Newbie intro

[Guest guest]

Hello, all!

I've been lurking for the past day or so...and thought it was about time

to speak up. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every post. So

much information, so much fun and craziness!!

I'm from Illinois, and have been researching WLS for over a year now. I saw

the exclusion for WLS in our insurance policy, and didn't know at the time

that I could fight it, so I gave up on the dream. I did try one more diet

attempt (Atkins) on advice of my doc and I was successful in losing 50

pounds right away, but then...well, you know the story...it's creeping

back on.

I've regained at least 30 of those stinking pounds. That was enough to make

me think again about WLS. We have a BTC close by and I'm scheduled for an

initial consult there in about one week. However, since I've made that

appt, I've come across Dr. R's site and WOW! am I excited! This is

exactly what my husband and I have been looking for. We are especially

encouraged by the fact that it is a Lap surgery, and that you all seem

to have such quick recovery times. I need that as I've got 4 young

children that I home educate. The thought of being practically helpless

to recuperate from an open RNY did not appeal to me or my husband. This

really seems to be an answer to my prayers! So, I am now in the process

of going thru the 12 steps to be approved for the surgery. My biggest

hurdle will be the insurance company as they have a specific exclusion

in their policy for anything related to the treatment of morbid obesity.

I'm not sure how my PCP is going to feel about me wanting this either,

but I plan to fight tooth and nail for this surgery. But mostly I'm

asking God to provide a miracle... that these things will all fall into

place. I really feel that He will provide a way.

I do have a couple of questions...

*Do you think my having a hernia repair as a baby (under 1 year old)

will

disqualify me from being a candidate for the surgery?

*I'm thinking I should still keep my appt with BTC, as a further form of

research, and wouldn't it help in regards to my fight for insurance approval?

(I know they won't pay the fee for the appt, but it shows that I'm

willing to spend $$ out of my pocket)

*I am concerned about reports of bile reflux problems. Anyone care to share

their experiences with that?

*I'm having to gather my medical information from several sources...some

I haven't been able to track down yet. I do remember several years ago

having some tests run and the doc called me about an abnormal liver function

test. I never went in about that (I know, shame on me!). I now know

from my

research, that liver function can be damaged from obesity. And losing weight

quickly, which happens with MGB, can further add to that. Does anyone

have an experience

in this area they care to share with me. I don't have my records yet

from that doctor, but this is really concerning me now.

Anyway, I've shared my story and asked way too many questions! Sorry

about that. I look forward to getting to know you better,

Tricia in IL