Profile: Carol D Surgery: Post Op Carbondale, PA, USA Personal Comments I'm beginning the process of having surgery and am learning about the different types. Also am interested in learning about the post op life style changes. 3/18/06 - I think I've really decided to do this. Even with the complications that I've read about... including those who have passed from this. I definitely think the pros outweigh the cons at this point. My family so far is supportive, as well as my b/f. I am just really scared of leaving my children if that were to happen. I don't know how my daughter would take it. We're very close (she's 7 now). But for me to be able to be more active with her would be so great.... and to not be so tired anymore. But I'm going to keep reading and get more informed. I need to call Dr. Peters this week and go get some blood work for him. I really hope my insurance is cooperative with this... I know they cover it, but not the prerequisites yet. Will call on Monday. 4/14/06 - Well, almost a month since I've updated. Don't know if anyone else reads this... but it helps me keep track of my thoughts, etc. I had my blood work, came back that I have high cholesterol. Only comorbid I've got and I am thankful for that. I was really surprised that I did have high cholesterol. I kind of hoped I did (I know - bad of me) but I'm a light weight and really want this WLS. Then again, it really scared me! What should I be doing about it? My PCP will probably hit the roof! She's been on me for a long time to lose weight. Keeps putting me on diets that just don't work even when I stick to them. She's totally against surgery in general, so no help from her getting approval. I'm thinking of switching my PCP, not just because of the WLS, but also because it takes MONTHS to get an appointment, even if I'm deathly ill. By the time I get in, I'm not sick anymore. Anyway.... I have my first "official consult" with Dr. Peters on 5/4/06. I've met with him when I stopped in to weigh in and talked to him on the phone. I really like him and his nurse/wife Robbie. Very nice people. She's also calling my insurance for me to see if they require the 6 month diet. I called the insurance and was told that as long as the codes from the doctor are correct, no problem getting approved. Robbie thinks they just aren't telling me everything so that's why she's calling. She was supposed to call me early this week if I need the supervised diet so I can get started, but no news is good news???? lol Now my dilemma is DS versus RNY. I've read and re-read all the advantages/disadvantages and the differences, but am still not sure of the differences, etc. I'm going to place my first official post today asking for different input on the two procedures. I know I'm doing this.... most days. Everytime I buy clothes they're bigger and bigger and I'm not eating any differently. I can't take this and I've become disgusted with food in general. Only eat when I'm hungry. UGH. So that's where I stand. I guess my journey really begins on 5/4/06.... 5/5/06 The journey has really begun! Had my official consult with Dr. Peters - he thinks I'm a good candidate. We went over the various procedures and I'm definitely going with the DS. I need 3 months supervised weight loss with a dietician but I think that's good because she will also help me post op with eating properly, etc. Also, I don't think 3 months is too long to wait. Summer will fly by I'm sure - it always does. I'm a bit nervous, talked to my b/f and my mom a lot last night. My b/f's ok with the body changes (losing the boobs! lol) and my mom is great! Very supportive. She's very overweight and I wish she'd consider this herself. So my journey begins. I'm calling the dietician today to get started and hope to be able to get switched in the Fall. I can only dream of regular clothes... bought a dress for a wedding and my daughter's communion yesterday - are all bigger sized clothes made by tent makers???? lol Someday soon I'll be in the regular sizes! Cannot wait! And oh, to feel healthy and have energy again... That's all for now. Not sure if anyone ever reads these things but I guess it's also like a diary for me. 5/13/06 Well, FINALLY got that darn picture on here.... only took about 3 weeks! It's me and beautiful baby girl... love her to pieces! I'm going to email another one to put taken last weekend at her Communion - I almost cried when I saw that picture! I look absolutely HUGE!!!!!!!! UGHHHHHHH..... well, I just keep thinking "last fat summer, last fat summer" As for this WLS, I sometimes wonder if I'm just not trying hard enough to diet and exercise on my own, then my mind shifts and I think, hell, even if I did diet and exercise more, I'd only lose a little bit of weight (I've always been on the heavier side) and I'd gain it all back again. This is a solution to a big problem. Yes, I have to work hard afterwards and watch what I eat, and vitamins, and protein, but I should be able to get to a really healthy weight for my height and frame, which has never happened for me, and have a little (well a lot) of assistance maintaining it by having the switch. I'm so tired of the yo-yo dieting. I want to be free.... 6/24/06 Haven't posted in a while here. Saw the nut 2 times... going well on that end. But - Well, I think I mentioned (or maybe not) I was getting new insurance 7/1/06. I had Independence BC but now they're switching to Highmark. I've been bugging our consultant about the what Highmark requires for WLS, I did hear 6 nut visits versus 3, but they keep saying they won't know for a few more weeks. Anyway, I saw Dr. Peters on Thursday and he and Robbie both said Highmark never covers the DS. I AM SO FREAKIN' PO'D!!!!!!!! I really wanted this. When I first saw him, I never heard much about the DS, then he showed me the light. Now, we're back to discussing the RNY. I really was comfortable with the quality of eating with the DS, even the not so good things (stinky poop, etc.). Now I'm confused again. He said with the RNY I really will eat like a bird. I'm not a big sugar person, so the dumping shouldn't be too bad of an issue. But I really liked keeping my pyloric valve and the way my new stomach would be... I'm just so blah now. I do know, however, that surgery is the only option for me. Any diet would only lead to more weight gain in the end. So, I'm going to really research the RNY again. I won't give up hope on the DS just in case our new insurance isn't NEPA (my law firm has said this is Western PA Highmark) but Dr. P didn't have much hope and he would know. Paying is not an option, nor is leaving the country - that is paying too. I just can't afford it. Single with 2 kids and don't get any child support while I have a good job, I just make it most months. So, can you all just say a prayer for me? Maybe it'll work out, maybe DS wasn't meant to be for me. Maybe it's God's way of guiding me. Surgeon Info: William S. Peters (Peckville, PA) Well, what to say about Dr. Peters and Robbie.... words are not enough to describe them. My first impression was one of immediate comfort knowing I'm in Dr. Peters hands. While he's quick to point out the potential complications and how hard all this will be, he's also a wonderful human being who made me always feel so at ease in his presence. He explains EVERYTHING and every option available. He spends a lot of time going over things. I was there soooo long, I couldn't believe it. I left knowing I want my life in this man's hands. As the time went on, I became more and more attached to him and Robbie. She is an absolute dynamo and knows what she is talking about. She will fight to the death to get one of her patients approved. And Dr. Peters, well, when I first lost my job, I called him to cancel my EGD and he made me feel soooo much better about losing my job!! He's so upbeat and positive. Of course, I had the EGD to keep things moving, but without him I would have crumbled. He's not only a surgeon/physician, but a wonderful human being as well. I don't know about aftercare yet, but if pre-surgery is any indication, I'm sure it'll be great. Dr. Peters and his wife, Robbie, are the reasons I got approved for surgery. Robbie gets mad for you when you are getting screwed over. While I didn't talk to Dr. Peters as much during the course of this month, Robbie told me he himself had made about 5 calls to Highmark on my behalf. I would absolutely NOT let anyone else operate on me for this. I have complete faith in him and Robbie and while I know my life literally is in his hands - I have no fear because of who they are as people and professionals. Thank you both - words will never be enough. Insurer Info: Highmark BC/BS They are the absolute WORSE insurance company I've ever dealt with in my life! They are not helpful at all when you call. I was given the runaround so many times. They even terminated my coverage 3x during the month of November and said it was an "accident". They gave my surgeon the runaround and told him I didn't have coverage. They told the hospital I didn't have coverage as well! It was a complete nightmare. I have filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General because of all the problems I've had. My advice in dealing with them - have an attorney on hand.