RSREED53 4 Posted June 16, 2011 Hi, my name is Ronda. I have been a bariatric patient for 10 years now. Initially, I had RNY done and lost 85 pounds with it. My maintenance was steady for about 5 years, but started declining--regained weight, bone loss, anemia, circulatory and cardiac problems. I have hypertension, but am severely allergic to those drugs for treatment. Weightloss and management is the only way I have of keeping my health in good shape. In 2007, I went to a new bariatric surgeon to seek an evaluation on my prognosis; he said revision surgery was needed to attend to severely stretched stoma. Insurance always held strong opposition to any treatment for my problems. This visit, Dr. tried 2 times to appeal the insurance for treatment--failed both times. Some time passed, and I had changed employment status and my healthcare needs were being covered on State Medicaid. This time, I learned that my bariatric treatment was covered under my Medicaid plan, but would need evaluations from the pulmonologist, cardiologist, psychologist, and dietician/nutritionist, in addition to following a dr-supervised weightloss plan with my pcp--I started all of this last September. It took solid 9 months of negotiating coverage and ultimate surgery that I had with my doctor on May 31st here in Phoenix. AZ. I am 3 weeks postop now. My loss is 23 pounds, and still mostly blender shakes and some pureed foods. I find that I don't really like what I ate preoperatively. Most of the foods taste too sweet--even if sugarfree. I had laparoscopic surgery so the healing is great--just unable to lift anything yet. I am driving, and doing most of my chores as long as I don't lift anything over 15 pounds. I walk the malls, and try to keep busy per dr's orders. Yet that is a challenge now that we have 110 or hotter days coming this summer. I still keep at it, tho. I know my surgery was a gift from God--in every sense of the word, as was the initial RNY procedure back in 2001. Both surgeries saved my life! Forever, will I be indebted to the Powers that Be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Valentina 2,642 Posted June 16, 2011 Welcome Ronda!! You will find this site informative and above all--supportive. Jump around--peek here and there and don't hesitate to offer your two cents. More opinions the better. Again--Welcome!! Valentina :grouphug: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RSREED53 4 Posted June 16, 2011 Thank you, Valentina! I will!! Ronda Welcome Ronda!! You will find this site informative and above all--supportive. Jump around--peek here and there and don't hesitate to offer your two cents. More opinions the better. Again--Welcome!! Valentina :grouphug: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jax 2 Posted June 16, 2011 Welcome and thank you again for your well wishes on my surgery tomorrow! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
