DebbieC

I started this process in July 2008.  My insurance company assigned a case manager to me to prepare for possible surgery and to see if I was a good candidate.  He was very strict.  Just one mistake or failure on my part to meet all the requirement and I would be dropped from the program.  He had me lose 10% of my weight within a six month period before he would refer me to the surgeon.  I had to get my Primary physician's approval and she monitored my weight loss.  I also had to see a psychologist to make sure I was not a nut case.  I finally met all the requirements in November 08 and was referred to the surgeon.  This include attending a seminar.  Everything was postponed due to a severe snow storm which put me a month behind.  Once I met the surgeon and they gathered all the documentation on my prior attempts at weight loss and my health problems related to obesity a package was sent back to the insurance company who had their own doctor look it over.  I started my 3 week pre surgery 1,000 calorie diet just in case the insurance company approved the surgery.  They did.  A week lateron June 16, 2009  I had my surgery.August  5, 2009.  I was 230 before I started the three week 1000 calorie a day diet.  The morning of the surgery I was at 219.  I went back tp work after a week.  felt tired but was ok.  It's now 7 weeks post surgery and I am down to 190! 40 pounds so far.  I have to say I have has very few problems so far.  I had my first fill last week and they put in too much at first and had to take some out.  I have had some problems with keeping food down the first three days after the fill but I am almost back to eating normally as I was before the fill.  The weight is still coming off and I am rarely hungry.  I canfeel the tube connected to the port move when I bend over but it doesn't hurt.  feels like butterflies in my belly.  I have so much more energy than I did before.  I am so glad I did this.