Disappointed

Good Afternoon ladies, I hope your day is going well! I wanted to let you all know that today I got brave and called Dr. Loggins office to set up an initial consultation. I spoke with a lady named Kim who was very nice but the information she gave was somewhat disappointing because, after all, it has taken me a significant amount of time to even work up the courage to make the call! What I said was "Hi, I'm wondering if I might make an appt. with Dr. Loggins for a weight loss surgery consultation. I have Medicare because I'm currently on disability but I DO hope to return to work sometime in the not too distant future." Kim informed me that Dr. Loggins does not accept Medicare but is hoping to be certified to do so "later in the year." I thought for SURE that I'd heard he accepted BOTH Mainecare AND Medicare but I was obviously mistaken.  So that's my news. I am a bit disappointed but not overly so. I am taking a somewhat philosophical approach (Sorry--social work major so it's pretty much second nature lol!) and telling myself that it's not meant to be for me--at least for right now! For me that means a stronger commitment and follow through on either joining a gym, walking daily and healthier eating because if at all possible, I'd like to avoid having to have surgery but then again, if I can't take off the weight alone, I know it will be the best option if I am to regain my health! Currently, I have high blood pressure, no cholesterol meds or anything but I do have to take blood pressure medication daily. Also, I've been noticing only very recently that I seem to be a bit wheezy upon exertion. My dad has asthma that didn't start til he was an adult and so I'm wondering if it's that or allergies. My worst fear is congestive heart failure but then again, when it comes to my health I tend to fear the worst. Currently, my weight is about 247 (may be 5 or so pounds more or less--haven't weighed myself since last doctor's visit and that was about 9 months ago. I'd like to be able to take off about 110 lbs. but lately I sure ain't helpin my cause!  I'm ashamed to admit I've been really heavy on the junk food lately.... a small bag of chips every 1 1/2 days, one  or two caramel chocolate bars daily and Dr. Pepper. I've been under a great deal of stress the last several months and so perhaps that isn't helping matters because it does seem to be much more than usual in terms of the junk food! Anyway, I'm done rambling. Thanks for reading, Lori

Hey Lori girl, welcome back... now listen.... if you must and insist on waiting for Dr. Loggins, then do so, and start making those small changes you have talked about.  because it will be necessary when you do go see him.  I'm sure Anne has told you of all the changes she had to make. journal everything, so when you do go, you can show your Nutritionist, how and how long your've been owrking on this.. also, THere are other Dr's in town, or out of town, if you wish to travel.  Call, go for a visit, and decide after that.  It's not the end of the road.  Keep your head high and keep going.  You can ask almost everyone that they have come across one bump or more in the road.  Good luck and keep us  informed.... cheryl

Hi Lori,

Good luck with your journey. You've started at the right place. If you are a patient person Dr. Loggins is the best. It's good you are aware of your downfalls. Those will be things on this side you won't be able to do. No soda first of all. Now is a good time to wean yourself off of caffiene too. When we eat a rule of thumb is 5 grams or less of fat per serving, 5 grams or less of sugar per serving, 300 mg. or less of sodium, and 2-4 grams or higher of fiber. That will get you started. Try to keep your calories 1200-1400 per day and exercise a half hour a day 5-6 times a week. When you get started with Dr. Loggins office you will meet with Corinne. She's the nutritionist. She will want you to journal everything. Food, calories, portion size, fluids, etc.

You are on your way. Stay true to yourself. We are all here to get healthy and not beat each other up.

Try to find another way to relieve your stress. Food will not be the answer on the other side.

Good luck and let us know what we can do to help.

I am sorry to hear this Lori    I know Dr Loggins did accept Medicare unfortunately Medicare has changed their end of things He was telling me a little about it at my last appointment. I guess his hands are tied for the moment with Medicare. So sorry. It sounds like you know what you need to do to lose. I want to tell you I was very angry with myself that I could not lose on my own. If I could have I certainly would have. Please keep in touch we are all in this journey together surgery or not.

Thanks for the replies Cheryl, Lisa and Kathy! The frustrating part of it is that I KNOW all the "right" things to do and yet willpower seems to be in short supply for me at times. I can do it in my personal life with other things but when it comes to weight, it is harder. I guess I use food for reasons other than fueling my body/nutritional needs. Over the years it has become a friend, entertainment, stress reliever, boredom buster, and comfort. I'm sure many--if not all of you can identify?  I'm just gonna keep on working at it. I think I very well may join a gym because I tend to be one who would be more motivated by "having to go somewhere or do something" rather than just "I'll walk when I can." I don't tend to have many bursts of enthusiasm for spontaneous exercise  ! I think that's because my joints have begun to hurt and any major exertion leaves me fatigued and uncomfortable. I was off the soda for nearly a year.... I KNOW I can do that much--lol! I stopped drinking it (and eating ANY junk food) the day before my gall bladder surgery in Nov. 2006 and I did absolutely fantastic with it for several months and then gradually slipped back into old ways. Just after the surgery I lost 14 lbs in two weeks time. Then it slowed some but still, I had gone down a size. Now, it's right back on. Oh well--here I am rambling again lol. TY again for the support! Lori

Hi Lisa. You have new motivation now, to be prepared FOR surgry when yu can-eithr with Dr. Loggins for another Dr. in the state that accepts Medicare.  Start the journey!!!

Hi Lori!       As the other ladies have pointed out, I think we've all been in the same situation at one point or another.  I am not the most motivated person on earth when it comes to exercise and I've found setting small, achievable goals for myself really helps.  I've got larger goals set also, but taking those smaller steps has helped me alot!   Keep your courage up and, if you want, inquire about other doctors.  You know we'll be here to support you, no matter which path you take.  Keep thinking positively and positive things will happen.  Take care! Ruth

My girlfriends on disability too and my surgeons office said that it didnt matter if they dont do Medicare as the primary you probably have Mainecare as your secondary right? They can bill it through Mainecare that way.......at least thats what my surgeons office told me in Augusta.....you may want to ask about that.....

Hey Jackie, thanks for responding! Unfortunately, I don't have Mainecare--I supposedly make too much. And so for right now I will just do what I can on my own to lose and then consult with Dr. Loggins later if he does take Medicare then--or, when i return to the workforce! I'd consider traveling (I've heard Dr. Toder is excellent as well) but I don't have a vehicle so I am limited as to my options. Thanks again, Lori

Hi Lori, Just curious as to where you live?  There are other options than Dr. Loggins.  He was my surgeon and absolutely amazing but you might find another just as amazing.  I know Maine Med has a department as does Southern Maine Med in Biddeford.  I don't know if that would be traveling too far but it might be worth a try.  An initial consult might be able to be done with all the testing done at one of the 2 local hospitals???  But if it's medicare making the changes that might still be difficult. Anyway, also wanted to know where you lived because I'm going to start walking and would love a buddy!!