Hey gang,
Many of you know from me being around for nearly a year now that I started to hobby so I could have some fun before I had a gastric bypass operation.
After nearly two years of fighting for Medicaid, several meetings with some great ladies, and months of testing and consultatioins ... I HAVE A SURGERY DATE!!!
June 9, Cleveland Clinic in Weston, FL. down by Ft. Lauderdale. I am still in amazement and somewhat still in shock that after all this time of fighting for it I got approved so quickly, in under three hours. Normal turn around time is about a week or two.
I told several people here I'd keep them up to date, that's the reason for the self promotion. I'm excited!!
Jimbo
-- Modified on 4/23/2004 7:21:51 PM
It's a health issue. Perhaps the Republican in you will understand that you will pay now or you will pay later. In fact, you might already be paying now, because people who choose gastric bypass usually already have health issues related to obesity, such as diabetes. Gastric bypass surgery seems to virtually cure diabetes in a lot of patients.
Many people who have never been very overweight do not understand what a struggle with weight these people go through. They have often gained and lost hundreds of pounds in their lifetimes, starving themselves for weeks or months at a time, only to gain it all back again plus more.
So, I say be happy for those who find a way out of that cycle. It brings a happier, healthier and possibly even more productive person into the community. And, as an added benefit, it probably helps defray future health care costs for that person.
-- Modified on 4/23/2004 9:36:33 PM
I'm really happy for you Jimbo!
I am sure everything will go well!
I'll be rooting for you!
You are so sweet!
ago..do you remember? I do..
I'm so happy for you, Jimbo..that's awesome.
You're so far away...will you just pretend I'm holding your hand going in? And waiting for you when you get out!
You go, Jimbo! You're gonna do great..and I know you'll do all the right 'follow up' stuff, too..
What a great future you have, bud! I'm excited for you!
Please do keep us posted..
xo,
Sedona
I have nothing but respect for someone who recognizes they have a problem and just does something about it. You and I've had some real quality conversations, and you shared some interesting and thought provoking insights with me. I feel like a buddy of mine is taking a step toward what amounts to a new life. Good luck, Jimbo. Please do keep us posted.
This has been a long battle to get to this point. What the other posts said are so true ... this operation is not an easy decision, and for most of us morbidly obese individuals ... it is our last and only hope of living what most perceive as being a normal life. Free from co-morbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cerain types of cancer, sleep apnea, blood clots forming in the legs, degenerative joint disease, acid reflux and much more.
Surgery can and does eliminate or greatly reduces these factors, allowing people who were once shut out of society because of their appearance to break free. The chance to come out of their cocoon and fly higher than they ever thought possible.
This surgery works, especially if you've done your homework and know what you must do to make it work. It's not a quick fix, or an easy way out. It's simply a tool to help us get some control over our eating habits.
Even though I'm pre-op, I'd do this every year if I had to in order to be free from pain, low self esteem, lack of employment, depression that being a less than perfect 415 pound, 31 year old man in what the general public sees as simply being lazy or someone who's doing something wrong. Studies have shown that people would rather hang out with someone physically handicapped and/or in a wheelchair than to hang out with someone who is obese. Obesity is the last accepted form of ridicule in America. Some 63-68% of America is overweight, and yet people put us down, make fun of us, and for what?
I'm not sure what the person who posted "Medicaid, Hobbying, Gastric Bypass" meant because they didn't have any text in their post ... I for one would like to know what's on your mind.
Jimbo