sue2
My name is Susan and I live in Lake City Michigan. I had my surgery at MMPC. I have a wonderful and very supportive group of friends and family who are just waiting for the surgery date to arrive. I too, am waiting very patiently. Hopefully I will hear within the next two weeks. All the paperwork and testing has been completed at this point and I am getting very anxious.
I was denied after the first letter because I did not have the Multidisciplinary Diet Regimen, with Dietitians, Exercise classes, Behavor classes and it needed to be supervised by a physician.
I am now attending these classes and will be through with them October 4, 2005. I am really glad that I am attending. I have a much better idea of what needs to be done to follow through with the entire program without failure.
I was discouraged with the denial but have changed my attitude after just 4 weeks of the program. I am really learning and enjoying all aspects of it.
When the program is completed MMPC will resubmit the required program and the denial letter and we will keep our fingers crossed for an approval and a date for the surgery.
On October 4, 2005 I completed my 12 week program with a loss of 35 pounds. I have had a wonderful time in the program. I learned lots of good information. The wonderful Roylynn (MMPC's Insurance Specialist) turned all of the information required to AETNA on October 5, 2005 and I am now waiting for the banner that says "You are Approved". I will then start my new journey to a healthier way of life.
Today is October 28, 2005 and I received my AETNA approval today. I am very happy. I will find out soon what else I need and also get a surgery date. I have waited a very long time for this and I will have many emotions during the next few weeks and with the support of my friends here I am sure I will have a successful time starting my new life. This surgery will be nothing short of a miracle for me and I will be forever gratful for good health and a slimmer body.
November 4, 2005 and still waiting for the surgery scheduler to call with a surgery date. I am hoping that it will be soon. I have a couple of post surgical meetings at MMPC prior to the surgery and also the two week preparatory diet program. I have tried all of the food and have not found any that wasn't good. I liked them all.
Well here we are on November 7, 2005. I received a call from Renee at MMPC and I HAVE A DATE. I have two appointments on November 23, 2005 with the Dietitian and with the Exercise Guy...Andy. Then on December 1, 2005 I have a meeting with Todd who is a PA to discuss the surgery procedure and he will give me preparatory information. Then on December 7, 2005 my husband and I will travel to Blodgett Hospital to stay in the Hospitality House there and prepare for my surgery on December 8, 2005. I am now officially NERVOUS. I know I want to do this. I'm not really worried about death, but I am worried about the pain, hair loss, and vomiting. It has been a long process and I am glad that the waiting is coming to an end. I am really ready to get on with a new thinner life style.
I am learning that I cannot control people's reactions to this type of alternative. All I am doing is living my life. Whatever emotion they are feeling due to that is beyond my control. This is something that I am doing for myself.
GUESS WHAT?
1) Husband will no longer have to cut my toe nails.
2) I will be able to cross my legs.
3) I can say Good bye to the double chin.
4) I can go to Victoria Secret for something other than body lotion.
5) I am going to enjoy walking without pain.
6) I can start doing the Salsa Dance with Hubbie
7) I will become free from some of the medication that I have to take now.
8) I will potentially be adding years to my life...for the obvious reasons!
9) I will have less swelling in my hands and feet.
10) I will have more energy to expend with my new granddaughter Ana.
I had my meeting with the Dietitian and the Exercise Guy on November 23, 2005. Supplements were given and with Thanksgiving the next day, we were allowed to start on Friday, November 25. I started on the 24th because Thanksgiving was not going to be a big family affair. I really need to stay right with the program..."I am an adult and I want to take responsibility. It is all about discipline. Create a routine and move forward with whatever it takes". I have already lost 36 pounds according to the nurse. What a relief. They are gone and will never return. I started at 297 and I am now at 259 and losing.....I haven't even had the surgery yet. Waaa Hoo.....
December 1, 2005 - Had a meeting with Todd the PA at MMPC and he said I was doing wonderfully. I have lost another 2.6 pounds making my total loss since the first weigh in to 38 pounds. He also indicated that my surgery was still on...he really laughed at that. Yes, December 8, 2005 is coming soon. Only 7 more days and believe me, I am counting.
My husband Mike is retired from Carquest in Stockbridge, MI. He is the best man a woman could want. I am so lucky to have him in my life and I treasure every minute I have with him. Thank you Babe for all your support!! I love you!!
I dedicate these song lyrics to my Husband, Mike, He is my strength amd my HERO...
I've changed my hair, my clothes, almost
Everything about myself
I can't believe I tried to be somebody I'm not
For someone else, yeah
*It took finding you to finally understand
What it's like to be loved for who I am*
Me, that's all I have to give
What you get is what she see, yeah
No second guessing, no pretending
With you, all I ever have to be is me
I can laugh or cry, don't have to hide
The way I feel
Rain or shine, by my side proving we've got
A love that's real
An old pair of jeans or an evening gown
You still see the same girl that you found
Me, that's all I have to give
What you get is what you see, yeah
No second guessing, no pretending
With you, all I ever have to be is me
Me, that's all I have to give
What you get is what you see, yeah
No second guessing, no pretending
With you, all I ever have to be is me
All I ever need to be, yeah
All I ever need to be is me
December 8, 2005 - the big day came and I was prepared. I woke up in the recovery room wanting water...Go Figure.....I survived and then went up to a room. I had blood pressure problems and low blood hemoglobin. Had to have 4 pints of blood after then took me to ICU. I stayed there for three days and then returned to the 4th floor where I felt much better and walked and walked. I went home on December 12, 2005 and have been doing very well. I put on lots of weight with all of the fluid. About 28 pounds which removed itself very fast once I was home and drinking water and doing what the doctors told me. When I went to my two week appointment on December 22, 2005 I had lost another 6.8 pounds. Randy the PA said that was wonderful and to keep up the good work.
I am now in Phase 2 of the program. Carrie the Dietitian gave me back some very nice foods to try. I am having trouble getting all the food in. I had to make other choices and return to Supplement Soup for some of the meals and then add just some of the other things. It was just too much food. I am still getting in at least 50-60 grams of protein and 64 ounces of water each day. Doesn't leave much time for anything else...Hope that this gets to be less of a job...
I have another appointment with Dr. Kemmeter on January 3, 2006. I will post later.
January 3, 3005 - Had my 4 week appointment with Dr. Kemmeter. He was amazed about my weight loss....Down another 10.6 pounds making my total loss from surgery at 17 pounds and from August 1, 2005 I have a total loss of 59 pounds. I am eating some of the other foods now and feel wonderful. The addition of fish and chicken had increased my energy level.
I joined Curves on January 6, 2005 and am going 3 times per week. What a fun program....The people there are great too. A big variety of exercise..just what I need.
I have another appointment on the 19th of January to see the PA, the Dietitian and Andy the Exerciese guy. This will be my 6 week appointment. I am hoping for good luck on that day... Will post later.
I had my 6 week appointment on January 19, 2006. I was down another 10.6 pounds. I have lost a grand total since the beginning in August of 2005 of 67.4 pounds. I am feeling wonderful and hope this continues. I really need to try to eat slower. I am finding that it really helps but the food is always cold. Thank goodness for the microwave. Will post later.
2/25/06 - I have my 3-month appointment on March 15, 2006. I will be seeing the PA, Dietitian and the Exercise Guy. I am very pleased about all that has transpired in my journey so far. Going to Curves for exercise has been a very big part of my weight loss. I started there January 16, 2006 and have lost 18.75 inches from all areas of the body, waist, bust, hips, thighs, and arms. My body fat is also down by 2.10 percent. The grand total since the beginning is now 80 pounds. Since the surgery it is 42 pounds and since the trim program from August 1st through October 4, 2005 I have lost the balance of 38. I will post later.
3/15/06 - I attended my appointment at MMPC with the dietitian, PA and Andy the Exercise Guy. They were all very happy with the results of the three months. I have now lost a total of 89.6 pounds and the measurements are really surprising....18 inches off abdomen and 16 inches off my waist. I have increased my exercising to everyday. I am using the bike and treadmill on the days I am not attending Curves. I have never felt better in my life. I have a new journey and I can only thank all of the staff at MMPC for helping make this possible. I will post later. I am only three pounds away from being under 200 pounds. I am really doing the happy dance.
4/17/06 - Well I have made it. I am under 200 pounds in fact, I have hit 191.4 pounds. I am really happy. I am now at a loss of 101.2. I can hardly wait to see my old friends at my previous job. We are planning a little get together for later this month or in the middle of May. I have my next appointment with MMPC June 20, 2006 for my 6 month evaluation. I will only have to return to check in in one year after that. I will miss all the smiling faces and I will be on my own with respect to questions. Thankfully I have a wonderful support group to help me with any questions and to also give me support. I will post later about my next appointment.
6/10/06 - I am now at 181.3 and am anxiously awaiting the 6 month appointment scheduled for June 20, 2006. I have heard many comments regarding my weight loss from looking haggered to looking wonderful and so on. I can only say that this was the only true accomplishment I have ever made just for myself. I am finally enjoying my new life and also the comments. I just smile and think of the hard work involved in getting where I am today. I will post more after the June 20th appointment.
7/1/06 - I had my appointment on June 20, 2006. My weight was at 179 and that means I have lost 118 pounds. I have never felt so wonderful. As I am getting older, I am grateful that my body works so well. Both my parents did not age well at all. Their bodies did not last or work longer that their 50's. They were both very ill during the last years of their lives. I am so appreciative that I am able to really live again in a body that is so physically independent. Thanks to MMPC for that chance.
November 4, 2006. Things are wonderful with me. I am now at 157 and still losing in smaller amounts but it is still coming off. I hope to be at my goal of 140 by the end of this year. I have an appointment with Dr. DeNick in Ypsilanti on December 12, 2006 for a consultation on my tummy tuck. I can only keep my fingers crossed that I don't have any problems with insurance. Dr. does not think I will based on my information regarding rashes, etc. I will be posting more after the consultation and after my December 21, 2006 one year appointment with MMPC.
December 21, 2006 was my one year check-up. I am now at 155 pounds from my original weight . I am feeling wonderful. I am so glad that this surgical procedure was performed. It has truly been a blessing. My appointment was cancelled on December 12th with Dr. DeNick. Freezing rain was the reason. I will be rescheduling this appointment after the first of January 2007. I want to lose another 25 pounds too. Don't want to get the tuck too soon. I will post later regarding this. Thanks for listening....and a huge thanks to Threasa Wagner....she is such a mentor...
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Surgeon Info:
Surgeon: Paul Kemmeter, MD
My first impression of Dr. Kemmeter was that he had a great compassion for people with obesity problems. He really cares about his patients. The staff at MMPC is very kind and helpful. They are also very busy. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience at MMPC with the doctor, surgeon and the staff. The aftercare program was gone through in detail and was very easy to undersand. He addressed the risks of surgery with care and concern for any questions my husband or myself had to ask. I would rate Dr. Kemmeter as wonderful and caring...very qualified and kind. I can only speak at this time, for his surgical competence and I feel it will be wonderful. Bedside manner will come to pass as soon as the surgery is completed...I will post more at that time
About Me
Before & After
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