Surgery date 9/12/05

I had tried to obtain the surgery in Jan. 2004 with Dr. Strickland's office. in Charleston, WV. However, Tri Care would not consider Lap for the surgery. After a year and over $2,000 with L.A. Weight Loss, I had decided again to try to get the surgery. Right away I scheduled the appointments for the Psyc and Dr.Shin's office in Charleston, WV for the obesity surgery. The first visit was with the Psyc and that's when I found out that I was Bipolar. I had suspected it due to the serious depression that I was experiencing for the last year. It had been worst that I had ever experienced in my life. Furthermore, my daughter is Bipolar and as I learn and explore more, I realize now why situations in my life were so hard, when it seemed to be easy for others. Enough on that subject. The main subjest is the surgery. My next visit was with Dr. Shin the obesity doctor. I was so impressed with the organiziational and professionalism of the office. I was very concerned about after the surgery. I realize that I didn't get in the condition that I am in today due to just over eating. I know that I need counseling, education and leadership on the road to a healthful life. Dr. Shin has assured me that I will be receiving just that with his office. They have a wonderful support organization set up with peers who have or are going through with the surgery. I truly love to exercise, so that is not one of my concerns. Hard to believe by looking at me that in the spring, summer and fall I ride my bike about 400 miles. In and around Nitro and Charleston, you may have seen this 260 lb woman riding a purple bike. I know by the store windows I am not a great sight to view, but one can not keep the way they look from doing the things they love to do. Other wise, I would of missed out on some wonderful experiences and the great feeling I experience from the accomplishment I receive for doing the miles. My longest run was 28 miles. It's finding the places to run the long miles that's the problem, not the riding. After twenty minutes I can go on and on and on. That's with any type of exercise that I do. I also work out at home on my treadmill and total gym. The exercise has helped me keep my weight from reaching over 300 lbs. I am sure of that. Also when people look at me, even the nurses have a hard time seeing that I am over 100 lbs, but unfortunately the scale doesn't lie. I can't explain how excited I am to be able to know that I will be able to race my bike with others and get toned and see the muscles growing. I would love to be a fitness specialist. I know that this dream can come true now. The first problem I had in trying to get my surgery approved was my Psyc. He wanted me to wait until I was stablized with my medicine. So after he wrote three letters and finally got one that was corrected, Dr. Shin was able to submit my paperwork. It came back denied because my PC doctor did not refer me to the obesity doctor. Well, I didn't want my PC involved with this because when I tried to have this done over a year and half ago, he was totally against it. He was mad at me for quite a while. Now I think the world of my doctor, but this was my decision. This time he didn't give me any problems with referring me to Dr. Shin's office. However, I was still denied two more times before the surgery was approved due to paperwork issues. It took a great emotional toll on me and I broke down at Dr. Shin's office. Dr. Shin and his staff were so emphatic to me. They gave me so much hope that all would work out and it did. Katie, the manager worked so hard on trying to get me approved. It was a harder task than Tri Care usually is and she was a great trooper. I can't thank her enough for all she did for me. This is a very emotional ordeal and I can honesty say that I was not so easy to get along with. I was determined that this was going to happen and not fall through the cracks like it had previously. Finally, Sept. 12th I will be having the surgery. I know this will work, because I am going to take one day at a time and work on doing all that I can to be successful. The last thing I want to say is that. Dr. Shin and his staff are the best. If you are looking for success, it's more important than ever to find a Dr. and staff that doesn't follow up on you with education, support, and dedication. I know several people who have had the surgery and I have seen two that weighted in the 400's lose around a hundred and nothing else due to the fact that did not have any conseling or followup. One just told me yesterday that he could eat a 1/2 of a gallon of ice cream easier than the foods he is suppose to eat. This is a lifetime dedication. A word of the wise, once you have made the decision to have the surgery, make the decision to live a healthier life. I can't say it yet, but in my heart I know that eating right will be worth it in the long run. Presently my average speed is 11 miles an hour. After this surgery, hopefully I can bike 17 miles and hour or more. Best wishes to all for a wonderful heathlier future.