OzarkMark
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| Mark Visits CROW | Mark Meets Sandy and WLSNWAR group |
08-25-2005 -233# Today I mark another milestone. I am 367# and less than HALF the man I once was in 1994 at 742.5#. Or you could say I am twice the man. I can do over twice as much although the pinched nerve in my back aggravates me daily. Since January, when I re-dedicated myself to losing weight, I have lost 96#. At nearly 4 years post-op(lacking 3 weeks), I can tell you that the surgery STILL works and you CAN still lose weight. It is not as easy at 4 years as it was 4 weeks or 4 months, but it can STILL be done. All the same rules still apply as they did long ago.
The KEY is to get your mind in line and not use food as an excuse or solution to external problems or internal feelings. Food cannot fix finances, jobs, kids, or marriages. It cannot treat depression, anxiety, intimacy or any other psychological illness. You MUST control food as you would a prescription drug. Only use it when necessary to fuel your body and maintain good health. Excess can have a detrimental effect on your health as we all know.
I still have a long way to go, but I have learned that eating was only a mental band-aid for deep rooted feelings that caused me to over-eat. I lied to myself and to others about my eating. I know better now. I wish others the same success and benefits that this surgery has given me.
Thats it til next time!
05-23-2005 -206# It has been nearly 5 months since I re-dedicated myself to losing weight and I am at my lowest weight since 15-17 months post-op. Today I am at 394#! It has been a long hard road, but this just proves that it still can be done at 3 1/2 years post-op. I've lost 348.5# since my heaviest weight in 1994. Soon, I will be setting up appointments for skin removal surgeries. I dread this next step.
01-04-2005 -137# It's been 2 years since my last update and I have gained back 49# since that date. I am at 463# today and am making a rededication to lose weight. I can't go back to severe obesity again. THe last 2 years have been very stressful. My mother had been quite ill and I ended up eating all kinds of wrong, bad, or fast food. She died a year ago and it has taken me this long to get my head back on straight.
01-13-2003 -196# Happy New Year! Now at 404# and doing well.I haven't been anywhere near 400 pounds in almost 20 years. No major issues. I am finally getting settled back into the house and eating better. I have started exercising again. I figured I would do the water therapy again as long as they promised not to drown me. My Dr wants me to walk 2 miles per day, 3 days per week.
My bloodwork is pretty good, of the tests run, my b-12 is still a bit low, but that will be the case forever.
My testosterone is still low, so the dr upped my dosage of Androgel to 10g. I can't afford the increase at nearly $340 a month so I contacted the manufacturer and they have a progream to help pay for it. Other than that, none of my clothes fit anymore. Everything is too big. I can't wait for warmer weather to get out and about again.
Oh. My PCP wanted my skin removal done next month(Feb) but we decided to push it back to summer or maybe even fall of this year. I need to lose a bit more weight yet.
12-01-2002 -185# Now I am down to 415. Slowing down in my loss, but in all fairness, I have been out of my home for the last 3 months and living in a hotel until my home was repaired. Eating out every day is NOT conducive to weight loss, even with Gastric Bypass Surgery.
Anywho, I am back home and can get back on my protein shakes and things that I should be eating. The last 90 days have been uneventful healthwise.(A good thing). My 1 year follow up went very well. I don't have to go back to him for 1 year. He did mention the fact that I should start considering some excess skin removal. It will have to be done in stages. My PCP is saying the same thing and would like me to have it done in February so that I will be recouped by spring/summer. I am still paying for my part of my WLS. It was all worthwhile considering I feel better now than I have in 15 years.
You probably won't have an update for a while, so... HAPPY HOLIDAY'S!!!
I want to get to 399 for the New Year! Bye!
09-01-2002 -172# I weigh 428 lbs. I still haven't taken any recent photos, but some day soon. Nothing new to report other than the testosterone replacement gel is working out better than the injections. My level was 675. Its has almost been a year. Wow. Time sure flies. I go for my 1 year follow up on the 26th. I will let you know how it goes. See ya next time!
08-08-2002 -160# Wow! 72 days since I updated my profile. Where does time go? Anyhow, I am doing great! My weight loss is slowing a bit at 11 months post(in 4 days). Not too much to report other than I have a tan for the first time in countless years. I am building a 10x16 shed in my back yard and my neighbor is helping me. It is hard work, but I look back at myself 10 months ago and would have never attempted it.
I don't have any complaints to speak of other than being physically tired and needing a nap in the afternoons lately. I am figuring that my B12 is still low and I am still getting monthly shots to supplement that. I may have to ask that the dosage be adjusted. I am also supplementing with a liquid B12 that I hold under my tongue for 30 second
Last month my doctor changed my testosterone replacement to a topical gel that I rub on my arms every morning. It seems to be a little better than the once a month injections. There are pros and cons to each. The bad part about the gel is the cost. Nearly 6 dollars a day.
I can't stress the importance to all overweight men to get their testosterone level checked! Testosterone plays a very important role in our body apart from the normal 'sex drive' that it is associated with. Sleep disturbances, moodiness, osteoporosis, weight gain, lack of body hair, changes in voice pitch are all symptoms of a low hormone level.
If you would like to read more about male hormone replacement gel, go to:
Androgel.com
I will be posting a new picture soon!
05-27-2002 -141# Still goin! Not much to report this week. I did have a kidney infection. Took antibiotics for 7 days. All better now. I need to drink more water I guesss.
05-13-2002 -136# Wow, its been over a month since I updated everyone on my progress. As you can see, my Plateu broke. I am on the losing side again. Woohoo! There has been a lot going on since my last update. I quit water rehab after almost drowning in the pool. That was NOT a fun day. I single-handedly redecorated my room. I had water damage from a storm and it ruined the carpet in the bedroom and livingroom. So far the bedroom is done and the livingroom is next.
Health-wise, I am doing great. My 6 month bloodwork showed that my B-12 level was low and I have been getting weekly injections for the last 4 weeks to get it back to normal. Now I have to have monthly injections to keep it in the normal range. MY testosterone level is still low and I am continuing the hormone injections monthly. No other complaints what-so-ever. I can move furniture, mow lawn, and walk nearly 1 mile now without stopping. Try THAT 8 months ago! Ha!I eat pretty much anything now, but try to limit myself to 1000 calories a day and most of that being protein. I upped my water intake to over a gallon a day and that seems to help. My hair loss has halted also. I am starting to re-grow some of my lost strands. :o)
In other news:
I am boycotting YAHOO. They terminated my email account without reason and then deleted 2 of my support groups. WLS_Cookbook and WLSARK_Issues are gone. All the recipes and files are gone too. Not to mention the members have no idea what happened. I started a new group on MSN and it is 1000% better than YAHOO ever thought of being.
Come and join me there:
http://communities.msn.com/WeightLossSurgerySupportAR/
04-03-2002 -112# OK.. Its plateu time. Been stalled for a month. Dr. Baker said I was doing well, but I could do better. He is giving me a goal to lose 50 lbs in the next 90 days. I have started water rehab and it is pretty fun. My arms and legs are getting stronger. Now if I could only swim. I finally got over my nasty lung stuff which held on for nearly 3 weeks.
03-07-2002 -110# Been dealing with PNEUMONIA for the last week and its driving me nuts! I haven't been able to get outside and walk much cuz its been so difficult to breathe. I did manage to lost another 5 lbs. Hopefully soon I will get back out and about. Next week is 6 MONTHS! already! Wow! WOnder what Dr. Baker is going to say? My Dr. today said I was a success story and that made me feel pretty good.
02-28-2002 Started a new support group today. WLSARK_ISSUES. Got tired of the whining and complaining about flirting and having too much fun on the normal group that I was a part of, so here it is!
02-26-2002 Today am still at -105#. I have been eating more than I should. STRESS is my big enemy right now. Also today, I went to my PCP and found out I have pneumonia and Asthma. (Oh Joy) I thought it was just a cold. I did get a prescription from him to go to a local REHAB facility to start working on toning my floppy skin and getting into a healthier routine. I may even get wet. WooHoo! Fill the pool when I get done! I posted a new PIC today after countless threats on my life. Hope it was worth the wait.
February 12, 2002 5 Months Post 105 lbs gone forever. Today marks 5 months since my surgery. I am feeling a lot better than I have in years. I can walk further than I have in years and I weigh less than I have since 1985! That is something I thought would NEVER/ happen in my lifetime. I know I have been lax in putting up photos. 
I will soon. Until then.... Health, Wealth, and Happiness to you all!
JANUARY 3, 2002 Happy New Year!!! -89 lbs I survived the holidays with only moderate weight loss slowdown. I was able to eat Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner with no ill side effects. I do need to get back on the stick though and start eating right again. I think I am eating too much. I did throw caution to the wind and tried quite a few sugar laden foods with no dumping syndrome. (RATS!) I was hoping to be sugar sensitive.
12-26-01Well my friend CELLULITUS came back to visit me again today. That means another 10 days of antibiotics and general incoherentness... Oh Joy! I like to sleep 20 hours a day... NOT!!! Oh.. BTW... Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
11-13-01 3 Months Post Its official! 80 Lbs Gone Forever! No problems to report. I walked almost 3/4 of a mile on Monday with Sandy! That is totally awesome! I couldn't walk 60 feet 3 months ago without being out of breath! Wooo Hooo!
11-15-01 9 Weeks Post Unofficial loss of 66 lbs. Down to 534. No complaints. Eating almost anything without problems. No sugar or fatty foods. Have a little problem with meat if I dont chew it to a mush consistency. Love my Carnation Instant Breakfast and also poached eggs! Yummmy! On a personal note, I haven't weighed anywhere near 534 lbs since probably 1986.
11-01-01 7 Weeks Post Sorry for the long absence. I took my page down in protest of this site because of a personal conflict. Anyhow, I'm back @ 546 lbs..54 lbs gone forever!
Took a 1 month walkabout from this site.
10-03-01 3 Weeks PostWent for my 3 week follow up with Dr. Baker. I am down 36#. Woo Hoo. I am doing so well he doesnt want to see me back until December. 3 months post! Took out my one little stitch today. It didnt hurt at all. Incision looks good and I feel great!
09-18-01 Day 6 Started soft foods today. My fist endeavor was a Jalapeno Cheddar Popper from Sonic. I handled it well. One was enough to make me full, whereas before surgery a half a dozen was just an appetizer. I am walking a little more each day. Pain is minimal and I am sleeping in my own bed. Only 1 day in the recliner. This is totally Awesome!
09-15-01 Day 3 Breakfast was some thin cram of wheat or some yukky stuff like that. I can't wait for more Jello! My day is becoming routine with Walking and drinking ice water now. Had terrible abdominal pains (from gas) Finally had a BM. Cleared 1/2 of the 3E wing when I did. LOL - Dr. Baker was in at 1:30. I can go HOME!!! WOOHOO!!!
09-14-01 Day 2 Breakfast was some jello chunks... Yummy! I had juice on my tray but was afraid to drink it so I didnt get sick. More walking. Chicken Broth for lunch(tolerated well). More walking today... Dr.Baker had 8 times written on my board for today. Got thru them about 8 PM. PCA taken away at 3 PM, Goodbye my friend!!! I didnt ask for any pain meds until 10:30 PM, and nurse brought 2 percoset. Took both pills and they got stuck. I dont know what was worse, the pain or the pain from the stuck pills.. Dr. Baker says I may go home tomorrow.. (SAT) but I have to pass gas or have a BM. Sandy is hoping against hope that I will have to have a suppository. (Hummm wonder why?)
09-13-01 Day 1 Made it through the night and the brain fog was cleared. Sandy was by my side all night. By now my mouth was getting dry and I was waiting for 1PM like it was time for a first date! I think that the dry mouth is actually the worst part about the surgery. At 1PM, FINALLY!!!! I was allowed ice chips. Mannnn! talk about something that ranks right up there with sex.... Those cold wet chunks were fantastic! I was also required to WALK, WALK, WALK today.. 5 times... First to the hallway, then a bit further, then further yet. Still only moderate pain, but the PCA Morphine helped a lot!
09-12-01 POST OP I don't remember recovery at all, but I guess I was there for 4 hours,waiting on a room. I was taken to my room about 7PM'ish. I really didn't start to be coherent until maybe 9ish. I do remember bits and pieces, but not a lot. About 11:30 PM I was upright with moderate discomfort, but it wasn't unbearable. I took my first walk to the door and back. Thank god for MORPHINE!
09-12-01 SURGERY DAY Reported to Outpatient registration at 9:45AM. Taken to Pre-op holding and prepared for surgery. Sandy and my pastor, Jason and my close neighbors Al and Anne were there. Had trouble with getting IV started. Gave me an injection to dry up secretions. I was calm, but a little scared. I just wanted to get it over with. It was 12:45 by the time I got the call to roll. Wheeled down many long hallways to the OR. In the OR I had to get on the table and get into position, sliding this way, and scooting that way. I felt them strap my legs to the table. THe anesthesiologist to me to take a few deep breaths. There was a problem since I have such a lung capacity, I was sucking the little thing empty and it was cutting off my breathing, so the anesthesiologist held the mask away from my face a little. after about 5 breaths, I was out like a light and don't remember anything up to the point of going to my room.
I was in the OR for 93 min. My surgeon said it was a textbook procedure and I did very well. He would consider my bypass to be a "Medial".
09-11-01
SURGERY RESCHEDULED AND MOVED TO ST VINCENTS
ST VINCENTS MAIN PHONE # IS 501-660-3000.
I have been rescheduled to Noon at St. Vincents due to equipment problems. I have to be at the hospital at 10 AM WED. Sandy will keep you updated.
08-31-01 Sandy, My sweet
ANGEL that I love with all my heart has been using scare tactics, shame, and many other motivations to get people to sign my surgery page! I have nearly 60 now. Wow! Even if you don't know me and signed my page, THANKS!! I know Sandy (Dub in Mafioso voice here) "Made you an offer you couldn't refuse!" LOL!08-30-01 Got paperwork all straightened out. Had my consultation with Dr. Baker and am really impressed with his manner. He is very thorough, tell you like it is, including the bad stuff. I have every confidence in Dr. Bakers' skill as a surgeon. On a more personal note. I am 599.1 lbs today!!! My goal was to be below 600lbs for surgery. I did it!!!YAY!!
08-29-01 Received call from surgeons office today. They lost my PCP referral letter. I have to have my PCP send ANOTHER one. This makes 3. Also, since I didn't have the letter, they were cancelling my consult for tomorrow. Surgeon's office also informed me of a [$235.00] PRE-PAYMENT today, ONE day before it is required.
Word to anyone using Dr. Baker or any surgeon. Make sure you get COPIES of everything that is sent to your surgeon. ASK them to review the paperwork weeks before your consultation date, and lastly ask about any CHARGES that you may have to pay "UP FRONT".
08-25-01 Sandy(OK) came from Tulsa today to go to my WLS_Cookbook get together. We had a great time at McFarlain's in Branson, then went to Table Rock Dam and took a few PICS. She is an angel at heart and she is also my WLS angel too!!!! Thanks Sandy! (((HUGS!!!)))
08-21-01 Received the final paperwork from Dr. Bakers Office today. 9 days to my consultation and Pre-Op Testing. One journey is about to end, and another begin. I have mixed feelings about complications, but am trying to stay positive. I did manage to lose some weight though. I weigh 610!!! 599, here we come!
08-16-01 Added Projected Weight Loss Chart [Click Here]
08-15-01 1 MONTH LEFT TO GO!
08-14-01 Had a bad experience today. Felt a pop sensation in my chest, and got dizzy and lightheaded. Started to sweat, but didnt have any pain or burning like a heart attack or aneurism... hmmm. Called my PCP and he suggested I call 911, which I did. I went to the hospital and after nearly 8 hours of tests and monitoring couldnt find anything. Of course by that time, I felt better anyway. SO I came home.
I have over 70 Members on my WLS_Cookbook site now. Awesome!
07-22-01 Kimmie B from the WLSARK yahoo group made an excellent suggestion today. She remarked that I should put together a cookbook because of my experience with Hi-Pro/Low Carb, Low Fat, and soon to be, WLS. I have the experience to organize this and I need recipe submissions from people that will fit well into this book. I have started a yahoo group called WLS_Cookbook just for this purpose.
07-21-01 Traveled to Little Rock to Dinner and then to a meeting afterward where the guest speaker was none other than my Surgeon, Dr. John Baker. His talk was about post-op maintenance and I thought it was very informative even though I have not had surgery yet. After the meeting was over, Dr. Baker approached me and we talked for several minutes. I find him to be a very kind, caring and compassionate person. Not anything like some of the rumors I have heard. I am totally at ease about my surgery now and am so glad I chose Dr. Baker to be the one to save my life.
07-18-01 I was a zombie all week from the antibiotics. They put me to sleep. I saw the Dr today and he said that I looked good compared to 8 days earlier. He expressed his concern about the bacterial infection. He said that with a white count of 21,000, most people don't wake up. That scared me too. But he gave me his reassurance that I was better and I got my 3rd Testosterone injection. They don't seem to be helping any.
07-11-01 I was discharged late this afternoon. The Dr.s there said I resonded so well to treatment that I could continue my recovery at home. On discharge I found out I had been admitted for all of the following: Acute Bacterial Infection (21,000), Pneumonia or Bronchitus, Cellulitus, Dehydration, and Low Sodium. Holy Cow!!! I was put on oral antibiotics for 7 days. Then I have to go see my Dr.
07-10-01 Overnite my fever spiked at 103.3. Had to go back to the Dr. He immediately put me in the hospital.
07-09-01 Woke up about 5:30 and started getting a fever. That only means 1 thing. CELLULITUS. I waited til 9 AM and called the DR. By then, my fever was already 102+. They had me go to the hospital for bloodwork, then go to the office for 2 Rocephin injections. By 1PM, I was feelin pretty bad.
07-08-01 I felt really tired today. Couldn't figure it out. Slept on and off most of the day.
06-20-01 Second Testosterone Injection. Doesn't seem to be helping.
06-07-01 NOTICE - I HAVE A SURGERY DATE! Sept 12, 2001
05-29-01 Called surgeons office for consult. I figured I had finished all my preliminary steps. They informed me they didn't have labs(I did them 2 months previous). THe misplaced my sleep study results(but found em) and told me that my PCP letter needed re-written to include a key phrase. (Musta missed the verbage for over a month while it sat on her desk). I am gonna call back on 06-01-01 to see if everything is in order again.
05-21-01 I saw my PCP today for first hormone treatment. I opted for shots at first. 1 CC IM. Lets see if it makes a difference after a week or so.
05-21-01 Psych Eval today. It was an hour long interview with a Psychologist. Glad it wasn't a proctologist. Anyhow, everything came out ok. He wrote a great letter to my surgeon. I should be getting a consult date within 3-5 days.
05-08-01 Not a personal update, but just wanted to let everyone know I stopped in Wheeling WV today and saw a kewl dude we call CROW in chat. He and I are gonna be WLS Bro's.
04-30-01 Dr. Reported that my testosterone level was in fact way below normal. Average adult male level is 350-1300. Mine was a mere 102. Might explain some things like moodiness and lack of body hair... Hmm.... Dr. recommends Hormone Replacement Therapy. I have a couple weeks to decide which way to go, shots or topical gel.
04-23-01 Cellulitus is finally gone. PCP gives me a clean bill of health on the leg. I asked the Dr. to check my testosterone level since I heard that many obese males have a deficient hormone level.
04-08-01 I don't remember much about yesterday, I was asleep the whole day. Fever of 103.4 all day kept me pretty much out of it. Fever finally broke early this morning and I am still sweating it out of my system. I am still very tired.
04-07-01 2AM - Started to feel weird, fever set in, within 45 minutes my temp was over 102.3. I knew exactly what it was so I headed to the emergency room. Diagnosis:Cellulitis. They gave me an injection of Rocephin(sp) and sent me home.
04-05-01 Sleep study went well, Althought I didn't sleep much, but when do I ever. The overseer said there was only one incident where I stopped breathing for like 5 seconds. The worst(or best) classification I may get is mild sleep apnea.
03-22-01 Sleep Lab called and bumped my study up 2 weeks to 04-04-01. Yippie!!
03-11-01 Went to orientation for sleep study. Scheduled for 04-17-01.
03-02-01 Dr. Baker sent a request for a sleep study. Routine check to see if I have sleep apnea.
02-24-01 Drove 2 hours to meet Amanda and Kimmie for a breakfast meeting of WLSARK. I figured this was going to be one of the few times that I would get to a support meeting as a PRE. By the way... Where was the rest of y'all?
02-22-01 Finally snapped back to reality and realized that in 2 months I will be on my way to a new me! Subscribed to WLSARK Egroup on Yahoo. Started Hi-Protien Lo-Carb Diet to help lose a little before surgery.
02-20-01 Talked to Dr. Bakers office today. 6-8 weeks wait for just an initial consult date. The wind has been knocked right out of my sails. -sigh- Thanks for all your support anyway.
02-06-01 Took a little trip with mom to visit Tammy in Alabama! I have a new friend for life!
02-01-01 Dr. Bakers office sent forms in mail to complete.
01-29-01 Dr. Bakers Staff replied and sent me all the info I need to start the process.
01-25-01 E-mailed Dr. Baker in Little Rock AR. to enquire about WLS.
01-24-01 Visited my PCP and told him I was interested in WLS. He listened to what I had to say. Wrote the referral without question!
About MeI'm now 38 and sooo ready to start my life anew by undertaking a journey into Weight Loss Surgery. I have battled the bulge for decades as did all other obese and morbidly obese people. Our stories are similar. My story includes being "heavy" from early childhood. A state the some people call babyfat. Of course, I never grew out of it, but rather was just getting started. By age 5 I was 90 lbs. High School was 300 lbs. and at 32 years of age, I weighed a staggering 742.5 lbs. Growing up was the hardest. Being ridiculed and humiliated by classmates. In a way though, it helped mold me into who I am today, so I guess a "thank you" of sorts is in order.
After going on several diets, I found one that really seemed to work until I had a stressful situation and then it would fly out the window. The Hi Pro-Lo Carb was the best for me.
July 1998 I was at 550 lbs. 192 lbs lighter and boy did I feel good about myself.
I had a major catastrophe August 1998 when my mother had a spinal stroke and was paralyzed from the waist down. Right then the stress eating impulse took ahold of me and hasn't let go. I instantly became a caregiver and little did I know the stresses that were involved. Over two years has passed and mom can now stand with a walker, but I am still taking care of her. She's my mom. What did you expect?
As of this writing I am now at 625 and holding. It has been a hard road and it seems as though there are so many obstacles to face. My mind is the biggest of those.
Now on to a lil more of what makes me, me!
Hobbies:
Computers!- What did you expect to be first? Pressing flowers? LOL. Mostly I like to browse, and recently I have begun my webmaster career by doing a page for a local industrial firm. I really like HTML programming.
www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cooking-live/marks-awesome-chicken-sandwich-recipe/index.html
Auctions!- Well if I can buy it for 2 bux instead of 25, you betcha I'm goin to auctions!! My last awesome buy was a 300.00 cash register for 20 bux!. SOLD!
Movies!- I love to watch movies. Action/Adventure are my favorites, followed by Sci-Fi and Comedy. HITS: Toy Story I & 2, Mission Impossible I & II, Godzilla, Lethal Weapon I-IV, Star Wars, Dune and Lost In Space. MISS's:The Gods Must Be Crazy I & II(whats up wit dat?), Candyman, Wolfen, Critters, Arachniphobia and I thought The Blair Witch Project was about as stupid as they get. Along with Chucky, Bride of Chucky, Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween...
Traveling-I love to go places and meet people! I have been to 42 of the 50 states and plan on seeing them all! Maybe even see other countries, who knows.
I hope to be able to fit in a theatre seat again. I want to go to the IMAX theatre and experience an 80' screen!
I also hope to fit in a booth at a Restaurant someday too. I am tired of having to look for chairs without sides and worry about those skimpy rattan things. I'm sure most of you understand accessability issues obese people face. Its no fun!
Wok in Progress.. Check back soon
The following song is taken from the movie Aladdin. It is dedicated to all of my friends walking beside me on this journey of self discovery, before, during and after surgery. It truly is a whole new world.
A Whole New WorldI can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky
A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you
A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me
REMOVED CHART 1-3-2002
Photos
 610 Aug 25, 2001 - Yep.. Its me! Don't you wish YOU looked as good! in an Obesityhelp T-Shirt :o) |
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 440 Post op 3 years 1 week - On Cruise to Montego Bay, Jamaica Sept 22, 2004 |
Surgeon Info & observations:
Surgeon: John W. Baker M.D.
Surgeon: Aug. 2001 - Have not seen Dr. Baker Yet officially. I did get to meet him briefly at a "maintenance" seminar he held recently at Barnes & Noble. (July 2001) It was my impression that he seemed kind, caring, attentive to detail and expects compliance from his patients. So far I am satisfied with Dr. Baker. Consultation is Aug. 30 at 8:30 AM.
Dr. John W. Baker Visit Dr. Bakers Website [Click Here]
08-30-01 Met with Dr Baker for consultation. He is very thorough and really takes an interest in me as a person. I have heard horror stories about him and in my case, they are simply not true.
Dr Baker's Staff:
Feb 2001: - Office staff quickly emailed me forms to complete and tests to have done before my initial consultation. Staff is very congenial on the phone and makes you feel at ease.
Updated Aug 29, 2001 - Staff called to inform me that my paperwork was not in order and that they needed a letter from my PCP stating that I had been under care for weight loss for at least two years. This letter was actually FAXED to them on or around June 1, 2001. They misplaced it.... AGAIN!
I recommend to anyone that they get personal copies of ALL correspondence with their PCP and surgeon so that last minute oversights can be avoided.
I was also told about a $235.00 PRE-PAYMENT to the surgeons office today. I dont have that kind of money on such short notice.
I was able to arrange that payment be made in a few days. BE AWARE!! You may have to make some sort of payment up front. ASK! ASK! and ASK again!!!
*NOTE* This is just my experience with Dr.'s staff. I know they are busy people and have lots of patients to deal with, but you would think that they would have a better way of dealing with incoming paperwork.
St Vincents Hospital After Baptist had problems with my bed being broken, I was switched to St. Vincent's. I would have received good care at either facility, but in my opinion, I got EXCELLENT care at St. Vincents. The Nursing staff is top notch and the aides were also well versed in caring for a bariatric patient. Thanks to everyone at St. Vincents.
Hi Iola!!(The Best Nurse next to Sandy!)
Insurer Info:
medicare