My Weight Loss Story

[Coykoi 45]

My story starts many years ago. I originally wanted the lap band. I went to a well known doctor in Southern California (who I won't name). After months of visits, money paid, labs done, more money paid, and a surgery date set. I got a call from the doctor's office that there was a problem with my heart test and the surgery would be cancelled. This particular doctor's office was very proud to report that they have had no fatalities. After that, I got a call from my insurance company that I was not approved, even though the doctor's office said that I had been. The doctor's office wanted nothing to do with my case, since I could have damaged their record. It took a lot of argument to get my money refunded, as I had been told that my surgery was approved, but was untrue.What was even worse was that my heart condition was never disclosed. I went away upset and angry that this doctor's office could not care less about me unless it would help their reputation.

Now, eight years later, I've spent many years researching and waiting to be employed again with insurance. The gastric sleeve has now been approved in the U.S. and I began my research again. I looked at my insurance requirements, noted that the surgery needed to be performed in a Center of Surgical Excellence. I found out which hospitals in my area that have that designation and decided that Torrance Memorial was the best for me. Besides the required designation, I liked the education available through the hospital.

Once I selected the hospital, now I looked for the doctors associated with the hospital. I found the Association of South Bay Surgeons. The head of the practice is Dr. Aileen Takahashi. I liked that she was the head and that she was a woman. Once I met her, I was sure that she was the right fit. She's compassionate, but always talks to me like an intelligent person.

Now, testing, education, labs, and more education began, and continued for approximately six months. I never had to come out of pocket for anything but co-pays and the fees to the nutritionist and the psychiatrist. There was no big program fee to be paid to the doctor or the hospital. When it came to my heart condition, the doctor said that it was slightly unusual but nothing to worry about. In further explanation, I have right ventricular diastolic syndrome. It's an "enlarging" of the right ventricle, the chamber of the heart that pumps the blood to the lungs to re-oxygenate it. Because the walls of the ventricle is thickened, it doesn't relax fully between "pumps". Less blood is sent to the lungs, the person afflicted gets tired easier, and has trouble tolerating exercise. Main causes that apply to me are high blood pressure and obesity and lack of aerobic exercise. Since I tired so easily, exercise became so difficult.

So for eight years, I had continued to be fat, continued to have out of control blood pressure, and knew nothing about it. It's a condition that is difficult to discover, except with a cardiac ultrasound. Any EKG that was done during doctor's visits found nothing except minor electrical changes. I never pressed to find it, because I frankly did not believe that the original doctor was telling the truth. Maybe I was hiding my head in the sand, but the original doctor also did nothing to inform me of the nature of the condition.

Now I'm on the way back to health. My surgery was on Dec 6, 2012. It's unknown if my heart will repair itself as the blood pressure and weight reduces. I certainly understand my exercise limitations now, and I know that best for me is small, frequent bouts of exercise are better than long exercise periods. I feel that I'm in good medical hands now, and important to me is my own knowledge.

[Traci J. 207]

Wow, you sure went through alot to get to the loser's bench. It'll all be worth it in the end though. Good luck on the rest of your journey!

[Lisa :) 231]

What a long journey!! But I believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason!!

You are in great hands with Dr. Takahashi!!! She did my surgery Nov 9th, 2011. She is a perfectionist and, I believe, the best surgeon at ASBS!!!

Congrats on finally getting your surgery!!! The next few months will be challenging but so worth it!!!

[Coykoi 45]

[quote name=Lisa ' timestamp='1355885245' post='600403]

What a long journey!! But I believe EVERYTHING happens for a reason!!

You are in great hands with Dr. Takahashi!!! She did my surgery Nov 9th, 2011. She is a perfectionist and, I believe, the best surgeon at ASBS!!!

Congrats on finally getting your surgery!!! The next few months will be challenging but so worth it!!!

That's great that you had her too. My friend saw her while in the hospital for another matter, and she was not thrilled. I think my friend was expecting someone to agree with her insisting on smoking, so she would have disliked anyone. I judged her on her own merit and I was happy with the whole experience.

[uccmart 23]

Hi Coykoi. I also go to Dr Takahashi. I had a heart attack 2 yrs ago. My Cardiologist cleared to start the baratric program in Oct 2012 (he had previosly said no the year before). I have completed all my testing and dr office should be sending my auth request to Anthem BC *** this week. I am super excited. I was hoping for end of May, but since the auth request has not been sent yet, maybe June.

I really like Dr Takahashi.

Good luck with your heart condition. I am amazed at how strong I am after Cardiac Rehab and regular exercise. I know exercise will always be an important part of my life to ensure I keep my heart healthy.