Waited all my adult life

[churchladystl 2]

Through my adult life, I've gone from pudgy to overweight to obese to morbidly obese, all the while trying to beat the battle of the bulge.

I started investigating bariatric surgery back in the '70s, but decided against it when I was told that I didn't meet the criteria and needed to gain an additional 10 pounds. Of course, I'm glad that I didn't have the surgery back then, given all the negative consequences of those early procedures.

By the time I reached weights in excess of 200 lbs in the '80s, I started to investigate bariatric surgery again after having failed numerous times at Weight Watchers, attempting an early version of Nutrisystem, and, of course, manifold self-managed weight loss programs. By that time, I discovered the barrier of insurance denials of coverage. Since that time, I have had many different employer-sponsored health care coverage, all of whom specifically excluded any form of weight loss programs, medical or surgical.

Back in November of 2012, the nagging lower back pain and occasional sciatica that had plagued me for years sent me over the cliff. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital and 2 weeks in a rehab facility for pain management. After discussing back surgery, we decided to see how things would proceed with more conservative approaches. Physical therapy and steroid injections did seem to hold the worst of the discomfort at bay, but in the following April I started showing symptoms that I might be experiencing early signs of permanent nerve damage. By early May, I was recovering from a full-blown L4-L5 spinal fusion.< /p>

Two years on, the worst of the debilitating pain was controlled and I was off all of the pills that screwed up my memory and cognitive function. I still, though, was far from the state of life I longed for. I was totally comfortable seated or lying down, but standing or walking was severely limited. I can only stand for a few minutes or walk a few yards before I need to sit down

In February, 2015, I became Medicare eligible and I did my little (seated) happy dance because Medicare does cover bariatric surgery. I pulled the trigger and started down the road to having the surgery.

(As an aside, I have to give thanks to my primary care physician who wisely advised that I stick with classical Medicare rather than go with any of the Medicare Advantage options. Yes, one gets the fancy bells and whistles with the Advantage plans, but because these programs are operated by for-profit companies, these programs often use delaying tactics and impose unnecessary barriers to gaining approval for WLS. By contrast, the government-run classic Medicare program approved my surgery without a hitch.)

Back in December of 2012, while I was still in the rehab facility, my dear Sister became the family pioneer in WLS and underwent a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. I couldn't be more proud of her and success. It was her experience that convinced me that I should follow her lead and have a sleeve procedure myself, as soon as became Medicare eligible.

That brings us to April and early May of this year, where I connected with Dr. Van L Wagner and his team. They walked me through all the pre-clearance steps required. On May 18, I started the 10 day, clear-liquid, sugar-free diet that Dr. Wagner requires. On the same day, I had my pre-admission evaluation at the hospital and had my official pre-surgical weigh-in (316 lbs) and official "before" photos taken at Dr. Wagner's office. The following 10 were not fun. There were days that I wanted to chew my arm off, because I was so hungry, but I made it.

On May 28, the date my sister and I now refer to as my second birthday, I reported to the hospital at 5:30AM for my procedure. (The 10 day "fast" must have worked, because the hospital scale read 301lbs.) All went very well. The hospital staff kept me well hydrated with bags and bags of IV Fluid and well drugged up for pain control. I can honestly say that with the exception of some vague memories of waking up in the recovery room, I had very little discomfort.

The next day, Dr. Wagner came in to do a post-surgical evaluation prior to my release to go home. He wasn't totally happy with my kidney function and left the nurse to monitor my output for a few hours to ensure all that plumbing was working as it should. Fortunately, my kidneys stepped up, and I was released and sent home by late afternoon that Friday.

My first week at home has been relatively uneventful. I did experience some spasms every time I tried to swallow even the smallest baby-sips, but a call to Dr. Wagner set my mind at rest. I would like to send kudos to Dr. Wagner, who was so gracious in dealing with a patient phone call on his weekend. Not all physicians are so accommodating. He's definitely a good guy.

Tomorrow, I get my first taste of "full liquids". Who'd have thought I'd be celebrating runny Cream of Wheat? I'll keep you posted.

By the time I

[lexiemia 78]

I also had a sleeve on the 28th. Not sure why but my surgeon keeps you on Clear liquids for two weeks. As far as my surgery goes I have done fantastic. But I think I have a cold or strep or something. This is the worse sore throat I have ever had. I have never been this miserable. I am just not able to get my liquids in due to this sore throat.

I am so happy you have done so well and I hope you have continued success. Look forward to following your journey.

[no onions 258]

So glad for you and best of luck moving forward. I am a bit anxious about my own upcoming surgery and stories like this help.

[churchladystl 2]

Hello, Lexiemia and No Onions.

First of all, Lexemia, I hope your throat gets better. It may well be a cold, but it could also be irritation from the breathing tubes your anesthesia. In any case, call your surgeon, and tell him what's going on. He'll want you getting your fluids, so he may be able to give you something to help. Hang in there; all will be well.

No Onions, thanks for the well wishes. I know the turmoil you're going through. My brain took me bunches of places. You'll do great. As my sister keeps telling me, "It's not hard; it's just different.