got the post pulled, with OH sending me this:
Dear Supreme Queen,
*Your post on the ObesityHelp Main Message Board entitled "Send Me Your Health Care Horror Stories... an appeal from Michael Moore" was withheld because political posts violate the terms of service of Obesityhelp. Thank you, Member Services*
Now, can somebody please tell me why it is considered a political post? It was meant only to help those of us who have insurance company horror stories. And, I am not referring to myself... I was only trying to help those who needed it.
Then, I posted a question to the main board asking why my post was considered political, considering it is about a documentary about health insurance nightmares. Again, I was attacked by the same few psycho ladies who have an ax to grind for whatever reason... And they got their way again. My post once again was removed, and I was sent this:
*Dear Supreme Queen,
Your post on the ObesityHelp Main Message Board entitled "I posted about a documentary...." was withheld because Michael Moore's website contains extreme political topics. Please refrain from this on the ObesityHelp support boards. Thank you, Member Services
Then, there was this e-mail exchange:
Hello,
While the post itself was not political, the link provided goes to a known activist's website containing considerably political statements and Mr. Moore tends to be a political hot button on the ObesityHelp support boards.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter,
--
Tooter
Member Services Associate
Obesityhelp.com
In a message dated 2/24/2006 11:07:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[email protected] writes:
Dear Supreme Queen,
Your post on the ObesityHelp Main Message Board entitled "Send Me Your Health Care Horror Stories... an appeal from Michael Moore" was withheld because political posts violate the terms of service of Obesityhelp.
Thank you,
Member
Services
They wre replying to: That is not a political post. Michael Moore is a documetary director, and is producing a piece on health care industry horror stories. Which MANY of us here have alot of... What is the problem?
Supreme Queen
The post on the DS board was not pulled until a while later, and nobody responded in a nasty way to either the post or to me (THANK GOD FOR THE INTELLIGENCE OF DS PATIENTS) but apprantly this is when the wonderful Diana Cox got involved, and apparantly because she questioned the censorship of OH against me, she was banned/moderated.
I'm sorry Diana!
After all was said and done, I received this e-mail from OH:
I wanted to take a moment to email you personally about the recent post removal on Obesityhelp.com. Please understand we know why you posted the link to the insurance documentary that he is doing. However that was not the issue on why the post was removed. It was removed because unfortunately the post was going into controversial matters beyond what the post was originally posted for. This has nothing to do with you, but often times when something of this nature is posted it goes beyond being civil as you saw from some of the responses you were getting. It was quickly becoming a political discussion. We know this was not your intent, but for your protection we removed it to stop those where were making it into a political discussion. I'm sorry if you've been hurt in this process, we didn't remove it to hurt you, but to stop the hurt that was coming from several posters and would have spiraled into something even more hurtful.
Here's the original link for anyone who's interested http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/message/index.php?id=193
Censorship... Gotta love it!
(This section updated on March 12)
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3-1-06 ~ OK 9 month labs are in... They are not so good. My D is extremly low and Calium too. Parathyroid levels are high. They made me have a bone density test and informed me that I have Osteopencia (sp?) which is Oteoporosis in it's early phase. My doctor is extremely worried since she said I "have the bones of a post menopausal 50 year old woman..." and I'm only 35, and definitely pre-menopausal! I'm also anemic and my B and K levels are low too. My blood pressure is once again through the roof. However, my D levels were low prior to surgery, and parathyriod levels were a little high...
So, here are the pills and such I am now taking. I'm now on prescription vitamin D once per week. One multi-vitamin daily, and liquid sublingual B, daily. Prescription folic acid daily. Iron daily. Calcium 3X/day, which I already did. Need to go back on ADEKs daily. Catapres patch changed weekly. Continue on my Metmorphin Forte (Demoral) for pain, and Flexeril for muscles. Fun! Fun!
My weight is now 169 and my size 10 pants are getting too big. I'm going to try some size 8s in the next few weeks. Yooo hooo!
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4-22-06 ~ Yesterday was my one year anniversary! I have been contemplating my life for the past year, and really thinking of how it's changed. I realize I'll never be the girl I was years ago, before the health issues that contributed to the significant weight gain, but I'm damn sure glad to be "normal" looking again. I hated myself when I was trapped in that prison of 245 pounds. I hated the way I felt, the way I looked, and most of all the way life treated me. Now, I may no longer be beautiful, or I may no longer be the youngest, prettiest girl in the room, but no longer do I take my size and health for granted... I'm a size 10, and since I'm short, I still look overweight. However, if I never see that size 5 again, that's OK too. I feel normal, and for that I'm blessed. My dream would be to dance again, but it doesn't seem possible with my back issues. So, I'll enjoy patronizing theatre.
I have an appointment next month for my 1 year labs. I'm dreading that... I haven't lost any weight since around January I think. But, overall I've lost about 75 pounds that I wouldn't have without surgery. I started at 245, and I'm currently 169, and I can't seem to get any lower than that at all... Anyway, it's been one year since I went through that life changing surgery, and I thank God for it!
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8-22-06 ~ It's been a while, and I simply haven't had any "news" to report... My labs keep coming back with my low D levels, low calcium, low A, and now I'm anemic too... So, lots of supplements. My weight has also been creeping back up. I think my lowest weight was around 168 but now it's 177. I stopped losing in February and I stayed steady at about 168 until a few months ago, and then I noticed a pound here and there. I have to get a hold on it before it gets a hold on me again.
I never lost all I needed to, and I'm still considered slightly obese according to the BMI chart, but I wear a size 10. I'm 5'3", 177 pounds, and a healthy size 10... I really wanted to get back into those size 5s! Oh well... I have tried to exercise, but my back STILL has not fused from the fusion I had literally a year ago this month! So, it looks like I will have to have a fourth back surgery! This really sux. Especially for someone like me who used to be a professional dancer, and all I want to do is dance again.
Well, enough on the self pity crap... I just wanted to update here for myself, and for anyone else who may be interested.
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4-26-08 ~ It's been 3 years as of April 21, and frankly I have left that girl behind. My life is moving along. I still see some health issues caused by the surgery due to malabsorption but I'd rather deal with this than being morbidly obese!
I'm still weighing in around 177 on average, so I'm maintaining beautifully. I never got down to ideal weight, not even close, but I'm OK with where I am now I suppose... I have to be, I have no choice.
I haven't gone back to my surgeon since my two year check up, but I see my physician regularly for check ups and such.
I guess I'll update again in the future.
Member Interests:
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Dennis C. Smith Jr. M.D.
Dr. Smith is all about business. He is very thorough and safe. He is revered in his community, and his reputation is well deserved. In the hopsital he was there every day, and he is once again very safe. He strongly emphasizes after care, and he has a great program. Though I do not have a "personal" relationship with him, I have faith in his ability. I only wish he was a little more personable with his patients... I had no complications from surgery.
Insurer Info:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia, PPO
So far they have been very rude and unsupportive. They have told me outright that I do not have coverage due to my being self employed and having an individual policy. I have a written exclusion. I am still trying though, and I've just filed my first appeal. We'll see... If anyone else has had this problem, I'd like to hear from them. I have realized that I was never informed of the exclusions until after I accepted the policy. If I had known what to look for, I would have checked the exclusions beforehand... My mistake.
About Me
Metro Atlanta, GA
Location
29.9
BMI
Surgery
04/21/2005
Surgery Date
Oct 28, 2004
Member Since