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Heath55

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from Missy161 in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Thanks! It was approved after I quoted their own policy and I had the surgery 03/07.



  2. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from Callie60 in Recreational marijuana usage post Gastric Sleeve surgery   
    I appreciate the post. I use it for medicinal purposes (PTSD and EXTREME night terrors) and didn't take back up for awhile but mostly because I had so many complications and didn't even think of it. Smoke chokes me in general so I've done oils and edibles. My biggest issue talking about it is I don't want the scattered whispers or people to not refer patients to me because they fall on the opposed side and have an issue with it.



  3. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from Missy161 in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Thanks! It was approved after I quoted their own policy and I had the surgery 03/07.



  4. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from Missy161 in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Thanks! It was approved after I quoted their own policy and I had the surgery 03/07.



  5. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from O-Town Body Rock in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Rachel I won my appeal finally! I fought and fought and after the peer failed I began the personal appeal and nailed it. I found out on Thursday, saw my doc on Friday, went to the pre-op class today and surgery is Tuesday the 7th. What a whirlwind. I hope yours is going smoother than mine was.


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  6. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from Stella S in Bipolar 2   
    OMG I'm stealing this for my patients! I love it!


  7. Like
    Heath55 reacted to PatientEleventyBillion in Recreational marijuana usage post Gastric Sleeve surgery   
    Smoking anything is bad for you. Superheated compounds that have hydrocarbons are inherently carcinogenic, that includes virtually every kind of smoke we are around -- cigarettes, weed, bbq smoke, incenses, exhaust from combustion engine vehicles, etc. Being around people smoking cigs and weed around me as a child contributed significantly to my respiratory problems. I find it far healthier to do edibles.. for a novice it takes them a while to get used to edibles because it takes a while to hit, versus the instantaneous hit via smoking, so you quickly know what your perceived "maximum highness" is.. whereas with edibles for novices it can feel like they just flew to Mars and are in a whole new world.
    For me, I prefer strains (such as OG Kush) that help deal with my severe attention deficit, that don't cause such severe munchies.
  8. Like
    Heath55 reacted to jess9395 in Suture reaction? Infected incisions... Pics   
    I had tons of bruising because of the lovenox shots, so that part doesn't concern me. The rest looks a bit concerning though.



  9. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from hermione53 in Fear of being thin, losing fat girl identity?   
    OMG I fear that too but for very different reasons. I started gaining weight in the 4th grade (my 3rd and 4th grade pics are like two different kids) and by middle school/freshman year I became more okay with my body. I learned to love my curves and have never wanted to be "skinny". I've had times where I dislike it or "feel fat" but it's not the constant. I WANT to be a curvaceous woman, I feel like it's meant to be and I never shy away from acknowledging my weight. I do it in a casual manner like "I'm obviously no size 2..." and I feel like I'm losing me with the weight but health wise I don't have a choice. I actually had the sleeve in 01/13 so the RNY petrifies me because what if it actually works this time but "too well"?

    For what it's with I'm actually a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in trauma as well as a trauma survivor and if you're not currently in therapy you should consider it. TBH I don't know what I'd do without therapy and know I gained these positive self images by engaging in treatment. You have a considerable history that you need to carefully address with a professional, don't go the journey alone if you don't have to. If you have the courage to start this thread than I believe you have the strength to overcome all of these things and be a happier, healthier you.


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  10. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from carter7165 in why no soda??   
    I promise after your first sip when you wanna die you'll forget about your obsession lol. I knew it would hurt but had to touch the flame and try but then I was good. Eventually I could drink it in moderation but it's not a go to drink anymore.


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  11. Like
    Heath55 reacted to vsg_queendiet in Gastric bypass versus Sleeve   
    I wanted the sleeve because it was a simple surgery. Plus if I ever needed a revision in the future they can make it a rny. I don't think I will need it. My highest weight was 420 pounds. Had surgery on July 2016. My weight is now 273 pounds. Weightloss surgery was the best decision I've ever made. Wish I would have done it years ago. I miss out on so much because of my weight.




  12. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from CurvyCakes in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    On 01/02/13 I had the sleeve done and unfortunately it just didn't really take. Of the 365lbs I started at, my lowest weight was still in the 290's post op. Last June my mother died unexpectedly and young just like her father and brother (all cardiac traumas and it runs significantly on my fathers side too). It scared me into getting myself together and getting back on track, which I've been doing. While I lost only a fraction of weight the first time my quality of life and activities was and has been phenomenal but unfortunately I'm still borderline diabetic, I'm putting stress on my heart, my PCOS is out of wack with multiple cancer biopsies due to this, I started to have high blood pressure and the extra weight caused foot problems. I had two surgeries on my R foot in the last 6mons with little success and he feels my weight is a considerable part of this. I'm doing PT 3x's a week to regain mobility but that's significantly slowed me down.
    I work in the healthcare field and know the system pretty decently but today AmeriHealth denied my revision for full bypass. For my first surgery I had Horizon and AmeriHealth told me that as long as it wasn't through them because they're a "one and done" provider and I meet the medical criteria that wouldn't be an issue. I'm currently about 300-307 and my BMI is about 49 and I'm being denied. I'll attach the criteria they sent me again today but any tips on making this happen would be immensely appreciated. Quite frankly I'll die before 60 like my mother with all of my medical issues that could be alleviated and even eradicated with proper weight loss. I'm going to try and attach a screenshot that I was given by my insurance subsidiary in NJ and if someone can tell me how I don't qualify please go for it because I can't fight something I may be too close to see. I'm feeling really frustrated and defeated but I refuse to roll over. After some pushes with calls today I will have a peer review but they don't know when. Thanks for making it through my ramble.
     
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  13. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from CurvyCakes in Looking for a Twin (03/07)   
    The RN is actually a bypass patient as well so she's not just medically knowledgeable but personally connected and can relate; her assistant is too. I really thought what's the difference but I guess because we are so restricted we can't do off brands. I actually swung by GNC tonight and got good Iron pills, chewable Calcium and this awesome drink instead of chalky shakes. There's different flavors and obviously with a case you can't mix and match but I tried it tonight and it's sooooo much better than the stuff I used last time. If it'll let me post a pic I'll show you and if not post again with details.

    Grand total I lost under 75lbs and when I hit that mark it was for a hot second. I will cry if this one doesn't work. I love my body but I have day of the week pills cases for mornings AND nights and with my genetics and family history I'll be dead before 60 like my mom, uncle and grandfather. I have maintained a "range" since I plateaued but sometimes it will rise. To be honest, today when I did pre-admissions I started to freak out and second guess the surgery. How were you post op for the sleeve? I'm so glad I found someone else in my boat and I hope we stay in touch!u


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  14. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from CurvyCakes in Looking for a Twin (03/07)   
    OMG me too! I did a Google search and that's the closest I got but I was looking for my real life relatable info. From what I've gathered is it'll be like before but sustaining and more restrictive. There's certain pills that we will have to take for life such as Calcium and Iron because our body can't absorb them and since I'm already anemic I'm likely going to have serious deficiencies and possibly need iron fusions. I was also told that for the Vitamins and supplements that we need we can't "skimp" and buy offbrand stuff. It has to be the good stuff which does cost more money and we should get anything in a chewable format if possible. I don't know about you but I never really saw the results that I was hoping for the first time and I did put back on some of the weight over the past few years. I'm still limited in what I can eat and how I can handle stuff and I eat less than the average person yet I had/have no significant weight loss or improvement in my health.


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  15. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from CurvyCakes in Looking for a Twin (03/07)   
    I'm a revision from sleeve to bypass with a surgery date of 03/07 but haven't found anyone in my boat. Plenty of band to bypass but that's it and there's no 2017 options in the monthly groups.
    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  16. Like
    Heath55 reacted to Sullie06 in why no soda??   
    My doctor also said that the stomach stretching is a myth. He said that carbonation doesn't actually have the strength to stretch the stomach. He said the issue is the gas and discomfort and of course the lack of health benefits. He told me if I wanted to drink seltzer, I could.
  17. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from w8onit in why no soda??   
    Well juices are good too lol.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  18. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from carter7165 in why no soda??   
    I promise after your first sip when you wanna die you'll forget about your obsession lol. I knew it would hurt but had to touch the flame and try but then I was good. Eventually I could drink it in moderation but it's not a go to drink anymore.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  19. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from hermione53 in Fear of being thin, losing fat girl identity?   
    OMG I fear that too but for very different reasons. I started gaining weight in the 4th grade (my 3rd and 4th grade pics are like two different kids) and by middle school/freshman year I became more okay with my body. I learned to love my curves and have never wanted to be "skinny". I've had times where I dislike it or "feel fat" but it's not the constant. I WANT to be a curvaceous woman, I feel like it's meant to be and I never shy away from acknowledging my weight. I do it in a casual manner like "I'm obviously no size 2..." and I feel like I'm losing me with the weight but health wise I don't have a choice. I actually had the sleeve in 01/13 so the RNY petrifies me because what if it actually works this time but "too well"?

    For what it's with I'm actually a licensed clinical therapist who specializes in trauma as well as a trauma survivor and if you're not currently in therapy you should consider it. TBH I don't know what I'd do without therapy and know I gained these positive self images by engaging in treatment. You have a considerable history that you need to carefully address with a professional, don't go the journey alone if you don't have to. If you have the courage to start this thread than I believe you have the strength to overcome all of these things and be a happier, healthier you.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  20. Like
    Heath55 reacted to Jnette1979 in March sleevers   
    March 8th and nervous about feeling like death after


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  21. Like
    Heath55 reacted to sleevedgapeach in March sleevers   
    3/6 tomorrow!!!!


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  22. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from O-Town Body Rock in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Rachel I won my appeal finally! I fought and fought and after the peer failed I began the personal appeal and nailed it. I found out on Thursday, saw my doc on Friday, went to the pre-op class today and surgery is Tuesday the 7th. What a whirlwind. I hope yours is going smoother than mine was.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  23. Like
    Heath55 got a reaction from O-Town Body Rock in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    Rachel I won my appeal finally! I fought and fought and after the peer failed I began the personal appeal and nailed it. I found out on Thursday, saw my doc on Friday, went to the pre-op class today and surgery is Tuesday the 7th. What a whirlwind. I hope yours is going smoother than mine was.


    Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
  24. Like
    Heath55 reacted to clc9 in Revision Denial- HELP PLEASE   
    In the last few days, @@Babbs has had some good lists of things to do to get started again. Maybe searching through her recent posts would be less overwhelming? I can imagine you feel defeated, but know you aren't powerless. If you can't have revision surgery, you can still work your sleeve as best you can. Best case scenario, you're just that much healthier for surgery. Good luck!
    Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App
  25. Like
    Heath55 reacted to Lorraine Freeman in Surgery 01/02 and getting nervous   
    Hi, it's totally normal how you are feeling, especially the feeling that you are obsessing about things.
    I thought I would share how things went for me immediately post op in the hope it helps.
    Day one post op went in a flash, I spent the first few hours post op very groggy but not in pain. Don't get me wrong, I knew I had had surgery and was uncomfortable where my stomach was removed but it wasn't an unbearable pain. I was on an IV for the first 24 hours with nil by mouth, just little sponge things to keep my lips moist.
    Day 2 : I was still uncomfortable and found that a few times I did have to ask for a little bit more pain relief, again nothing that a little top of mess didn't handle. On day two I was given Protein Shakes throughout the day and a jug of iced Water to drink throughout the day. Drinking was hard and slow and I felt weird about not being able to just down water as I had previously. The wind (gas) as you call it, was really bad but walking certainly helped. I did laps 3 laps of the ward every 45 mins and pumped a lot :0s. Mid morning of day 2 I was given my leak test where they make you swallow what can only be described as the most fowl tasting liquid known to man. You swallow the liquid and they watch (on X-ray) as it goes down and into your new tummy, making sure everything enters and exits through the correct route. sleeping was uncomfortable and as they kept checking on my oxygen levels etc during the night very disturbed.
    On day 3 I developed what can only be described as the worst case of the runs I have ever had in my life (sorry TMI) doctors were reluctant to let me home in case I became dehydrated but its amazing what some crying like a 2 year old can get you (cringes) so on the evening of day 3 they had had enough of the 33 year old cry baby and allowed me home, this was when they reality if the operation sank in for me.
    While I was in the hospital for some reason everything somehow seemed surreal like when I got home everything was going to magically be better after a good nights sleep or two. Obviously this doesn't happen and every day became like an obsession over the surgery, it was all I could think about from first thing in the morning til I eventually went to sleep. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't in a great deal of pain or anything I just couldn't get what I had done to my body out of my mind, it was like my mind was in delayed shock or something. Fluids were slow but steady and got better every day, however my mood and buyers remorse ( although you don't pay across here) got worse, the oh my goodness what have I done to myself hit along with the this is irreversible surgery what am I gonna do now?
    For about a week my mood was really low but with every day it got a bit better until about day 10 when I was feeling "normal" again.
    The best advice I can give you is take every day as it comes, don't be a martyr to pain if it hurts ask for pain relief, walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip and have a good support network back home waiting for you, not just for helping out in the house etc but for the emotional roller coaster that most people endure.
    I am 7 weeks out now and feeling great with no regrets but I am not going to lie and say its not hard because it is. However every day things get a little easier and I am a step closer to feeling in control of my life again. I know this is a bit long but hope it helps. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. XXxxx

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