Tezrob
April 2007 - Good Friday!
Jan 13, 2008
I started this process in January 2007 initially wanting to have Lap-Band Surgery. I attended a seminar and scheduled an appointment with a surgeon. I weighed in at 279lbs, filled out forms and provided history on my battle with weight. After discussing my diet history with the nurse practitioner, she asked me "why do you want Lap-Band instead of Lap RNY Gastric Bypass surgery?"
She explained to me that a large percentage of patients who are not successful with lap-band typically come back for a revision. Because this procedure requires you to still watch your caloric intake, let's face it - I couldn't stay on a diet to lose weight to begin with and I definitely wasn't going to have surgery twice if it didn't work the first time.
So I changed my mind and decided to have Lap RNY Gastric Bypass (I'm so happy I did!!!). She also said the weight comes off faster with Lap RNY Gastric - so I didn't have to think long! But to my surprise, I was denied by the insurance company (United Healthcare) even though I met all the criteria, I needed to provide "weight history" for five years.
After contacting physicians from my past, I had the documentation and was approved on "Good Friday" in April 2007! I'll never forget that day because the insurance representative called me at work to tell me the good news personally. I was on Cloud Nine!!! But the earliest surgery date I could get was July 12, 2007. I was a little disappointed to have to wait another 3 months but at least I was approved and had a date. I was looking forward to beginning a new way of living!
On the morning of my surgery, July 12, 2007, I weighed in at 268lbs. I believe my surgery took a total of about 3 hours and YES, I was sore and in pain at the hospital but Percocet quickly became my best friend! I was in the hospital 2 days and home by the third. Sleeping was a challenge because the incisions were painful and I've always slept on my stomach - now I had to sleep on my back - that was a bitch! I would have to say the pain of the incisions were the worst part of the surgery for me but overall it really wasn't that bad. I took 8 weeks off from work to recover but was feeling great after 2 weeks!
Here I am 6 months later at 211lbs! I must admit, my weightloss (in my opinion) has been slower than others but the weight is coming off and I know this would not have been possible without having this surgery.
June 29, 2012
I am approaching my 5 Year Post Op Anniversary and I am happy to report that I currently weigh 153 pounds and wear a size 6-8. I still experience small set-backs occasionally due to my desires for sweets but all in all - I would do it all over again. It was definitely worth the journey.
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She explained to me that a large percentage of patients who are not successful with lap-band typically come back for a revision. Because this procedure requires you to still watch your caloric intake, let's face it - I couldn't stay on a diet to lose weight to begin with and I definitely wasn't going to have surgery twice if it didn't work the first time.
So I changed my mind and decided to have Lap RNY Gastric Bypass (I'm so happy I did!!!). She also said the weight comes off faster with Lap RNY Gastric - so I didn't have to think long! But to my surprise, I was denied by the insurance company (United Healthcare) even though I met all the criteria, I needed to provide "weight history" for five years.
After contacting physicians from my past, I had the documentation and was approved on "Good Friday" in April 2007! I'll never forget that day because the insurance representative called me at work to tell me the good news personally. I was on Cloud Nine!!! But the earliest surgery date I could get was July 12, 2007. I was a little disappointed to have to wait another 3 months but at least I was approved and had a date. I was looking forward to beginning a new way of living!
On the morning of my surgery, July 12, 2007, I weighed in at 268lbs. I believe my surgery took a total of about 3 hours and YES, I was sore and in pain at the hospital but Percocet quickly became my best friend! I was in the hospital 2 days and home by the third. Sleeping was a challenge because the incisions were painful and I've always slept on my stomach - now I had to sleep on my back - that was a bitch! I would have to say the pain of the incisions were the worst part of the surgery for me but overall it really wasn't that bad. I took 8 weeks off from work to recover but was feeling great after 2 weeks!
Here I am 6 months later at 211lbs! I must admit, my weightloss (in my opinion) has been slower than others but the weight is coming off and I know this would not have been possible without having this surgery.
June 29, 2012
I am approaching my 5 Year Post Op Anniversary and I am happy to report that I currently weigh 153 pounds and wear a size 6-8. I still experience small set-backs occasionally due to my desires for sweets but all in all - I would do it all over again. It was definitely worth the journey.
