lynn_grover

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Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

I got pregnant for my daughter when I was 17 and 120lbs. By the time I gave birth (8 mos. later) a month early I weighed 190lbs. My daughter will be 21 this month (Nov.). The lowest that I have been since then was 145lbs. and that was a long time ago. I have been fighting my weight ever since. I have tried all kinds of fad diets along with Weight Watchers, Atkins, etc. All had very little results. I don't eat alot so it is very frustrating that I just keep gaining weight. I have spoken with my doc about it and she just keeps telling me to exercise and diet. Over the past 6 yrs. I have gained 115 lbs. I have had a ton of test checking my galbladder, thyroid, etc. everything seems to be fine. I don't know why I keep gaining. Granted I don't excersice much but I also don't eat much. It is just me and my husband at home. I usually don't eat breakfast or just have a muffin with coffee, salad for lunch, and a small dinner (sometimes skip dinner). I don't eat a lot of chocolate or candy. I did quit smoking a little over a year ago as my doctor said that it was the worse of the 2 evils (smoking vs. weight). On Sept. 15th I weighed 269 lbs. it is now Nov. 12th and I weigh 280 lbs. FRUSTRATED!!!!!!!

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Having to constantly shop for new clothes (UGH!) Back pain Not being able to keep up with my grandson or step-daughters Always feeling tired

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Playing with my grandchildren and my dog

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

About a year ago a very close friend had this surgery and has had great results. She had some complications in the beginning which really turned me off to ever having this surgery. However, I did find out that it wasn't the surgery that caused the complications it was very bad communication and followup from the surgeon. Her surgeon was Dr. Munshi. I was very unhappy with his lack of follow-up and communication. My friend is a very smart person so it wasn't as if she just didn't understand him. Needless to say, I won't be using him as my surgeon.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

When I called my insurance company (Health New England) to see if they covered it, the woman was very nice and said that the consultation was covered and I didn't need a referral. She explained to me that after my consult the Dr. would submit authorization to the insurance co. review. She said that it was a very simple process.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Haven't had one yet. Have contacted a sugeon and they are sending me a packet to fill out and send back to them and then they will contact me with an appointment.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

gaining 10 lbs. in a month without changing my diet or exercise.
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