Re: The beginning of a new life...

Hi Everyone, I went to Dr. Abkin Thursday, Aug. 25th. for my 3 month post-op check-up and I have lost 80 pounds...OMG this is so hard to believe...it does work...This surgery does work if we follow orders from our Dr.'s. Of course I wanted the scale to say that I lost more than 80 lbs and then I thought what if this was an 80 lb. gain instead of a loss? This could have been if I didn't have WLS. Dr. Abkin said that I was in the right range of weight loss and that he was very pleased with the loss. Of course I want to wake up tomorrow morning and see that the weight loss fairy visited through the night and touched me with her wand and then I weigh myself and "POOF" I weigh 135 lbs. I lost 29 lbs. on Optifast (Dr. ordered in order to have surgery) and the rest since May 17, 2005, the day of my surgery. I guess I am so thrilled because I am not able to be very active due to severe arthritis, fibromyalgia and a rotator cuff injury. I am only able to walk very short distances with a cane, but I try to do exercises from a chair or bed when I'm able to do so. I have a lot more to lose but 80 pounds is a start I would never have been able to do this without the support of folks like you. Love & Hugs, Fran SURGERY DATE: MAY 17, 2005 SURGEON: DR. ALEXANDER ABKIN, FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY TYPE: RNY/LAP Fran

Congrats, Fran! You are doing great! Kathy ~ lap RNY 5/20/05 ~ 5' 7.5" 276/244/198/160 (consult/surgery/curr/goal) -78 Lbs Total: -32 Lbs Pre-oOp Diet+ -46 Lbs Post-Op 38 Lbs to Goal!

I see that you have made it to Onederland!! Congratulations!

You are doing awesome Mz. Fran!!! I had my surgery only six days before you and you have passed me so give yourself a big hand!!!

Fran, Really sounds like you are doing great! If your insurance will pay for it, it might be a good idea to do some rehab now...But, I know that can be a big "if" with insurance companies. My insurance company, who paid for my surgery, now doesn't want to pay for any follow-up blood work. I called them and they said they just don't do it. I'm appealing as the bloodwork was $700 and my doctor wants to do it every 3 months for 18 months. Lori 384/313/170

Lori, My insurance paid for my surgery as well but starting July 1st, they no longer covered the surgery or anything to do with it. They couldnt even give me a straight answer if they would cover my follow up visits so I cancelled them and am just seeing my pcp. Im just glad I got the surgery in time. My pcp did all of my 3 month blood work thank god. candy