deniseincarmi
7/22/02
I have completed my paper work. I have called my insurance, they have a list of qualifications I must meet. PCP may be an issue right now.
8/1/02
I need help with my PCP. I am getting the feeling that she is not going to help me get my letter of medical necessity.
8/6/02
I have my appointment with the Psychologist today at 10:00 AM. I am also taking the letter of medical necessity to my PCP to ask her to sign it. I would cherish your prayers. Thank you!
***Very nerve racking. I had my consult.I thought I was better than I was. She thought it would be good for me to get a Psychologist that I was comfortable with and who was on my insurance and attend a few meetings with him. She felt I needed a better professional support system in place just in case. Dr. Ferguson at Celebration Health was very personable, but professional. Overall I believe this was good to have done.
MY PCP SIGNED MY LETTER OF NECESSITY TODAY! WHOO!! HOOO!!
Taking baby steps. All in God's timing, not mine.
8/9/02
Made 3 appointments today. Pulmonary and cardiovascular specialists, and my counseling appointment. All appointments are before the end of this month.
8/10/02
Just tired of being tired. Can't wait to have more energy.
8/16/02
Don't have to have the sleep study. :D I do have to have the stress test. It will be done with the meds not the physical testing. I have the appointment for the breathing test this week, and already have had one counseling appointment. Moving right along.
8/27/02
Last week was tough. I had the breathing test. Rough! Then on Thursday, I had the stress test. That was about the scariest thing I have done in a long time. I had to have a breathing treament after it was over. Don't want to have another stress test for a long time. Maybe when I am healthy and can walk and run the treadmill. I have all my paperwork at the surgeons office except for my records from my PCP. How could I have forgotted that one? I did. I hope they will fax them in this week. Pray that my insurance approves me quick.
9/2/02
Still waiting, patiently.
9/18/02
Denial Letter. Knew it was coming. Already got started on getting the items they wanted. Hoping next week I will be back in the processing stage.
10/13/02
I have been calling the insurance company very often and leaving messages. Also, the surgeons's office, which all you can do there is leave a message. I sure so miss the days of people answering phones. This automated stuff is for the birds. I am getting very frustrated with the waiting. I am not being very patient. God's timing. I have to wait on HIM.
10/14/02
I am approved. My surgeon is not though. Come to find out, he is not in my network. The insurance had told my surgeons office that information from the beginning, but had told me the exact opposite. He was in network, and they would cover him doing the surgery.
Changing Surgeons: Doctor Will. Todd Overcash, Ocala, Florida
10/28/02
First visit to Dr. Overcash. Everyone pretty much described exactly how he would be. Very direct, open, and bold. His office was hot and a mess. People all over the place. He did come out to get me personally. I was a little taken back by the number of people there. Two Doctor's share the waiting room. Busy, busy, busy. He told me the way it was. No sugar coating. My mother-in-law was a bit scared by his comments. I had warned her though. I know she is just concerned that something could happen. There is always that risk that "something" could happen. When you walk outside in the morning, "something could happen". I know where I will go if I die. I am not scared. If the Lord decides to take me, then I am ready. I don't want to leave my boys, or my family, but I am in God's hands and His name be glorified forever no matter what.
I only have to get two letters, have some blood work for my thyroid, and get my information faxed from Dr. Marema's office.
He said I could probably get the surgery as soon as next week. WOW. I am really excited. What to do next. Pray that I will do God's will for the right date. My best friend in Deland is having hers on Nov. 8. We could have it the same day!!!! Maybe. I will post more later. Thanks for your prayers.
10/30/02
I had my thyroid blood work today. The only thing I needed to finish up to get a date. Sent everything else late on the 28th. Karen at Dr. Marema's office sent my papers immediately on Monday morning to Dr. Overcash's office. She has been a joy to work with.
Now, the waiting begins again. Hopefully for not very long! Blessings to you!
11/6/02
Well I have been calling Dr. Overcash's office almost every day. I just feel like I am being ignored. I know that is not true. I can't explain this feeling of not knowing. The stress is coming out in all kinds of ways. I broke out with stomach sores inside my mouth 2 weeks ago. Five in different areas in my mouth, and one on my tounge. The first and the last time I ever want to have one on my tounge again. So painful. The burning is too hard to describe. I finally went to the doctor.
This waiting is harder than waiting on the insurance. The office has said they had to re-submit to my insurance because of the surgeon change. I just am concerned, cause the insurance company said I don't need to be re-approved. Oh well, God must be teaching me patience for another time in my life when I will need this understanding more. I will count it all joy. Hopefully I will be updating with a surgery date soon! God Bless
11/7/02
I've got a date! I am so excited. Wow! November 15, 2002. God is so good. I never thought it would be this soon. Got lots to do. Remember me in your prayers, please. God Bless
11/13/02
Just one more half day of work. I have to be at the hospital at 6:00 AM on the 15th. I am so excited about the future. I may actually have one now. I am so blessed by the hope of this tool. I know that it will be up to me how I use this tool to do my body good.
I had my hair cut and permed. I was ready for a change. Now I am ready for a big change.
Thank you all for your prayers and kind words of love and encouragement. May God richly bless each of you. I know Who holds tomorrow and I know Who holds my hand. With Jesus all things are possible. Till then...
November 21, 2002
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I can't say thanks enough for all your prayers, posts, calls, cards, and calls. You all are such a blessing.
Well, I had the surgery on November 15, 2002. I was the last one for the morning. Bummer. They also didn't have any beds available after recovery, so I stayed there until 6:00 PM. I must say that the recovery room staff were awesome.
I am learning every day more and more. Sometimes, less and less. It is very different. All seems to be going well. I get my staples out on December 3. I will update more later.
December 1, 2002
I started having a horrible side pain last Wednesday at 11:00 PM. It has gotten some better. I have tried to get the Dr's office, but guess they are closed for the holidays. I am concerned because I don't know what it could be. Other than that, I can't tell how I am doing. That pain is pretty much my focus. I am ready for these staples to come out. Itching very badly. God Bless.
December 2, 2002
Went to the doctor to check on the pain and to get the staples out. He didn't seem upset about the pain at all. I am though. I am to go to my PCP in one week if it is still there. The great news is that I have lost 25 pounds in 15 days. God is so good. I have to stay on liquids for 3 more weeks. Go back to the dr. in one month. I am on my way! Yippeee!
December 5, 2002
I went to my PCP today because I was not happy with my incision. It had a gaping hole on top. After going to the surgeon to have the staples removed, I was just not confortable leaving it open. I put butterfly strips on it and I felt more stable. My PCP says that the incision is healing fine. No infection. She said I could leave on the strips if that helped me. About the side pain.... She did a urine test and there is not a bladder infection. She is concerned that if the pain does not go away in a few more days, then it might be something we need to look into. She is thinking about my ovaries. Since that is where the pain is. I am very bummed about that. But I am leaving this in God's hands. He knows what is best for me right now and I am trusting in Him. I would appreciate any prayers for this to go away real soon. God Bless You all.
January 9, 2003
I can't believe it has been so long since I have updated. Everything was normal with the testing about the pains. They did finally go away. Thanks for the prayers. The scar is healed pretty good now. I would not care if it was a 12 inch square on my stomach.
My life is such a blessing. I have energy and I have about cleaned every room. I have lost a total of 43.5 pounds in less than two months. To me that is a miracle. I can feel the difference in my body. I am doing well with the eating. I can tolerate most things. I have not and will not try anything with sugar. Like sweets. I know I will become addicted, and probably wouldn't dump. So there would be my purpose for this surgical tool of WLS, down the drain. I am so blessed to have my life back. I would be happy where I am now, but I know that God will bless me with more weight loss. So, I will be more happy. Did I say that I was much happier now. My personality is changing each day. I have more self-esteem. It's been a long time since I cared about myself. I'm not so bad after all. I will take a picture soon. I have gone down 3 sizes. From a 26-28 to a 22. The 22's are getting big now. Isn't that just awesome. Thanks for reading. :)
God Bless you all.
January 16, 2003
Just checking in. Each day seems to be better and better. The comments from friends are just wonderful. What a boost to brighten my day. I have one friend who just ignores that I am in front of her. She says, "has anyone seen Denise?" "She has shrunk and we can't see her anymore." What a feeling, and I have 100 pounds to go. I need to begin exercising. I have to get motivated. I believe that when our church starts the 40 Days of Purpose, I will use that to change my life all around. More quiet time, and exercise. Sounds like a good plan to me.
I have thrown up two times now. Just a bad combination of poor eating habits back to haunt me. I don't think it was the food. I drank a sip of water after getting full one time, and then I at too much spicy stuff and too much all at once. I never was good about spicy foods. God bless each of you until next time.
February 9, 2003
Here it is almost a month gone by already. Time flies now. Things are great! I have lost 59 pounds. I had a great time with the Florida Team Sunbabes from SpotlightHealth on Feb. 1st. My sister was in town from Boston and she went with me to meet them at a local resturant. What a wonderful group of ladies, and what fun we had getting to know each other. God Bless each of you!
February 21, 2003
I feel like so wonderful. The comments I am getting from people at church make me feel like I have done the right thing with WLS. I am having trouble eating. Just don't seem to want to eat much. I have been faithful to take my vitamins. I have been using Nexium to hopefully detour the hair loss issue. We will see. Hope that all of you are doing well. Blessings you all!
February 25, 2002
I did it. I am now officially under 200 pounds. God is so good to me. I never thought I would ever be blessed with such good health again. I am a miracle and I will testify to God and WLS forever.
March 17, 2003
Just checking in. I feel like a 20 year old again. I have to remind myself that I am not. I have finally started to exercise. I need to get this lumpy body in shape. I can chase my boys now. They don't smart off to me and get by with it. I chase them down. How much fun is that!!!! ...especially when they forget that I am alive again and can get them. Life is precious. I am extremely blessed. Love to all.
April 8, 2003
I pray that everyone is doing great with their research or post op recoveries. I am so blessed. I have a new position at work, my DH sent me flowers on the first day of my new position, and he also added on the card that he was proud of me for my personal goals. Whoo Hooo! That sure does do a lot for the ego girls. Does not seem possible that this could be real. But I know that God does not break His promises. I am a LIVING testimony to His grace, mercy, and love. God bless you all.
April 18, 2003
Good Friday to each of you. I am so thankful for my Risen Lord. I have lost 100 pounds as of today. Seems like every two weeks I have to update my clothes size. Not a problem though. I feel wonderful. God bless each of you. I will try to update my picture soon.
April 27, 2003
Updated my picture. Still don't like getting pictures taken. But that should get better with time. Love to all.
May 14, 2003
My how time flies. I have to remind myself that I have to take time to slow down every once in a while. I go all the time. We took our 6th grade Sunday School class to the beach last Saturday. I even swam in the ocean! We walked back and forth to the hotel pool and the ocean. What a joyous time that was. Being able to have fun with those kids. The only problem I had was my bathing suit being a tad big. My suit crept up on my backside and I got a bad burn on my hinney. Oh well. Guess I will just have to get a smaller size suit. Love shopping every three weeks for new clothes. I have become quite the thrifty shopper. I don't want to spend very much since I go through sizes so quick. I have had fun checking out thrift stores and also looking for bargains in the department stores. I feel wonderful. I sure don't recognize myself in the mirror. Even though I used to be thin when I was younger, I can't picture myself being thin now. It's amazing how the head plays mind games with you sometimes. I would not change a thing in my life. I am a much different person now. I am blessed beyond my wildest imagination. Until next time, God bless you. Denise
June 4, 2003
Just had a great weekend with my sister from Iowa. My sister could not stop staring at me as we walked through the airport. We went to see my nephew who was home for his 1 year anniversary. He didn't hardly recognize me. He is 19, and had never remembered seeing me thin.
Our regular copier man hadn't seen me in about 6 months, and thought I was another person. He had no idea it was me. Talk about having a great time. I can't explain the feeling of getting back into control of my life. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. Blessings to each of you. Denise
July 6, 2003
Doing great. Went to Dr. Overcash on June 30. I have lost 130 pounds. Feel wonderful. Still flabby, but that is my fault. Need to work it off. God bless you all as you start your journey or continue on your journey. Denise
August 5, 2003
Hey everyone. Sorry I don't get on as much as I would like. I am just so busy, and I love the fact that I am so busy. I remember when I couldn't do very much at all. The only problem I have is finding size 6 clothes that aren't too young looking. I feel like a 20 year old, but I just can't get by with that look. LOL. Love to you all. God bless each of you who are waiting for your journey to begin. Denise
October 15, 2003
Hi! My prayer is that all of you are doing great with your journey's. Mine is such a remarkable blessing. I have lost 151 pounds as of 9/17/03. I have held that for almost a month now. Feeling wonderful! God is so good. Love to you all. Denise
November 27, 2003
Happy Thanksgiving to all. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a lot to celebrate this holiday season. I pray that all is well with each of you and that you and your family have the most blessed holiday ever.
I am doing wonderful. Been stable at about 120-122 pounds for two months now. Can eat mostly what I want but real small amounts. Meat does not do real good, but it is getting better all the time. Doctor Overcash released me on October 27th. So, I am on my own now. He was pleased with everything and did ask that I don't lose anymore. I don't plan on it.
Last year at this time, I had surgery 10 days before Thanksgiving and my husband went out and bought me a new over the stove microwave the day after Thanksgiving. I can't believe that the year has gone by so fast. What a wonderful time of change.
God bless you all as you seek to do what is best for you. Continued blessings to those who have had the gift of WLS.
Denise
February 1, 2004
I don't get on here as much as I used to. I am having a wonderful blessed life. Things do get tough sometimes when it comes to food. I just want to sit down and be able to eat a big ole' sub. Ya know, eat a lot. LOL. It is just that head thing that happens. But, other than that, I am doing great. I weigh 118 and never felt better. My youngest son, picks me up and swings me around like a feather. It is an amazing feeling. He is 16 and thinks it is great that he can do that. I am now the smallest in my family. Who would have ever dreamed... God bless each of you as you begin your journey or as you continue your journey. Denise
January 20, 2005.
I have moved from Florida to Illinois in March. My father passed away in June, and I am going through a divorce. Not a good year, but Praise the Lord, I am healthy and God has blessed me with a job and a new church. I do miss my sons. They are still in Florida. I pray that you all are having as much success as I have had with WLS. God opened all the doors for this to change my life. I pray that the doors will be opened for you also, if this is what you desire for your life. Jesus can change your life eternally. He can meet ALL your needs. If you want to learn more, e-mail me. I would love to tell you the greatest secret I know.
God bless you all, and keep up the great work.
Denise
November 16, 2006
Wow, Happy Anniversary to me! It has been 4 years yesterday. I can't believe it. I have been so blessed. I have been through a divorce, lost my father to cancer, left my sons in Florida to be on their own, had a sister with breast cancer, had to put down my 13 year old Bichon Frise, and just really had a rough time. I went to a mental hospital cause I just didn't feel like I had much to live for. That was the beginning of finding the new me. God blessed me with the right people to help me. God is so good! All the time. I just finished counseling last month. I have never felt better. I am living in a different state and helping my mother with her life as she is 81 years old. I have two wonderful sons that I talk to very often. I just turned 50 and had a big, huge party and my oldest son flew in from Florida to surprise me.
Well, any guys out there, yes, I am available. I am picky though. Just be warned. LOL. I have done great except for a noisy tummy. It sounds pretty funny at times. But most of my friends just ignore it now. I have gained a little bit of weight back. But, I know a lot of that is from the depression and so forth. My best advise to any one having this surgery, is to never, never, never, ever try any sweets. You might be one of the few who can eat them and not have any bad effects at all. It will ruin you again if you aren't careful. I have learned the hard way. I miss a hamburger. I don't handle meat too well, but I get enough protein. Thank you for reading about me. I pray that each of are blessed as you decide what to do. I pray that your journey will be a wonderful one. Don't take anything for granted in your life. Love Christ, those around you and most of all... yourself. If you don't love yourself, how are you ever going to learn to love anyone else?
God bless you. Denise
Running Update:
11/15/02 274
12/02/02 249 15 days
01/06/03 230.5
02/09/03 215
02/21/03 204 Almost at 200!!!! 98 days since WLS
02/25/03 198.5 WHOOO HOOOO!!! UNDER TWO!!!!!
03/17/03 190 84 pounds in 4 months!!!!!!
04/08/03 181 93 pounds!!!!!!!!! Almost at 100 pounds lost.
********04/18/03 174 100 POUNDS GONE! I AM AN OFFICIAL ******** CENTURY CLUB MEMBER.
05/07/03 166 108 pounds!!!! I can fit into a size 8-10!
05/13/03 161 113 Pounds. I feel very good!
06/03/03 153 121 Pounds. What can I say? Thank you, WLS!
06/30/03 144 130 Pounds. Awesome huh?
8/3/03 136 138 Pounds! Wow and Wow! Size 6
10/13/03 123 151 Pounds! Holding steady for one month. Yipee!
11/27/03 121 153 Pounds. Holding steady. Size 4! Whoo Hoo!
1/20/05 130 and very steady
11/16/06 145 I'm ok with that. Praise the Lord.
Photos
 274 11/15/02 Surgery Day |
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 120 Wearing jeans given to me by one of my 6th grade girls I taught in Bible Study class. |
Hospital Reviews
- (Celebration, FL) - Florida Hospital Celebration Health
- (Ocala, FL) - Ocala Regional Medical Center
Member Interests:
- Christianity - Sinner saved by His grace and love.
Click here to see interests of other ObesityHelp members.
Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Wm Todd Overcash, M.D.
Having to change Doctors. My Doctor will be W. Todd Overcash in Ocala, FL. He was direct. No running around the heart of the subject. WLS. His office is BUSY! Did I say that loud enough. BUSY! Patrice was wonderful! He does not dress like a Doctor. Very casual. No white coat or anything. The discussion about risks were very to the point. I have to write a letter stating the benefits and risks that were discussed with him. So does my hubby. I would rate him an 8 on a scale of 1-10. He does not seem cocky or rude. Good mannerism, very down to earth. I think I will trust him with my life.
Insurer Info:
Great West- One Health Plan, PPO
I felt like I was getting the run around every time I called. Although, most were very nice, each rep seem to have a different answer. I could not get anyone to send me anything concrete on paper to make sure I have all the necessary papers. Was denied. Got the letter in the mail. Thank goodness my surgeon's office had already called me to say they had denied me because they needed more info. GW are sticklers for all the diet history. I did the best I could to remember all the diets I have been on. Hopefully I will be back in the process this week. October 14, I was approved! Had to change surgeons. The insurance company told me one thing, and then told my surgeons office another. Hopefully all will be fine.
