KabinKitty

74 pounds gone in a little over 5 months ?! I think that's GREAT!! I think sometimes our bodys hit a point where it has to adjust. Glad the stall is over and you're continuing your way down the scales!

Oh my gosh girl, what a drastic change! You are gorgeous! Keep up the good work and thanks for giving us some inspiration! Hugs to you!

I think my first procedure would be the tummy. I watched an episode of the Doctors on TV last week and they discussed a newTT procedure. The doc who is a plastic surgeon demonstrated how that after pregnacy the abdominal muscles are pulled apart and never go back together. They are doing a double surgery now, where they first stitch the abdominal muscles together like the laces on your shoes. The second part of it is removing excess skin, and basically is doing a normal TT. The gal on the program that had it done had a nice flat tummy after having twins.

When you don't eat enough Protein and are not losing weight, is that when your body is basically feeding off your muscles? If so, that's scary cause your heart is a muscle. Note to self: Don't skimp on the protein after surgery!

I have had 8 surgeries, 4 being open abdominal surgeries and I've never experienced anything as horrific as this!! I pray that you don't have any more complications and have a good recovery!

I found this statement in an article I was reading and wondered if it affects those with smaller tummies who take antacids? "Muscle cramping, and the accompanying tingling sensations, can be an indicator of lack of nutrients or poor nutrient assimilation. Low levels of circulating blood Calcium can cause cramping. Calcium, Protein and Iron are three of the most difficult essentials for the body to absorb. Low stomach acid levels, hydrochloric acid, can pose problems where calcium, iron and protein assimilation is concerned. Taking antacids can be a major contributor to low hydrochloric acid levels. Taking digestive enzymes, as directed on the label, may help digestion and acid indigestion. A large percentage of the problems thought to be caused by excess stomach acid are actually problems from hydrochloric acid levels that are too low. If there is too little hydrochloric acid, the food isn't digested in the stomach properly and begins to putrefy causing bloating, burping and indigestion. If you have problems with low acid levels, you should eat protein, high calcium and iron rich foods first."

I know there are some bariatric surgeons in Columbus Ohio. There is a Barix Clinic there. You must check with your insurance company to make sure the surgeon and the hospital are within your network. If they aren't your costs go WAY up! There is a Barix Clinic there (they were not in my network) and I know of another surgeon named Stephan Myers. He operates at Riverside Hospital. The way I understand he charges each patient about $3000 out of pocket for follow up visits and he sets you up with a nearby gym or you go to their gym after surgery. He's the only one I've heard of that does this. I know some people who have had RNY's at Barix and they have done very well. I don't know anyone that's been sleeved there.

Looks like Aetna does not considering VSG "inverstigational" any more. Good for you! I would choose a surgeon and they can guide you through all the steps. Some give you all the info you need at the surgical consult visit, and you are responsible to get the required tests done. Looks like you will need to meet with a nutritionist (mine is in my surgeon's office) for a required time (mine is 3 months). Have you checked you BMI's? That's the second step. If you don't meet the 40 or 35 (with comorbidities) then you aren't going to be approved.

I agree your first step is to call Atena to see if "Bariatric Surgery for the Morbidly Obese" is covered under your policy. If it is excluded, you have no hope of getting them to cover it. You must pursue the self-pay option. I found this post from February 2010 (I talked with a lady on OH who gave me the downlow. I also spoke with an Aetna patient rep and she also said yes they are approving but not until all the legal paperwork is complete, sometime mid April. Okay, there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Be patient. Sometimes surgeons don't need a refural from your PCP. They just require that you go to one of their seminars. I'm a fellow Ohioian. To search for a bariatric surgeon, go to www.obesityhelp.com and you can search for a surgeon by state. Good wishes and blessings to you and your hubby on your journey!

I am so happy for your 40 lbs weight loss!! GREAT JOB!! Believe me some of those people noticed your weight loss. Hopefully you can start turning to yourself,(AND US) for pats on the back. People who have never had WLS can be judgemental and might not say anything due to embarassment of their own weight, or just out of envy. I haven't even had surgery yet, but when I feel discouraged I go to a store and look at all the cute LITTLE clothes that someday I will fit into. It helps, I promise!:thumbup1: I did this last night and hubby was with me. I held up a pair of WHITE jeans size 10 and said how do you think I'll look in these when I get skinny? You should of seen the look on his face!! It was precious. He just kept staring at them and tilted his head to the side, like....hmmmm It was probably the first time it dawned on him that I could be THAT small again! Just know that you'll aways have a cheering squad here, ready to root you on!

Wow you guys are so supportive and I really appreciate it! Mila, you touched my heart dear one! I wish I lived close to you to take you to appointments and support you. I reread my original post and it sounded so whiney about my friend. I guess it just hit me so hard, cause she convinced me early on that she was supportive of me. She knew other than hubby, I only told her and one other friend (not even my family), and it took courage for me to share with her about this surgery. My parents are both gone, both due to complications of high blood pressure. Because of that, and the fact that I am almost 58 years I want to have this surgery. Our youngest is close to getting engaged (I hope!) and I know he wants children. I want to be around and be HEALTHY enough to play with them! Also, on a selfish note, I would love to look beautiful for their wedding pictures!!! :thumbup1: Hubby just turned 62 two days ago, so retirement is near. I want to have a blast when we retire! I want to go swimming, boating, tubing hiking, traveling and more..... whew...I'm wore out already! I would like to give you all BIG HUGS for all your love and support! You're the best!!!

I've only shared with 2 friends, my plan to have surgery. One has been supportive and is thinking about WLS, but the other one said, "why don't you just call Jillian", and she kind of laughed (the gal from "The Biggest Loser" TV show). At first she was NOT in favor of me having surgery and gave me all kinds of advice on how to eat right, and said just get out and walk every day :cursing:. I explained all my health problems and how I've tried different methods and I thought she understood, but now I don't think she does. This is why I'm not telling anyone else, even extended family :confused1:.

Kelkie, First of all congratulations on getting approved! :001_unsure: Can you share with us other BC/BSer's what was in your appeal letter? I have a feeling we'll be appealing once the packet is sent into the ins co. If you want to email me with the info that would be fine! Thanks!

:001_wub: :001_wub: LOU, I THINK I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU!!! :001_wub: :001_wub: :001_wub: How nice of you to keep checking for all of us BC/BSer's out here who are waiting to get approved by them. I have my psych evaluation tomorrow, along with my second visit with the nutritionist. Then I have to get my butt to two more support meetings (July 26th & Aug 23rd), one more visit to the nutritionist and one with an internal medical doc (required by the surgeon) both on August 20th. Then my packet should be sent in to the ins co. Woo Hoo! :thumbup:

Jillian, I have to ask, is that you wearing a pink dress in your avatar picture? Are you holding a trophy? Just curious.

Tiffykins, what a great idea! Actually I think she does have some physcological issues! It just hurts when I've tried to be a good friend to her. She fell while power walking last year and broke her knee cap. She had to have surgery to wire it together and I cooked food for her spent alot of evenings with her and ran errands. I helped her out alot more than her son and his wife! Andrea, I have some issues with telling my sons also. One is married with children and the other (my baby) is not married. If I told the older one, he would of course tell his wife, who I'm SURE would share this surgery plan with other extended family members. I don't want any of them to know. Neither boy lives in this state. The youngest one is a chef and he is very into healthy eating. His g/f's father is a surgeon. I'm sure he would jump on the internet, and talk to his g/f's father, to find out everything he could about this surgery. I don't think he would be approving of it. I feel like I'm decieving them, but I don't want to tell either one at this time. Actually I don't want to tell the married one AT ALL, EVER because of his wife. I'm so glad that some of you have been there, and can give me some good advice to make the right decision.

So sorry your surgeon is such an arrogant so and so! Is he very skilled in what he does? If so, I would stick it out. The most important thing is to have a safe and successful surgery. He may have been having a super stressful day or me may feel like, in part, that he failed you by not helping you to lose the weight after the band surgery. Some people are rude if their ego is bruised. It's your choice who you have do your surgery. I've experienced very kind caring surgeons and I've had the arrogant type. Both did fine jobs in the ER. Hang in there and keep your chin up!

Angie, I will join everyone else and congratulate you on your decision and your journey. I don't know if those of you, who are post-op, understand how much you inspire those of us who are pre-op. I read that you no longer need your C-pap machine and one of my main goals is to get rid of my Bi-pap machine. Not that it's uncomfortable, but I feel like I'm a prisioner to it. It makes me so depressed to have to "hook up" to that thing every night. It seems like a miracle that your health has improved SO much in only a few months! I have an appointment for my work physical in about 1 1/2 hours and I'm trying not to stress and raise my blood pressure so I'll pass it. I have a CDL and if my bp is too high or if the doc determines that 3 bp meds are too many to pass me (or if my 3rd and newest bp med is not on the allowable list), I could lose my job. I also have to take in a download of my compliance with the Bi-pap and if I haven't used it enough...again I could fail my physical. I'm so sick of this weight I could scream :thumbup: ! I'm currently jumping through all the ins. hoops and hope that before Oct. I will be joining you on the loser's bench!

So sorry this happened to you...what a nightmare! I am glad that you will be able to heal the ulcerations and have a safer and more successful surgery now! For those of us pre-op, do you know what caused the ulcerations (maybe all the stress or the pre-op diet)? Any symptoms you noticed? My doc did not order that test for me. Does an Upper GI show ulcerations?

Thursday (2 days ago) I had an Upper G I. The barium was awlful! They didn't even put flavoring in it. The arrogant radiologist then took some pics with me standing. Next he laid the table flat and told me make one complete turn on the table. Good thing I opted for the exrta, extra large gown!! He started to take additional pictures, then I had to turn on my stomach. While there I had to drink this other liquid through a straw that tasted a little like strawberry. More and more turning. By this time my tummy was queazy! While I was on my back it was time to drink a cup of water through a straw...try that laying on your back with a queasy stomach! After he left, the tech and the student had to take some xrays with me on my right side. It took extra long because the student was just learning and the tech let her do it on her own, with coaching when needed. Now two days later I haven't had a BM (I always go a few times a day so this is bad). I've stopped eating except for yogurt and I'm drinking alot of juices. I've been googling and it seems that with my diverticulites and having a part of my colon removed due to narrowing, I should of never been given that barium. Some people end up in the hospital with impaction. They say the barium can harden like cement. :blushing: I called the pharmacy and they told me the safest thing for me to take would be Miralax as it contains no stimulants. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Please, please don't beat me up, but I have a question and a personal experience to share. I notice that everyone post op is eating sugar free things like Jello and popsickles. Why is this? Is it just to avoid the calories in the regular products? Okay, my experience. I had a bout with a nasty kidney stone years ago that my body did not want to pass. Hubby took me ER because I kept vomiting the pain pills and I was "dying" of PAIN!! I was then being admitted by my pcp for pain and nausea medication and tests. A week later I had an appointment w/ a specialist. I was so weak I couldn't sit up in the car or even walk into her office w/o help. She had blood drawn and then came into my room (I had never met her) and said "what have you been eating?!" I told her that for a week I had absolutely no appetite, but was forcing down a little pb & j sandwich daily and was drinking diet 7Up. She said well according to your tests your body is eating itself up. I guess when you don't comsume enough calories your body starts to steal muscle tissue. I remember her saying..."well, at least drink regular pop not the diet stuff!" This is why if I get to have the surgery, unless there is something terrible in sugar that would hurt my new tiny tummy, then I'll be consuming regular Jello and popsicles. I'll worry about the calories later, when I can consume more than just liquids. I just noticed how weak alot of people feel the two weeks or so after surgery. Some get memory loss and hallucinations. Sorry this was so long...just had to get it off my chest.

Wow, your surgery got scheduled so quick! I've been at this since April also, but the earliest I can hope to have surgery is the end of September. I'm hoping that BC/BS will pay for it 100%, (except for copays for office visits & nutritionist) so I have to jump thru all the hoops and wait it out . I noticed you have horses. We used to have two and we did trail riding. I am hoping to get on a horse again. Right now I feel like I'm too top heavy to have good balance on top of a horse. What kind of pre-op tests are you required to do?

I sure appreciate all the helpful input! Last night I finally started having some success getting things moving! Yesterday I took exlax laxative tab (1), exlax stool softener (2), Miralax (2 doses), Shaklee HerbLax (3). This morning it was "going" SO well, I had some scrambled eggs and some yo-plus. This is a post I found on another site that might help someone else. Worried, Constipation after a Barium Small Bowel Test Hi everyone out there. I'm having a Barium Small Bowel study Monday, August, 31 and I'm worried about the barium and constipation. I don't have a colon. I have a j-pouch and a sluggish small bowel. I can't eat or drink after midnight and my test is at 9:00 AM. I've had a blockage twice and that's what's bothering me. I was planning on taking two Dulcolax laxative tablets after the test. I'm not sure if that will be strong enough to keep me from getting constipated. Does anyone have that problem after drinking Barium or should I try a different laxative? Any suggestions? View 7 replies Reply Explore topics in this discussion: By Char Posted August 28, 2009 at 5:40 am Report post It has been a long time since I have had an upper gi where I have had to drink the contrast. For the last several years it has always been put into my tubes. My surgeon won't let them use barium on me any more, because my constipation issues are so bad and when they would use barium it would just get worse and stay in me for weeks. He has them use "gastrograph" now. It's thinner, and while can still add to constipation issues, it doesn't set up like concret in my intestines like barium does. Like I said though, I've never drank it, but I would think since it works just as well as barium through my tubes that it would work just as well if you drink it. I think the order to use it instead of barium would need to come from your doctor. It couldn't hurt to ask the people in radiology about it, or to maybe put a call in to your doctor before you go to see. With that or barium either one I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to be even more proactive about laxatives after, and maybe your doctor could recomend something for you. Hope all goes well, and you can get some answers from the test, Char If I had to go the barium route again, I would eat Yoplus (I love the vanilla) for a week before to prepare my colon. You can't eat for 12 hours before the test, so I would make sure I took a stool softener like Colace the night before. When I got home the first thing I would do is mix some Miralax with some juice like "Splash" that has carrot juice etc. Then I would eat nothing solid the rest of the day. I would eat lots of Yoplus, drink lots of Water and juices and very, very soft foods or creamed Soups. I would continue this till I had results. I will ask the question again, did anyone else have to do an Upper G I for their pre-op testing? Thanks!

Oh, I forgot to mention that I did drink a nice size glass of prune juice on Friday, the next morning no luck (

Thursday the tech told me that the barium can cause constipation. She said, "if there is anything you can eat today that you know helps your bowels to move, eat it today". So, I went home and for lunch I opened a can of turkey chili Soup that ALWAYS gets the job done. I had gas pains so bad I thought I would die, but no BM! That's when I decided to stop eating. I have learned to do this with my diverticulites. If I get too backed up I'm nauseated and in alot of pain!! I bought some Miralax and I'm eating YO-plus, drinking juice and eating a few potato chips to help make me thirsty enough to drink. I just hope anyone else who has issues with their colon to ask your doctor to have the radiologist to use something else besides the barium. I will get some Colace also. I know it's a stimulant and didn't want to go that route, but I may need to. Did anyone else have to do an upper G I as their pre-op testing?