Lee E.
I have been heavy all of my life. I remember getting picked on in school because of my weight. I fealt I had to make up for appearances in other ways in high school, so I became the "wild child". I met my husband and best freind in high school. He has always accepted me for who I am and where I am. He continues to be my biggest supporter. In 2004 my Dr. suggested to me that I consider WLS. This took be aback, because he is a very conservative Dr. and doesn't believe in diet pills or other fixes for weight loss. He told me that I had high blood pressure and it was determined that I already had some heart damamge because of it. My glucose levels were also begining to be of concern. I agreed to go to an informational meeting. I checked with my insurance company on my benefits. I was denied. I had a BMI of 54 at the time, but no real comorbidities, because my blood pressure was just found and they didnt' know if it could be controlled with meds or not. In 2005, at my next physical they had deteremined that the 3 meds I was on for high blood pressure was not stabalizing my blood pressure, I also was borderline diabetic and now my cholesterol that had always been good, was high. My Dr. told me if I didn't have the surgery soon, I would not live a very long life and the life I would live would not be very active. My request for surgery was submitted to my insurance company again and I was approved. My BMI was now 57 and I weighed at least 360 lbs. I had not had a scale I could get weighed on icluding the one at the Dr. On 1/27/06 Dr. Kemmeter performed Lap RNY at Spectrum Health, Blodget campus. The Dr and all of the staff at the hospital were wonderful. The nurses even sent me a card at home! I am now will on my way to my goal and all of my health issues have been cleared up. I am no longer on any meds (including anti-depressants) and my counts are great!!! Stay tuned...
