Re: Needing help with life-changing decision

[Guest guest]

Leanne,

You have to make the decision for yourself, but I will be glad to

help anyway I can.I understand your concern about the POSSIBLE

complications, but look at the other side of the fence. There are

possible complications to WLS but there are definate complications to

morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is painful, crippling, and life

threatening everyday. With WLS you can end your 35 year battle and

take back your life.

You can go to clos.net and fill out the online information and

send it into your insurance company and get approval before you start

your packet to Dr Rutledge.

I am now 2 weeks post op and spent 6 months preparing for surgery

and today I laughed and cried when I tied my own shoes for the first

time in 6 years. I have not felt as good as I do right now in 15

years. I have stood at the stove and sink and fixed supper every

night this past week and not had to sit down or suffer pain from

standing. Whatever complications I could possibly have 10 - 15 years

down the road is worth the 10 - 15 years of bliss I am celebrating

now. I have lost 28 lbs since 9/29 and knowing it is gone forever is

the true gift. I have been pain free and medication (B/P and

hormones, as well as high blood sugar) free since 9/29.

I hope I have been of help and please feel free to email with

anything I will be glad to help anyway I can.

Make sure you copy the patient manual on clos.net and read it

over and over.

Good Luck !!!

Gwen

MGB 9/29 - 314 5'4

10/14 - 286

> Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and

wrestling

> with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

> internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do

something

> about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

> recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

> Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

>

> After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

> website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

> considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

> (and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

> 1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I

am

> lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids

in

> the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

> is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

> 2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United

Healthcare)

> will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole

process?

> I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would

not

> be able to afford it ourselves.

>

> I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

> someone privately with those. To any who have read through this

long-

> winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance.

Congratulations

> to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

> Good luck!!!

>

> I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

> Leanne

> purrplex@b...

[Guest guest]

Excellent post, Gwen.

Thank you so much for sharing..

Trudy/Indiana

pre-op

Re: Needing help with life-changing decision

Leanne,

You have to make the decision for yourself, but I will be glad to

help anyway I can.I understand your concern about the POSSIBLE

complications, but look at the other side of the fence. There are

possible complications to WLS but there are definate complications to

morbid obesity. Morbid obesity is painful, crippling, and life

threatening everyday. With WLS you can end your 35 year battle and

take back your life.

You can go to clos.net and fill out the online information and

send it into your insurance company and get approval before you start

your packet to Dr Rutledge.

I am now 2 weeks post op and spent 6 months preparing for surgery

and today I laughed and cried when I tied my own shoes for the first

time in 6 years. I have not felt as good as I do right now in 15

years. I have stood at the stove and sink and fixed supper every

night this past week and not had to sit down or suffer pain from

standing. Whatever complications I could possibly have 10 - 15 years

down the road is worth the 10 - 15 years of bliss I am celebrating

now. I have lost 28 lbs since 9/29 and knowing it is gone forever is

the true gift. I have been pain free and medication (B/P and

hormones, as well as high blood sugar) free since 9/29.

I hope I have been of help and please feel free to email with

anything I will be glad to help anyway I can.

Make sure you copy the patient manual on clos.net and read it

over and over.

Good Luck !!!

Gwen

MGB 9/29 - 314 5'4

10/14 - 286

> Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and

wrestling

> with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

> internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do

something

> about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

> recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

> Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

>

> After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

> website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

> considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

> (and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

> 1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I

am

> lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids

in

> the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

> is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

> 2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United

Healthcare)

> will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole

process?

> I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would

not

> be able to afford it ourselves.

>

> I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

> someone privately with those. To any who have read through this

long-

> winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance.

Congratulations

> to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

> Good luck!!!

>

> I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

> Leanne

> purrplex@b...

[Guest guest]

Leanne,

I have been on the list for a very short while, however, I have been

researching having this surgery for about one year now. My

sister-in-law had the the surgery 10/22/99 and she started researching

it in May or June of 1999 before she got approval from Kaiser

Permanente. She has had zero complications as a result of the surgery,

but it did uncover some other condition that she had that has now been

prayerfully corrected through surgery by another specialist. She

continues to do well from Dr. R's magical hands, and does not regret her

" dance with the Dr. " one bit. She has, however, discovered that she and

Chinese food don't mix ).

I have been fighting with Prudential HC HMO since April of this year ,

but I started the process with Dr. R's office soon after the new year.

I mentioned that to say, as of 10/12, I received a call from the person

that was assigned to gather my information for the Medical Examiners.

She told me that after 6 months of praying for a miracle, I was finally

approved for surgery. Halleluja!!! In some of my research, I spoke

with someone on my job about 3 weeks ago that told me that he was going

in for surgery in Rocky Mount NC to remedy his horrific bout with

Reflux. As he started talking, he mentioned that he had ABSOLUTELY NO

PROBLEM WHAT SO EVER WITH HIS INSURANCE COMPANY........UNITED

HEALTCARE. I was surprised to hear that the surgery he was describing

sounded alot like the MGB. I was in the process of switching insurance

companies next week when Open Enrollment for active employees began.

Thank God I don't have to go through that for other reasons as well.

This man went on to tell me that he could obtain coverage IN or OUT of

network [w/United Healthcare] and I could research whether Dr. R would

be in or out of network and that would determine what my deductible

would be.....the most I would have to pay for this wonderful procedure

was $1200 and the rest was covered at 100%. GOOD LUCK WHEN YOU CONTACT

UHC.

I am still waiting to hear from Barbara as far as when I will be

scheduled for surgery. I also live in Raleigh and I took off work early

yesterday and DROVE the required package to Dr. R's office and obtained

confirmation from Barbara at that time whether I had all the necessary

information for Dr. R. to make a decision and schedule a " Dance

Session " . She stated that she would contact me either Monday or Tuesday

for possible date in November.

To address your concerns about the " what if's of surgery " ...I have to

agree with what some of the post-ops have said. After 1000 surgeries, I

think Dr. R. has pretty much got this thing down to a science. God has

truely blessed his hands and I thank God for him all the time. I was

truely amazed at the Angelic ora that came from his presence. I felt a

since of peace just being around him. That is partly the thing that

lets me know that everything will be alright. I am a young Christian

and I often have to remind myself that God is too wise to make a mistake

and whatever happens, SURGERY or NOT, is HIS doing, HIS will and HIS

desire in OUR lives.

I have a very challenging young child that I am raising. This is also

why I am certain and want to have the surgery....to have the energy to

give him the care and attention that he needs and deserves. I am also

newly married as of 4/19/99. My husband has experienced two bombshell

marriages before me....He too deserves some matrimonial happiness. The

discomfort that I feel day in and day out because of being morbidly

obese and the thought of possibly dying young, tell me that there has

got to be a better way to go. I am also 5'4 " tall and I currently weigh

280 lbs. I believe that the MGB is the way.

I am still somewhat in shock that the surgery has been approved, and I

want to see something in writing before the numbness will go away.

Nontheless, I am confident at this point of the process that I am making

the right choice for me and everyone that loves me. Now don't get me

wrong......the closer to the dance lesson I get, I am not quite sure HOW

I will feel. I have never had any type of surgery before in my life and

I have only stayed in the hospital to have a baby...10.5 years ago. You

can believe my prayers are going to be heard on high.

I will keep you in my prayers that you are led to make the decision that

is right for you. Please feel free to e-mail me personally when you

need some one on one time. I can be reached at lth3sa@....

GOD BLESS YOU, LEANNE!!!

purrplex@... wrote:

>

> Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and wrestling

> with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

> internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do something

> about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

> recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

> Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

>

> After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

> website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

> considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

> (and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

> 1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I am

> lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids in

> the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

> is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

> 2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United Healthcare)

> will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole process?

> I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would not

> be able to afford it ourselves.

>

> I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

> someone privately with those. To any who have read through this long-

> winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance. Congratulations

> to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

> Good luck!!!

>

> I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

> Leanne

> purrplex@...

>

>

[Guest guest]

Leanne

I think I found a twin:-) I am close to your weight and hieght. :-)

ANyway I too have been researching for a month.. I too have United Healthcare

(of Arizona) I too have had to find out if they cover this.

SO ANY ANSWERS POSTED TO THE LIST ARE WELCOME! ! ! ! by me too.

Friday I learned that if I have the POS plan with UHC that They will pay 80%

no questions asked. The other side of it is if I ask for clearance they may

pay 100% or they may pay nothing. AHHHHH I have to descide if I want it

covered 100% and risk getting turned down completely. or should I play it

safe and pay 20% out of pocket.

Since I am booked up till New Years I have a little time to work through this

quandary. (spell??) My PCP said that a GB sounds good but that he wilol not

say that I NEED one since I have not jumped through ever medical diet plan

(pills) yet.

So I am torn at the moment in my insurance guide it states that it will

cover GB if diagnoses of Morbid obesity. DOES THAT MEAN I HAVE TO BE REALLY

SICK WITH COMPLICATIONS???

I too have a Fabulous Hubbie and Six children that I want to live a LOOONG

time with. I also want to live an active life with.

So I guess we keep learning. Thanks to everyone that has gone through this

already. for being willing to help us.

Love in health,

Anita

Tucson

[Guest guest]

Hey yall, I was 55 when I had my surgery last Jan 10, 2000 and I had no

complications. I turned 56 in July and I'm still kicking!! 242 lbs at

surgery and I am 5 ft 2 in tall. Now I am 143 lbs and feeling great. Don't

let age make you think you won't do as well as the younger ones. I had very

high blood pressure and everything you can think of wrong with me.

Everything is better now as I become slim again. Take care and you are all

in my prayers every day. in Missouri

[Guest guest]

Leanne,

Maybe this will help you, I am 53 and I wish so bad I would have done this when

I was 35! Only when I was 35 Dr. R. was not out there doing it,

The reason is because I weigh 335, and I've weighed over 200 lbs for 30 years,

when I was your age I could still do lots of things, like playing softball,

dancing, playing with my kids, but gradually as I got older I slowed down, I

just quick doing a few things at a time, I started limited things that I could

do, because of my weight.

I've been lucky not to have high blood pressure, and diebetes, but I do have

upper respiratory problems, asthma, and arthritus. So, at this weight, I can

hardly move without loosing my breath. I can't stand longer than 15 minutes in

one spot, or climb more than 3 steps at a time..

For someone who use to be able to do anything, even tho. she was fat, I've

practically stopped doing everything!!

There are big risks with the surgery, I agree, and risks we don't have to take,

we are choosing to take when we have the surgery, But Leanne, there are many

risks out there inwaitng while you remain heavy. Sure these risks happen slower,

but they're still dangerous.

I've lost who I am.. I plan on finding her again after I loose all this weight.

And to tell you the truth, I miss her badly.

Just my thoughts..

Trudy/Indiana

pre-op

335, BMI 61

Needing help with life-changing decision

Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and wrestling

with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do something

about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

(and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I am

lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids in

the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United Healthcare)

will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole process?

I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would not

be able to afford it ourselves.

I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

someone privately with those. To any who have read through this long-

winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance. Congratulations

to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

Good luck!!!

I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

Leanne

purrplex@...

[Guest guest]

WOW, thank you, thank you for the enthusiatic post!! I really needed

that! I worry about us older women having the surgery and bouncing back (ha ha

so to speak)

but sounds like you done terrrific.

Trudy/Indiana

pre-op

335, BMI 61

(ready to go)

Re: Needing help with life-changing decision

Hey yall, I was 55 when I had my surgery last Jan 10, 2000 and I had no

complications. I turned 56 in July and I'm still kicking!! 242 lbs at

surgery and I am 5 ft 2 in tall. Now I am 143 lbs and feeling great. Don't

let age make you think you won't do as well as the younger ones. I had very

high blood pressure and everything you can think of wrong with me.

Everything is better now as I become slim again. Take care and you are all

in my prayers every day. in Missouri

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I have some really good advice for you! Start out by checking out all

of the weight loss surgeries and their complications. I went through

" dogpile " and searched weight loss surgeries. There is a list of all

of them somewhere that tells benefits and risks. The open surgeries

have alot more risks. I don't want to tell you about them, check it

out and decide for yourself. This is a major surgery. I think that

this decision is worth many hours of research. Look at all of the

possible surgeries out there and decide for yourself.

Thats how I came to the conclusion to have the MGB. I am waiting now

for my insurance to approve me!

Happy Hunting,

> Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and

wrestling

> with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

> internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do

something

> about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

> recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

> Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

>

> After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

> website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

> considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

> (and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

> 1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I

am

> lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids

in

> the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

> is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

> 2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United

Healthcare)

> will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole process?

> I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would

not

> be able to afford it ourselves.

>

> I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

> someone privately with those. To any who have read through this

long-

> winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance.

Congratulations

> to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

> Good luck!!!

>

> I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

> Leanne

> purrplex@b...

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I have some really good advice for you! Start out by checking out all

of the weight loss surgeries and their complications. I went through

" dogpile " and searched weight loss surgeries. There is a list of all

of them somewhere that tells benefits and risks. The open surgeries

have alot more risks. I don't want to tell you about them, check it

out and decide for yourself. This is a major surgery. I think that

this decision is worth many hours of research. Look at all of the

possible surgeries out there and decide for yourself.

Thats how I came to the conclusion to have the MGB. I am waiting now

for my insurance to approve me!

Happy Hunting,

> Hi, I have been lurking on the list for about a month, and

wrestling

> with my weight for about 35 years (my current age.) I went to an

> internal medicine doctor about a month ago determined to do

something

> about my weight (again!) and to my surprise, she is the one who

> recommended WLS to me (I am 5'4 " and 327 pounds...yikes!) I am in

> Raleigh, so of course she recommended Dr. Rutledge.

>

> After reading all of the posts and spending HOURS touring the

> website, I have gone from absolutely not to maybe to actually

> considering starting the process. Two quick questions to the group

> (and feel free to answer me privately if you like)

> 1. I can't seem to get over the " possible complications " part. I

am

> lucky enough to have a wonderful husband and the two greatest kids

in

> the world. I know chances of problems are small, but what if? (Or

> is this just an excuse I am using to stay fat? I don't know.)

> 2. Is there any way to find out if my insurance (United

Healthcare)

> will cover this surgery for me prior to starting the whole process?

> I don't want to get my hopes up, because if they do not, we would

not

> be able to afford it ourselves.

>

> I also have a few other minor questions, but maybe I could e-mail

> someone privately with those. To any who have read through this

long-

> winded post, thank you in advance, for any guidance.

Congratulations

> to those post-opers and everyone else who has made the commitment.

> Good luck!!!

>

> I remain, as usual, purrplexed.

> Leanne

> purrplex@b...