Rebeccac
Hi, I'm Rebecca and I'm overweight. I've read a lot of profiles on this site... and most of them are the same... always been overweight. I can't say yes or no to that. When I was little - I thought I was like everyone else. It wasn't until the 2nd grade that my weight was pointed out to me by the other kids. I had always been taller than the other kids, so naturally I was heavier too. My first diet was when I was in the 4th grade. A couple of weeks after school started - my teacher, Mrs. Lindsey - thought it would be a good idea if she and I had a lose weight competition. The whole class was in on it. The object was to see who had lost the most weight by the end of the school year. If we had something that was not allowed, we had to put a quarter in a jar that was kept on her desk - so there was no way to hide it from the other kids. (Funny thing was, I never had money to put in the jar - when I did cheat. I wasn't given an allowance - just lunch money.) Well - at the end of the year - we split the money in the jar... I don't know who lost weight... we never weighed. That was my first diet... and a long line of diets... mine consited of: controlling food intake, diet pills, laxatives, Mayo clinic diet, grapefruit diet, Chinese Tea Diet, Starvation - did a little damage to the heart this way, Doctor/Counsler diet - Fit for Life/based on Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Diebetic Diet. The Fit for Life was my only "Pay to Lose" diet..... never could afford the Weight Watchers, Jenny Craid, Nutrisystem, Optifast... diets.
Crazy thing, I just measured my height and I am now 5' 8" not 5' 9" - guess I shrunk. My weight is 258. So, I guess that makes my BMI higher than the 38.1 that is shows for the taller height. I'll make sure I keep adjusting the BMI, as my weight fluctuates.
I have a loving husband and 2 beautiful children, ages 4 & 2. I love my family with all my heart and soul. That is why I want to have WLS.
I've been kicking it around for awhile. But I must admit that my real interest did not start until I met someone that was going through all the approval process and then had the surgery and another person that is on the road to WLS. (Thanks Robby Ward & Heather Woods) Unfortunately, I've since lost contact with him and do not know his progress..... I had hoped to see him here.
I have type 2 diabetes - diagnosed in 2001. I'm on 2 oral meds and sliding scale for insulin - when needed.
I have PCOS ( Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) with Endometriosis - I've had laproscopic surgery to blast my ovaries and remove scar tissue due to the PCOS and Endo. (Surgery in 1998)
I have a shot out back with Scoliosis- I had surgery in 1994 to remove my L3 & L5 discs - Dr. left the L4 - which is now causing me problems.
When I became pregnant in 2001 - my ob/gyn helped me get pregnant, difficult even after surgery, by prescribing Cholomid - Because of the PCOS. God Blessed us with our Wonderful little princess in 2002 and in 2004, additional prescription help from Metformin, our Wonderful little Prince was born. Both came via C-Section 1st was 6 weeks early the 2nd was 4 weeks early - both because of complications from my diabetes. They are 2 years and 5 days apart. Both in March.
I've been hospitalized for my high blood pressure - to get it stablized.
I've had my Gallbladder removed - did anyone know that Diabetics present pain differently than non-diabetics... I didn't.
I've started having chest tightness and fluttering heartbeat. In June 2006, my Endocrinologist heard my heart murmmer for the first time, I knew I had one. Due to this and the symptoms I was telling her about - she scheduled a Nuculear Stress Test for me to do... the results have come back negative, everything looked good.
My knees, feet and ankles are hurting and I love to go Nature Hiking with the kids. My back and hips hurt constantly.
I don't know where to go from here - where do I start. I want to live! I want to watch my kids grow and grow old with my husband.
August 7th, 2006
Thanks to the replies on the Georgia Forum Board. I have contacted the insurance company via email, today. Requesting a copy of benenfits and asking if they cover WLS. Once I have that information, I should then know which way to go after that.
I know that my insurance is AETNA Choice POS II, so I'm going to go back to the insurance section and review other OH members that have Aetna to see if they have this type. I know on the back of my card in bold letters it states "REFERRALS ARE NOT REQUIRED" - hope that is true. Two small children and dragging them to the doctors office is not fun.
Speaking of which - went and had blood drawn today. My Endocrinologist appointment is Monday the 14th. Hope to hear something from AETNA by then and will see if she will my doctor of support.
August 8th, 2006
I received an email from Aetna today.
They told me the following:
The procedure addressed in your 08/07/2006 e-mail must be precertified by our Patient Management area. If your doctor does not precertify this procedure, your benefits could be reduced or denied. Please have your doctor contact Aetna's Patient Management area at the number for precertification listed on your member ID card. Coverage will be based on your plan benefits and Aetna's clinical criteria. For details on clinical criteria see Clinical Policy Bulletin #0157, which you can access online at http://www.aetna.com: Select Members: public information, next select Health Coverage Information, then Clinical Policy Bulletins.
I did what they suggested and I have found out they will cover it as long as it's medically necessary and they had the criteria >40 BMI or >35 BMI with Co-Morbities (I got 2). They also want a 6month doctor supervised diet or a 3 month, some other type of diet.
I plan on printing this information out along with the 6 month diet plan, that a wonderful OH member is going to fax me - to see if my Endocrinologist - whom I go to see August 14th - will be my Doctor Angel and if the diet I have been following will be considered part of the 6 month diet...... I've bee doing this since the beginning of 2005 and I've lost no "Real" weight and what had been lost has come back 2 fold. We'll see.
August 14th, 2006
Well - had my appointment with my Endocrinologist. She is a wonderful doctor.
Let's start with test results:
A1C - 6.3 (excellent control of diabetes)
Cholesterol - all well below "bad" levels...the only thing is the LDL or good Cholesterol was 87 for a diabetic it should be under 70 - for a normal person under 150.
Urine - Negative for Protein (No Kidney Problems)
Well, after all that I then began on the weight issue. She said that I was down 1 pound but my blood pressure was creeping back up. The bottom number was in the "high" range. I told her all that I was doing to keep my weight steady and not gain but to try and loose weight and nothing was working. I told her that I wanted to talk to her about something and she asked, "What Nutri-system?" I told her "No"... "Then Medifast?" ... I told her "No"... I told her Weight Loss Surgery.... She looked at me and wanted to know why I was afraid to ask her about that? Was she that scary of a doctor...... ? I laughed, I told her I wanted to bring it up at the June appointment but wanted to see what the new BP medicine would do for me. She said that I was a good canidate for WLS. That I was a good record keeper and that I knew how to follow directions. (Sounds like school) She said she would write my letter and get me started on the 6 month diet. I see the nutritionist on Friday the 18th, to start my journey.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
She gave me the name of a Surgeon out of the Emory Clinic, Dr. Leena Khaitan, as a recommendation. She said to start looking for surgeons, gain knowledge and to pick my surgeon.
She is also sending me to a Cardiologist to have some additional tests run on my heart - even though the Stress Test came back normal.... I have now increased knowledge of family medical history and she wants to make sure that my large amount of breast tissue did not block any scans. So, I've got to make an appointment for them.
Off to fix dinner for the kids..... yum Squash Casserole.
August 17th, 2006
Well, I went ahead and started a FOOD LOG. I know that the nutritionist is going to have me keep one. I thought I would get the cart before the horse and get some practice. Made one up on excel and it's working quite well.
It's amazing! I'm documenting the food I'm eating and to me it does not seem like I'm overeating. I eat healthy foods. Love veggies, Don't fry food - only bake, grill or roast meats. I try to make sure that the meals are well balanced - being that I'm diabetic. I stopped drinking Diet Soda's, almost a month ago. I only drink water and Crystal Lite. Dear hubby works for a Major Food Supplier/Distributor and we get Crystal Lite, South Beach Food Products, Cheese, Oscar Myer Meats and anything they carry for pennies on the dollars. I'm making sure we have the proper fruit/veggie allowances, breads, Dairy - you know the food pyramid... limiting the Fat and Sweet section.
I've been doing this "slowly" since I found out I was diabetic in 2001.
I try to be a good example for my 2 little ones and to my husband, who is a sneak eater like my daughter. My son would eat meat and veggie/fruit/nuts only, if that is what I gave him. If the kids get "treats" and he doesn't eat his in a timely fashion - my daugter will pick up his slack.... I get on to her all the time with this. I don't want her to have a bad self image by me doing this - but I also don't want her to go through all that I went through as a child, youth, teenager, young adult and adult.
That is why I want WLS - I want to be able to fully lead by example. I want to show the best choices. I want to show the energy to be active. I want this before either of my children begin to have problems and then start doing the vicious cycle of yo-yo dieting. The gene pool is also not on their side and I also want them to get a leg up on that too. Try to overcome the genetics that the families have passed on to them. I think that that can only be done by my losing weight, getting healthy and developing a positive self-image of myself.
Next week my children will be going to the dentist for the very first time. That should be fun. Made sure to schedule them on different days. My husband and I have our appointments in September. He is such a "Wuss" when it comes to the dentist. My daughter offered to hold her big bad daddy's hand.... what a loving 4 1/2 year old.
I've still got to make my cardiologist appointment... I'm scared and I know that I will have to. My Endocrinologist said that she wanted all documentaion of the vist and any test results sent to her. So, I know that she will have the nutritionist to be on me about it.
Well enough rambling - off to fix lunch. Does anyone realize that sometimes our lives our run by food...... Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner, Snack... then get up and do it all over again.... sometimes I eat when I'm not even hungry... because it's part of the cycle.
August 18th, 2006
Well had my first appointment with the nutritionist. I think it was eye opening and informative. I took her my food log from this week... she said that I was making all the correct food choices to be losing weight. She tweaked my food amounts and gave me guide lines. I've got to do 150 minutes of cardio/aerobic excerise a week. So, I'm now on a 1700 calorie diet. Hope this is what Aetna is looking for.
Will be looking to go to a seminar soon........ just got to figure out who I want to go to first.... also nervous about $$$$. How much out of pocket this is going to be.
August 20th, 2006
Got back from church and made a really nice salad: Iceburg Lettuce, Spinich, Carrots, Cucumbers, Shredded Chedder Cheese, Ranch Dressing with Roasted Chicken on the side and each of us got 5 crackers. I was surprised - the kids ate the lunch and so did the Hubby. With no complaining. I am determined to make this work. I'm just wondering..... what happens if I do loose weight on this mandated diet and the insurance company will not approve WLS... because I've lost weight? I wonder if that has ever happened to anyone.
Oh - Joke time: My father doesn't like to drink water because he says that his "Pipes" might rust.... well, I've found out the more water you drink - the more you Pee..... therefore, no time for the "PIPES" to rust. ( As I sit here typing this I have 16+ ounces of water in front of me .... and take a drink)
Had a scary Low Sugar last night..... I was laying there sweating and I mean sweating bad.... the bed was soaked, pillow, bed clothes.... and I kept thinking "I need to wake my husband up".... then I was like no I'm not that bad..... then my heart starts pounding.... then I'm shaking......... then I'm like no, I'm not that bad... It will pass..... I don't know how long it was before I called out to my husband.... all I know is that I could FEEL the sweat pop from my skin.... even the bottom of my feet..... man this has got to be bad...... I had gone to bed with a SUGAR High of 298... took my oral meds and a Insulin shot... because I was high...... hubby brought my kit.... check he had to check the sugar for me...... 50!!! my reaction was for lower than 50 ...... body must be fighting.... pancreas must not be completely shot....... hubby get snack to increase sugar...... we go back to bed..... this morning I couldn't figure out why I went low.....298 and the amount of insulin should not have caused it....looked at my reading history.... 228....... I had given my self 20 units to much..... was having trouble reading last night.... and over medicated........ at one point I was ready to just let my body do what it was going to do.... but thank God, something made me call out to the hubby..... it wasn't my body fighting it was my body shutting down..... I may have been at 50 but by the time my hub got there with the snack... he was in a panic.... I now realise I was going lower... I was shaking so bad that I almost had to ask to have him feed me....I HATE DIABETES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sept 1st, 2006
Well, almost 2 weeks on the official diet and my scale is not budging. I went to the PCOS forum board and some people are having trouble losing weight even after surgery, due to the PCOS. I pray that if the WLS does go through, that I won't have this problem.
My hubby has been doing the diet along with a partial for the kids. My hub has lost 9 pounds and my daughter is fitting into some little booty jeans.... the son - clothes are getting bigger. We've been going to the local city park and state park for walks and hikes. When we go to the city park... the kids get to play on the playground while my hubby and I walk the track around the playground... We go the local state park and do nature hiking - they've got some great hike/bike trails. They are marked really well... giving distance and estimated hike time and difficulty. We've even bought hand weights for when we do the city park walks.
Great news - I found my friend, Robby Ward, on this site. I've emailed him and hopefully he will email me back with how he's doing with his WLS.
Sept 8th 2006
Well, tomorrow my hubby and I will be attending our first seminar on WLS @ Obesity Solutions in Gainesville Georgia. I've reveiwed what other WLS patients here on OH have said about Obesity Solutions and the surgeons - Dr. Proctor and Dr. Richards, and it seems to be all positive. I've looked into Seminars with Athens Georgia and also Suwanee/Atlanta - the Gainesville is looking more for me, because I'm familiar with Gainesville and if this is the right place for me - I and family will not have to deal with ATLANTA TRAFFIC..... HATE IT!!!!!! I'd rather drive a further distance with no traffice, along country roads than a shorter distance in massive traffic.... but we will see if I like their program.
I'm staying on the diet (an occasional badness happening! ;) )
My sugar levels are great, the best that they have been since my last pregnancy. But no weight loss.... My next nutritionist appointment is Monday 11, 2006. Might update tomorrow or Monday.... just depends on time - my aunt (my daughter's God-mother) is up from Florida this weekend and everyday is booked.
LOVE HER!!!!! Going to a SPA for a message after the Seminar, on Saturday. Going to church, grandparents (grandparents day) and then to Stone Mountain on Sunday to ride the train - my son loves choo-choo's.... but what 2 year old boy doesn't. So, the weekend is full - surprised that I can get on the computer now and update - CRAZY.
September 12th 2006,
Well - hubby and I went to the seminar on Saturday. I was nervous. I didn't know what to expect but yet did know what to expect. The other attendees looked just as nervous as I and my husband did. I didn't sleep the night before, maybe 30 minutes after my husband got home from work - 3rd shifter on overtime 6th day - he was pooped. I was on edge and HUNGRY..... following the insurance recommended diet. We all were called in - very nice hospital - and we found our seats and everyone watched a short video - it featured Carnie Wilson. (Even though she has ended up on Celebrity Fit Club 4 - she is still an inspiration) The doctor got up (Dr. Proctor) did a slide presentation on the RnY and the Lap Band. We had question and answer time with him and then with 2 of the office personell that deal with insurance issues.
Now that I have decided to go ahead with the surgery, I don't think I will be going anywhere else - unless insurance mandates it.
Went to the nutritionist on Monday - No surprise here for me - I gained 2 pounds. I took her my food and blood chart logs. She reviewed them and asked some questions - told her I was following the diet, doing as much exercise as I could get in and trying to drink the recommended water/fluid intake. She said she could tell - with my hubby losing 9 pounds, my food log and my blood sugar log it showed that I was doing what was required. My blood sugars have been the best since I was last pregnant. She said that sometimes weight loss shows up in ways other than "weight loss". Personally I think that is the only measure of weight loss is weight loss, everything else is a perk to it. But what do I know - it's only my body. So, I'm to stay on the diet for the next 4 weeks until check in time and then she will see about or if there needs to be any changes - but she is positive that I will start losing weight. Oh - and my blood pressure was down, just a little bit.
Well, today was a new day and I was feeling really bummed about the whole weekend and Monday's visit... I've been drinking diet sodas and eating no-no's. But the no-no's where Healthy choices for no-no's just not what is recommended. Just thought I would have to fess up to this deviation to the diet. But, one thing that I fear is losing weight and not being eligible to have WLS... but I also know that I won't lose the weight because my body won't allow it.
Off to fix dinner for me and hubby - already fed the kids - turkey pot pie with side of celery and peanut butter...... boy my kids are troopers too. We are having Tuna and Stewed tomatoes on Whole Wheat Tortia's - sound good? Bye.
PS - that Spa Massage that I was to get - didn't happen - got in there and had trouble getting up on the table - they had no step stools - then they wanted me to be able to lie on my back then roll over to my stomach with the foot of the bed being elevated higher than the head of the table - can I say I have had back surgery and there was no way in HELL that I was going to be able to do that - plus the look on her face when she first met me as her client was not a happy look - OH GOD I GOT THE FAT ONE! That didn't make the issues any easier for me. She looked so releaved to not have to perform the Massage on me..... after going out and cancelling the appointment I went out called my hubby and just about cried outside on their sidewalk - Went to Old Navy and spent money on my hub, kids and kid brother. Still didn't make me feel any better.
SPA SYDEL - in Gwinnett County near Gwinnett Place Mall should anyone want to know.
Sept 13th 2006 -
Thought I would try and add a ticker - 
Sept 18th 2006
I've had the packet from the surgeons seminar for a week now. I haven't filled it out - nervous. Why should I be nervous, this is something that I need and want to do.
My husband I've told (of course) and my youngest brother (because he lives with us) and 2 friends know of my decision. I also had to tell an Aunt and cousin, didn't want to but it was a back against the wall kind of thing. I almost told my grandparents this weekend - but nervous - don't know how they will take it. I guess I kind of want to keep it to myself for a little while and let the reality of my decision sink in. I might start filling out the paperwork this weekend.
Oct 2nd 2006
Well, I haven't filled the paperwork out. It must be a mental thing. I know where it is and I know that I need to do it. But, I'm scared.... of NO. That is the worst fear for me - hearing the word NO.
Things are not going well - the diet - I'm having a hard time following it. Maybe I'm in denial. Maybe it's sabotage - to myself. All I know is - I'm getting worse..... this past 2 weeks my children have been sick - you know tag teaming it - well/sick/well/sick - I haven't been getting proper sleep and not able to eat like I should - I'm so tired I've just been grabbing and going. I have made an effort to get them out of the house and back to walking .... which helps. The only thing is my weight is going up... my feet hurt, my RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) is getting worse, my body hurts - arms, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and my back - it is constant... my husband can't even touch my old back surgery scar without me trying to scream. My sugars that were doing well with the diet are back to be bouncy... but still controlled. I'm just really tired and tired of being fat and everything that goes with being fat.
October 9th, 2006
Well this has been a week. I'm not getting sleep and my stress level is through the roof. My oldest (younger) brother got himself locked back up - stupid stupid stupid!!!!!! Then a long time family friend and female companion to my father for 2 years (Mom died 3 years ago) passed away yesterday. SHE WAS ONLY 40 YEARS OLD!!!!! Complications from Double Pnuemonia. She has 3 children, 22 years 20 years and 18 years old... and 4 grandchildren. She had no insurance - nothing to her name but the few things she did have.... she was just building herself and her family back up from a really bad relationship that my parents were helping her come out of - when my mom died - then my dad just kind of took over, then the just developed a relationship out need. Now, she's gone and my dad is having a hard time dealing. Which means that I'm having a hard time because I have to be watching out for him - he's not in great health. I've got the help of my middle brother (Younger) but there is so much he can help with, he has mental issues that he is dealing with himself. My youngest brother is having to work through his first real "break up" and that adds to my stress - because he and the girlfriend broke up and then on Saturday her parents kicked her out of her home - she had no place to go.... so she's currently traveling to Boston to live with her biological father. I'm worried for her and my brother is dealing with the break up and feeling guilty for her situation and .... I could keep rambling.... STRESS STRESS STRESS....
Well, today was my 3rd nutritionist appointment ..... Gained no weight but lost none either. She's brought me down to a 1500 calorie diet, 100 ounces of water and 180 minutes of exercise a week. So, I'll give this a go. She documented about my stress and lack of sleep - my sugars are under control but higher than the last visit. She did say that that could also be causing me to not loose and not gain. Well off I go to get the kids in bed.... and pray that they stay asleep so that I can get some SLEEP.
The Viewing is tomorrow and the Funeral Service is Wednesday. She will be cremated and her ashes will be interned at the cemetary where her infant son was buried 24 Years ago.
Linda Davis - October 8th, 2006