Guest guest Posted November 29, 2003 Report Share Posted November 29, 2003 Nice to meet you Ma. Good luck moving forward hun. Sherra new to group > Hi, I have posted before, but it has been a long time. Dr. Celio Burrowes in Atlanta did my Fobi gastric bypass on June 18, 2001, so am almost 2 and 1/2 yrs. post op. I have had a good experience with my surgery and would not trade a thing. I still have trouble with some foods and never know what is going to settle. Protein shakes are my lifesavers! > > I am in the process of making my final appeal for reconstructive surgeries. Please keep me in your thoughts and hope for approval at this last level. > > I look forward to hearing from you. > Ma in GA > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 In a message dated 1/14/04 6:33:50 AM Central Standard Time, icemouse65@... writes: > The first issue I have is rather embarrassing... I have noticed that all of > my stools have very small odd looking white 'balls' that are all through > out... They are about the size of a mustard seed. Any ideas what this might be? > It does not seem to resemble any food that I have eaten or not chewed well > enough... I'm stumped?! > ----------- My " guess " is that these could be fat globules -- fat that is not being broken down and digested due to your RNY. Do your stools " sink " or " float " ? Floaters typically indicate malabsorbed fat. Beth Houston, TX VBG - Dr. Srungaram 05/31/00 - 314 lbs. 11/01/02 - Abdominoplasty 11/29/02 - 160 lbs. 5'10 " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Welcome to the Group Tracey. About the skin breaking and splitting, I had this happen even before I had surgery. It is hard to get oxygen in that area plus trying to keep it clean and dry. I suspect that the skin is infact breaking down. The bleeding won't necessarily hurt either. Most of the time it didn't with me. It maybe time to consider plastic surgery. My insurance covered the panniculectomy with no problems. Lori Owen - Denton, Texas SRVG 7/16/01 Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce 479/356/hoping for close to 200 On Tue, 13 Jan 2004 22:40:41 -0800 (PST) Tracey Arnold writes: > The next question I have is about my skin . . . I have very loose > skin all around my lower belly that I have to keep clean and dry all > the time. Tonite while I was inspecting the area I lifted the skin > and it split! At first it didn't bleed and just was very white, but > then it started to bleed. Why would my skin break open like that? It > wasn't sore or anything before or after it happened. > > Thanks! > > Tracey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Good afternoon Tish and welcome to the group. I really don't have much advise on how to loose that last 30 lbs. I have heard it is the hardest to loose. Lori Owen - Denton, Texas SRVG 7/16/01 Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce 479/356/hoping for close to 200 On Wed, 14 Jan 2004 16:57:04 -0000 " morganx5 " writes: > Hello there, > > I'm new to this group, just happened to come across it on the > Obesity Help website. I had lap RNY 9/19/02 in Atlanta, GA, so I'm > > almost 16 months out, and trying to get jump started again on the > weight loss. I've lost 105 so far, need to lose another 30 for my > BMI to be in the normal range. I'm open to any and all ideas! > > Tish > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 Ok, I need to know something. Why is it MOST of us (and I am one) say I have ONLY lost 100 pounds or 112 or 130 or...... well, you get the idea. We all start from different places in this journey for Weight Loss. Some of us are taller or shorter, heaver or lighter. BUT we should NEVER belittle what we have accomplished no matter WHAT the number is. Go to Home Depot and LOOK at 100 pounds of something. Honestly, that is a WHOLE darn person if you think about it! Or in my family at least a teenager (we grow them TALL). Tracey, what you have done is awesome. It isn't ONLY 100 pounds.....it is a WHOLE new life. Sorry, it is like saying I am ONLY a Mother and housewife. HUMMMMM That is one of the worlds hardest jobs! Just my two cents for what it is worth. Debbie & in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore http://www.marykay.com/debbiemcneice New To Group Hello Everyone! My name is Tracey and I am now two plus years into my " new me " after a gastric bypass in 2001. Although I have only lost 100 pounds I feel as if the weight of the world has been taken off my back... I am happier and healthier than I have been in 10 or more years! At this point I am having few problems with my R-N-Y other than mild dumping and gas once in a great while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2004 Report Share Posted January 14, 2004 >>Go to Home Depot and LOOK at > 100 pounds of something. Honestly, that is a WHOLE darn person if you think > about it! I once quipped, when I'd lost my first hundred, " Hey, I've lost one entire Hooters Girl! " LOL! ~~ Lyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 18, 2004 Report Share Posted January 18, 2004 I've always been fond of telling people, " I'm less than half the woman I used to be. " ================================= My husband always tells people " she's not the girl I once knew " . I weigh less that we did when we first met 19 years ago. : ) Regina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2005 Report Share Posted July 26, 2005 Judy - Welcome to the group!! You are not alone; everyone here has jaw problems. I'm 47 with an underbite. Today my ceramic brackets were installed; next Tuesday I get the spacers and the following Tuesday the spacers come out and the archwires, bands, and ligatures/o-rings get put on. My surgery will be sometime next summer, after I've had braces on for ten months. I am having a BSSO (Bilateral Sagittal Split (Ramus) Osteotomy) set-back procedure, plus my OMS wants to do a LeFort Maxillary Osteotomy to advance my maxilla and drop it down in front, as I have Maxillary Hypoplasia. This group is awesome; you've come to the right place! ~~ Diane oogroups.com, " Judith D. " <judisguise@e...> wrote: > Hello all! > > My name is Judy and I am in the Dallas, Texas area. I have been in > braces for almost a year and scheduled for surgery August 3rd. I am > having quite a bit done. I really appreciate the albums you have > generously made available. I am 52 and I have been uncomfortable > with my mouth since childhood. I have had tons of dental work, > crowns, root canals etc. When I checked into getting braces at about > 30, I was told that braces would not be of any signifigant help to > me. I tried to accept that and be happy with the way I looked. I did > not have much success. I think Carol Burnett was the first famous > person I heard of having this type of surgery and I started to hope > I would be able to do something. A few years ago I went to a new > dentist, Dr Glenn, she suggested that I have some partials made to > fill in the holes in my smile where teeth were missing. ( As a > child, I had a cyst in my upper jaw and lost a couple of teeth to > that, then I avoided the dentist, my brother had told me they were > going to pull out all my teeth. Okay you get the picture, Lots of > cavities!) Anyhow I told Dr Glenn that I was unwilling to spend > anymore money on a smile I hated, unless it was to do something > radical. Dr Glenn got in touch with an orthodonist who had an > associate and good friend who happened to be an Oral surgeon. Now it > is almost two years later and I am so excited! I have no idea what > kind of real change there will be in my appearance once everything > is said and done, and oh yes the swelling, numbness and bruising > goes away. I hope that I will be able to breathe easier, My lower > jaw is moving out, and my upper jaw moving up and back 5mm. It would > be awesome to be able to shut my mouth without effort and as a bonus > what if I can whistle! I will try to post some pictures soon. > > Hope everyone has a great day! > > Judy in disguise with braces! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2005 Report Share Posted July 27, 2005 Hi, my name's Dee and I am totally new to this whole thing. I'm writing to introduce myself and to be in solidarity with everyone and especially Judy whose post is below. I'm 41, had braces as a teen, but never had my overbite corrected. I've never had a comfortable bite and thought I would have to live like this for the rest of my life until my periodontist said I was a good candidate for orthodontics. I couldn't believe it! So, I looked into it, and here I am. I've got my braces on the lowers and am just now getting over the initial soreness and strangeness (funny how you forget that unpleasant stuff!). I've had one consultation with the surgeon who has a great reputation. I'm just so very nervous about the actual surgery which right now seems so far away. Sounds like at this point I am going to have both upper and lower including widening my upper jaw. Anyone out there who's gone through this who wants to give me some insights, advice, stories (positive, I hope!). I sure would appreciate hearing from you and congrats to everyone out there who's gotten as far as you have and thanks for being here for us newcomers! > > Hello all! > > > > My name is Judy and I am in the Dallas, Texas area. I have been in > > braces for almost a year and scheduled for surgery August 3rd. I am > > having quite a bit done. I really appreciate the albums you have > > generously made available. I am 52 and I have been uncomfortable > > with my mouth since childhood. I have had tons of dental work, > > crowns, root canals etc. When I checked into getting braces at > about > > 30, I was told that braces would not be of any signifigant help to > > me. I tried to accept that and be happy with the way I looked. I > did > > not have much success. I think Carol Burnett was the first famous > > person I heard of having this type of surgery and I started to hope > > I would be able to do something. A few years ago I went to a new > > dentist, Dr Glenn, she suggested that I have some partials made to > > fill in the holes in my smile where teeth were missing. ( As a > > child, I had a cyst in my upper jaw and lost a couple of teeth to > > that, then I avoided the dentist, my brother had told me they were > > going to pull out all my teeth. Okay you get the picture, Lots of > > cavities!) Anyhow I told Dr Glenn that I was unwilling to spend > > anymore money on a smile I hated, unless it was to do something > > radical. Dr Glenn got in touch with an orthodonist who had an > > associate and good friend who happened to be an Oral surgeon. Now > it > > is almost two years later and I am so excited! I have no idea what > > kind of real change there will be in my appearance once everything > > is said and done, and oh yes the swelling, numbness and bruising > > goes away. I hope that I will be able to breathe easier, My lower > > jaw is moving out, and my upper jaw moving up and back 5mm. It > would > > be awesome to be able to shut my mouth without effort and as a > bonus > > what if I can whistle! I will try to post some pictures soon. > > > > Hope everyone has a great day! > > > > Judy in disguise with braces! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Hello Katelyn - Welcome to the group! First of all, if you are having second thoughts about your surgeon, then by all means get a second and, if needed, a third opinion. This surgery is way too serious to be done by someone you are having problems trusting. All surgeons do these surgeries a bit differently; has your surgeon explained why he feels you need to be wired shut? I'm having upper (LeFort Maxillary Osteotomy) and lower (BSSO) surgeries next June to correct my underbite and my surgeon won't be wiring me shut, just splinting and banding me. Specifically, what procedures will you be having done? BSSO? LeFort? The only lower procedure that actually requires wiring a patient shut is the IVRO, or Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy, which is only for mandibular set-back; the BSSO (Bilateral Sagittal Split (Ramus) Osteotomy) is the most commonly used mandibular procedure because it can be used for both mandibular advancement and for set-back.// I would suggest that you make an appointment with your Ortho to talk about this - he might be able to refer you to another surgeon that he has worked well with. I lucked out; my OMS is awesome - I am truly blessed to have found him and trust him completely. He's in Boise, Idaho & his name is Dr. , but that's a bit far from NY. Good luck and if you have any more questions, just ask. You've come to the right place; again, welcome! ~~~~ Diane (Idaho) > hey everyone, > i am new to this group, i am 19 and am having upper, lower, and genio > in 4-9 > months. > everything has been submitted to my insurance company and is covered > except for > the genioplasty, but i am starting to have second thoughts about my > surgeon.his name > is dr. peter protzel, in bethpage, ny. he seems like he is very nice, > but he says i > will be wired shut for 6-8 weeks and this makes me really nervous! i > dont really know how > many of these cases he does a year, but he is the one who recomended > me to my ortho, dr. > richard faber, who i think is awesome. i dont know if i should check > out other doctors > elsewhere, or bring my questions up to my ortho... see what he > thinks. i have heard of other > doctors that are highly recomended, and are all over the internet. i > cant really find anything > on my surgeon, is it better to go with a surgeon that is more well > known??? if i decided to > find a new surgeon is this going to royally screw with my > insurance???? any advice is > appreciated...... > katelyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Hi Katelyn, Welcome to the group! As my surgery approached, I many reservations and concerns regarding my surgery and my surgeon. I would definitely set up an appt with your orthodontist to discuss your concerns and questions. I am sure it would be helpful to you because I can't imagine the input of a professional hurting. I would also go ahead and have a second consult with another surgeon. A couple months prior to my surgery, I started having all kinds of insecurity regarding my surgeon, anywhere from what I would be having done, to which surgeon was going to do it..... For over a year prior, I was all set to have a specific surgeon do the surgery on me, then I started to second guess all of that. Fortunately, I had a wonderful insurance plan at the time that didn't require referrals and would cover any specialists appointments that I set up for myself. So, I asked my ortho (he had referred me to the original surgeon) what other surgeons he works with and who else he might recommend, I also asked him if there was a specific reason he had referred me to one surgeon over another. He said really there wasn't, just that he had worked a lot in the past with the one I was originially referred to. Anyway, he gave me the names of two other surgeons... one very new to the field, another rather experienced. So, I met with both of the 2nd and 3rd recommended surgeons and they assessed my situation and what they proposed they would do. It can be very bewildering to hear multiple interpretations of your mouth/jaws and would one guy vs. another guy thinks you should or should not have done to correct it! This practially sent me right over the edge! I even went so far as to set up another consult with the original surgeon (per my ortho's recommendation) to rediscuss everything he would do now that I was ready for surgery. So, the new-to-the-field-guy was a definite NO.... he wasn't very discerning or experienced to deal with my assymetry issues that made my case far from straightforward and cut & dry. The more experienced guy I really liked. So, I was very torn between the original guy and that guy. So, I went back to my ortho and had a heart-to-heart about what to do... and asked him very frankly who he would go with if it was his mouth,and based on the post-op results he's observed from the different surgeons. He agreed with my big fat no to the new guy. He recommended again the original surgeon to me and that is who I went with ultimately. The point is that even though I ended back where I started with that same surgeon, I was so much better informed about him and the whole process and so much more confident in my decision to go with that surgeon. The second and third consults provided context and insight to the first surgeon that really helped me feel so much more sure of my decision to have him do my surgery. And going through all that trouble helped me feel more confidently that I made the right decision post-op when problems and frustrations come up and it is easy to question everything. I never questioned my surgeon or which surgeon I ultimately chose. The trouble I put myself through to make sure I felt right about my decision was totally worth it. I am six-months post op and have never regretted which surgeon I had do my procedure. Take the time to research now so that you feel good and right about who you have do your surgery when you go into the OR on your big day. That confidence is invaluable. You are putting yourself in their hands and should definitely feel good about that person and should definitely question everything ahead of time. It is hard here to read about so many different cases... you start to pick up that surgeons all over can do things very differently from eachother with automatically starts lots of questions about your own surgeons methods. When I had all my consults, I asked questions about everything.... would I have rigid fixation vs. wired, how long would I be in the hospital, what would my post-op care be, how often would I see them post-op to monitor my recovery, what exactly would they do, etc. etc. THEN, I had the daunting task of trying to sort it all out in my ever questioning and skeptical mind! Yikes! Like you, I tried researching about my surgeon online and actually didn't find anything about any local OMS surgeons online anywhere... and I live near a very good medical university! Before you actually go to the consults, I would confirm that your insurance will cover the second opinion. They should at least cover one second consult. I have no idea if which surgeon performs the surgery would affect your insurance coverage... I wouldn't think so since it is still your mouth and the necessity that you have the surgery wouldn't change because who is doing it has changed, and your insurance coverage would still be the same. The only possible problem would be if your insurance plan has a system of providers from whom you have to seek care. If the surgeon isn't on that provider list, then you may have coverage problems, or be paying out-of-network or something like that. Before consulting with any of the surgeons, I made sure they were all providers on my insurance plan. Generally, that makes the cost of the surgery less expensive as well... I don't know how the presubmission would affect things because my plan/insurance company didn't accept prior approval submissions. My surgery ended up being totally covered, btw. Aside from the cost of the genio, I paid $60 for 3 copays and that was it! You can aslo try asking around from people who have had their wisdom teeth out by a surgeon or things like that. I eliminated a 4th possible surgeon that way after hearing less than great things about him. Personally, I think is is good that the surgeon you have now is really nice because they are there for your post-op care too... you want someone who will treat you with consideration and sensitivity. Having a good rapport is also important in my opinion. I used to work at a doctors office and one of the doctors said about her own care that as long as the guy was good, they didn't care how nice he was.... so I don't know, depends on the individual. I am ultrasensitive, so I needed a nice guy! Good luck, I feel for you as I had the same anxiety, questions, concerns before my surgery too- I was actually in an outright panic! Let us know how everything goes for you! Good luck and welcome again! And I'm sorry for such a long-winded blathering post! Katja > hey everyone, > i am new to this group, i am 19 and am having upper, lower, and genio > in 4-9 > months. > everything has been submitted to my insurance company and is covered > except for > the genioplasty, but i am starting to have second thoughts about my > surgeon.his name > is dr. peter protzel, in bethpage, ny. he seems like he is very nice, > but he says i > will be wired shut for 6-8 weeks and this makes me really nervous! i > dont really know how > many of these cases he does a year, but he is the one who recomended > me to my ortho, dr. > richard faber, who i think is awesome. i dont know if i should check > out other doctors > elsewhere, or bring my questions up to my ortho... see what he > thinks. i have heard of other > doctors that are highly recomended, and are all over the internet. i > cant really find anything > on my surgeon, is it better to go with a surgeon that is more well > known??? if i decided to > find a new surgeon is this going to royally screw with my > insurance???? any advice is > appreciated...... > katelyn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 Diane, thankyou so much for being so supportive. i really appreciate the advice. i joined 2 other groups, put the same blog up two days ago, and have not herd anything from any of the members. i know that i am having lefort I, possibly genioplasty, and a mandibular set back. my os did not go over the technical names of what the mandibular surgery is called but he said that there are 2 different ways that it can be done. one way you are not wired shut, but there is more of a chance of nerve damage, and the other way you are wired shut but there is a significantly less chance of nerve damage. being wired is honestly what scares me the most! i sort of feel like, if he is not confident enough to do the riskier surgery, than how good of a surgeon is he? he has not shown me any pictures of cases that he has worked on, and iam also wondering about that. i have an appointment with him, and my orthodontist on monday the 26th. i am going to try and ask my ortho a few questions then, maybe ill have to make a seperate appointment for that. i am also worried about bringing it up to my parents that i am having second thoughts about the surgeon, because it has been such a hassle getting this whole process started in the first place( about 4 years) due to changing insurance, and procratination. my mom said she is confident with the surgeon, but i dont think she really understands.... anyway, thank you so much again, katelyn --- dmd13cyto wrote: > Hello Katelyn - Welcome to the group! First of all, > if you are > having second thoughts about your surgeon, then by > all means get a > second and, if needed, a third opinion. This surgery > is way too > serious to be done by someone you are having > problems trusting. All > surgeons do these surgeries a bit differently; has > your surgeon > explained why he feels you need to be wired shut? > I'm having upper > (LeFort Maxillary Osteotomy) and lower (BSSO) > surgeries next June to > correct my underbite and my surgeon won't be wiring > me shut, just > splinting and banding me. Specifically, what > procedures will you be > having done? BSSO? LeFort? The only lower procedure > that actually > requires wiring a patient shut is the IVRO, or > Intraoral Vertical > Ramus Osteotomy, which is only for mandibular > set-back; the BSSO > (Bilateral Sagittal Split (Ramus) Osteotomy) is the > most commonly > used mandibular procedure because it can be used for > both mandibular > advancement and for set-back.// I would suggest that > you make an > appointment with your Ortho to talk about this - he > might be able to > refer you to another surgeon that he has worked well > with. I lucked > out; my OMS is awesome - I am truly blessed to have > found him and > trust him completely. He's in Boise, Idaho & his > name is Dr. > , but that's a bit far from NY. Good luck and > if you have any > more questions, just ask. You've come to the right > place; again, > welcome! ~~~~ Diane (Idaho) > > hey everyone, > > i am new to this group, i am 19 and am having > upper, lower, and > genio > > in 4-9 > > months. > > everything has been submitted to my insurance > company and is > covered > > except for > > the genioplasty, but i am starting to have second > thoughts about my > > surgeon.his name > > is dr. peter protzel, in bethpage, ny. he seems > like he is very > nice, > > but he says i > > will be wired shut for 6-8 weeks and this makes me > really nervous! > i > > dont really know how > > many of these cases he does a year, but he is the > one who > recomended > > me to my ortho, dr. > > richard faber, who i think is awesome. i dont know > if i should > check > > out other doctors > > elsewhere, or bring my questions up to my ortho... > see what he > > thinks. i have heard of other > > doctors that are highly recomended, and are all > over the internet. > i > > cant really find anything > > on my surgeon, is it better to go with a surgeon > that is more well > > known??? if i decided to > > find a new surgeon is this going to royally screw > with my > > insurance???? any advice is > > appreciated...... > > katelyn > > > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2005 Report Share Posted September 19, 2005 katja, thankyou so much for being so supportive. i really appreciate the advice. i joined 2 other groups, put the same blog up two days ago, and have not herd anything from any of the members. i know that i am having lefort I, possibly genioplasty, and a mandibular set back. my os did not go over the technical names of what the mandibular surgery is called but he said that there are 2 different ways that it can be done. one way you are not wired shut, but there is more of a chance of nerve damage, and the other way you are wired shut but there is a significantly less chance of nerve damage. being wired is honestly what scares me the most! i sort of feel like, if he is not confident enough to do the riskier surgery, than how good of a surgeon is he? he has not shown me any pictures of cases that he has worked on, and iam also wondering about that. i have an appointment with him, and my orthodontist on monday the 26th. i am going to try and ask my ortho a few questions then, maybe ill have to make a seperate appointment for that. i am also worried about bringing it up to my parents that i am having second thoughts about the surgeon, because it has been such a hassle getting this whole process started in the first place( about 4 years) due to changing insurance, and procratination. my mom said she is confident with the surgeon, but i dont think she really understands.... i am definately going to call my insurance company to inquire about second opinions. i do have a list of providers that i can choose from where everything would be covered except the genio, but if i chose someone off the list i think they will cover up to 80%. i dont think i could afford to go off the list.... even though paying 20% is not as bad as some other stories i have heard. anyway, thank you so much again, katelyn --- katja750 <no_reply > wrote: > Hi Katelyn, > Welcome to the group! As my surgery approached, I > many reservations > and concerns regarding my surgery and my surgeon. I > would definitely > set up an appt with your orthodontist to discuss > your concerns and > questions. I am sure it would be helpful to you > because I can't > imagine the input of a professional hurting. I would > also go ahead > and have a second consult with another surgeon. A > couple months prior > to my surgery, I started having all kinds of > insecurity regarding my > surgeon, anywhere from what I would be having done, > to which surgeon > was going to do it..... For over a year prior, I was > all set to have > a specific surgeon do the surgery on me, then I > started to second > guess all of that. Fortunately, I had a wonderful > insurance plan at > the time that didn't require referrals and would > cover any > specialists appointments that I set up for myself. > So, I asked my > ortho (he had referred me to the original surgeon) > what other > surgeons he works with and who else he might > recommend, I also asked > him if there was a specific reason he had referred > me to one surgeon > over another. He said really there wasn't, just that > he had worked a > lot in the past with the one I was originially > referred to. Anyway, > he gave me the names of two other surgeons... one > very new to the > field, another rather experienced. So, I met with > both of the 2nd and > 3rd recommended surgeons and they assessed my > situation and what they > proposed they would do. It can be very bewildering > to hear multiple > interpretations of your mouth/jaws and would one guy > vs. another guy > thinks you should or should not have done to correct > it! This > practially sent me right over the edge! I even went > so far as to set > up another consult with the original surgeon (per my > ortho's > recommendation) to rediscuss everything he would do > now that I was > ready for surgery. So, the new-to-the-field-guy was > a definite NO.... > he wasn't very discerning or experienced to deal > with my assymetry > issues that made my case far from straightforward > and cut & dry. The > more experienced guy I really liked. So, I was very > torn between the > original guy and that guy. So, I went back to my > ortho and had a > heart-to-heart about what to do... and asked him > very frankly who he > would go with if it was his mouth,and based on the > post-op results > he's observed from the different surgeons. He agreed > with my big fat > no to the new guy. He recommended again the original > surgeon to me > and that is who I went with ultimately. The point is > that even though > I ended back where I started with that same surgeon, > I was so much > better informed about him and the whole process and > so much more > confident in my decision to go with that surgeon. > The second and > third consults provided context and insight to the > first surgeon that > really helped me feel so much more sure of my > decision to have him do > my surgery. And going through all that trouble > helped me feel more > confidently that I made the right decision post-op > when problems and > frustrations come up and it is easy to question > everything. I never > questioned my surgeon or which surgeon I ultimately > chose. The > trouble I put myself through to make sure I felt > right about my > decision was totally worth it. I am six-months post > op and have never > regretted which surgeon I had do my procedure. Take > the time to > research now so that you feel good and right about > who you have do > your surgery when you go into the OR on your big > day. That confidence > is invaluable. You are putting yourself in their > hands and should > definitely feel good about that person and should > definitely question > everything ahead of time. It is hard here to read > about so many > different cases... you start to pick up that > surgeons all over can do > things very differently from eachother with > automatically starts lots > of questions about your own surgeons methods. When I > had all my > consults, I asked questions about everything.... > would I have rigid > fixation vs. wired, how long would I be in the > hospital, what would > my post-op care be, how often would I see them > post-op to monitor my > recovery, what exactly would they do, etc. etc. > THEN, I had the > daunting task of trying to sort it all out in my > ever questioning and > skeptical mind! Yikes! > > Like you, I tried researching about my surgeon > online and actually > didn't find anything about any local OMS surgeons > online anywhere... > and I live near a very good medical university! > > Before you actually go to the consults, I would > confirm that your > insurance will cover the second opinion. They should > at least cover > one second consult. I have no idea if which surgeon > performs the > surgery would affect your insurance coverage... I > wouldn't think so > since it is still your mouth and the necessity that > you have the > surgery wouldn't change because who is doing it has > changed, and your > insurance coverage would still be the same. The only > possible problem > would be if your insurance plan has a system of > providers from whom > you have to seek care. If the surgeon isn't on that > provider list, > then you may have coverage problems, or be paying > out-of-network or > something like that. Before consulting with any of > the surgeons, I > made sure they were all providers on my insurance > plan. Generally, > that makes the cost of the surgery less expensive as > well... I don't > know how the presubmission would affect things > because my > plan/insurance company didn't accept prior approval > submissions. My > surgery ended up being totally covered, btw. Aside > from the cost of > the genio, I paid $60 for 3 copays and that was it! > > You can aslo try asking around from people who have > had their wisdom > teeth out by a surgeon or things like that. I > eliminated a 4th > possible surgeon that way after hearing less than > great things about > him. > > Personally, I think is is good that the surgeon you > have now is > really nice because they are there for your post-op > care too... you > want someone who will treat you with consideration > and sensitivity. > Having a good rapport is also important in my > opinion. I used to work > at a doctors office and one of the doctors said > about her own care > that as long as the guy was good, they didn't care > how nice he > was.... so I don't know, depends on the individual. > I am > ultrasensitive, so I needed a nice guy! > > Good luck, I feel for you as I had the same anxiety, > questions, > concerns before my surgery too- I was actually in an > outright panic! > Let us know how everything goes for you! Good luck > and welcome again! > And I'm sorry for such a long-winded blathering > post! > Katja > > === message truncated === __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 8, 2005 Report Share Posted October 8, 2005 Hi Arlene, First of all, welcome to the board! I am 52, but am still preop. So I can't share post op experience. There are several here who are in our age group though, and I am sure they will respond to this. This is a great site with tons of info. I think you will find it really helpful. Good luck with your research! Hugs, Fran > > Hi! > > My name is Arlene and I am new to group. I have been in braces now for > about 14 months and will be having jaw and chin surgery within 2 to 3 > months. After surgery is healed and I am done with braces I will have 2 > implants to replace upper second bicuspids which were removed when I > was a teenager. I am 55 years old and am wondering if there are any > older members of this group that have gone through the surgery? I am > concerned about recovery time and healing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2005 Report Share Posted October 9, 2005 Thank Fran, I am looking forward to hearing people's stories and gaining information about what to expect.I am usually pretty cool about stuff like this but this surgery has me nervous. Arlene fran wrote: Hi Arlene, First of all, welcome to the board! I am 52, but am still preop. So I can't share post op experience. There are several here who are in our age group though, and I am sure they will respond to this. This is a great site with tons of info. I think you will find it really helpful. Good luck with your research! Hugs, Fran > > Hi! > > My name is Arlene and I am new to group. I have been in braces now for > about 14 months and will be having jaw and chin surgery within 2 to 3 > months. After surgery is healed and I am done with braces I will have 2 > implants to replace upper second bicuspids which were removed when I > was a teenager. I am 55 years old and am wondering if there are any > older members of this group that have gone through the surgery? I am > concerned about recovery time and healing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 9, 2005 Report Share Posted October 9, 2005 Hi , I am also new to group. I am 55 and live in Seattle, WA. I have had my braces on for 14 months and you will quickly get used to eating with your braces. If they are hurtling call your orthodontist, the wires might need to be trimmed in the back. I hope that helps. I am due for surgery in about 3 months. Lower jaw only, I have been told I will be banded not wired. I also am freaked about breathing and vomiting. I am going to use anti-anxiety tapes to help me relax prior to the surgery. Arlene denise_gascoigne wrote: Hi there, my name is and I'm new to the group. I'm 45 years old, from New Zealand but I live in Hong Kong. I've just had my upper braces fitted on Friday, 7 October after a lot of consulations to find the right orthodontist/surgeon. The braces are a little sore (mostly just uncomfortable) but not as bad as the spacers I had fitted the week before. I'm due to have the lower braces fitted in three weeks. After maybe 1 year to 18 months (I hope) in braces, I will be having jaw surgery. I'm having all the treatment done in Bangkok as the facilities are excellent and the fees are a lot less than in Hong Kong. I'm already a little worried about the procedure, especially being wired after surgery. I've yet to ask my surgeon about this. Can anyone tell me, does everyone get wired or just some cases, ie surgery on lower jaw only doesn't get wired. I'm already a little claustrophobic and the thought of not being able to breath is terrifying me, let alone having to vomit through a wired mouth. Also, I'm having a bit of trouble eating at the moment, any recipes or suggestions as to what I can get down right now would be great. The main problem is swallowing, if feels like the braces on the back are digging into my tongue. Thanks for your help and I look forward to being a regular on this site. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 10, 2005 Report Share Posted October 10, 2005 Hi , Not everyone gets wired, but I haven't seen where it is related to only having the lower jaw surgery. It is a really good question to ask your OMS. If you don't have an appointment for a while, you might be able to call the office and see what your OS is planning for your situation. I am new to braces too. I am in my 5th week. I was doing well, but my teeth are definately moving, and that has created some new friction areas on my lips. I have pretty much been on a semi solid diet as I have a bite plate to keep me from overclosing (I have an extremely deep bite), which means my teeth are quite far from touching when I bite. So chewing is pretty tricky. I have been staying mostly with rice based dishes or noodles or potato based dishes with the entree softer too - like spagetti, stroganoff, or other dishes where the meat or main ingredient doesn't require more chewing. Nothing chewy whatsoever. But ice cream or yogurt are good choices. And I have been eating sugarfree pudding. Ambrosia with small bits of fruit, oatmeal...well, you get the idea! lol I had a problem with a bit of metal on my braces breaking off, and it really irritated my lip. I agree about calling your OD to have it looked at. Hope all is going well for you! Hugs, Fran > > Hi there, my name is and I'm new to the group. I'm 45 years > old, from New Zealand but I live in Hong Kong. I've just had my > upper braces fitted on Friday, 7 October after a lot of consulations > to find the right orthodontist/surgeon. The braces are a little sore > (mostly just uncomfortable) but not as bad as the spacers I had > fitted the week before. I'm due to have the lower braces fitted in > three weeks. > After maybe 1 year to 18 months (I hope) in braces, I will be having > jaw surgery. I'm having all the treatment done in Bangkok as the > facilities are excellent and the fees are a lot less than in Hong > Kong. I'm already a little worried about the procedure, especially > being wired after surgery. I've yet to ask my surgeon about this. > Can anyone tell me, does everyone get wired or just some cases, ie > surgery on lower jaw only doesn't get wired. I'm already a little > claustrophobic and the thought of not being able to breath is > terrifying me, let alone having to vomit through a wired mouth. > > Also, I'm having a bit of trouble eating at the moment, any recipes > or suggestions as to what I can get down right now would be great. > The main problem is swallowing, if feels like the braces on the back > are digging into my tongue. > Thanks for your help and I look forward to being a regular on this > site. > Regards > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hi Kim, Welcome to our group. You are right, there are varying degrees of RSS. Your son sounds a lot like mine. He ate OK but not great for at least 8 months. Then it was like some one flipped a switch and his appetite dropped way off and he ate very little compared to the very little he was eating to begin with. For the time being it might be a good idea to get him as many calories as you can. Maybe you can switch to a slightly higher calorie formula when he isn't breast feeding. Also, keep an eye for night sweats. This is a sign of hypoglycemia. If it is severe, it can be serious but usually it is not and can be treated by supplementing his night time diet. By the way, where do you live. You maybe near some members of this list. Some one on this list might know of a good doctor in your area. Anyway, welcome to our group. I hope we can help. Ken M > > Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he is > 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born 12/9/05 > at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved pinky > fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. > We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our > geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 > inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I > guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is > breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie > formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because we > were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot for > him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll just > have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and > kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for something > to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am > looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to know > more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or stories > you'd be willing to share. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hi Ken thanks for the info. I live outside Philadelphia. We do have him on a preemie formula that is 22 calories per oz to help with the weight gain. To be honest I think i'm still in denial although its nice to have a reason behind some of the things i'm seeing. From birth he really had no hunger cues. He is getting better at this but at night I still can hardly get him to eat at all. It is hard to let go of my ideal of nursing only. I know that isnt the best for him due to the caloric needs he has. We do about 70% breast and the rest is bmilk with supplements. I would like to know of knowledgeable drs in my area. I know my ped had never heard of this. Thanks! Kim > Hi Kim, > > Welcome to our group. > > You are right, there are varying degrees of RSS. Your son sounds a > lot like mine. He ate OK but not great for at least 8 months. Then it > was like some one flipped a switch and his appetite dropped way off > and he ate very little compared to the very little he was eating to > begin with. > > For the time being it might be a good idea to get him as many > calories as you can. Maybe you can switch to a slightly higher > calorie formula when he isn't breast feeding. Also, keep an eye for > night sweats. This is a sign of hypoglycemia. If it is severe, it can > be serious but usually it is not and can be treated by supplementing > his night time diet. > > By the way, where do you live. You maybe near some members of this > list. Some one on this list might know of a good doctor in your area. > > Anyway, welcome to our group. I hope we can help. > > Ken M > > > > > > > > Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he > is > > 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born > 12/9/05 > > at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved > pinky > > fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. > > We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our > > geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 > > inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I > > guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is > > breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie > > formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because > we > > were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot > for > > him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll > just > > have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and > > kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for > something > > to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am > > looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to > know > > more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or > stories > > you'd be willing to share. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 Thanks for the welcome. I'm in southeast Pa. My pediatrician had never heard of RSS so I'd love to find a dr with some knowledge of this! --- In RSS-Support , " kmerrith " wrote: > > Hi Kim, > > Welcome to our group. > > You are right, there are varying degrees of RSS. Your son sounds a > lot like mine. He ate OK but not great for at least 8 months. Then it > was like some one flipped a switch and his appetite dropped way off > and he ate very little compared to the very little he was eating to > begin with. > > For the time being it might be a good idea to get him as many > calories as you can. Maybe you can switch to a slightly higher > calorie formula when he isn't breast feeding. Also, keep an eye for > night sweats. This is a sign of hypoglycemia. If it is severe, it can > be serious but usually it is not and can be treated by supplementing > his night time diet. > > By the way, where do you live. You maybe near some members of this > list. Some one on this list might know of a good doctor in your area. > > Anyway, welcome to our group. I hope we can help. > > Ken M > > > > > > > > Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he > is > > 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born > 12/9/05 > > at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved > pinky > > fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. > > We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our > > geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 > > inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I > > guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is > > breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie > > formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because > we > > were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot > for > > him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll > just > > have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and > > kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for > something > > to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am > > looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to > know > > more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or > stories > > you'd be willing to share. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hi Kim, There are several people on the list in your area. Also you might want to consider going to NYC to see Dr. Harbison. She has more RSS patients than any other doctor. Many on this list go to her. They can provide details. I live in NH. We go to a Dr. in Boston. I hope this helps. Ken M > > > > > > Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he > > is > > > 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born > > 12/9/05 > > > at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved > > pinky > > > fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. > > > We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our > > > geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 > > > inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I > > > guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is > > > breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie > > > formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because > > we > > > were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot > > for > > > him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll > > just > > > have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and > > > kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for > > something > > > to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am > > > looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to > > know > > > more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or > > stories > > > you'd be willing to share. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 hi kim and welcome to the group!! i see you said you are in southeast pa, where and where do you take your son to the drs at? we are in NJ, we used to use CHOP, we now go to see dr Harbison in NYC. she is the USA expect for rss and it is more tan worth the trip to NYC to see her. my son is 5yrs rss, middle child weighs 31lbs & is just over 40 " tall. he is on GHT. feel free to email me anytime at jlcals2003@ yahoo.com (no space after @) once again welcome!! jodie c Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 8, 2006 Report Share Posted March 8, 2006 Hi Kim, My name is Lori and I am also new to this group. I give birth to twins in June my daughter has RSS. They were 36 weeks earlier and she weighed 2 lb 10 oz. Now at 9 months she weights 11 lbs. She drinks 4-6 oz at a time now and eats high calorie baby food. With her it was a lot a hour feedings with her only drinking 1 oz. Now I believe I have created an appetite for her by being aggresive. She has reflux now not bad at all. I think she has a mild form of RSS. I know she is going to be very small but she has no other health problems. She randomly sweats but only if she is bundled up with a hat or during feedings sometimes. I know we are very lucky because she is very healthy just small. We also have the problem of no doctors knowing what RSS is we've been to a geneticist and he just confirmed the RSS. It was not a helpful dr appointment. We are now going to an encronologist. But with her eating well and slowing gaining it seems like there isn't much the drs will do. Best of luck with your son. Sounds like he is really gaining great. I would just say keep doing what your doing because its working. Lori (Twins- Cole 19 lbs non RSS Chloe 11lbs RSS 9 months) rddeppy wrote: Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he is 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born 12/9/05 at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved pinky fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because we were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot for him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll just have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for something to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to know more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or stories you'd be willing to share. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 9, 2006 Report Share Posted March 9, 2006 Kim, Welcome to the group! I wish I would have joined when my girls were your sons age. I have twins: Grace(RSS) and Alivia(non RSS. They are 3 now. Grace was born at 35 weeks, 3 1/2 lbs, 14 3/4 in. She had most of the features, but was not diagnoised until after a 1 old. This group is so helpful and caring. You are off to a great start just by being informed about the syndrome and where to get help. Make sure you check out the Magic Foundation they are a great resource. Good Luck! Terri, mom to twins, 37 mths: Alivia(non RSS) and Grace( RSS, GHT, G- tube, Periactin, 32in, 21 1/2 lbs) -- In RSS-Support , " rddeppy " wrote: > > Hi my name is Kim I have three sons the youngest is he is > 12 weeks and is being followed for suspected RSS. He was born 12/9/05 > at 36 weeks weighing 3#12oz and 16.5 inches long. He has curved pinky > fingers which is one of the main reasons they began to suspect it. > We've been denying that this is the case. Today we went back to our > geneticist who still says this is RSS. He weighs 7#2oz and is 20.5 > inches long. That seems like a great weight gain and growth to us! I > guess I'm wondering if there are varying degrees of RSS? He is > breastfed but we also give bottles of expressed milk with 22 calorie > formula mixed in. He doesnt have a huge appetite but today because we > were away from home he has had 4 bottles of 3oz each which is alot for > him. The geneticist said there is no test to give him that we'll just > have to watch and see. She's doing a followup u/s on his abdomen and > kidneys (his first was fine) but she wants to follow him for something > to do with his kidneys (tumors?). We see her again at a year. I am > looking forward to getting to know more about RSS and getting to know > more parents dealing with this. Thanks for any BTDT advice or stories > you'd be willing to share. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 Patti I've been to the University of Chicago and was very impressed. I saw Dr. Strek. > > Just wondering if any member has been to the University of Chicago for treatment and are there any members who live in Indiana? > > Patti, 59, Indianapolis, IPF 2007 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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