How it started.
In August of 2001, my father died. Just 9 short months after my mother did. It was a wake-up call for me. I weighed 320 lbs. I am diabetic, suffer from chest pains, have asthma, degenerative joint disease, migraines, severe pain, and sleep apnea. Both my parents died from complications of the very illnesses I suffer from. But I also suffer from one more disease. This disease can be deadlier than all the others, because this disease can "amplify" the others. I honestly believe that if I do not fight this disease, I will not live past a few more years...if that long. This disease....Morbid Obesity.
Then, 2 weeks after my father died, I was driving home from work when a huge pressure was "pushing" on my chest and a pain shot down my left arm. While I was driving I called 911. I was taken to the hospital. This was not the first time I had chest pain, but it was the first time that the pressure was so great and the first time I had pain in my left arm.
While I was recovering in the hospital, I started thinking about a suggestion my dentist gave me. Weight Loss Surgery. I am a wimp when it comes to needles and pain, so when she first mentioned it, I could honestly think of dozens of reasons NOT to have it. But after losing my parents, and this scare, I started to seriously consider it.
I started researching the procedures. Then after a few months of learning all I could about the surgery, I decided this was what I needed to help save my life. I spoke with my doctor and got a referral to a bariatric surgeon.
My appointment with him was in February of 2002. He informed me that I WAS a candidate for bariatric surgery and then he submitted the request to my insurance company.
They said no.
They said no? How could they deny a proven treatment that could save my life?
I am only 40 years old. I was not ready to give up. I was not ready to die. I have a new granddaughter that I want to see grow up.
So...I fought. I was literally fighting for my life. I started a letter writting campaign. I wrote to government officials, lawyers, talk shows, news stations, and newspapers. I spoke out to anyone who would listen about how "The Insurance Companies Determine the Health of America." I built a website dedicated to my impending death. I filled out my will. I cried. I screamed. I got angry. Then I fought some more. I was determined to live.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.
Wednesday 8/28/02:
I just wanted to give y’all a quick update. My surgeon called yesterday evening to let me know that my surgery was re-scheduled. I expected to be moved back to a later date, but to my surprise I was moved up by 5 weeks. I am scheduled for 9/9/02 at 8:00am at NCBH. I am happy and nervous, scared and thrilled all at the same time. I will keep you updated.
For Letters I have written CLICK HERE.
For statistics on Morbid Obesity CLICK HERE.
I am now POST-OP. I will be adding more information and to this website and keeping you updated on me Post-op progress.
For Post-op info CLICK HERE.
My Favorite Web sites
My original web site depicting my fight with my insurance company.
My Obesity Links
My Rocky Horror Picture Show Site
My favorite children's game site.
My favorite game site.
OSSG-SA...Online WLS Support Group.
