-
Content Count
152 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Profiles
Forums
Gallery
Blogs
Store
WLS Magazine
Podcasts
Everything posted by spiritfilled
-
Ok probably dumb question...
spiritfilled replied to Jazziminna's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am 52 and it is time for one and it is scheduled May 19th. I will be taking two days off because of the prep day in because I don't want to deal with the public restroom at work. I had one in my early 30s and I went to sleep and I woke up and that was it. They were checking me out because I had bleeding hemorrhoids and because I was having some major stomach issues at the time. So they just saw my bleeding hemorrhoids and I had a red inflamed stomach. To me the only bad thing about the colonoscopy is that they won't let you go home until you fart. So you're basically in this recovery area where everybody else is from having colonoscopies and everybody's farting at the same time. I guess now that I'm older I don't really care as long as no one sees my face. But don't worry about it because you're asleep for the whole thing and just make sure you have someone that can drive you home because they won't release you to go home alone. -
Weight, High cholesterol, and retinal problems
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@@CanyonBaby Thank you for the prayers and support. I have done some research on the internet, but have not seen anything. I already see a specialist for my retinal issues. . I have been seeing retina doctors since 2009 I just never asked that particular question and was not sure if anyone else had ran across the same thing or not. -
Weight, High cholesterol, and retinal problems
spiritfilled posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Crazy question I have Retinoschisis. It is an eye disease characterized by the abnormal splitting of the retina's neurosensory layers I also have myopic degeneration and other fun stuff. I was wondering if anyone has ran across a doctor who may have metentioned anything about high cholesterol, and eye diseases? Like I said, crazy question -
Weight, High cholesterol, and retinal problems
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
No I am not diabetic my sugars are great. I just have bad eyes. My concern right now is I have a bubble between two layers of the retina and the doctors actually not sure if it's a fluid level or some sort of assist. So I was not sure if those sorts assist could be related to cholesterol -
Hi all, I am just starting out. My first appt is May 4th. I have a doc and clinic picked out
-
First Appt May 4
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Not sure. This is just my first appointment. So my journey starts May 4 -
Boobs Bigger Since Surgery?
spiritfilled replied to HighHeelShoes's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I just want them to shrink. Try buying a 46dd. Didn't think to try 44ddd !please Lord don't let them sag I use to be a 34b, at least that is what I thought it was in my early 30's. Come to find out I was at 34a. -
Starting out at age 45? How common?
spiritfilled replied to KS123's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Starting out at 52. Man at work had gastric bypass and he is over 65 -
Almost 6 months out, down 90 lbs, before after
spiritfilled replied to nprcowboy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Lookin good -
Is anyone freezing?
spiritfilled replied to LisaDomalewski's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am not approved right now, but a I look forward to a cheaper electric bill and running two fans on me at work. But then I like to drown out the loud people at work -
I keep staring at the tag
spiritfilled replied to kimpossible67's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. Mom's are very special. I lost mine on March 4, 2014 and I miss her so much. May you find peace through Christ and the wonderful memories you can carry with you. -
I also have BCBS of TX and received this after inquiring if my insurance covered it.( see below ) I only have a BMI of 38.4. I could gain less than 10 lbs and have a BMI of 40.1 which I do not want to do at all. I am thinking will will be covered under high cholesterol, arthritis in my back and or sleep apnea. Surgical treatment of morbid obesity may be considered eligible for coverage when all of the physical, clinical and psychological indications are documented according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas current medical policy. A letter of support and/or explanation is helpful but alone will not be considered sufficient documentation to make a medical necessity determination. We are not in a position to consider the request for surgical treatment of morbid obesity due to the lack of available medical documentation to determine medical necessity based on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas medical policy. The following documented clinical information is necessary for further review. For a member to be considered eligible for benefit coverage of bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity, the member must meet the following two criteria: 1. Diagnosis of morbid obesity, defined as a: - Body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40 kg/meter (* see guidelines below for BMI calculation); OR - BMI equal to or greater than 35kg/meters with at least two (2) of the following comorbid conditions related to obesity that have not responded to maximum medical management and that are generally expected to be reversed or improved by bariatric treatment: o Hypertension, OR o Dyslipidemia, OR o Diabetes mellitus, OR o Coronary heart disease, OR o Sleep apnea, OR o Osteoarthritis; AND 2. Documentation from the requesting surgical program that: - Growth is completed (generally, growth is considered completed by 18 years of age); AND - Documentation from the surgeon attesting that the patient has been educated in and understands the post-operative regimen, which should include ALL of the following components: 1. Nutrition program, which may include a very low calorie diet or a recognized commercial diet-based weight loss program; AND 2. Behavior modification or behavioral health interventions; AND 3. Counseling and instruction on exercise and increased physical activity; AND 4. Ongoing support for lifestyle changes to make and maintain appropriate choices that will reduce health risk factors and improve overall health; AND - Patient has completed an evaluation by a licensed professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist within the 12 months preceding the request for surgery. This evaluation should document: 1. The absence of significant psychopathology that would hinder the ability of an individual to understand the procedure and comply with medical/surgical recommendations, AND 2. The absence of any psychological comorbidity that could contribute to weight mismanagement or a diagnosed eating disorder, AND 3. The patient's willingness to comply with preoperative and postoperative treatment plans. The member and their physician(s) are urged to review the full text of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas (BCBSTX) medical policy on this subject on the BCBSTX Website at www.bcbstx.com. Choose the "provider" link at the top of the Website and select Medical Policy under the Standards and Requirements tab. You may need to click I Agree to the terms page to be directed to the Medical Policy. Once on the Medical Policy page you will need to click on Active and Pending Medical Policies. You can use the search box and search for Surgery for Morbid Obesity or Bariatric Surgery. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department at the toll-free number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield identification card or via the Message Center on Blue Access for Members.
-
Support after surgery-no one to help me
spiritfilled posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have a question? How much help from others such as family did you need after surgery? I am an only child, only grandchild on both sides, my parents have both passed away, no husband and no children and my circle of friends is very very small and most of them, live far away from me -
I have been considering this for awhile. My Bmi is at 38.1. A little over 5 ft 5 and 231. I am not diabetic and do not have high blood pressure but but I know I have high cholesterol and I am not sure of the numbers until I have that checked on May 2nd. I am pretty sure I have sleep APNEA, well at least I think I do. I found a iPad app called Dream Pro. I've been using it lately I snore and wake up snore and wake up, and on it goes.I'm not able to tell if I quit breathing, but I have heard silence after I snore. I've got some health issues and I believe silly depression is setting in. I don't get out much or have a lot of friends. I want to like a duck when I walk in addition to the plantar fasciitis.I am also perimenopausal and yes I am incontinent when I laugh or cough, which is due to my weight. I will be 53 in June and at the age of 30 I was 125 pounds and looked anorexic. Believe it or not I've had weight issues all my life and in my early 20s was taking Dexatrim and drinking slim fast. The only diet I have ever tried that worked for me was Atkins but I would lose and gain it back lose and gain it back my top weight was 217 pounds and now it is 231. Right now I am having some pain that appears to be gallbladder pain and tons of belching after drinking cokes and galbladder pain comes into focus after eating fatty meal. I have woken up in the middle of the night doubled over hurting from underneath my breast and chest to,my back I had a ultrasound done today she saw no gallstones however she said that that does not necessarily mean that my gallbladder has stopped functioning. They are waiting for the radiologist to look at the ultrasound. I'm scheduled for a colonoscopy and endoscopic on May 19. They found a cyst in my kidneys but as of today that has gone away. It was discovered after-my sixth or seventh time having kidney stones, in addition to a small hernia. I am also asthmatic and have had pneumonia with a 7 mm score in the right lower lung. Now that you've heard my story and journey begins on May 4. I had several people at work trying to talk me out of it. I'm not sure if it's jealousy or what. I know it's hard and I'm probably not prepared for actually how hard it will be. I'm not even sure if I'm a candidate. I have talked to someone at the clinic and they said it sounds like that they maybe able to get me qualified. I don't have a lot of history on seeing doctors concerning my weight. So I'm not sure if that's a prerequisite for the insurance which is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. Based on one girl that I talked with at work she just needed the 2 comorbidities and the BMI of 35. I am trying to figure out how do you know what surgery is best if the doctor gives you a choice between the sleeve of gastric bypass. I am a stress eater and I eat when I'm bored.I love sweetsI love my cokes. However mentally the idea of eating food and all of this food makes me want to cry. It's like I get depressed at the amount of food I am eating. I Actually feel disgusting. I do not have an eating disorder such as bulimia, but I do over eat. I don't know when to quit. Good news is I no longer drink, I quit that about a year ago October. And I don't smoke. I am doing this for my health. I'm tired of feeling the way that I feel. I'm not married I've never married no children no boyfriend I'm an only child and Only grandchild on both sides of the family. I don't have a big support system.But one thing I do have is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. And with him I will get through this I have read a few stories on here and concerns and I'm starting to get scared especially with the acid reflux. I know that the sleeve is not a fix for weight-loss but it's a tool. I'm also not a big Water drinker, and that is a concern. I know this is a long story and I apologize in advance for it. But all comments are welcome. Thank you
-
Houston or Dallas Area Surgeon Reccomendations
spiritfilled replied to iwant2becurvynotlumpy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I will be using Dr Primomo as well. A girl at worked used him and had zero problems. She said she is a poster child for sleeve surgery. Even did the pose. He is at The Davis Climic and two other co workers used them. But they did the old Dr Davis and said he was arrogant but good. I would think concerning post op visits that if you live in Houston you would want your doctor to be in Houston. It would be easier on you. There are a lot of great doctors here. Just my thoughts. -
HOW LONG OFF OF WORK?
spiritfilled replied to heartonmysleeve82's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Already spoke to HR at my job. For me it falls under short-term disability. So 60% of pay is not kick in and till I'm out for eight days. So the designated time that the clinic I am using is set up for 10 to 14 days are basically two weeks. So they require the use all my vacation time and then and they eight I get 60% of my pay for two days. -
Support after surgery-no one to help me
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thank you. I will have trouble,finding someone to drive me home. There are options in Houston for about $75. If I have to do that I have to do that. I am scheduled for colonoscopy and endoscopic thingy May 19 and have some to take me home for that. Just not sure about surgery, but then I have to get approved first -
Unexpected surprise expenses
spiritfilled replied to KC VSG's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What is scar cream? -
I have heartburn issues as well. So can the heartburn issues prevent you from having surgery? I have had severe pain in the middle of my chest, under my right breast through to my shoulder. I had a ultrasound Friday, on my stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, all that good stuff. She told me she saw no gallstones so that was great news. I do know that my heartburn is worse after I have a fatty diet and the belts like crazy while drinking cokes.I Actually wake up in the middle of the night with pretty severe chest pains. I also have a small hernia that I just found out when I had my last kidney stone.
-
Anyone in Houston, TX
spiritfilled replied to dbrown156's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Good to know. I am around 38.1 or 38.2. With my height a little over 5 ft 5. It is not quiet 5ft 5.5 inches. Not sure how they do the height thing -
Support after surgery-no one to help me
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am not planned for surgery yet. My first appt. is May 4th. I live on the 3rd floor too, so I lug a bunch of stuff upstairs. I guess more trips and lighter loads. No dogs, but 3 kitties. No vacuuming.???? You ladies are awesome so thank you -
Anyone in Houston, TX
spiritfilled replied to dbrown156's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am in Houston as well. My first appointment is May 4th and I am going to the Davis Clinic and seeing Dr. Tony Primomo. How hard was it to get approved through BCBS of TX, which is the same insurance I have? My only concern is do I meet the requirements since my BMI is 38.1 and proof of past attempts at weight loss, which I have done. I am not diabetic (98-110), no high blood pressure, I know my cholestrol is high, and I am not usre about Speep Apnea, but I do snore and I have recorded my self constantly waking up after I snore. I just have never attempted things like Weight Watchers, Jennie Craig, Nutrisystems, etc. Mine was always, Dexatrim in the 80's, Atkins Diet, and Slim Fast -
Nioxin is fantastic shampoo to use. It is used a lot for cancer patients to help with hair growth. I have used it before due to some medications I was on to help my hair grow back and it worked wonderfully. My only downfall with Nioxin is that it broke my forehead out.
-
Not telling anyone
spiritfilled replied to megieg's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Well, I have been considering WLS for awhile and some people at work have done it, so everyone knows and everyone has been supportive of these individuals. I am very happy for them. They work in different areas of the company than I do. Just this week I had one lady come up to me and gave me the low down on how hard it was for her to drink fluids just for 3 days, and how weak and tired and shakey she was. She just went on and on and on and told me how she had considerd this and her BMI right now is 25.1 or 25.5, SMH. After she told me all this, she then proceeded to tell me, well it is really not my business.Why open your mouth to begin with? Actually at point I am tried of talking to these busy bodies at work. {rant} My supervisor who I told, said he does not like the idea of surgery. It causes more problems. I now regret saying anything. So I recently had a kidney stone and have been having gallbladder pain but they found a cyst which has cleared up, but I do have a small hernia. It is hard for me to keep my mouth shut sometimes. But in this case I think I will just tell them I was denied (hopefully I will not be). If I am out for surgery, I will just tell them it is for the hernia. They have seen me on atkins before, so that will settle that issue of why I will be eating different. I did like the hemmorhoid idea. I can just tell them I am now a perfect a** hole -
First Appt May 4
spiritfilled replied to spiritfilled's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I'm sorry I didn't realize it posted. And I don't know how to delete it. I did write a book on another posting.