Weight loss

Becca,
Hi! I went for my consult on May 31st and was told at that time
that it was approximately a three year wait and my name was added to
the list. So - its just about three years. I could probably drum
up enough money in a year and a half to two years to get down there
and get this done sooner. Definitely going to think long and hard
about this. I also like how the Brazil patients are so well taken
care of.
Incidentally, just heard from Jeannie and she is fine. She is still
in the hospital but everything went A-ok. She said she will write
mroe when she gets back to the hotel. Was so relieved to hear from
her. : ) doing happy dance over that!
In the meantime, I can get to know all of the great people on the
list and read more about Brazil. What a great reason to go a week
or two early and have a holiday!!!!!
Cheers, Sandi

Sandi, do they know how much longer you will have to wait? If you knew
how long you would have to wait, maybe that could help you make the
decision. I know a few Canadians have gone to Dr. M. I guess they got
tired of waiting. :(
Becca

Hi!
My name is Sandi and I am new here and am on a three year wait list
in Canada for the ds. I am strongly considering going to Dr.
Marchesini for the surgery if I can manage to come up with the
funds.
Also, my very good friend Jeannie Kigers is down in Brazil right now
and should be recovering from her surgery of two days ago. We have
not heard from her and wondered if anyone down there reads the list
if they could let us all know how she is...no details just if she is
ok. Then tell her to please write when she can or have her hubby
write. : )
I have been reading some of the posts and am getting more encouraged
to start trying to find a way to get the surgery done sooner by
going to Dr. Marchesine. Jeannie said you all were such a help to
her and I can now see why.
Cheers, Sandi

You can wear PJ's if you want to. The hospital gowns I wore were 100%
cotton and they were comfortable. Would you believe they iron their
hospital gowns? They also iron their sheets and pillow cases.
Becca

I didn't get any answer to my questions shown on post below. I hate
to bother Dr. M with a phone call, but I will have to unless one of
you can answer me. Do I have to wait for confirmation of wiring
instructions prior to sending the wire? Are the wiring instructions
shown on the FAQ still correct? Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Vicki

Dear All,
I have figured out my confusion about the hotel bill. One of the post ops told me she was charged 130R, no charge for breakfast, finished. Dr. M. had made her reservation. I looked at my Japanese friend's hotel bill when I and she simultaneously checked out and imagined they were the same, so was sad to see 120R + 10R for each breakfast + tax. Her reservation was made by Durval on the spot, when she didn't want to sleep on the couch, nor did she want me to, and so insisted on a second apartment. But today I checked through my papers carefully and found the bill with my name, and what I was charged was 118R for the daily rate, and 1.30 for tourist tax each day. Now that is not as low as the 89R listed on the internet site where I signed up for them, but it is still a savings, so I won't gripe.

And speaking about money. I want to explain that I appealed to Dr. M. that I didn't know where or how to send a wire transfer in Japan, and so he told me the hospital would accept credit. I have a credit card that I almost never use, but it is now well-used having paid for my ticket here, my days in Sao Paulo and Iguassu Falls, and my hospital charges. I do not use it to get cash. It is not a debit card. Japan doesn't have those as far as I know. It is an American credit card, that gives a low interest rate if I use it only as a credit card but streaks up to 18% if I should ever draw cash. I have never drawn cash, obviously.

I brought $4500 cash for my remake surgery to Dr. M. in dollars changed in Japan and this did not include $300 that I then was asked to pay to Durval. I have now hit bottom with the cash I had apportioned for here, but luckily my brother writes that he will pick me up at the airport, my mother writes that she will loan me money on the day I arrive and a friend in Japan says my salary has arrived and will be sent to America, so today I took the cash I had saved for the USA and converted it to Reias at a wonderful 3.5 rate thanks to Ana's contacts. So I'm going to make it.

Dr. M. stopped by this evening after a long day with two cancer surgeries and ordered me some pills for my diarheea, so I am hopeful for the tomorrows and tomorrows up to the 24th when I fly home to my loving family in America, and then later to my loving friends in Japan. All is well that ends well and you should see how HOLLOW my cheeks are today!
Wheee,
Linda

I had my annual mammogram last Thursday. The radiologist asked me about me the scar on my stomach and I told her about the DS. She was fascinated especially after I told her how much weight I had lost and we talked for a bit about it. Then she asked me if I had the surgery before or after my last mammogram. I thought a bit and said that the mammogram in 2003 was 2 weeks before the surgery because I combined my pre op physical with my annual physical. She then told me I should have volunteered that information because with that amount of weight loss my breasts and breast tissue were bound to be significantly different. Since the radiologists compare current films with the previous films she said she would make a note stating there could be a reason for this difference. Today I got the notification that all is fine. I happened to mention this to someone else and she said that because there was a difference in her mammograms she ended up having unnecessary MRI's
before she learned that all was well. So............when you have your first mammogram post op if you are more than a couple months out.........tell the technician. W

That's the trouble with revisions and windows. I pretty much stopped losing at 9 months. I'll lose a few more pounds I'm sure but I was hoping for a 12-18 month window and that was not to be. Depending which day it is cause I have wide fluctuations I've lost between 8-12 pounds since late April which isn't much at all for the first year and actually most of my weight loss was within 6 months. W

They have gowns that fit but I didn't want to wear one. I wore oversized sleep type shirts...........long tee shirt material cause I also like softness. Then I didn't have to worry about a robe when I walked in the hall cause it wasn't see through. Being comfortable is important cause overall you'll feel like a train hit you so you don't want extra aggravation if you can avoid it. W

Tracy Wrote: can I wear PJs or do I have to wear one of those AWFUL
hospital gowns?
Funny story - I was in my hospital room waiting to be prepped for
surgery, and a skinny-as-a-rail nurse (I found out later she was a
trainee) brought me a standard-size hospital gown. (four of these
gowns would not cover me) I just laughed, and she could not figure
out what I was laughing about. Durval was out in the hall, and he
must have heard me laughing. He came in and saw the gown, took it
from me, left the room, and came back about 5 minutes later with a
gown that actually fit!
In answer to your question, I believe they will let you wear
whatever you want post-op, but you might not want to deal with the
bottoms for the first couple of days. Also, the gowns have snaps
(mine did) that allow you to put them on without unhooking the IV.
(I was soooooo glad to get rid of that damn "tree" for the IV bags
that I had to drag with me everywhere I went) After two days I
started wearing jogging shorts. Until then, I draped a robe over my
shoulders while walking the halls.
Mike Adams

-Dawn,
I am having surgery 9/9, so I'll see you there!
Bev
Surgery date 9/9

-Diane,
I am looking forward to 'meeting' your Daughter. She is most welcome
here, and I'm sure she'll feel at home soon.
Bev
Surgery Date 9/9

Hi ya'll!
A thought just struck me.... can I wear PJs or do I have to wear one
of those AWFUL hospital gowns? I know that this is a minor tidbit but
I am very particular about my sleeping gear being soft, comfortable
and all COTTON! it's funny how such a little item can be a security
item.
Thanks,
Tracy in Texas
9/21/04

hi, all,
my daughter, arwen, will be joining here, hopefully in
the next few days. i know she'll learn a lot from all of
you and that you'll all make her feel welcome.
she is sooooooooo excited!
diane

Hehe ;P

Oh I've been so bad today. First that recliner comment then I had an oreo! Just one but talk about a foodgasm. J

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

Dr. M's FAQ says (in bold print) to confirm with him prior to wiring
the $ to the hospital. I faxed him requesting an OK to go ahead and
wire the $ and tonight I also emailed him for an OK (along with some
other subjects). My bank shuts down wires at 2:00 pm. Tomorrow is
Thursday and I leave Saturday. Whadya think? Should I go ahead and
wire it? Are the wiring instructions the same as in the FAQ or have
they changed? Help! (another panic attack, in case you didn't
recognize it)
Vicki in West Virginia
DS scheduled 8/24/04

David:
I made my reservations online. And, my email and online
confirmations with the Parthenon both state that breakfast will be
included. Very clearly. I plan to bring my confirmations with me
just in case. However, it could be that this policy has changed
since I made my online reservations.
Vicki

Since I am not looking to the insurance to cover any of the costs of
the surgery or hospital stay (just my salary while I am off work and
the supplemental coverage of $1,000 per month), I doubt that it will
be closely scrutinized. I believe the real objective is to prove
that I was actually hospitalized for a covered expense (weight loss
surgery is included if medically necessary) and the time off work is
legitimate. I think I will look up the codes on the site you
suggested and ask Dr. M if he would complete the doctor's sections.
Thanks for you help!
Vicki

**blush** :-)
Mike Adams <vectorlaser@...

Wow Camille,
I thought about answering the questions, but you and David did such
a good job, there was nothing left to answer!
Bravo!
Mike Adams

I flew to Curitiba on Sunday, arriving on Monday. I saw the doctor
Monday afternoon, my tests were on Tuesday and my surgery was on
Wednesday.
Becca

Hi,
I sent Dr M an email today along with the med history form he sent me
and some pictures of myself.
I hope to hear from him soon! I am getting very excited to have my
DATE! I asked for something in late October if possible.
I may be having my tests done there. When would they be done? Do I
need to get there a few days before surgery to get the tests or are
they done the day before or what? I need to spend as little time
gone from home as possible though. I am hoping to be home no more
than 2 weeks or so total.
Thanks for everyones support. This is really a great group!
Is anyone else planning on going in mid to late October?
Robin G

Hi Kathy,
Congrats on the new job and your plans for a revision. You are
familiar with my weight loss story and revision from a VBG. My loss
wa 70 lbs and has pretty much stayed at that number. Wendy as she
has already responded is a revision also but from an RNY and has
fallen short of her weight loss goals. But as revisions we were
expected to. Pat on the other hand is also a revision from a VBG and
has done extremly well and has lost 120 plus pounds. In addition to
that she has had PS and lost 20 plus more pounds. Paulette was a
revision from an RNY and only lost 45 pounds. She chose to try the
wellbutrin/topamax combo to see if it would help. It's unfortunate
she doesn't keep contact with the group anymore. I don't know if it
has helped her weight loss in any way. Carole as you know had gone
back to Brazil to have her revision and had difficulties. Due to
those difficulties and not being able to eat for so long she lost a
massive amount of weight. Becca has just returned from Brazil with
her revision where she had her cc shortened to 65 cm and had a mesh
ring placed around her. It's too soon to tell what her results will
be but I am sure hoping for the best for her. There are no
guarantees going into this surgery first time around or for a
revision. It was easier for me to make this decision the first time
because I did it for my health. When the first surgery didn't work
because of Doctor's error,(*Note: Dr. M didn't do my 1st surgery) it
was still easy to make the choice for the second surgery because the
health problems still exsisted. When I fell short of my weight loss
goals this second time, I thought of the possibility of a shorter cc
then I decided against it. My health problems are gone and I don't
need a certain clothes size or vanity to make me happy. You do what
you feel is right for you. We are all different and have different
outcomes to this surgery revisions or not. I wish you the best.
MB

As long as you can get through surgery before you get nabbed... I wonder whether the prison diet includes enough protein and water?
Janice
In a message dated 8/18/2004 4:53:04 PM Eastern Standard Time, w.wendyh@... writes:

<<<gotten the money
any way i could think of short of bank robbery

Dianeâ¦â¦â¦.I wouldnât have eliminated that either. After several years of thinking my life was hopeless when I discovered a revision was possible I would have done anything. W

They did not charge me for breakfast but they may be charging for
breakfast, now. I was there two weeks ago and things may have changed.
Becca

Hi Everyone,

I'm sorry to forward this to the whole group, but didn't want to miss anyone this next meeting. Our local DFW DS support group will have guest speakers in September. It was of great help to me to be able to hear from a DS surgeon exactly what the procedure was and what to expect afterwards. This is a great meeting for preops to attend no matter what surgeon you use. Our group is open to all considering or having had DS with any surgeon. There are a couple of us who went to Dr. M. in our group. Dr. John Rabkin is a DS surgeon in San Francisco and Dr. Bill Hartman is in charge of their psych evals so he may give some insight into the emotional aspects of the surgery. This would be an excellent meeting to bring any family members who are scared or concerned about the surgery. So, if you are near the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please join us!

Val in TX

DS 09/30/03

286/160/135-140?

Subject: [dsfortexas] September Meeting In Texas

Please mark you calendars!!! Dr. John Rabkin and Dr. Bill Hartman will be our guests in September. Please come and bring a friend

September 11, 2004
11:00 - 1:00
2427 Carrick Street
Farmers Branch, TX 75234
972-277-3579 (wk)

Directions: Going north on I-35 take the Valley View Lane Exit,
turn right on the first street Carrick (besides the old Word of
Faith Church) Going south on I-35 take the Valley View Lane Exit,
turn left(go under the highway) Turn right on Denton Road, 2 block
south on the right. We are directly across from the D.A.R.T.
station and the new Dallas Stars Center that is currently under construction

Thank you Joanne!I know I have been a bit absent,so much going on
between work and my personal life,but I am here still checking in
when I get a chance.Hugs to you to my friend!
Jamie
PS...I CAUGHT YOUR UPDATE...YOUR DOING SOOOO GOOD!Yippiee

Kathy,you can email Anne about her experience so far with
revisions,she is a super nice lady.She had her DS when I had mine
and was also there when I returned for plastics having her revision
while Sandy her companion was having her DS.Her email addy is
akopmeie@...
Jamie

yooooooooo ..
good to see ya home girlie.
hugs.
joanne

The teeth whitening cost about 200.00 USD,and is like done with UV
lighting.It made a big difference to my smile.Annas cousin did it
for me,as well as fixed 6 cavaities I had for just under
400.00,thats a big difference from prices here.
Jamie

Congrats on the 100 pound loss Renee. It's good to see you posting
again. :)
MB

I cannot read regular print in light black on white background either. I have my default settings to a larger font and a dark green or sometimes a bolded black. You don't have to use caps Wendy.....just set things for your eye comfort. I don't know how my messages come across to you but I am typing in Arial font which is easy for me to read and I am using a dark green bold which is how 90% of my messages are sent and received. Your message came through in a font which was hard for me to read so I just highlighted it and changed its color. W

Thanks George!

You're a sweetie!

Renee

I had a revision with Dr. M, Kathy, but it was a revision from a RNY done by someone else. I am losing but have been a slow loser in the long run although I lost big chunks from time to time originally. I am a little more than 1 year out and I've lost 118 lbs. If I followed Dr. M's 40% average rule I would get to 226. Many people who start at my weight lose much more than 40%. I doubt I'll get there. These days I hover around 258-259 and my body fat is shifting and I am actually growing larger in the thighs and knees. We presume I'll lose another 10-15 lbs. slowly over the next year but the rest won't come off until I have it removed through PS. I definitely am a success in the health department. Also, I feel strongly this weight won't return the way it did after my RNY. So I have no complaints whatsoever. But I definitely have not had the weight loss I hoped for and presume that is because I was a revision. Then again.........who the heck knows? Our bodies have
never behaved as we want them to. W

Thanks for the info, Janice. They were not charging for breakfast when
I was there, but I have been home two weeks, now. The rules concerning
breakfast may have changed.
If I had a choice, I would book online and I would forget their
breakfast. I did not eat breakfast before surgery because I had tests
and I could not eat before the tests. I only ate breakfast after
surgery. Lori never went to breakfast, as far as I know. What they
offered at breakfast, that us new DS'ers can have, is coffee and yogurt.
You may want to try a spoonful of scrambled eggs and a little
watermelon. This is hardly worth paying for, IMO, but that is a
decision you will have to make.
There is a small store up the street where you can buy yogurt and
refrigerate it in your room. You can also take instant oatmeal and
protein drinks with you.
Becca

Hi Robin,

Dentistry is very cheap in Brazil (as are all medical expenses). Anna (the English speaking taxi driver) has a cousin who is a dentist. So she has arranged for several of Doc M's patients to go to her cousin to have teeth whitening. So if its something you'd like to have done, it's a good opportunity to have it done.

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

I haven't seen you or April on AIM very much. I'll catch ya online
one of these evenings and we can catch up!
Deb

There are many reasons why this could have happened. I tend to blame
myself because I was a smoker before having the surgery. I quit
about 6 weeks before the surgery, but cheating the last week. I've
also heard it's very common to have the incision open. I was the
first with Dr. M, but many people who have had other stomach
surgeries have told me they had the same thing happen with them.
I also believe that a full set of stitches would have held it
together, though I know some people disagree with that. It would be
my choice to let Dr. M know that I am not worried about the scar and
to stitch me up tight! (if I had it to do over again)
Dr. M seemed to think it was because there is just so much weight
pulling at that point and I am apple shaped and it was just too
much. We both discussed that fact that the binder I had made in
Brazil was not correct and had another one made, but the damage was
already done.
Just prepare for anything. I am humbled by the experience and know
that bad things do happen, though it's nobody's fault. I just know i
should have been more prepared mentally and financially for something
like this to happen.
I do have to add if I had to go through all this again, would I?
DEFINATELY!
Deb in Wisconsin

Hi,
I can't find it now, but I read a post that mentioned teeth whitening
while in brazil for WLS? What's up with that? Is that something
most people do? Is it something recommended after WLS? I am so
confused.....which really does not take much for me. This whole WLS
is totally taxing my brain power. Too many decisions!
Thanks
Robin

Hi Wendy,

Yes if you leave earlier then you will have the hassle of getting your tickets changed, and there will probably be a charge to get them changed.

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

hi again, im hearing fussing about my caps.. lol sorry i can hardly
read this size, especially when i post, i am a addict proof reader.
my post r usually so long caps just made it easier to read instead of
squitching like i do reading most of ur post and replies except for
wendy's cause its nice a green.....lol:)speaking of color, wendy how
did u get urs set in a color?
everyone answered my earlier question a little backwards, if i leave
EARLIER than the 2 weeks, not later, will i have a hassle or get
charged? also does anyone know the story of the death of the 9 month
post op? what happened? ty again wendy a. in n.c

the accor site says that breakfast is an extra 10 reals.
diane

that's without breakfast, right, becca?
and--the apartment with two beds--is that a one-
bedroom also?
thanks,
diane

I took out a home equity line of credit. the interest this way will be tax-deductible.

Michelle
Lisa Cooper <lcooperett@...

Where did you all get your money?
Lisa

Hi all, I was hesitant, as I lost weight, to try to find anything at
Goodwill type places. I thought they wouldn't have anything my
size. Well, now I'm down to 230 and finally went clothes shopping at
Goodwill only to find they had my size and much larger too. So I
encourage you to go look, and it does take some looking, but one can
find some transition clothing sizes without spending a bunch.
About the revision question: I am now working again, geez it's been
hard to find a job! I have a haircutting gig at one of those cheap
cuts places, and like it pretty well. I will now be able to start
(again)saving for my revision. I plan to go back to Dr. M as he has
offered to do it for free as far as his fee is concerned, which is
darn nice of him, but it will still cost something like $6500. I was
one of those who went before he started using the shorter common
channel length and I only lost about 50 lbs. I don't blame that
entirely as I also was stupid, and hungry, and believed those on the
big list who said things like "Oh, I ate anything and everything, as
much as I wanted all the time and I still lost all my excess weight
and now am a size 8" The asses!
But I am one of the hungry people, always have been. This Suvaril
stuff seems to be helping with that but I really don't expect to be
able to lose the rest of my weight, some 90 lbs, without further
adjustments to my original DS. Therefore, having prattled on about
my history, I ask anyone who has had a revision with Dr. M to speak
to me about thier experience. You see, he told me I may not lose
much more weight even if I had the revision, saying "it may not work"
for me. I do intend to have the stomach made smaller as well as the
intestines taken to about 60 cm common channel and also intend to do
much better in the "eat everything" catagory. I appreciate any
responses and am quite curious about how others did with revisions
from Dr. M. Did you lose more weight? How much more? Thanks.
Kathy 1949

would be?
If they're looking for the diagnosis code, it would be 278.01 for morbid
obesity. If they're looking for procedure codes, I don't know what that would
be, because there seems to be a wide variation among surgeons as to how that's
coded.
Janice

Sorry guys!!!!

I didn't realize my "member information" was already posted here and I added everything again. If George, Becca, David or Wendy have time could you please delete the most recent posting for me. And I promise not to do it again. This is all new to me and I'm having a little "technical difficulty" here.

Thanks

Renee

-100

-Wendy,
I appreciate your vote of confidence, in me. I'll be flying by the
seat of my pants, as we all do, but I am very comitted to this new
life. They say good things come to all who wait.
Hugs,
Bev ~
surgery date 9/9

I think this may be something new. I looked online when this subject first came
up a while back, then again about a week ago. This last time I noticed it said
there was an additional charge for breakfast, and although I could have just
overlooked it, I didn't remember seeing that the first time I looked.
Janice

hotel. They did not charge me for breakfast, they just wanted to see my room
key.

Hi Mike,

Well maybe I can get an extra recliner in my moderator's executive suite here in the new place. J

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

Hi everyone,

I finaly got moved. Had a little trouble getting my pictures moved from the original file.

George....do we now have more room for pictures here or do we need to continue adding them to the "extra " site??? Did that make sense???

Hope everyone is doing well. I'm gonna try to get back later today and check all my mail. But for now......work.....work....work!!!

Renee

-100

Hi Amanda

Thanks for the tip. I love Doritos so I'll have to give them a try. I've been eating the Adkins potato chips which are pretty good.

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

Hi Wendy,

Yes its possible to change your airline tickets. Of course it depends on seat availability and the type tickets you have. This is another advantage of going through Dortha. If you need to change your tickets all you do is call her and she will take care of it. Believe me that will be much easier than trying to deal with Varig (Brazilian national airline) in Portuguese.

There are many ways to get reals. You can ask your local bank to get some for you. Most banks will do this. At all the major international airports you'll find currency exchange booths. Once in Brazil you can withdraw reals from the ATM machines. Durval and the front desk will both help you exchange money. There is a good exchange place in the Curitiba mall just a few minutes (by taxi) from the hotel. My recommendation would be to get about 100 reals before you go. Get small bills (R$1 and R$2 and R$5) so you can tip. Then once you are there get the rest of your cash exchanged. No one in Brazil likes to take dollars, so you need to get your money exchanged. You'll get the best exchange rate in Brazil. I got about 3.1 reals per dollar in Brazil, but 2.7 per dollar was the best I could find in the US. However the best exchange rate will come from using your credit card. I was getting 3.6/1 by using my Visa.

Sorry I missed the chat, but early mornings aren't my thing. I dropped by the chat room last night about 9(est) but no one was there then either.

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

PS Oh and one other thing Wendy.... Please stop using all CAPS. I know you are not, but it looks like you are yelling.

This subject has come up a few times recently.
Smoking interferres with healing, period. It screws up your lungs, heart
and immune system.
PLEASE read this article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/1753016.stm
Here is a quote:

IF WE R DOING REALLY GOOD AND CAN LEAVE BRAZIL B4 THE 2 WEEKS,WITH
DR.M'S APPROVAL, WILL THE AIRLINE GO FOR THAT? HOW DOES THAT WORK?
ALSO WHERE DO U GET REALS? IM STILL A LITTLE CONFUSSED ON THIS...
ALSO WHAT HAPPEN TO OUR EARLY CHAT THIS MORNING I WAS THERE, NO ONE
SHOWED UP:( TAKE CARE WENDY A.

=0Dear Vicki, Wendy pre-op, and everyone,
Do not hesitate for one second to come and get this life-altering, life-saving operation from Dr. M simply because I haven't the guts to let Durval know he is going over my fuddy-duddy limitations.
A clarification. It was another person not me who experienced the mooning experience with Durval. And it was another person who was very upset not to find Durval in my bedroom at the hospital when he'd been assured he could find him there all night. I just told you my problems and others I'd heard of in one purging letter; which I thought would help other people know what to expect; but absolutely never wanted to be tattled to Dr. M (thanks George) or to have consequences for Durval who is indeed a busy "free-spirited" naughty kind of guy but lovable for many (thanks Wendy post-op), and super-absolutely didn't even think might dissuade people from wanting this surgery as soon as they can arrange and afford it!!!
Have a little perspective and talk frankly with Durval if he bugs you. Hey, if you are the kind who didn't blush at Cheech and Chong performances, you love Jim Carrey movies, etc. you may just adore Durval and invite him to all your wildest parties and put down Linda D from Japan as "invitations to prayer meetings only".
Hugs to you all from the Parthenon Prissy, Linda

Well I found the new place and even got to see DEbs 3 month!
Deb if people are giving up vacation time for you from work, that
sure speaks volumes!! Glad things are starting to get better for
you. On the pulling dog deal I got my dog that new 16 foot leash on
a spool at Fleet Farm and MOSt of her pulling days are all over!
One hint in using it tho, when cars are coming I reel my dog back in
3 feet at a time, takes a little knack to it but should work for you
to if your dog will stay out of the street, country here so dont
have that problem. Please keep us posted on your progress!
David/WI

I have short-term disability insurance and a supplemental insurance
policy that will cover my salary and a little extra. I received the
claim forms and they require a doctor to fill out part of them.
Would Dr. M complete these forms or would my PCP? I certainly want
to take advantage of this option if I can just figure out who should
help me with it. Believe it or not, my human resources contact did
not know! Also, the form mentions an ICD9 diagnosis code. Does
anyone know what that would be?
I know I sound ignorant about this, but I have not been off work or
hospitalized for many years (thank God). Any help would be
appreciated.
Vicki in West Virginia
DS scheduled 8/24/04

Heck Bev.......I don't worry about you. With your newfound body and health look out world......here she comes!!! W

Wow David,
I'm doubling your salary!
Let's see, that's current salary = $0
2 X 0 = 0 OOPS!
I guess we'll just have to express our thanks twice as much!
Mike Adams

Wow Camille,
I thought about answering the questions, but you and David did such
a good job, there was nothing left to answer!
Bravo!
Mike Adams

Lisa,
In March, my husband said he would cover my expenses for DS in
Brazil. In April, he informed me that he and his Brother determined I
should "walk more, eat less." I determined right then and there I
would divorce this man, and in June I filed. Sept. 2nd is our Divorce
date. I already agreed to a settlement. Out of the settlement, I will
pay for my OWN surgery. My soon to be ex-husband is left scratching
his head, my BIL thinks I am haughty and too big for my britches, and
I am getting the last laugh. It's not quite that simple, but I made
up my mind I would never let anyone control me like that again. And
that, as they say, is the rest of the story (how I got my $$$).
Bev
Surgery Date 9-9

Lisa......Dr. M is not in any network because he is not American although he is U.S. Board Certified.

I think we all got our money different ways. Some people refinanced a house, borrowed from a 401(k) or IRA, borrowed from family, sold something major including a house because they were going to move anyway and kept some of the equity before putting the rest into a new dwelling, borrowed from a credit union, used student loan funds because they were a student and so on. I know one person who was really creative. She had an extra bedroom in her apartment and she rented it out. What she did was ...........she told the person if they paid their entire year's worth of rent in advance she would give them a discount. It is amazing how creative we can be when we want this surgery. I even know one person who divorced her husband because if he couldn't see what this meant she wanted out. She used her settlement money. I'm not advocating divorce but this was more important to her than what was already a poor marriage. In one way 10-12 grand seems an impossible goal. In another
that is awfully cheap for what we get in return. W

David.....I hope you either kept this email in a personal file so you can use it again and again or post it to the files. It is excellent. W

Has anyone tried the new Doritos chips?? They came out with low carb
chips and they taste fantastic..just like the real ones to me!! 14
chips is 10 grams of protein and only 6 carbs. Just thought I'd
share my new find.
Amanda

Did any of you get a loan from one of these places? Aren't they
called Patient Finance Companies or something like that? I contacted
one today and they said that for $10K they charge an additional $1000
fee since the Dr. isn't in their network. Is Dr.M in ANY network?
Where did you all get your money?
Lisa

Hey Deb,

I really enjoyed reading your 3 month update! On my next update I will try to do the same and share the good and the bad. We can't make these things up!

Susana, post-op [INLINE]

Hi y'all..
It's time for my three month update. I like how someone else listed
the good and the bad. I will use the same format. Bad news first so
we can end on a positive note! :)
The BAD
- My incision opened a couple days after surgery. It started small
and began to open more and more each day. When I got home I went to
my PCP who sent me right to a surgeon to look at my wound. I had 5
tunnels about 7-8 centimeters each, some splitting in different
directions. He also told me it was infected and I would need to have
a home nurse come daily to pack the wounds. I was in Brazil for two
weeks and then home and off work for another 7-8 weeks. I recommend
everyone to add extra time off work to your budget when making the
decision. I was just so excited I didn't want to wait and the
outcome could have been worse. Luckily, my employer put a new policy
in place where other employees could donate their vacation time. I
was lucky to get 3 weeks donated to me and with my vacation and sick
time etc. I only had about a week and a half without pay. If you
can't go longer then expected without your income. Hold off until
that is in your budget. I now have 3 holes that are about 3-4 cm
deep. I am still packing, but no more infection and the surgeon told
me today that it could possibly be closed in a month. I sure hope so!
- I have a lot of gas and loose stools. I've tried lots of different
treatments and a mix seems to slow things down a bit. Right now I am
on Cholestyramine which takes away the sick feeling that came with
stools, Devrom for the awful smell, Flagyl for the gas, and Immodium
for the soft stools. So I take more pills now that before the
surgery. My doctor has recommended not taking the bariatric
supplement system. The calcium also had magnesium and she seems to
think this could be making the diarrhea worse. She said to take
individual calcium and I will try that once I finish what I bought.
Too expensive to not use.
- This is a bad associated with guilt! I can't get my 100g of
protein in everyday. I also am not getting my 64oz of water a day.
If this does not hurt me it won't be a bad.. but it sure makes me
feel guilty!
The GOOD and the BAD
- Good: I have so much more energy and confidence that I want to go
go go.. I even toured a gym nearby and want to work out so much.
Bad: can't because my incision is still open. Yes, I know I can
walk.. but that's boring to me. I need to do something. Basketball,
swimming, or anything.. not just walk. If my dog would not pull I
would walk her, but I'm really afraid of hernias since I am not
healed yet. So three months after the wound closes I can at least
swim and exercise without doing abdominal exercises. Three months
after that and I can finally work out normally without worry. That's
over 6 months away!
- Good: I am getting my periods again. Bad: I am getting my periods
again.
- Good: I am shrinking. Bad: Clothes are expensive (even my feet
shrunk and I need new shoes).
The GOOD
- I feel like I don't take up the entire hall at work.
- My tummy doesn't touch the steering wheel.
- I quit smoking.
- My attitude is so upbeat. I almost bounce when I walk (which is
scary with all the loose skin!)
- Every once in a while I have a pile of clothes that I used to be
able to fit into. It's like shopping for new clothes without
spending money. I love when I get a few new outfits every 3 weeks or
so.
- I no longer have Blood Pressure medication. My BP has been normal
since I've had the surgery.
- I met some awesome people while in Brazil.
- I am not winded when I walk up a flight of stairs.
- I've dropped 3 pant sizes!!
- I've dropped 2 shirt sizes!!
- I've lost 69 lbs!!!!!
Good luck to all the pre-ops and thanks for all the support here on
the group and thanks to my switch sisters for being.. well for being
great switch sisters! (April, Michelle and Nina!!!)
Deb in Wisconsin

Wendy...........OK ........your pre op tests are scheduled and you have a plan of action. It will come together somehow and I still believe in 6 months time you will be giving advice and helping other new people who are filled with worries and questions and hopes and fears. I was helped when I needed it, you will be helped now and, in turn, you will pass it on. This forum is wonderful because every one of us is a unique individual with our own individual experiences but at the same time we all got here much the same way. It is amazing how we do understand each other. Keep positive and keep moving forward. W

Hi Wendy,

1. Yes if you are alone I think $500 will be enough. You'll want to watch your funds of course so you may have to keep the shopping to a minimum.
2. People who have surgery on Tuesday usually go to the hotel on Saturday; People who have surgery on Wednesday usually go to the hotel on Sunday (unless you are like Becca and get back to the hotel in 2 days)
3. Doc M will probably have you check into the hospital on Tuesday morning. Durval will take care of all this and walk you from the hotel to the hospital. And yes the hotel will store what ever you need them to while you are in the hospital.
4. No you don't pay for the hotel unless you are there
5. You should plan to stay about a week in the hotel after getting out of the hospital
6. Doc M will tell you how long he wants you to stay. Normally you'll arrive on a Saturday or Sunday. See Doc M on Monday. Check into the hospital for surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday. Return to the hotel on Saturday or Sunday and then leave Brazil the following Saturday or Sunday. That makes it about 2 weeks. The FAQ says My responsibility ends if you abandon your post operative treatment and decide to leave Brazil earlier than I recommend. It will be impossible for me to give you the best treatment if you leave Brazil before I feel you have sufficiently recovered from your operation and any possible complications.
7. I would suggest you get your airline tickets as soon as you get your passport. You must have your tickets before you can get your Visa and that can take a couple of weeks.
8. The 4500 is for the hospital and you wire to the hospital manager. You don't need to do this until a few days before you leave. I left on a Wednesday and did the wire transfer the Friday before.
9. You can get a cash advance and then wire the money. I think that the hospital will take a credit card but they charge a 5% fee. You should check about this with Doc M though.
10. Reals are the local Brazilian currency. The average exchange rate is 3 reals = 1 dollar.
11. The American box (actually there are 2 now) that are boxes passed around between the American patients in the hotel. Everyone adds to it and takes out what they need. You'll find things like jello, soup, splenda, tea, magazines, books, Portuguese flash cards and many other useful things
12. You have to do things in this order... Passport then tickets then Visa. You have to have your passport to get your tickets. You have to have your tickets to get your visa.
13. It's a good idea for everyone to take a multivitiamin so it certainly wouldn't hurt to start taking one now. You don't need to worry about bringing them to Brazil though. You won't feel up to starting your vitamins until you get home anyway. I wouldn't bring any food with you. There is a corner market where you can find many things. There is a huge super market close by and a super walmart. Also there is the American Box
14. NO NO NO NO NO Smoking. Doc M is very adamant about this. If you are smoking now, quit! If you are still smoking when you get to brazil you'll need to quit after you have surgery. Smoking slows the healing process.
15. I can't tell you a price on the teeth whitening (my teeth are still yellow) But I know its not expensive. Someone here can probably tell you
16. Yes Doc M will send you a schedule. It will list his recommended arrival date, when you check into the hospital, when you have surgery, when you will return to the hotel and his recommended departure date. He should send it to you once you have a confirmed date.
17. Nope I didn't do any of that. I considered letters to my family but I thought that might be bad luck.
18. You can use a regular phone card but you'll need to call the card company (before you leave) and get the Brazilian number to call and access numbers. Be aware that you'll burn your minutes 5-10 times the normal rate. Yes you can use the phone in your room, either by charging to your room or by using a phone card (hint: the phone card will be much cheaper).
19. Take your medication with you. You will take it pre-op. In the hospital Doc M will most likely stop it and then he will tell you when to start taking it again.
20. I had very little stomach pain post-op. I had more nausea than anything else. YMMV though.
21. Yes he does remove the gall-bladder but sorry no price breaks if you don't have one
22. That I know there has only been one death and that was 9 months post-op. I don't know the entire story so George could answer this better probably. From what I know the woman never came to any one for any support, didn't take care of herself or follow Doc M's directions. But again I don't know the entire story. Remember that is one death in about 600 DS's
23. Well I guess the worst complication (other than the one death) would be Carol's. She ended up having multiple surgeries and staying in Brazil for about 4 months. The mortality rate with the DS (not just Doc M's but worldwide) is %0.4. Here's what the FAQ says about complications What kind of complications may occur and how often they happen?
Complications may be major or minor. The major ones include disruption
of the suture lines with leakage of the gastrointestinal contents. This is
related to three major causes: sutures under tension, poor blood supply to
the sutured areas and bad surgical technique. Once the surgeon takes care
with these factor, over-sewing the stapling lines, maintaining the sutured
areas loose, tensionless, and doing a good job, it is rare to occur suture
dehiscence. In my hand, this type of complication is rare. I have had only one
leakage in 280 DS patients and no deaths in this series.
The most common minor complication are seromas, or light yellow greasy
fluid collected under the skin provoking drainages in the post operative
periods. I leave a fine rubber drain under the skin for a couple of days and
these collections happen with lower frequency. Incision hernias may occur. I
avoid them recommending the use of binders for 3 months after the operation.
Infection is rare. I never had a patient with pulmonary embolism after DS. I
use routine anticoagulation. Other complications are also infrequent.

24. If you don't fit in the seats you suffer for 20 hours. Believe me its worth 20 hours of suffering to beat your obesity. Even with 2 seats I was miserable, but I got through it and you will too. Ask for an isle seat, that will help. If the flight isn't totally full you may be able to move someplace to have an extra seat. But if you want it bad enough, no matter how miserable it is, you will squeeze yourself into that seat.

25. The best way to get tickets is through Dortha Vale. Many of us have used her and her prices are usually as good as you can find on your own. The advantage is she knows what she is doing and you won't have the hassle. dortha@... 405-848-8517

26. Wendy you are always welcome to ask questions here. That's what the group is for. In a few months you'll be the one answering the questions!

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

6 weeks post op as of today!

OK, let me try...
wendy <sexydragon420@...

Hi, its me again

2.How many days will u be in the hospital if u have no complications
and have surgery in the morning..(counting surgery day)

I had surgery on Tues afternoon, left hospital Friday AM.

3.If i leave on a sunday and arrive on a monday, do i check into
hotel leave my things then check in hospital on monday night for
early surgery tues.?I checked in Tuesday morning for Tues afternoon surgery. I left most of my stuff locked at the front desk of the hotel.

4.Do i pay for hotel on monday night if my things r there but im not? I think I did check out, then check back in.

5.Im trying to round about figure out hotel cost for the whole stay.I
might have to wash dishes or sumthing cause im so scared i wont have
enuff..i will be taking all i get so there wont be anymore lol..poor
and fat...sucks..How many days should u stay after surgery? You should stay as long as Dr. M. suggests if you can. I think my hotel came out to about $600 US.

6.I really am hoping i dont have to stay the full 2 weeks,my
funds,myfunds,myfunds,,,,lol Talk to Dr. M. But you really shouldn't hurry home, you want to make sure you heal well.

7.When do i get airline tickets? I got them as soon as my schedule was set.

8.Can i wait for all my test to be complete b4 sending Dr.M the
initial $4500? I didn't pay Dr. M. until the day before surgery when I had a consult in his office. I paid him in cash. However, I wired the funds to the _hospital_ (they're paid separately) the day before I left the US.

9.Can i use a credit card for that initial $4500? Dr. M. wants cash, usually.

10.Reals? This is the unit of currency in Brazil. :-) Currently the exchange rate is about 3 Reai to the dollar.

11.American Box? This contains stuff that other Americans left behind, like Jell-o and broth. by talking to the other Americans you can find out who's the keeper of the box.

12.airline tickets 1st or passport or visa????????? Airline tix first! You will need a copy of your tix for the visa. I already had a US passport.

13.What kinda food or protein things should i bring? Should i bring
vitamins with me? Should i go ahead and start taking a multivitamin
now? I brought Jell-o and wound up eating very little of it because I went to solid food almost right away (this was noncompliance with doc's order, however). I didnt start supplements until I was back home.

14.Smoking???????? I am a non-smoker, sorry can't help there.

15.how much is the teeth whitening? lol im 33 but what if u have sum
partials? they do them to? hehe Didn't have this done, sorry.

16.Dr.M metioned sending an a schedule to u, of ur stay, what will
this consist of and when do i get it? He suggested a surgery date and a schedule of when I would arrive in Curitiba and the date I would leave. I got it via email.

17.Did u guys have to do a living will and ur own obituary? Did
anyone write letters to family members, just incase? No, didn't do any of this. Didn't even tell the family. i was trying to think positive.

18.Can u use reg phone cards? Phone in the room? I used an ATT phone card I bought at Wal-Mart. there was a phone in the hosp room and 2 phones in hotel room.

19.Anyone thats on medication preop do u take it with u and take b4
surgery and during recovery? Probably...ask Dr. M.

20.With the post op bathroom incidents, does ur stomach hurt during
these? Like now when i eat greasy foods i get it bad but my stomach
kills me... I have some gas pains and loose stools every day but, as the saying goes, your mileage may vary. Everyone's different.

21.I forgot but does Dr. M remove gallbladder also? If u dont have
one is it a little cheaper? Yes he does take out the gallbladder, I don't know if there's a price break if you don't have one!

22.Has anyone that u guys know of died from the ds with Dr.M? if so
what happened? I don't believe Dr. M has lost a DS patient on the table. I'm sure someone else may have a better answer.

23.What is the worst complication experience u have heard of? One patient had a revision surgery and a stomach leak and was in the hospital for several weeks. She is back home now.

24.What happens if i get to the airport and cant fit in the seat and
only bought 1 ticket?Cancel? I'm sure George the travel agent has an answer for this one!

25.I need cheapest ticket info.... I used brol.com and expedia.com, others have used a travel agent named Dortha.

26.Do u still love me after 25 questions? Sure!

Hi Diane,

He emailed me a copy. I'm sure he'll send you a copy as well.

Clear Skies,

Dave in Ohio

sry for double posting, i thought it didnt go through..lol i need
sleep..

Thank you so much, George, David, and Becca! I really do feel
reassured. I know that Linda felt that the difference in her culture
and his was most of the problem.
Can you tell I'm past nervous and near panic??? Whew! I had a
terrible time this evening trying to confirm my flight itinerary
online. It said that no such flight existed. I finally had to call
American Airlines and they told me the flight number had been changed
and confirmed all details of my trip. Another example of me
stressing out! Then today I intended to wire the hospital's $ and
forgot to bring the wire instructions. And finally, I am having
trouble getting my lab and EKG results so I can fax them to Dr. M.
AND I am leaving Saturday! So, you can see the stress is getting to
me!
Thanks again, guys!
Vicki in West Virginia
DS scheduled 8/24/04

Hi, its me again, i didnt want to post my questions on that other
post so im writing another one...Some of these may be dupplicate
questions that sum of u have answered but i dont know where i put all
my stuff... I eant to print this one out...sorry:(
1.Im not having any testing done in Brazil, so $500.00 enuff..
2.How many days will u be in the hospital if u have no complications
and have surgery in the morning..(counting surgery day)
3.If i leave on a sunday and arrive on a monday, do i check into
hotel leave my things then check in hospital on monday night for
early surgery tues.?
4.Do i pay for hotel on monday night if my things r there but im not?
5.Im trying to round about figure out hotel cost for the whole stay.I
might have to wash dishes or sumthing cause im so scared i wont have
enuff..i will be taking all i get so there wont be anymore lol..poor
and fat...sucks..How many days should u stay after surgery?
6.I really am hoping i dont have to stay the full 2 weeks,my
funds,myfunds,myfunds,,,,lol
7.When do i get airline tickets?
8.Can i wait for all my test to be complete b4 sending Dr.M the
initial $4500?
9.Can i use a credit card for that initial $4500?
10.Reals?
11.American Box?
12.airline tickets 1st or passport or visa?????????
13.What kinda food or protein things should i bring? Should i bring
vitamins with me? Should i go ahead and start taking a multivitamin
now?
14.Smoking????????
15.how much is the teeth whitening? lol im 33 but what if u have sum
partials? they do them to? hehe
16.Dr.M metioned sending an a schedule to u, of ur stay, what will
this consist of and when do i get it?
17.Did u guys have to do a living will and ur own obituary? Did
anyone write letters to family members, just incase?
18.Can u use reg phone cards? Phone in the room?
19.Anyone thats on medication preop do u take it with u and take b4
surgery and during recovery?
20.With the post op bathroom incidents, does ur stomach hurt during
these? Like now when i eat greasy foods i get it bad but my stomach
kills me...
21.I forgot but does Dr. M remove gallbladder also? If u dont have
one is it a little cheaper?
22.Has anyone that u guys know of died from the ds with Dr.M? if so
what happened?
23.What is the worst complication experience u have heard of?
24.What happens if i get to the airport and cant fit in the seat and
only bought 1 ticket?Cancel?
25.I need cheapest ticket info....
26.Do u still love me after 25 questions?
sorry this is so long but i wanted everything together so i could
print and show with sweet wendys letter to my family...They dont
believe anything i tell them... add whatever if u need to... i love u
guys... wendy a.:)

Ty for the replies, u guys r so great, dunno what id do without u,
really.....
Wendy i really appreciate the time u took writing that letter..I was
crying..... It really touched me. U truly r an angel.... I couldnt
have wrote a better letter myself... U said it all.. I am going to
present it to them asap...Im glad u 4 r our new moderators, cause i
know i will always get a response and a good 1..lol I am still
planning on going Sept the 28th no matter what...(as long as funds
come together)$4000 more and counting...I do finally have sum good
news, my pcp has all of the test lined up on 1st, consoltation for
endoscopsy(then they will schedule it) then on the 7th chest xray,
and abdominal ultrasound.. then on the 10th lab work and
ekg..wooohooo that will be a relief...TY again for all ur help and
special thanks to wendy for putting so much of ur heart in that
letter... I hope they appreciate it as much as i do... Huggs and
kisses from here in north carolina (wendy a.):)

hi, can someone tell me where to locate the questions
dr. m used for his guidelines in the psych eval?
thanks,
diane

Each of our experiences are unique. I never had a problem with Durval.
He did everything I asked him to do and I never had to ask him twice.
Linda's experience is different than mine, but it is just as valid as
mine. I am not trying to discredit her or her comments. I can not
explain why our experiences with Durval were so different.
Becca

Dear All,
I usually sit in the front seat when I am going some place alone with Anna. When I am running with Janet and Anna, she who is much shorter than I, sits behind Anna and I sit behind the empty front seat which is moved way up. The bell boys who work in the front and fetch taxis and help get you in, will tell the drivers of taxis to move the seat up, or at least they have with me. When Durval took me to the hospital in his son's 2 doot back seat it was very difficult, but the next time he called his son instead of a taxi, I sat in the front. The guys also help take my purse and give me a hand out. They really are sweet helpful bellboys and I only tip them about every other time because of my tight budget. Of course the van that gets you from the airport is very very spacious.
Peace,
Linda who is now rested after her morning at the Niemyer Museum and unless you like modern art, this is not the site I recommend, although the sun was warm and I especially liked tooling around in the electric cart in the court full of ugly statues.

George:
I just read Linda's post on the OLD SITE about Durval's behavior and
I would like to know if anyone else had this type of experience. I
like to kid around as much as anyone, but this is major surgery and
Durval has responsibilities to his patients that must be taken
seriously. Linda had several issues that I think should be addressed
with Dr. M and/or Durval. Her experiences should not be repeated
with other patients and I certainly hope that I don't have those
experiences. We must be able to rely on Durval--that is part of why
we choose Dr. M.
I'm sure I sound like the fuddy-duddy that Linda refers to in her
post. And, I am getting quite nervous. Still, the behavior she
describes is unsettling to say the least!
George, I know this is not your responsibility...to investigate this
problem, I mean. But, you seem to have a relationship with Dr. M
where you communicate regularly with him. If you don't feel
comfortable or that there is a need to approach this subject, I
understand. I guess I just want someone to reassure me that he
doesn't treat everyone the way he treated Linda.
Thank you,
Vicki in West Virginia
DS scheduled 8/24/04

think I'll lurk in the chat room for a bit......see if anyone shows
up...if not.....how about 8pm cst....bring ya fav drink and grab a
seat!!!
48 and fat.....but gonna be
50 and FABULOUS!! healthy too
Darlene in Tx

i don't know about the filter messages, w. your notes
are coming through just fine!
diane

The Chat function is on and operational for anyone who wants to use it. I
just went in there and it is working.
If anyone would like to schedule a chat... feel free to do so. You don't
need permission from the moderators to do that.
Have fun!
George in PA

Dortha Vela
ALL ABOUT TRAVEL
email: dortha@...
800/880-8517
405/848-8517
George in PA

Dortha Vela
ALL ABOUT TRAVEL
http://www.allabout-travel.com
email: dortha@...
800/880-8517
405/848-8517

Thank you......I debated 1) I didn't want to presume to know how Wendy feels because even though we have many of the same feelings we are still individuals, and, 2) I don't know if it would help or hinder but then I decided I'd leave the decision up to her whether to use it or delete it. I just know that we have to do this for ourselves and their opinions shouldn't factor into our decisions........but ......we don't live in a vacuum and their opinions matters everything to us. W

have not had "plastics" yet...........but am definitely gonna be in
need of reconstructive surgery.
hugs.
joanne

I posted this on the other site and then I saw that the site was
about to move so I'm posting again...Has anyone had to face plastic
surgery to deal with loose skin? I've read that it can be a problem,
but I have yet to hear from anyone that has had this problem. Thanks
so much!
Dawn in Tennessee

Hey Darlene! Yep, there are 2 of us but I am no longer fat, just
sassy LOL! My life has changed so much since DS that I am usually so
busy that I rarely get to read and even more seldom do I write but I
do try to keep up with things here as much as possible. Recently I
sent Jeannie to this group for much needed support and as you can see
she is getting switched today. Horray Jeannie!!! You go girl!!!
Welcome Darlene! Dr. M. is the best and so is the support in this
group. Can hardly wait to read about your 50 and FABULOUS....healthy
too self (maybe even a little sassy eh? LOL!)
Dar

Hi Ya,ll!
Yesterday I found Dortha's travel agency on the web and I thought
(should not have done that)that I would remember the web address.
Guess what?? I can't. I am excited to be booking my flight for
surgery with Dr. M next month. I know Dortha has helped many of us
arranged our schedules. I need to pick up the pace to be able to get
our visas in time.
Thanks to all!
Tracy

ok....we gotta new uptown address WOOOHOOO!! everyone seems happy
with his/her suite...now....we need to redo the lobby and make it a
bit more social. Come on Moderators..how about settin
up "chats"....maybe one in the mornin and the evenin..."koffee klatch
and nitecap"....even one in the afternoon if time permits. I know for
myself I'd love it (bet I'm not the only one)!!! I'm just bein my
bossy/nosey old self...now I'll hush lol
48 and fat....but gonna be
50 and FABULOUS!! healthy too
Darlene in Tx
(seems there are 2 of us) lolol

W,
How awesome of you to write this letter to Wendy's family. :) I know
it took alot of time and thought for you to do this. It just goes to
show how special you are. *smile*
MB

So jealous of you people who could walk. After 14 days I finally made it to the end of the hall but had to be wheeled back to the other end since I couldn't do two directions. And it was not incisional pain that prevented it but knee pain. The physical therapists did a lot of manual stuff on me to keep circulation going. Since my wheel chair didn't fit through the narrow door way into the hall I didn't even walk there. I sure hope I see Curitiba this time but doubt I'll see much since I can't imagine myself being able to fit into the back of a taxi cab. Climbing in and out of the back seat of a car right now is impossible. Front seat fine. Back seat my knees push so hard on the back of the front seat the pain is awful. W

In a message dated 8/17/04 4:23:31 AM, w.wendyh@... writes:

To Wendyâs family
Wendy- Your letter was so moving. You are just a doll to write it for Wendy.
I know she appreciates your kindness. Hang in there Wendy girl! You have some great support.
I pray that your family will come around and lend the support they should.
Margie in NY
3 weeks post op
-36 lbs!

Diane.............this is a test. I have sent it twice before and your filter is returning it as spam. I clicked reply. This time I am putting it in another message of a different subject heading to see if I can get it through you. W

I said:

Diane...FYI...there are two airports in Sao Paolo. If Dortha makes

i can have my daughter see the psychologist i saw
before going to spain. just another thing to arrange. in
fact, something i can do now.
she'll have a good support system--a mom who lives
five minutes away and has had the ds.
thanks,
diane

Wendy........you decide whether you want to give this letter to your family or if it makes things worse. But I hope that it might help them see things as we do. W

To Wendy's family

Please please realize how you are hurting Wendy even though you love her. I have never met her but my name is also Wendy and I know exactly how she feels. She is pleased you love her so much that you are worried. But you are also making her feel so sad and frustrated......and yes, even angry. She wants to enjoy her life in both the little ways and the big ways. She wants to sit on the floor and play with her children. She wants to fit into a booth in a restaurant or in a movie theatre seat. She wants to walk more than a few minutes without huffing and puffing. She wants to look good in clothes. BUT...... most of all she wants to live without heart failure, diabetes, painful joints, sleep apnea and many other medical problems. I will be honest with you. If she has the surgery there is a 1 or 2% chance she will die. That is scary. But that is a maybe. If she does not have surgery there is a 100% she will die earlier than she should...........and it will be a
miserable death because before she dies she could have years of being an invalid, pain and taking lots of medicine. She could have her legs amputated because of diabetes or go blind or live on a dialysis machine. She could live on oxygen. These are not maybe. These are almost certain.

On May 7, 2003 I nearly died twice. I had congestive heart failure, pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation which is an irregular heart rhythm, a blood clot in my heart, so much fluid in my legs that they were oozing and had sores called cellulites. I had used oxygen 24/7 for 14 months before this hospitalization .And those were just the things that almost killed me. I also had pulmonary hypertension, regular high blood pressure, sleep apnea, arthritis had destroyed my knees and other weight related problems as well. I was 63 years old and learned later I had only 1-3 years left to live. The doctors didn't tell me that at the time thank goodness. When I got out of the hospital 2 weeks later I asked my cardiologist about weight loss surgery and told my doctor that it would probably take 6-8 months for insurance approval and getting to the top of the waiting list of the local surgeon. My cardiologist told me she could get me healthy enough for surgery in the next month
or two but she couldn't promise I would be well enough for surgery in 6-8 months. So.......I wrote Dr. Marchesini in early June and he operated on me August 5^th. I was in the hospital 3 days before the surgery so he could evaluate my medical status. He took nothing for granted and it is unbelievable the care and skill he used to evaluate me before he operated. I was in the hospital 11 days after the operation. He had a cardiologist/internist be part of my medical team. I also had Durval, the private duty English speaking nurse, the hospital physical therapists and the rest of the staff. The care I had is like nothing I have ever had in this country and I have had many hospitalizations and surgeries over the years. This was even my second weight loss surgery because in 1996 I had what they call the RNY and I regained all the weight. If only this procedure had been known to me then. This is the best procedure there is for losing weight and keeping it off forever. My
original surgery was filled with complications post op. This time around I had none because of the remarkable medical care I had.

I am now one year and one week post op from Dr. M's surgery. He and I still email each other constantly. It is a year since he saw any money from me and he most likely never will again. I cannot imagine any American doctor ever maintaining that type of contact with a former patient for so long. My local PCP also faxes lab reports to him and has email contact with him because he believes in close follow up. I have lost 152 lbs. After being housebound for 19 months with Medicare nurses and Medicare physical therapists, county volunteers driving me to doctors and all that comes with being disabled I now have a life. I drive. I have no cardiac or pulmonary problems. I do still have high blood pressure but so does most of America. I need knee replacement surgery because my weight destroyed my knees. I need to have blood work and to take vitamins to stay healthy. Instead of being 63 and dying I am 64 and driving and being self sufficient and having a life. If I had
stayed in America that would not have happened. I might have been too ill to have surgery before I was approved by Medicare and my secondary insurance. I might have been disapproved and the price in America is absolutely outrageous. I would not have had the wonderful post op care. No American hospital would have kept me for 14 days all together. Dr. Marchesini is so concerned about our well being he has exacted a promise from the hospital that whether we stay 3 days or 14 days the price will be the same so we can manage our finances and know what to expect.

This is very long.............on purpose. I am hoping you look at this from Wendy's point of view. I do not know if her family members are also overweight or are of normal weight. If you are fat, too, then you know what her life is like. If you are thin please know that this is the only way Wendy will ever be normal weight. A lifetime of poor metabolism, dieting and regaining, possibly genetics and so on have made it so her body will never keep the weight off without surgery. She may be lucky enough to lose it but she will regain it. You may say you love her fat or thin but that isn't the point. You want her to love herself. You want her healthy. You want her alive. And so does she. Please please reconsider your thoughts about this surgery. Wendy is in the middle of a dilemma. She loves you. She wants you to support her so she can learn to love herself as much as you love her. And she wants to do thousands of the little things that maybe you take for granted.
Ask her to make you a list of things she can't do that she wants to do. I won't make this list longer by giving you my list. It has little things like tying shoes and putting on socks, big things like driving and hundreds of other things in between. If Wendy gives you this letter after she reads it..............please think of things the way she wants you do. Wendy in northern VA

I didn't tell anyone, just my husband who is with me. I didn't want to explain
or defend my actions. When I get home they will all know, but for now I am
doing what I have wanted to do for 20 years.
I want to take walks with my husband, I don't want to die from all the
comorbidities with end up as we get heavier and older. I shouldn't have to
defend that, it is my right.
Hope this helps a bit.
Jeannie

great info, wendy--thanks so much!
but what a logistical nightmare--waiting to see if the
passport app is approved, then finding/securing a flight,
then getting the visa--and all that overlayed upon two
docs doing two different procedures on two different
people.
whew.
diane
diane

HI U GUYS... HOW R U? HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL.... GOOD LUCK TO
ALL U LUCKY GALS IN BRAZIL...
WELL IM WRITING TO VENT AGAIN... I HAD ANOTHER BAD DAY... IM
ARGUING WITH MY FAMILY BOUT THIS SURGERY AND THEY WONT LEAVE IT
ALONE... ALL I HEAR IS "HOW STUPID IS IT TO GO BY UR SELF"..."WHAT
WILL WE DO IF U DIE"? "JUST BECAUSE AMERICANS R GOING DOESNT MEAN
ANYTHING, U DONT KNOW THEM.." THEN MY SIS SAID TODAY AFTER I THOUGHT
SHE WAS THE ONLY ONE ON MY SIDE THAT SHE HAD A FUNNY FEELING ABOUT
IT.... THAT SUCKED... SHE WAS THE ONE I WAS TALKING TO ABOUT THIS ALL
THE TIME...then to top it all off, my husband said in the
beginning "if this is what u wanna do i cant stop u" not really
supportive but kinda....THEN TODAY ALL I HEARD WAS, WHAT R WE GOING
TO DO IF U DONT MAKE IT... IIIIIIIIIII MEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEMEME!!!!!MIND
U HE WEIGHS 175 AND HAS NEVER HAD WEIGHT PROBLEMS...I AM FIGHTING
TOOTH AND NAIL AND TELLING THEM HOW GREAT U GUYS R AND HAVE ALL THE
RESEARCH SAVED AND PRINTED TO SHOW AND THEY R KILLING ME.....i am
stressing out so bad...please help wendy in nc possible surgery on
sept 28th

What Dr. M did for me concerning a psych eval was to have my regular doctor get
hold of him by email and discuss whether I was emotionally and physically ready
to handle this surgery.
Jeannie

Yes.......Dr. M requires a psych eval and you will see in the files the questions he wants addressed. Basically he wants to make sure you ( or your daughter in this instance) understand the implications for the future re vitamins and proper nutrition, that she are able to make a decision, that if she is depressed she is on meds and/or are being treated so she will have emotional assistance post op if she needs it, etc. Most people have no trouble finding someone to do the psych eval. In instances when the person does not live near a psychologist or psychiatrist or getting the psych eval is a real hardship he will allow the PCP to write the letter addressing his questions. Discuss this directly with him. But he will not operate until someone in the U.S. who knows the patient addresses his concerns. In my instance he actually tried to cancel my surgery because my step mother was very much against surgery and contacted him trying to stop it and he worried I would not
have a post op support system. As soon as he realized my step mother had no influence in my life and my daughter and brother were very supportive all his concerns were lifted. He truly wants us to do well once we return to America. W

Diane...........visas cannot be obtained