Update on Me...

I haven't posted in a while. I was feeling a bit down because things weren't going as I had planned.

Priority refused my request for VSG. Dr. Foote and his group fought it, but PH has changed their policy on VSG and I do not qualify. I have agreed to go ahead with the RnY and have finally been approved for that. I have cut out caffeine and tried watching food intake, but am still having difficultly loosing weight. In fact I am 4 lbs up from where I was at my first appointment at MMPC. I have a message in at MMPC to schedule my surgery. I am hoping for some time in early September.

So for MMPC'rs - how long were you on the pre-diet surgery? I thought it was suppose to be 2 weeks, but then I read something that mentioned 4 weeks. Any other suggestions/thoughts/words of advice for making final preparation for surgery???

I had my lap RNY surgery on July 3rd with Dr. Kemmeter and was on the pre-surgery diet for two weeks.  Then after surgery you're on the same diet (minus the solid food options like bars, wafers and nuts) for two more weeks.  So, four weeks all together!

I had my two week post-op visit today and was given the go-ahead for some soft foods.  I had some delicious mashed potatoes for lunch, made with milk only (no water) and adding extra dry powered milk for more protein.  It was my first solid food in weeks and it was yummy!!

Hi, Julie -
Glad to see you up and around after your surgery.  I met with the behaviorist today and see Dr. Kemmeter on Monday.  Everything seems to be going Ok, but I don't think I can document the six months of supervised weight loss.  So, it looks like it will be the end of the year before my surgery can be scheduled. 

Anyway, just wanted to say, "hi" and wish you well.

Sorry you have had a hard time w/ PH. I loved having them. They were the best when it came to my son's special needs. They never batted an eye. We lost them the first of the year. I guess the only good thing so far about BCBS is that they have better approval guidelines for WLS (they are cruddy when it comes to special needs.)

I was only on the pre-op diet 11 days (10 since the 11th day was my surgery date) and managed to lose 13 lbs. One thing that has helped me significantly is to keep a food journal. MMPC has little books for like $3. I really like them and I faithfully enter everything I eat.

Good luck to you. I hope you get your call back soon!
Gwen

Ditto what Julie said-2 weeks before & 2 weeks after. I'll be starting my 2 wk fast this thursday, I have surgery w/Dr Foote July 30th. I, too, checked into VSG but was told I could only be approved if I was on meds for arthiritis(sp?) or had had multiple abdominal surgeries, neither of which pertain to me. I'm actually having the DS. After a lot of thought, the DS is the best choice for me to keep the weight off in the long run & I just don't think I'd do very well w/restrictions. Just a thought-would Dr Foote be willing to do just the first part of the DS for you(which is the sleeve)? You'd have to get approved for the full DS, but he likes to do it in 2 parts for many patients anyway. It's worth either asking Renee about or setting up another appt w/Dr Foote to discuss it! You don't want to just "settle" for a surgery that you don't really want-you have to live with it for the rest of your life!!! Lisa

Thanks Lisa! I did consider the DS, but have decided against it. I am okay with doing the RnY. It just wasnt my first choice. I also think that long term perhaps the RnY would be better for me.

hi kelly --

i've owed you an email for months, i am almost ashamed to post now!  i'm so sorry that i haven't gotten back to you.  my life blew up a couple months ago, and i have been out of town a LOT, and leaving the country for a month in 13 days.  even so, i have hit my 7 month post-op mark with nothing but praise for my WLS, and so happy to be 126# lighter.

i know we all have a lot of things to consider when deciding on a surgery choice, but could you elaborate anymore on why you have decided on RnY?  i don't want to influence yoru decision, or come off as bashing RnY, but i have just known/heard of so many people that have had problems with this procedure -- and frankly, i hear a lot of people making the choice not to have DS based upon misconceptions floating around about what life with DS will be like post-op.  i would love to have the discussion with you, if you would feel comfortable.

please don't settle -- this really is the rest of your life.  VSG would have been my second choice, if DS was not a possibility, simply because it was a stepping stone to the full DS if this became i wanted to pursue.  sorry PH won't cover it for you -- *******s are giving me a really hard time on some meds right now.  however, they covered DS without batting an eye.  i also agree with lisa, who points out that Foote loves to do the DS in two parts, and you really could just end up with a VSG, and still have the approval for DS if you decide to pursue it at a later time.

please let me know if you have any questions about the reality of life with DS.  either way, i am here to support you!  really, i am, just after sept 1 when i am back in the states  :)

Kimberly - thanks for the response. I am sorry things arent goign well for you. If you ever want to talk I would be more than happy to meet up.

I guess I feel more comfortable with the RnY because I know more about it. That is my biggest thing.