medical assistance
Its been a long time since I have posted. I had my RNY in 2004. At my highest weight of 320...I lost about 120 after surgery...down to my lowest of 200. Slowly the weight is piling back on and I have lsot my motivation. I have contemplated many support groups but back out at the last minute, sorry Liz. I recently called my surgeon to go in for a followup for labs and all. they don't take medical assistance and thats my insurance for the time being. Can anyone help me?
What kind of help are you looking for? If support and motivation, there are a lot of us on here who will be glad to help.
We've talked at the Barix support groups about how vital it is for people who have "gotten off track" to get to support and get back on track for themselves. We will NOT judge you in any way, but will give you the tools you need and the support and love you need to get yourself successing again. And we do recognize that this is an ongoing, lifelong journey that we each take in our own way. You are more than welcome to come to the Barix meetings - 3rd Wed night 7 - 9 pm and first saturday of every month (11 - 1:30 during summer) at Barix langhorne (by oxford valley mall). You're also welcome at the cooking class (at my house this month - in Doylestown - as Liz is having a baby). We're friendly, informal, don't bite, and welcome newbies!
As to followup labs, your primary physician can do them or order them just as easily as your surgeon. If you (or your doc) have a copy of the last ones done, they can use that as a model of what to order (or you could ask your surgeon to tell your doctor what normally gets ordered and what to look for - there shouldn't be a charge for that).
For motivation, other than the "get involved with support" (online, in person, whatever works for you!) advice, I would suggest that some reading might be in order. I personally recommend "Anatomy of a Food Addiction" by Anne katharine. It helps you understand the many facets behind the eating patterns that have built into your weight issue, and gives you tools to work through them. Your surgeon fixed your stomach, not your head - and your head is the part that's now giving you trouble and needs to be worked on. If you'd like to read it and then discuss it here or via email, we can do that, too!
We're all pretty flexible on here - we'll work with you to help you get yourself back on track. You know that you're capable of doing it, because you've already DONE IT. You just have to tap back into the mindset that helped you success so well 6 years ago. It's eminently possible and achievable.. and we'll help you get there via gentle ass-kicking, loving encouragement, and advice/recipes and a shoulder to cry on.
Karen
We've talked at the Barix support groups about how vital it is for people who have "gotten off track" to get to support and get back on track for themselves. We will NOT judge you in any way, but will give you the tools you need and the support and love you need to get yourself successing again. And we do recognize that this is an ongoing, lifelong journey that we each take in our own way. You are more than welcome to come to the Barix meetings - 3rd Wed night 7 - 9 pm and first saturday of every month (11 - 1:30 during summer) at Barix langhorne (by oxford valley mall). You're also welcome at the cooking class (at my house this month - in Doylestown - as Liz is having a baby). We're friendly, informal, don't bite, and welcome newbies!
As to followup labs, your primary physician can do them or order them just as easily as your surgeon. If you (or your doc) have a copy of the last ones done, they can use that as a model of what to order (or you could ask your surgeon to tell your doctor what normally gets ordered and what to look for - there shouldn't be a charge for that).
For motivation, other than the "get involved with support" (online, in person, whatever works for you!) advice, I would suggest that some reading might be in order. I personally recommend "Anatomy of a Food Addiction" by Anne katharine. It helps you understand the many facets behind the eating patterns that have built into your weight issue, and gives you tools to work through them. Your surgeon fixed your stomach, not your head - and your head is the part that's now giving you trouble and needs to be worked on. If you'd like to read it and then discuss it here or via email, we can do that, too!
We're all pretty flexible on here - we'll work with you to help you get yourself back on track. You know that you're capable of doing it, because you've already DONE IT. You just have to tap back into the mindset that helped you success so well 6 years ago. It's eminently possible and achievable.. and we'll help you get there via gentle ass-kicking, loving encouragement, and advice/recipes and a shoulder to cry on.
Karen
Well Karen summed it up beautifully.
I know that some offices who do not accept your insurance after surgery charge about $50 for a "consult" or follow up appointment. So it might be worth seeing how much just a consult would be. Right now, my surgeon does not take the insurance I now have, but I have found a WONDERFUL primary doctor who is willing to order labs and I get them done that way. I then send them to my surgeon so she knows I am continuing to follow up with that sort of stuff.
As far as the weight "piling" back on...after the year 2 mark it happens if you are not really careful. In fact, at the barix saturday meeting - we discussed this specific topic when were in smaller groups based on length out of surgery. It is going to be a game for life, and as always, something that is done inbetween our ears, not in our stomach.
I'm glad to see you at least posting. That shows that perhaps you are, or are very close to, getting to the point where you DO want to take steps to get back to where you used to be.
You could also look into doing the "five day pouch test" You basically go through all the stages of meals shortly after surgery (liquids, pureed, soft protein etc) in 5 days. I do not suggest it to lose weight ("a diet" if you will) but rather to get your head back into the game and realize what you are eating and how food is starting to control you.
We'll be glad to support you here - and sometimes that may include some harsh words, but it's out of love and wanting EVERYONE to continue down the path of successing.
I know that some offices who do not accept your insurance after surgery charge about $50 for a "consult" or follow up appointment. So it might be worth seeing how much just a consult would be. Right now, my surgeon does not take the insurance I now have, but I have found a WONDERFUL primary doctor who is willing to order labs and I get them done that way. I then send them to my surgeon so she knows I am continuing to follow up with that sort of stuff.
As far as the weight "piling" back on...after the year 2 mark it happens if you are not really careful. In fact, at the barix saturday meeting - we discussed this specific topic when were in smaller groups based on length out of surgery. It is going to be a game for life, and as always, something that is done inbetween our ears, not in our stomach.
I'm glad to see you at least posting. That shows that perhaps you are, or are very close to, getting to the point where you DO want to take steps to get back to where you used to be.
You could also look into doing the "five day pouch test" You basically go through all the stages of meals shortly after surgery (liquids, pureed, soft protein etc) in 5 days. I do not suggest it to lose weight ("a diet" if you will) but rather to get your head back into the game and realize what you are eating and how food is starting to control you.
We'll be glad to support you here - and sometimes that may include some harsh words, but it's out of love and wanting EVERYONE to continue down the path of successing.
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Can you contact medical assistance and get a list of participating Dr's? I still follow up with Dr Brader even though he is in Lancaster now. It costs me about $40 a visit.
There are also all of us here - if you can get online during the day (I know that handsome little man keeps you running) but this board is a great source too.
And well you have all my info - even if there is no formal meeting you and the little guy can always come over and we can chat!
These ladies are great! Pam and Karen (who have responsed so far) are people I would literally trust with my life!
OH and ladies - Thanks for the advice for LeighAnn - we go way back :) Middle School even! lol
Thanks Liz! We do go WAY back. I am trying to get online more during the day, but yes Logan does keep me away from the computer. I really need to find a job so I stay out of the kitchen all day. I graze now and I know thats killing the weight loss right now. I just gotta keep busy and snacking isn't a problem.
I don't know what part of PA you are in but have you called Member Services to get them involved in helping you find a PCP that is accepting new patients. Explain to them that all the PCP's you've tried are not accepting patients, if you get no satisfaction speaking to the person that answers the phone, insist on speaking with the supervisor. Someone in that office will be able to help you find a PCP that is taking new patients.
IdaMae
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