Jade C.
Updates from Lap Band 10/18/04
Nov 10, 2009
Hello Everyone.
I just went to my last (pre) screening appointment yesterday. Im unsure if I want the lap band or the gastric bypass. My family seems to be more supportive of me when I mention the lap band. I need to meet with the Dr and see what he suggests for me. Im desperate for help so I will take anything I can get. I will keep you updated on my progress.
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7/9/04 - Today I got a call from Dr. Aslam's secretary and said they reviewed my case and he wants me to see Dr. Magioncalger (sp?) on the 19th of this month so he can do a physical and summerize all of my medical issues. I got all scared when she said he was an Oncologist. I thought they found something in my blood work and she assured me that that I was fine and he sends some of his patients to this Dr before the surgery kind of a last screening thing so they know EVERYTHING there is to know before they operate. When I called and Pre-registered the guy had to call Dr. Aslam's to see what I had to see the Dr for so he could put a dx code in the computer for billing reasons and they told him it was Thalacemia (sp?) Its a kind of Anemia that I was born with. They also call it Mediterranean Anemia. All of us Italians on my mom's side have it and it has never been anything that has affected us, we just have huge blood cells and freak out the lab people that are checking the blood. So I guess this is all for now. I hope to hear something soon after this next appointment. I got my fingers and toes crossed. Good Luck Kellie and Zina, and everyone else pre and post op that I dont know.
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7/19/04- Today I went to Augusta to see the hemotologist. He did 2 different sets of blood work and said I should definatly have the surgery because of how advanced my arthritis is for only being 23. He was such a nice Dr. I look forward to seeing him again. He had to do all kinds of tests and find my normal iron levels because they need to monitor it after surgery and they need to know what my normal level is so they can tell if its just the anemia or if Im not getting enough vitamins. He said my body makes too much iron and not to ever let any Dr thats not that kind of specialist put me on iron pills again because I can get real sick.
~GOOD NEWS~
I called Dr Aslam's office today and talked to Jeanne and asked if and when she was submitting my paperwork to insurance and she already did on 7/7. So I could get a letter any day. She said it could take up to 45 days to get an answer and usually if they deny someone they do it right away. So Im going to wait by my mailbox @ 11am everyday until I get a letter from them. I have my fingers and toes crossed. Im praying I get approved!!!! I guess this is all for now, Ill update when I hear more.
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7/26/04- I called Mainecare again today to see if they maybe made a decision sooner. The lady checked and said there hasnt been a desicion made yet. She said they will send me a letter when they get an answer. Im hoping if they were gonna deny me, they would of done it right away like Jeanne said. I read my booklet again last night. The one they said that would be our weight loss bible and to never lose it. Im conserned because I think I have gained some weight. I had my consultation in January, then waited many months until I knew for sure I wanted this, and also in February I had ankle surgery so I was in bed a lot and was not able to walk for many weeks. Also I saw the orthopedic surgeon today for my ankle that I have already had 3 surgeries on and he said he might have to go back in. He will need to take bone from my knee and put it into the ankle where it can fix the broken piece. He also said my arthritis has advanced a lot since February when he was in there. I just had a cat scan last week and he could see it all in there. I have chronic pain and can only go for walks and excersize on good days when Im not all swollen and achy. This arthritis is such a horrible thing. I am becoming crippled, and noticed the other day the bone in my finger is becoming deformed. I hope they really understand that. Im scared I will not be able to have the surgery at the last minute because of not being able to lose 10% of my weight. I have definaly made better choices with what I buy at the grocery store. I buy a lot more fruits, veggies, and drink a LOT more water and juices. I hardly ever buy junk food. If I need something to snack on I get cheeze-its or something simple. Im going to make an effort to try to exercise more and really give it my all. I have been practicing chewing my food 30 times, and I stop eating when I feel content, not stuffed like I used to. God I hope I can have this surgery, Thats my biggest fear now. I passed everything else and now my possible weight gain is going to get me, I know it. Has anyone else been in this position? Like having major arthritis that makes you dissabled and your activity is very limited? I sure hope they understand. Ok Ill update when I have more to say.
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7/27/04- Dr. Magencalder's nurse called me today and said my blood work came out good, but my iron is a little low and he wants me to start taking folic acid. He said I should be all set for surgery now. He wants me to let him know when my surgery is so he can continue to monitor my blood levels for a few months after.
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7/28/04- Still waiting.... I hate the waiting game!
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7/30/04- Dr Aslam's secretary called me this morning and said he wants to change the procedure because of my anemia. The secretary didnt have any answers, she was just asked to call and give me an appointment to see him. Jeannie is not in the office until the 16th of August. So I have to wait to see what the other options are, and if they are going to have to re-submit the new procedure to insurance. I hope not! I hate waiting...
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8/9/04- I called the insurance company Friday morning to see if they had made a decision yet. The lady said "Well we do have 30 days to make a decision" and I replied with, yea I know and today is the 30th day. She said Ohhh... then said she would e-mail the medical decision dept and get back so me. I heard back from her today and she said on Friday they sent it back to the Dr to get more information. I then asked if it will take another 30 days for another decision and she said no. They get to it right away when its sent back in. That means MORE waiting because Jeanne is out until the 16th.... I just hate waiting! Its a horrible thing when you want something so badly!
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8/16/04- I called Jeanne today and she was very nice to me. Anyways...I caught her up on what had happened while she was out on vacation. She called Mainecare and called me back and said they defered the case because they were concerned with my psychiatric evaluation. They saw on there that I cant follow though with a care plan or something like that. Like Im not commited enough to do this surgery. So... I have to have my counselor write up a care plan, state I have stuck to it the whole time, I have been faithful with coming to my appointments, and I am going to continue to follow thorugh with future appointments. Mainecare wants me to have 3 months counseling to see if I can commit to that, and I assumed it had been 3 months already, I was wrong, I started in the begining of July. Time is dragging I guess. So I have July, Aug, and Sept to prove to them I am commited and going to follow through with this. What a bummer! I also have to go have a drug test done Thursday to prove Im not on anything. Then I told her, it was requested that I got approved for the Gastric Bypass, and the Dr said I can not have that one. I told her to please find out what one he wants me to have and make sure insurance gets the right one so there isnt another 30 day waiting period. Then she responded with, "its not always a 30 day wait" Im real frustrated. If I didnt think I could be commited and could do this, I wouldnt of been wanting it for years now. I wouldnt of wasted all that time staying up till 4 and 5am on the computer doing research and reading other's stories about their experiences. So now I see my counselor on the 25th, (next week). I have to see if she can write up a care plan that I can bring to Dr. A on the 26th. Then that can be submitted to insurance. I hope they will accept the 2 months so far and a promise to complete the 3rd month. Im hoping they will just do it, and not wait until September 8th, (3 months) to re-submit it. If they do, it will be alright I guess. Its not real far away, I just am hoping things would move along quicker than they seem to be going. I was hoping to actually have surgery in September and now its looking like October sometime. I guess its meant to be though. I think God is putting it off for a reason. Well I guess Im done complaining for now. Ill keep ya updated when I hear more.
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8/19/04- Ok so today I went to go have my drug test done. Nothing was submitted by my family dr who I WAS TOLD TO HAVE SET IT UP. So the lab person called Dr. A's office and spoke to Jeannie. She then handed the phone to me and told me she never said to schedule a drug test. I was shocked, because I remember our conversation Monday afternoon when she said to make sure I schedule the drug test right away. So after that I called my dr and got it all set up for today. She said she would never say that because its giving the patient control of when to be tested. They always set it up in Augusta. I was not going to argue with her and said ok, mis-comunication... and left it at that. Im very on the ball and punctual about things and I wouldnt of scheduled a test if I was not told to do it. Im just so aggrivated. Nothing seems to be going right. Maybe its just that office? Maybe I should search for a new Dr. I dont know. I guess Ill wait a little longer and see if things improve. I see Dr. A next Thursday. Maybe Ill get more answers and feel better about it all, and that office. Another thing I noticed and I dont know if anyone will agree with me or not, but the couple times I have called to ask a few questions, they make it clear they dont want to talk and try to get off the phone very quickly. That doesnt make me feel very well. This is a major life altering surgery that Im going to be having and Im trusting them with my life. I want the support I need, even if it means answering a dumb question and explaining it a little more if I just dont understand. Ill update when I have more to tell I guess...
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8/23/04- Well I got a phone call today saying my appointment with the Dr needs to be changed. YAY, Just what I wanted. As if this is not being as dragged out as much as it possibly can be. So now I need to wait another 2 weeks. I guess that is good, I expected to wait another month to get in. It sucks cause my mom is going to this appointment with me so she needs to get the day off from work AGAIN... and then I need to change my ride with the transportation program. In the end I know it will all be worth it. In the mean time, I come here and complain about things that arent going right. Its a good thing though. A good lesson for me. I cant always have things go my way.
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8/25/04- Well Kellie and I went to the Band support group tonight in Augusta. We got there an hour early because we assumed it started at 5. So it went from 6-8, then we went and visited Zina. She had her surgery and we went to see how she was doing. She seemed to be doing good. She looked like she was in pain. I told her hopefully in less than a month I will be there. I got my service plan from my counselor today. Its all I need for insurance now. BUT... my counselor and I forgot to sign it so I have to call her tomorrow and go up there and sign it, then have her re-fax it and then hopefully Jeannie will submit it. I hope thats all they need. Im so very ready for this! I am so envyous (sp?) of Zina. She did it. Hopefully Im next, then Kellie before Christmas. That would be so wonderful! I will update when I have more to report.
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8/26/04- Just called Jeannie to see if she got the faxed information from my counselor and she said yes. She said it looked like what they were looking for and she submitted it today. YAY! I told her I forgot to sign it and she said she dont think it matters. I said "I hope I hear something next week" and she said "Im sure you will" OMG I just got so excited. I really hope this is all going to happen for me. Ok YAY, bye now! :)
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8/28/04- Well today I got a letter in the mail saying I was approved for the Gastric Bypass Surgery. The problem is, I need to be approved for the lap band. When I got the letter defering the case till they got another document, that letter said I was being defered for the Gastric Lap Band so I was happy they got the right surgery. Now I get the letter for the Gastric Bypass. I dont want that surgery anymore, nor does the Dr want me to have that surgery because of my anemia. I will have to call and see whats going on Monday morning. Im excited now. If they will pay for the most expensive surgery, why wouldnt they pay for one less expensive? Ill update Monday...
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8/30/04- Today Jeannie called me and said she got the letter approving me for the gastric bypass. I told her I wanted the lap band and then she asked why I had not told her so she could change it with insurance. I told her because I was going to have the Bypass until Dr A said I couldnt because of my Anemia. Then I assumed he was going to do the safer procedure, the lap band so I started heavily researching that. The reason I got the letter in the mail that said I needed more information for the lap band was because someone at Dr A's office put the wrong code on the paper submitted to insurance. So I see the Dr a week from this Thursday (the 9th of Sept) and after my appointment he will tell Jeannie details of what he wants then she will submit it to insurance that afternoon. She said it should take a week or two at the most. After I get approved, then I get a date. What a process this has been. I know it will all be worth it in the end. I cant wait to be healthier. To be able to walk up stairs without being out of breath, or be able to go do stuff with friends and be able to keep up with them and their energy levels. I dont think anyone can understand what its like to be carying around so much extra weight unless you are doing it. I tell my best friend who is under 200 lbs and she says she understands but I think she would understand 100% if she were experiencing it. Not that I want her to, I wouldnt wish this on anyone. I wish I could trade bodies with people for a day. See what its like to be thin, and see what its like to not have chronic pain. Hopefully I can experience that in this body someday. I will update when I hear something else. Probably the 9th. TTYL
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9/2/04- Dr Aslam's office just called and said I missed my appointment today. I flipped out and said NO WAY, My appointment is set up for Thursday the 9th @ 11:30am. She said hes not there that day and my appointment was for today. I coudnt understand and I was still in that confused fog from when you just wake up. I got mad at first and said well everyone keeps messing up my stuff, wrong codes submitted to insurance, wrong messages on the phone, telling me to do wrong things then saying you never said that, then getting information from me then saying you dont know what Im talking about the next time we speak. Everything keeps getting messed up and Im getting set back. This whole thing has been delayed. All my appointments have been re-scheduled. The dates they give me are wrong. I started crying. She could tell and said her name is Darlene and she didnt mean to get upset with me and next time Im in the office she will give me a hug. I just told her what a process this has been and everytime Im getting close, my prize is pushed further back so I cant get it and its frustrating. She said she understands, its like taking 1 step forward and 3 back. So I have an appointment I think the 21st (I have it on my calendar) She said she she has a feeling that there will be a cancelation on the 7th or 8th. Im going to see if my mom will be able to take me. Im waiting for her to call me back. If not Ill just go on the 21st cause the rides program needs some kind of notice. I cant believe I broke down like that on the phone. I was so upset I could hardly speak! Well I figure this is just ANOTHER bump in my road... take care
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9/21/04- Today I saw Dr Aslam. My projected surgery date is the 18th of October. My history and physical is on the 7th. Im so excited. He seemed like a real nice person. I got to see him at the end of the day and he looked real tired. He stayed and answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable. Im really excited and am going to give this diet my all starting tomorrow. I am going to start drinking my water (YUK) exercising,(its so hard when you have chonic pain) and eating better. I have lost some weight but I want and need to lose some more. Well I guess this is all for now... BYE
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9/29/04- Well today I got to go for my history and physical. I got in earlier than expected. My appointment wasnt supposed to be until October 7th. Dr Alsam's assistant John Cooper is such a nice guy. He answered all my questions and explained everything so I fully understood it all. I answered a lot of questions for the computer, signed some surgery papers, then met with Dr Aslam and a new student Dr. So 4 of us in a small room. They were all really nice. The student dr is from my town 2 hours away from that Dr's office. So they pressed on my stomach and did my blood pressure and all that stuff. Today is the last time I will see my Dr till the day I have my surgery. YAY! 19 days away. My pre-op appointment is 10/12. This is all happening so fast. I have to go for a CAT scan next week to see if my spleen is enlarged because that is common for people with my kind of anemia. The Dr wants to be sure so he dont puncture it when he is in there with the scope. Id rather be safe than sorry... Ill update next time time I hear something...
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10/6/04- I went to my CAT scan yesterday. After that they got my pre-op sceduled for right after so I dont have to make another trip out there. I had an IV, Bloodwork, pregnancy test, EKG, CAT scan. I signed a lot of forms, met with the anestisia dr, 2 nurses and Im all set for the 18th. Just 12 days away!!! A week from next Monday. Im so excited. They have my bracelets all printed and in my chart waiting for me. When I get there I go to the 3rd floor and get my IV and they will give me medicine to relax me. Im so excited.
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10/11/04- One week from today is the big day. Im so excited!!! Last Thursday I came down with a head cold but its already a lot better and should totally be gone in 7 days. Friday and Saturday were the worst days for me. I had to work both days, then I came home and wouldnt leave my bed. Ill probably update as the time gets closer... YAY!
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10/17/04- Tomorrow is the big day! Im so excited but scared as hell at the same time. Not scared of the surgery because I know that will go fine, scared of the changes that need to be made after. Im on liquids right now and I hate it. It dont seem to be working for me. I cant stay full. I just want to eat so badly but I know I cant because I want this so badly. I am very thankful I only had 2 days of liquids. Some people have 6 weeks. There is no way I could do that. Im off my arthritis medication right now so I can have the surgery and Im all swollen. My dr put me on vicodin for the pain. It helps a little bit. I stayed up till 4am this morning getting all my housework done. All I have to do is wash the sheets and blankets. I have been getting so many messages in my e-mail from people wishing me goodluck tomorrow. I want to thank you all. It makes me feel good to know that there are kind hearted people out there that do care, that have been in my shoes... I guess this is all for now. I will update after surgery. Wish me luck!
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10/19/04- Well Im home from the hospital now. Kinda feeling my pain meds. I was so nervous before surgery. We got there a little early. I went in, they had me change, then put in an IV and gave me something to relax me. I talked to Dr Aslam, and John Cooper briefly then some other people who were going to be in the operating room. I got pictures before and after. I got wheeled in, they put oxygen on my face and then I remember waking up a few hours later in the recovery room. I had a hard time opening my eyes because of the bright lights. I remember feeling like I swallowed glass. Only because of the breathing tube. Then the extreme pain. They gave me a lot of morphine to keep me comfortable and when I was ready I got wheeled to my room. I hardly remember any of it though. I remember the extreemly dry mouth. They gave me swabs to put water on my tongue. I got discharged today around 2pm. I have 5 IV holes. 2 got blocked, 2 just didnt work right away, and one worked by my elbow. Im full of bruises like they beat me up. They used Dermabond so I wont have huge staple marks. Im so happy. Im on the other side now. After the swelling goes down and my muscles stop hurting I can start exercising again. It came and all happened so quickly. LOL. My tv broke so good thing I didnt have a room mate, I turned that tv towards me and watched that one. I cant really think of what else to say. Dr Aslam, John Cooper, and a Student Dr said things couldnt of gone any better than they had. I want to thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers. They helped me so much! Ill keep updating this. My post op appointment is Nov 2nd so hopefully I will of lost something by then. Wish me luck!
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10/28/04- Today is Thursday. This past Tuesday I had to go see Dr Aslam. I had ripped an internal stitch and it was causing a lot of pain. He saw I have a slight infection and put me on anti-biotics, and gave me some pain medication. I need to see him next Tuesday also. I have lost 10 lbs in 1 week! YAY!!!
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11/11/04- I just wanted to update and let everyone know Im doing great, I am 3 1/2 weeks post op. I have been walking and drinking more water. I went to one of my Dr's today and got weighed on their scale and I am down a total of 25lbs so far. Im so happy. I cant feel or see it yet. I know I have lost, my hard fat is getting all jello-ish and squishy. I even have my mother and aunt thinking about the surgery.
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1/15/04- I am sorry for not keeping this journal current. I am doing good, made it through the holidays. I managed to gain 6 lbs though. I got a small fill (supposed to be 2 CC's) and I couldnt tell I had even been filled. So I called Dr A's office and told them all about it. I got an appointment for a few weeks later and he checked me to see how much was in there and it was only a little over 1cc. So he said it might of leaked out. Then he filled me to 2 cc's. Boy Oh Boy I can feel it. Life is so different for me now. I am never hungry, and small portions fill me up. Im on an 800 calorie a day diet and I also jointed the gym and TOPS last week. I am feeling good and I took off 7 lbs since my last fill. Its real exciting. Well I guess this is all for now, I will update as things happen.
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5/26/05- Today I saw Dr A. I have gained 3 lbs since my last appointment with him on March 3rd. He said to give it my all with eating right and exercise for 1 month then I can see him again. If I have stayed the same or gained again then I will get a small fill. I havent been very active lately because I had ankle surgery on 4/1/05 and it still bothers me to go walking. My ankle gives out and causes a lot of pain for me. But I will update you all next time I see the Dr.
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8/5/05- I saw Dr Aslam on Thursday and got totally unfilled because of the pain I have been having in my shoulder. Since Ive been unfilled I havent had any pain. I was also real tight and couldnt eat any meats. So its good to be able to eat again without choking or getting sick. He reccomended I see Dr Cobien in Portland so I can have my band out and have the RNY done. I guess the band just wasnt right for me. I spoke to another Dr today and he told me the 3rds story. Its a medical thing where certain medications only work for 1/3 of the people, and certain medical procedures only work for 1/3 of the people, and on and on. So I was part of the 2/3 that it didnt work for. I didnt get weighed because a patient was in the same room as the scale. But I know I have gained. I can feel it in my neck and belly. I was told not to get discouraged because I can have the other procedure done. I called my Dr today to see if I could get a referral to the new Dr. Ill hear something on Monday. Ive heard from 1 person that the Portland Dr is a jerk. Ill meet him and make my own decisions I guess. Ok Ill keep you all updated on whats going on.
Date -Week -Weight -BMI
10/11/04 -1 pre-op -361 -58.3
10/26/04 -1 week -349 -56.3
11/2/04 -2 weeks -344 -55.5
11/11/04 -3 weeks -336 -54.2
1/15/05 3 months -338 -54.6
5/26/05 7 months -338 -54.6
0 comments
I just went to my last (pre) screening appointment yesterday. Im unsure if I want the lap band or the gastric bypass. My family seems to be more supportive of me when I mention the lap band. I need to meet with the Dr and see what he suggests for me. Im desperate for help so I will take anything I can get. I will keep you updated on my progress.
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7/9/04 - Today I got a call from Dr. Aslam's secretary and said they reviewed my case and he wants me to see Dr. Magioncalger (sp?) on the 19th of this month so he can do a physical and summerize all of my medical issues. I got all scared when she said he was an Oncologist. I thought they found something in my blood work and she assured me that that I was fine and he sends some of his patients to this Dr before the surgery kind of a last screening thing so they know EVERYTHING there is to know before they operate. When I called and Pre-registered the guy had to call Dr. Aslam's to see what I had to see the Dr for so he could put a dx code in the computer for billing reasons and they told him it was Thalacemia (sp?) Its a kind of Anemia that I was born with. They also call it Mediterranean Anemia. All of us Italians on my mom's side have it and it has never been anything that has affected us, we just have huge blood cells and freak out the lab people that are checking the blood. So I guess this is all for now. I hope to hear something soon after this next appointment. I got my fingers and toes crossed. Good Luck Kellie and Zina, and everyone else pre and post op that I dont know.
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7/19/04- Today I went to Augusta to see the hemotologist. He did 2 different sets of blood work and said I should definatly have the surgery because of how advanced my arthritis is for only being 23. He was such a nice Dr. I look forward to seeing him again. He had to do all kinds of tests and find my normal iron levels because they need to monitor it after surgery and they need to know what my normal level is so they can tell if its just the anemia or if Im not getting enough vitamins. He said my body makes too much iron and not to ever let any Dr thats not that kind of specialist put me on iron pills again because I can get real sick.
~GOOD NEWS~
I called Dr Aslam's office today and talked to Jeanne and asked if and when she was submitting my paperwork to insurance and she already did on 7/7. So I could get a letter any day. She said it could take up to 45 days to get an answer and usually if they deny someone they do it right away. So Im going to wait by my mailbox @ 11am everyday until I get a letter from them. I have my fingers and toes crossed. Im praying I get approved!!!! I guess this is all for now, Ill update when I hear more.
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7/26/04- I called Mainecare again today to see if they maybe made a decision sooner. The lady checked and said there hasnt been a desicion made yet. She said they will send me a letter when they get an answer. Im hoping if they were gonna deny me, they would of done it right away like Jeanne said. I read my booklet again last night. The one they said that would be our weight loss bible and to never lose it. Im conserned because I think I have gained some weight. I had my consultation in January, then waited many months until I knew for sure I wanted this, and also in February I had ankle surgery so I was in bed a lot and was not able to walk for many weeks. Also I saw the orthopedic surgeon today for my ankle that I have already had 3 surgeries on and he said he might have to go back in. He will need to take bone from my knee and put it into the ankle where it can fix the broken piece. He also said my arthritis has advanced a lot since February when he was in there. I just had a cat scan last week and he could see it all in there. I have chronic pain and can only go for walks and excersize on good days when Im not all swollen and achy. This arthritis is such a horrible thing. I am becoming crippled, and noticed the other day the bone in my finger is becoming deformed. I hope they really understand that. Im scared I will not be able to have the surgery at the last minute because of not being able to lose 10% of my weight. I have definaly made better choices with what I buy at the grocery store. I buy a lot more fruits, veggies, and drink a LOT more water and juices. I hardly ever buy junk food. If I need something to snack on I get cheeze-its or something simple. Im going to make an effort to try to exercise more and really give it my all. I have been practicing chewing my food 30 times, and I stop eating when I feel content, not stuffed like I used to. God I hope I can have this surgery, Thats my biggest fear now. I passed everything else and now my possible weight gain is going to get me, I know it. Has anyone else been in this position? Like having major arthritis that makes you dissabled and your activity is very limited? I sure hope they understand. Ok Ill update when I have more to say.
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7/27/04- Dr. Magencalder's nurse called me today and said my blood work came out good, but my iron is a little low and he wants me to start taking folic acid. He said I should be all set for surgery now. He wants me to let him know when my surgery is so he can continue to monitor my blood levels for a few months after.
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7/28/04- Still waiting.... I hate the waiting game!
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7/30/04- Dr Aslam's secretary called me this morning and said he wants to change the procedure because of my anemia. The secretary didnt have any answers, she was just asked to call and give me an appointment to see him. Jeannie is not in the office until the 16th of August. So I have to wait to see what the other options are, and if they are going to have to re-submit the new procedure to insurance. I hope not! I hate waiting...
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8/9/04- I called the insurance company Friday morning to see if they had made a decision yet. The lady said "Well we do have 30 days to make a decision" and I replied with, yea I know and today is the 30th day. She said Ohhh... then said she would e-mail the medical decision dept and get back so me. I heard back from her today and she said on Friday they sent it back to the Dr to get more information. I then asked if it will take another 30 days for another decision and she said no. They get to it right away when its sent back in. That means MORE waiting because Jeanne is out until the 16th.... I just hate waiting! Its a horrible thing when you want something so badly!
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8/16/04- I called Jeanne today and she was very nice to me. Anyways...I caught her up on what had happened while she was out on vacation. She called Mainecare and called me back and said they defered the case because they were concerned with my psychiatric evaluation. They saw on there that I cant follow though with a care plan or something like that. Like Im not commited enough to do this surgery. So... I have to have my counselor write up a care plan, state I have stuck to it the whole time, I have been faithful with coming to my appointments, and I am going to continue to follow thorugh with future appointments. Mainecare wants me to have 3 months counseling to see if I can commit to that, and I assumed it had been 3 months already, I was wrong, I started in the begining of July. Time is dragging I guess. So I have July, Aug, and Sept to prove to them I am commited and going to follow through with this. What a bummer! I also have to go have a drug test done Thursday to prove Im not on anything. Then I told her, it was requested that I got approved for the Gastric Bypass, and the Dr said I can not have that one. I told her to please find out what one he wants me to have and make sure insurance gets the right one so there isnt another 30 day waiting period. Then she responded with, "its not always a 30 day wait" Im real frustrated. If I didnt think I could be commited and could do this, I wouldnt of been wanting it for years now. I wouldnt of wasted all that time staying up till 4 and 5am on the computer doing research and reading other's stories about their experiences. So now I see my counselor on the 25th, (next week). I have to see if she can write up a care plan that I can bring to Dr. A on the 26th. Then that can be submitted to insurance. I hope they will accept the 2 months so far and a promise to complete the 3rd month. Im hoping they will just do it, and not wait until September 8th, (3 months) to re-submit it. If they do, it will be alright I guess. Its not real far away, I just am hoping things would move along quicker than they seem to be going. I was hoping to actually have surgery in September and now its looking like October sometime. I guess its meant to be though. I think God is putting it off for a reason. Well I guess Im done complaining for now. Ill keep ya updated when I hear more.
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8/19/04- Ok so today I went to go have my drug test done. Nothing was submitted by my family dr who I WAS TOLD TO HAVE SET IT UP. So the lab person called Dr. A's office and spoke to Jeannie. She then handed the phone to me and told me she never said to schedule a drug test. I was shocked, because I remember our conversation Monday afternoon when she said to make sure I schedule the drug test right away. So after that I called my dr and got it all set up for today. She said she would never say that because its giving the patient control of when to be tested. They always set it up in Augusta. I was not going to argue with her and said ok, mis-comunication... and left it at that. Im very on the ball and punctual about things and I wouldnt of scheduled a test if I was not told to do it. Im just so aggrivated. Nothing seems to be going right. Maybe its just that office? Maybe I should search for a new Dr. I dont know. I guess Ill wait a little longer and see if things improve. I see Dr. A next Thursday. Maybe Ill get more answers and feel better about it all, and that office. Another thing I noticed and I dont know if anyone will agree with me or not, but the couple times I have called to ask a few questions, they make it clear they dont want to talk and try to get off the phone very quickly. That doesnt make me feel very well. This is a major life altering surgery that Im going to be having and Im trusting them with my life. I want the support I need, even if it means answering a dumb question and explaining it a little more if I just dont understand. Ill update when I have more to tell I guess...
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8/23/04- Well I got a phone call today saying my appointment with the Dr needs to be changed. YAY, Just what I wanted. As if this is not being as dragged out as much as it possibly can be. So now I need to wait another 2 weeks. I guess that is good, I expected to wait another month to get in. It sucks cause my mom is going to this appointment with me so she needs to get the day off from work AGAIN... and then I need to change my ride with the transportation program. In the end I know it will all be worth it. In the mean time, I come here and complain about things that arent going right. Its a good thing though. A good lesson for me. I cant always have things go my way.
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8/25/04- Well Kellie and I went to the Band support group tonight in Augusta. We got there an hour early because we assumed it started at 5. So it went from 6-8, then we went and visited Zina. She had her surgery and we went to see how she was doing. She seemed to be doing good. She looked like she was in pain. I told her hopefully in less than a month I will be there. I got my service plan from my counselor today. Its all I need for insurance now. BUT... my counselor and I forgot to sign it so I have to call her tomorrow and go up there and sign it, then have her re-fax it and then hopefully Jeannie will submit it. I hope thats all they need. Im so very ready for this! I am so envyous (sp?) of Zina. She did it. Hopefully Im next, then Kellie before Christmas. That would be so wonderful! I will update when I have more to report.
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8/26/04- Just called Jeannie to see if she got the faxed information from my counselor and she said yes. She said it looked like what they were looking for and she submitted it today. YAY! I told her I forgot to sign it and she said she dont think it matters. I said "I hope I hear something next week" and she said "Im sure you will" OMG I just got so excited. I really hope this is all going to happen for me. Ok YAY, bye now! :)
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8/28/04- Well today I got a letter in the mail saying I was approved for the Gastric Bypass Surgery. The problem is, I need to be approved for the lap band. When I got the letter defering the case till they got another document, that letter said I was being defered for the Gastric Lap Band so I was happy they got the right surgery. Now I get the letter for the Gastric Bypass. I dont want that surgery anymore, nor does the Dr want me to have that surgery because of my anemia. I will have to call and see whats going on Monday morning. Im excited now. If they will pay for the most expensive surgery, why wouldnt they pay for one less expensive? Ill update Monday...
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8/30/04- Today Jeannie called me and said she got the letter approving me for the gastric bypass. I told her I wanted the lap band and then she asked why I had not told her so she could change it with insurance. I told her because I was going to have the Bypass until Dr A said I couldnt because of my Anemia. Then I assumed he was going to do the safer procedure, the lap band so I started heavily researching that. The reason I got the letter in the mail that said I needed more information for the lap band was because someone at Dr A's office put the wrong code on the paper submitted to insurance. So I see the Dr a week from this Thursday (the 9th of Sept) and after my appointment he will tell Jeannie details of what he wants then she will submit it to insurance that afternoon. She said it should take a week or two at the most. After I get approved, then I get a date. What a process this has been. I know it will all be worth it in the end. I cant wait to be healthier. To be able to walk up stairs without being out of breath, or be able to go do stuff with friends and be able to keep up with them and their energy levels. I dont think anyone can understand what its like to be carying around so much extra weight unless you are doing it. I tell my best friend who is under 200 lbs and she says she understands but I think she would understand 100% if she were experiencing it. Not that I want her to, I wouldnt wish this on anyone. I wish I could trade bodies with people for a day. See what its like to be thin, and see what its like to not have chronic pain. Hopefully I can experience that in this body someday. I will update when I hear something else. Probably the 9th. TTYL
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9/2/04- Dr Aslam's office just called and said I missed my appointment today. I flipped out and said NO WAY, My appointment is set up for Thursday the 9th @ 11:30am. She said hes not there that day and my appointment was for today. I coudnt understand and I was still in that confused fog from when you just wake up. I got mad at first and said well everyone keeps messing up my stuff, wrong codes submitted to insurance, wrong messages on the phone, telling me to do wrong things then saying you never said that, then getting information from me then saying you dont know what Im talking about the next time we speak. Everything keeps getting messed up and Im getting set back. This whole thing has been delayed. All my appointments have been re-scheduled. The dates they give me are wrong. I started crying. She could tell and said her name is Darlene and she didnt mean to get upset with me and next time Im in the office she will give me a hug. I just told her what a process this has been and everytime Im getting close, my prize is pushed further back so I cant get it and its frustrating. She said she understands, its like taking 1 step forward and 3 back. So I have an appointment I think the 21st (I have it on my calendar) She said she she has a feeling that there will be a cancelation on the 7th or 8th. Im going to see if my mom will be able to take me. Im waiting for her to call me back. If not Ill just go on the 21st cause the rides program needs some kind of notice. I cant believe I broke down like that on the phone. I was so upset I could hardly speak! Well I figure this is just ANOTHER bump in my road... take care
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9/21/04- Today I saw Dr Aslam. My projected surgery date is the 18th of October. My history and physical is on the 7th. Im so excited. He seemed like a real nice person. I got to see him at the end of the day and he looked real tired. He stayed and answered all my questions and made me feel comfortable. Im really excited and am going to give this diet my all starting tomorrow. I am going to start drinking my water (YUK) exercising,(its so hard when you have chonic pain) and eating better. I have lost some weight but I want and need to lose some more. Well I guess this is all for now... BYE
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9/29/04- Well today I got to go for my history and physical. I got in earlier than expected. My appointment wasnt supposed to be until October 7th. Dr Alsam's assistant John Cooper is such a nice guy. He answered all my questions and explained everything so I fully understood it all. I answered a lot of questions for the computer, signed some surgery papers, then met with Dr Aslam and a new student Dr. So 4 of us in a small room. They were all really nice. The student dr is from my town 2 hours away from that Dr's office. So they pressed on my stomach and did my blood pressure and all that stuff. Today is the last time I will see my Dr till the day I have my surgery. YAY! 19 days away. My pre-op appointment is 10/12. This is all happening so fast. I have to go for a CAT scan next week to see if my spleen is enlarged because that is common for people with my kind of anemia. The Dr wants to be sure so he dont puncture it when he is in there with the scope. Id rather be safe than sorry... Ill update next time time I hear something...
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10/6/04- I went to my CAT scan yesterday. After that they got my pre-op sceduled for right after so I dont have to make another trip out there. I had an IV, Bloodwork, pregnancy test, EKG, CAT scan. I signed a lot of forms, met with the anestisia dr, 2 nurses and Im all set for the 18th. Just 12 days away!!! A week from next Monday. Im so excited. They have my bracelets all printed and in my chart waiting for me. When I get there I go to the 3rd floor and get my IV and they will give me medicine to relax me. Im so excited.
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10/11/04- One week from today is the big day. Im so excited!!! Last Thursday I came down with a head cold but its already a lot better and should totally be gone in 7 days. Friday and Saturday were the worst days for me. I had to work both days, then I came home and wouldnt leave my bed. Ill probably update as the time gets closer... YAY!
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10/17/04- Tomorrow is the big day! Im so excited but scared as hell at the same time. Not scared of the surgery because I know that will go fine, scared of the changes that need to be made after. Im on liquids right now and I hate it. It dont seem to be working for me. I cant stay full. I just want to eat so badly but I know I cant because I want this so badly. I am very thankful I only had 2 days of liquids. Some people have 6 weeks. There is no way I could do that. Im off my arthritis medication right now so I can have the surgery and Im all swollen. My dr put me on vicodin for the pain. It helps a little bit. I stayed up till 4am this morning getting all my housework done. All I have to do is wash the sheets and blankets. I have been getting so many messages in my e-mail from people wishing me goodluck tomorrow. I want to thank you all. It makes me feel good to know that there are kind hearted people out there that do care, that have been in my shoes... I guess this is all for now. I will update after surgery. Wish me luck!
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10/19/04- Well Im home from the hospital now. Kinda feeling my pain meds. I was so nervous before surgery. We got there a little early. I went in, they had me change, then put in an IV and gave me something to relax me. I talked to Dr Aslam, and John Cooper briefly then some other people who were going to be in the operating room. I got pictures before and after. I got wheeled in, they put oxygen on my face and then I remember waking up a few hours later in the recovery room. I had a hard time opening my eyes because of the bright lights. I remember feeling like I swallowed glass. Only because of the breathing tube. Then the extreme pain. They gave me a lot of morphine to keep me comfortable and when I was ready I got wheeled to my room. I hardly remember any of it though. I remember the extreemly dry mouth. They gave me swabs to put water on my tongue. I got discharged today around 2pm. I have 5 IV holes. 2 got blocked, 2 just didnt work right away, and one worked by my elbow. Im full of bruises like they beat me up. They used Dermabond so I wont have huge staple marks. Im so happy. Im on the other side now. After the swelling goes down and my muscles stop hurting I can start exercising again. It came and all happened so quickly. LOL. My tv broke so good thing I didnt have a room mate, I turned that tv towards me and watched that one. I cant really think of what else to say. Dr Aslam, John Cooper, and a Student Dr said things couldnt of gone any better than they had. I want to thank you all for all your thoughts and prayers. They helped me so much! Ill keep updating this. My post op appointment is Nov 2nd so hopefully I will of lost something by then. Wish me luck!
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10/28/04- Today is Thursday. This past Tuesday I had to go see Dr Aslam. I had ripped an internal stitch and it was causing a lot of pain. He saw I have a slight infection and put me on anti-biotics, and gave me some pain medication. I need to see him next Tuesday also. I have lost 10 lbs in 1 week! YAY!!!
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11/11/04- I just wanted to update and let everyone know Im doing great, I am 3 1/2 weeks post op. I have been walking and drinking more water. I went to one of my Dr's today and got weighed on their scale and I am down a total of 25lbs so far. Im so happy. I cant feel or see it yet. I know I have lost, my hard fat is getting all jello-ish and squishy. I even have my mother and aunt thinking about the surgery.
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1/15/04- I am sorry for not keeping this journal current. I am doing good, made it through the holidays. I managed to gain 6 lbs though. I got a small fill (supposed to be 2 CC's) and I couldnt tell I had even been filled. So I called Dr A's office and told them all about it. I got an appointment for a few weeks later and he checked me to see how much was in there and it was only a little over 1cc. So he said it might of leaked out. Then he filled me to 2 cc's. Boy Oh Boy I can feel it. Life is so different for me now. I am never hungry, and small portions fill me up. Im on an 800 calorie a day diet and I also jointed the gym and TOPS last week. I am feeling good and I took off 7 lbs since my last fill. Its real exciting. Well I guess this is all for now, I will update as things happen.
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5/26/05- Today I saw Dr A. I have gained 3 lbs since my last appointment with him on March 3rd. He said to give it my all with eating right and exercise for 1 month then I can see him again. If I have stayed the same or gained again then I will get a small fill. I havent been very active lately because I had ankle surgery on 4/1/05 and it still bothers me to go walking. My ankle gives out and causes a lot of pain for me. But I will update you all next time I see the Dr.
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8/5/05- I saw Dr Aslam on Thursday and got totally unfilled because of the pain I have been having in my shoulder. Since Ive been unfilled I havent had any pain. I was also real tight and couldnt eat any meats. So its good to be able to eat again without choking or getting sick. He reccomended I see Dr Cobien in Portland so I can have my band out and have the RNY done. I guess the band just wasnt right for me. I spoke to another Dr today and he told me the 3rds story. Its a medical thing where certain medications only work for 1/3 of the people, and certain medical procedures only work for 1/3 of the people, and on and on. So I was part of the 2/3 that it didnt work for. I didnt get weighed because a patient was in the same room as the scale. But I know I have gained. I can feel it in my neck and belly. I was told not to get discouraged because I can have the other procedure done. I called my Dr today to see if I could get a referral to the new Dr. Ill hear something on Monday. Ive heard from 1 person that the Portland Dr is a jerk. Ill meet him and make my own decisions I guess. Ok Ill keep you all updated on whats going on.
Date -Week -Weight -BMI
10/11/04 -1 pre-op -361 -58.3
10/26/04 -1 week -349 -56.3
11/2/04 -2 weeks -344 -55.5
11/11/04 -3 weeks -336 -54.2
1/15/05 3 months -338 -54.6
5/26/05 7 months -338 -54.6
About Me
Mexico, ME
Location
Surgery
10/18/2004
Surgery Date
Jun 22, 2004
Member Since
