Guest guest Posted January 22, 2000 Report Share Posted January 22, 2000 na, Thanks for all the info on your surgery. I didn't ask the questions, but I certainly appreciated your input. Best of luck to you on the way down. I went to the clinic yesterday, and have decided to GO FOR IT. Insurance is going to be a battle, but I am going to try it anyway! Thanks for sharing! NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 NV It may be less of a battle than you think. Legislation and education are really helping , in my opinion. We are such a litigious society and the insurance companies know that. Armed with knowledge we are seeing results. If you need any help please let me know. If you just do your page 6 and make sure your patient information sheet is as absolutely complete as possible Dr. R can write a letter that frequently brings them to their knees. Good Luck! We're eager to have you here, with us, on the other side. Sincerely, na Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 Thanks na, I just sent Dr. R my patient info. So, I am on my way!!! NMV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 Excellent letter , One question. What is L-Glutamine supplement and where do I get it and what does it do for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 don't let ins stop you. I went ahead and had my surgery and now I have a good lawyer that is going to get my money back for me. I will report as time goes by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 L-Glutamine is a free form amino acid. My understand is that the obese person's body cannibalizes muscle for energy, when the food's cut back. In height/weight proportionate people the body uses fat for its energy needs. L-Glutamine helps the body to build muscle and salvage the muscle it already has. This helps our metabolism and gives us greater lean muscle mass. I got it at the local health food store, a brand named Solaray. I've seen it at Walmart and the grocery store, though. It's common and not expensive. Sincerely, na Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 L-Glutamine is a free form amino acid. My understand is that the obese person's body cannibalizes muscle for energy, when the food's cut back. In height/weight proportionate people the body uses fat for its energy needs. L-Glutamine helps the body to build muscle and salvage the muscle it already has. This helps our metabolism and gives us greater lean muscle mass. I got it at the local health food store, a brand named Solaray. I've seen it at Walmart and the grocery store, though. It's common and not expensive. Sincerely, na Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 L-Glutamine is a free form amino acid. My understand is that the obese person's body cannibalizes muscle for energy, when the food's cut back. In height/weight proportionate people the body uses fat for its energy needs. L-Glutamine helps the body to build muscle and salvage the muscle it already has. This helps our metabolism and gives us greater lean muscle mass. I got it at the local health food store, a brand named Solaray. I've seen it at Walmart and the grocery store, though. It's common and not expensive. Sincerely, na Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 thank you for the great description. Just one more question. Is it in capsule form or powder or one of those huge things to swallow which no can do????? I will get some L Glutamine this coming week. Good greif. It's all I can do to keep up with all I have to take and drink and chew and not complaining though it is worth it. 217 lbs here in Missouri ( & feeling great) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 thank you for the great description. Just one more question. Is it in capsule form or powder or one of those huge things to swallow which no can do????? I will get some L Glutamine this coming week. Good greif. It's all I can do to keep up with all I have to take and drink and chew and not complaining though it is worth it. 217 lbs here in Missouri ( & feeling great) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 Thx. so much for all the information. Although, I didn't ask them they are immeasurable for us pre ops. A BIG THX. AGAIN for taking the time to do this. > > From: Hathfrtt@... > > Thanks! The questions don't follow any logical order... > > 1. Have you taken all the extra medicines (supplements)? Have you > found them to be necessary? > > I've taken everything except the optional stuff and the pain meds. The > Actigal is critical to me because I don't want to be back in for a > gallbladder removal if I can avoid it. The carafate was nasty but necessary. > I didn't develop thrush so I didn't get those prescriptions filled but I did > develop a raging yeast infection, probably from the IV antibiotics. It > wouldn't respond to monistat at all so I did get the Diflucan filled and it > worked like magic. The Prilosec seems to keep my stomach calm. I dole out > everything I'm to take into a ziplock bag and take it while I'm eating my > breakfast yogurt. I also chose to use the L-Glutamine supplement to try to > minimize muscle loss. > > 2. Have you had a lot of stomach discomfort? > > No stomach discomfort of any type except when I tried to eat a half of a > grilled cheese sandwich on wheat. I thought I chewed well but it seemed to > ball up in my stomach regardless. It felt pretty bad and although I felt > like throwing up I couldn't. It passed in less than an hour but I have sworn > off bread until at least 6 month post-op. Crackers and croutons are okay for > me. > > 3. Did you have food cravings before surgery? Do you still have these > same cravings following surgery? > > My life was a constant craving before surgery. Mostly I've been released > from that obsession but it's still a little like smoking. There have been > two or three times that I've really wanted a cold Pepsi but I would never > risk it. I don't do diet soda either so it's just water. It's been very, > very easy so far. I believe those desires will return in some fashion > someday but by then I hope I have such healthy habits I will be able to stand > firm. > > 4. Do you have any problems with skin conditions, such as infections or > excess skin problems? How do you handle it? > > Not yet. I'll let you know. > > 5. Did you experience the post surgery depression? Don't have to answer > the rest of this question...only if you don't mind sharing. Were you on > medication for depression before the surgery? Were you taken off your > antidepressants following the surgery? Did you experience any problems? > > I'd been on everything over the years, Prozac, (up to four a day!), Zoloft, > Effexor, Wellbutrin. You name it I'd tried it. My main depression was truly > that I was getting larger and larger and couldn't seem to be able to do > anything to stop it. I gave up all antidepressants over a year prior to > surgery. They just didn't work for me and it wasn't worth the hassle and > expense of getting them filled. Although I know post-surgery depression is > common, regardless of the surgery, I have not had any. I was grateful though > to Dr. R's thoroughness in addressing that aspect. Before surgery I made an > appointment for two weeks post-op with the psychiatrist that did my > evaluation. I thought this was a good precaution in case I was in some > horrible blue funk. When I went to that appointment we only spent half an > hour and that was about how I wanted him to help me work on the local surgeon > to do lap procedures. I made another appointment for 3 months post-op, just > to be kind to myself. > > 6. Much has been written lately about hair loss. Did you experience much > hair loss? and what did you do about it, if anything? > > Too early to tell. The anesthesia, however was pretty hard on it. It was > pretty dull and lifeless. I am taking biotin orally to try to help. > > 7. What kind of exercise do you do? How many times a week? > > From the day of surgery I was more active than I've been in years. On the > 12th day post-op I began a formal program at the " Y " . I do five different > strength training machines and at least 20 minutes of cardio vascular > exercise, (right now either the bicycle or treadmill). I've committed to go > no less than 3X a week but during this honeymoon phase I'm making it usually > 6X a week. > > 8. Have you found that you can accept all different kinds of foods, > excepting sugar of course? Are there certain types of foods that need to be > avoided? > > I don't have any problems, except with bread. It gummed up on me and felt > like a rock in my chest for about 40 minutes. Not a good feeling at all. > Other than that I am fine. I have not tested the limits with simple sugars > and don't intend to. Whole natural fruit juices are good but I have to stop > after about 6 oz or I start to feel kinda crampy. > > 9. Are you a big liquids drinker? Can you still drink alot of water or > crystal light type of drinks? Are there restrictions on the amount of > liquids consumed? Do you have any recommendations on amounts? > > I like water and have no problem with drinking a lot. I try to get from 64 > to 80 oz. daily. It is so important for health and for weightloss. Also, as > someone who's been blessed with kidney stones before I want to avoid them at > all costs. I don't care for any Crystal Light that I've tried but I > understand it's good for you too. > > 10. Final question! When was your surgery and how much did you lose? > Okay, this is really my final question...What one thing do you find you can > do now that you couldn't do before the surgery that totally excites > > My surgery was 12/27. I was back to work 01/03. I've lost 25 pounds in 25 > days. I got to move the 50 pound weight down a whole notch on Thursday. > That was awesome. The first thing I notice though was my belly not rubbing > on the steering wheel. Moving from the 270's through the 260's and 250's and > into the 240's is so exciting and rewarding! It's like that Pepsi commercial > with Jeff Gordon and the little girl at NASCAR, " You've just got to have the > right motivation. " > > Thank you for asking me. I hope this is helpful. > > Sincerely, > na (hathfrtt@...) > 272 on DOS 12/27 > 247 at 25 days post-op > > --------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 The L-Glutamine I'm taking is in a clear gelatin capsule. It doesn't give me any problems. SIncerely, na Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 , Are you using that attorney Walter Lindstrom, whose specialty is Obesity Law? I'd be interested to know how things progress for you. I am debating whether I should just do the self-pay option because I am getting tired of battling & waiting for my insurance company. I wish you the best of luck, I hope you will be successful in recovering your costs. Raleigh, NC Re: Re: MGB questions >From: Deckbound@... > >don't let ins stop you. I went ahead and had my surgery and now I have a >good lawyer that is going to get my money back for me. I will report as time >goes by. > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 23, 2000 Report Share Posted January 23, 2000 , Are you using that attorney Walter Lindstrom, whose specialty is Obesity Law? I'd be interested to know how things progress for you. I am debating whether I should just do the self-pay option because I am getting tired of battling & waiting for my insurance company. I wish you the best of luck, I hope you will be successful in recovering your costs. Raleigh, NC Re: Re: MGB questions >From: Deckbound@... > >don't let ins stop you. I went ahead and had my surgery and now I have a >good lawyer that is going to get my money back for me. I will report as time >goes by. > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2000 Report Share Posted January 24, 2000 No I am using a local lawyer. And she is very positive that we will get all our money back and more. If it goes to court they will have to pay me triple what they owe me. Yes I waited for months and appeals and finally I realized that I could wait not longer. My life was at stake. I could hardly breathe. I will keep you posted and that is a promise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2000 Report Share Posted January 24, 2000 , what state are you in? NC? I am expecting a big insurance battle too. If NC, I would love the atty reference. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2000 Report Share Posted January 24, 2000 , what state are you in? NC? I am expecting a big insurance battle too. If NC, I would love the atty reference. NV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2000 Report Share Posted January 25, 2000 , would you have her (Venus Harry) email address or phone number? I think I'd like to contact her also. Thanks. Re: Re: MGB questions >From: Deckbound@... > >Sorry I am in Springfield, Missouri. But you never know. You can contact my >attorney if you like by email. Her name is Venus Harry. And she is really >really spunky. I talked to her today and the ball is rolling big time. She >is with the Mc & Associates Law firm and it is a long standing firm, >very reputable. And I know they work for people from all over everywhere. > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 25, 2000 Report Share Posted January 25, 2000 , would you have her (Venus Harry) email address or phone number? I think I'd like to contact her also. Thanks. Re: Re: MGB questions >From: Deckbound@... > >Sorry I am in Springfield, Missouri. But you never know. You can contact my >attorney if you like by email. Her name is Venus Harry. And she is really >really spunky. I talked to her today and the ball is rolling big time. She >is with the Mc & Associates Law firm and it is a long standing firm, >very reputable. And I know they work for people from all over everywhere. > >--------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 26, 2000 Report Share Posted January 26, 2000 Law offices of H. Mc & Associates 300 S Jefferson, Suite 600 Springfield, Missouri 65801 phone email mcdassoc@... Webpage http://www.mcdonaldassoc.com They are licensed in Missouri & District of Columbia. Licensed in New Jersey Licensed in California The firm is made up of 11 attorneys. I couldn't be more pleased with Venus. I am faxing a copy of her letter to Dr R utledge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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