Newly back to Jacksonville

Hi Everyone, I have recently moved back to Jax from Macon, GA. Just thought I would introduce myself, and then ask for a little help... LOL... I guess that is the proper order of doing things... I had my RNY done on December 1, 2004. Had my surgery done in Atlanta by Dr. John Daly, and I owe this man my life. What a wonderful surgeon. I started out at 295 lbs (I am 5'11") and a BMI of 43. I had Diabetes, Hypertension, Reflux, constantly painful knees and back, as well as hypothyroidism. I am very happy to say that at nearly 22 months post op I have now lost 142 lbs total. My current BMI is 21.3, and my weight is 153. This is 2 lbs below my ultimate goal weight of 155. My surgeons goal weight for me was 165. All of the above co-morbidities are all gone. For the most part I have done very well since surgery. I have had a time over the last 7 months... the gall bladder went, had a kidney stone and hematoma on my kidney, 2 hernia surgeries, and a GI Bleed.... only thing directly related to the WLS was the 1st hernia surgery. The rest were just coincidental. I am absolutely thrilled with my progress, and actually had to attempt to gain a few lbs back. I started out wearing a womens 26/28, and now I am into an 8. Never thought in my whole life that I would ever have the need to gain weight, but I am just too skinny at 153. So this is my RNY history. I have recently had to move back home to Jax. I am not currently working, as I have a special needs child. Because of this, for the first time in my life, I am unemployed and having to learn how to work with Medicaid. I have both of my boys on regular Medicaid, and I was put on Medically Needy Share of Cost Medicaid. Here is where I am in need of help. I need to hear from some of you in Jax who may have Medicaid and know of a WLS friendly PCP, who also takes Medicaid. Preferably in Arlington, or the Southside area. I am thinking that I may have yet another hernia, and I need to get in to see someone. I am told by the folks at Medicaid that I should just use the ER's when I get sick, but after having worked in hospitals for the last 26 years, I am having difficulty learning to abuse the system this way. However, I will do what I have to to get by. Any help or info I can get would be most appreciated. I am also looking for a support group in the area as well. I have always been fairly active in the GA forums here at OH, as well as our local support group up in GA. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer me!!! Hugs, Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 295-153-155

Hi Susan. I don't live in that area, so I can't really help you with your questions, but I did want to welcome you back to Florida! Hope you can find out the information you are needing. Betty

Thanks Betty... And I appreciate the welcome! Hugs, Susan

Im not in your area, but I'm in south florida. I just wanted to welcome you back to Fla! I hope things work out with finding a good PCP who works with medicaid. Maybe some time when you Jax people have a gathering, I'll make the trip up to say hello I might be in the Jacksonville area for a few days in March and if so, I'll check if there is anything going on in your area then! I wish you all the best in your new home.

Welcome and sorry for your plight. I only help in letting you know that our surgeon has a support group out there in Orange Park (1857 Wells Road) by the Mall. Meets every 2nd Sat at 10:00 am it's open to all WLS people, preop, post ops etc. The coordinator is Christeena Mencner. Let me know if you need her email addy. Our next meeting is 10/14. I go sometimes and I hope to meet you then! Hugs and best of luck in your search...maybe someone in the group can help.