OK I just found out (Thurs to be exact) that Cigna approved my gastric bypass surgery(lap) Scheduled the first week in Dec... downside found out my copay is $2,000!!!!! Of course we'll find a way to come up with it but like I said...I'm sooooo excited! Merry Christmas to ME !!!!!!!!!

This is such a drastic last resort surgery ~ but Congrats to you!  It's supposed to be the answer to diabetes, GERD, a huge help towards apnea and of course, weight loss.

 You'll be able to put your Christmas dinner in a measuring cup LOL...  1/2 cup I think.

Let us know how it all goes for your from surgery throughout the process. I wonder what your next sleep study will show as being the differences !

I never thought I would do this....but I KNOW that I am NOT disciplined enough to have a banding done. My surgeon has been doing the procedure for 6 years and has had ZERO complications(I know that's true because friends have researched the #s) A surgeon friend of mine is assisting. Dr. Teng is pretty tough;patients have to have lots of screenings and lose a % of weight before he'll schedule a surgery date. Another group in town just takes payment and schedule the surgery. That made me EXTRMELY nervous!!

Though it is a a MAJOR life changing decision, my sister had it done last January.  The whole family was in shock.  It is so unlike her to do something like this.  She was 5'1 and 238lbs, Asthma, Diabetes and when I convinced her to have a sleep study just prior to her approval for the surgery, she was Dx'd with OSA.  The whole process for approval took close to a year...between counseling, support groups, psychiatric evaluation and required weight loss prior to her surgery.  She did have a complication within her first week home however, she sought emergency help instead of thinking "it might be the way it is suppose to be", all was corrected without further problems...just an extra scar from having to go back in.  It was not a mistake by the Dr.s, just something that happened.

Today, she is at 139lbs...no diabetic meds needed within a few days after surgery. Sugar has remained under 100 ( I think she said a slight fluctuation in the mid 90's upon her continued daily testing)  Her asthma is at bay, and her CPAP is packed away.  She started a new job as an assistant teacher in the public schools, which is perect for her (she had always hid in the past as a nanny).  She has confidence that I have never seen in her before, she is radiant & happy.  She is very energetic and sounds 19 again.  She is even considering facing one of her fears...to fly.  Her first trip she said will be to come visit me!  YAY!!!

She has not experienced the depression that sometimes is seen in the months that follow due to her husband and grown children being such a good support system....which she feels has been the most beneficial to her success.  She wants to lose 1 more pound to reach the 100lb mark,  and just can't get it off her...but as her Dr said, she probably has at least 10lbs of skin and is just done losing.   She said she is not going to have reconstructive surgery to remove the extra skin because it is not "all that bad" and not causing a problem....I told her "shoot, you've come this far why not?"  Her answer "I don't like to have surgeries"...go figure!  that is the why we all were so surprised at her decision to do the bypass.  Her weight loss was not as sudden as some...it was smooth, easy for her and just a few pounds gave her enough energy to go on her treadmill and exercise along with the weight loss.  That probably helped with the toning too.

We were on the phone the other day (we are 2000 miles apart) and she said..."Boy, it is hard to find a 34 DD bra!"  I had to laugh.

Her wedding dress was a size "0"!  over 35 years ago.  She was always the little bird to us.  After having her 2nd child she started gaining, then her 3rd just took it over the top.

Good luck Barb...I know it was a long process!  It sounds like you are in excellent hands...will you please still post if you end up off the CPAP    We don't want to be left behind.


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BiPAP Auto M 13/8 Mirage Nasal Swift. 20 years+ undx'd. RLS/PLMD, Hypersomnia & more.

Mrs Rip Van Winkle-Thanks for the wonderful story and the encouraging words and support!!

You may have heard about this already, but there's often a major change in your dietary habits when you get gastric bypass done.  

Okay, that sounds silly, right?  "DUH! The whole point is to eat less!"  No, I'm talking about not just the quantity, but the kinds of foods you will be able to tolerate.  

We watched my mother-in-law go through this, and have heard similar stories from others:  You may find that you can no longer tolerate fatty foods, starchy foods, sweets, foods high in fiber, etc.  It seems that people's experiences vary; there may be no way to tell in advance which kinds of foods will give you trouble and which won't.  My mother in law, a diabetic, took a long time to recover, and struggles with her new dietary tolerances had a lot to do with that.

I don't want to diminish your excitement, but it seems that this side effect of gastric bypass isn't all that widely known or talked about by people considering the procedure.  I'm not saying you won't have a good outcome; I'm just saying that adjusting to your new diet is a bigger part of the recovery process than most people think.  Hopefully, knowing about this in advance will keep you from being frustrated during your recovery.

Good luck!

m_k_rich


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m_k_rich

m_k_   Believe me when I say that I have researched bariatric surgery and then researched some more. Also I have a very strong medical background-I've been an ICU RN for 25 years. My surgeon drills information into patients on every visit and then he tells you that on your last visit there will be a "test" and if he doesn't think you understand or if you haven't lost enough weight pre-op he has no qualms about pushing back surgery date. "It's Teng's way or NO WAY" He basically handpicks his patients and follows them very closely for first 2 years post-op(then he mellows out a bit;I hear). His nutritionist comes out to every patient's home to do a consult. He then follows up at 3 mo.;6 and 12 months and every patient has his email and cell#. I was at first shocked when his consult lasted 45 minutes and he charged $225!!! But then for the first year he can be called numerous times. Trust me when I say I've been thinking of RNY surgery for about 4 years but NOW is the right time. I started on CPAP 11/05 and this year I started on medication for high BP. I know losing weight will improve my health
I'll keep everyone posted with how surgery goes and then updates. The BIG DAY is 12/6/07. Everyone needs to send GOOD KARMA my way!


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-Grateful Dead


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Barb:  Just wanted to add my two cents and wish you good luck.  I can imagine how big this decision was for you and that being a RN you must have researched it carefully.  I'll be thinking of you and hope you have a great Christmas.  Keep us posted after the surgery on your progress.  We'll all be interested.


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ResMed S8 Elite, F&P Flexifit 406, Optilife
AHI 54/hr, Pressure 8, desat. 73

Our board will be up and running in time for us to give you our best send off !!


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Johmmies- That is such AWESOME news!!! I expect a BIG group hug before Dec 6th.     20 days to go!!
And Sheila is is for you and all of your hard work. Much appreciated and does not go unnoticed.                                              

                                         


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-Grateful Dead


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You're a braver woman than I.  I have several friends who have had various forms of the surgery, and a couple with banding.  I've thought about it, but not seriously.  I sure do wish you good luck!

Will be thinking of you down Florida way.  I cannot imagine how excited you are and the changes that will happen.  I learned just how striking a change there is from Mrs. RipVW's sister's info.  WOW!     
Barb


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Remstar auto CPAP... mask=Hans Rudolph V2
Peace begins with each of us, as individuals

... and we're all set with the Gallery to showcase your progress !          Told ya we'd be ready on time ! !


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