more questions

[Guest guest]

Hi , I am curious (now that you are a veteran) . Could you tell me your

story? I have been implanted 7/26/2005 and will be activated August 30. They

implanted my worst ear...the one I have never used for aids. I have a

profound/severe loss...and culturally HH. BTW....how can I fill out my profile?

new here than you!!!

NanRosen@...:

gave you a very good answer. As for how long implants last, I have

had my Nucleus 22 implant for over 17 years and it is working great.

Implanted December 1988, Activated January 1989

Legally blind most of my life

Totally deaf for part of my life

Nan Rosen

_www.rosetwig.com_ (http://www.rosetwig.com/)

[Guest guest]

Father : dark brown

mother: light brown with darker specks

grand parents 's eye colors:

From my father

grand father : blue

grand mother : dark brown

From my mother

grand father : green/blue (HC)

grand mother: blue/grey

My eyes are 1/2 dark brown, the rest light brown

--- Brujis <brujisbruja@...> wrote:

> I noticed that we all have (for the moment) european

> blood so that's

> something I never read in internet

> Now I am wondering something else. read that some

> of you inheritated the

> eye colors of your grand parents so let's see if its

> the same for all of us,

> so let's do something funny. Can you answer these

> questions please ?

> parents 's eyes colour:

> Father : dark green almost hazel

> mother: very light blue

> grand parents 's eye colors:

> From my father

> grand father : blue

> grand mother : green hazel

> From my mother

> grand father : green

> grand mother: blue

> In my case I have one eye blue and the other green

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hey, is that true? We're all Europeans?! Ummm, that's strange - I

suppose here it's a more common thing, or as it's always been - we're

more talented:P. Hehehe, just kidding!

Now about my family:

mother: dark brown

father: dark brown

grandparents:

from my mother:

grandmother: green

grandfather: dark brown

from my father:

grandmother: dark brown

grandfather: dark brown

I'm with one dark brown and one hazel eye.

> I noticed that we all have (for the moment) european blood so that's

> something I never read in internet

> Now I am wondering something else. read that some of you

inheritated the

> eye colors of your grand parents so let's see if its the same for

all of us,

> so let's do something funny. Can you answer these questions please ?

> parents 's eyes colour:

> Father : dark green almost hazel

> mother: very light blue

> grand parents 's eye colors:

> From my father

> grand father : blue

> grand mother : green hazel

> From my mother

> grand father : green

> grand mother: blue

> In my case I have one eye blue and the other green

[Guest guest]

I’m not sure about the European

connection. I’m Australian with the paternal side of French/English

extraction, and the maternal side of Eurasian extraction.

On the Eurasian side, my grandmother has

brown eyes with a blue border around them. I also apparently have a

second cousin on that side with one brown and one green eye (same as me).

My family:

Mother: dark brown

Father: blue

Brother: hazel

Maternal grandparents:

Grandmother: brown with blue accents

Grandfather: brown

Paternal grandparents:

Grandmother: blue

Grandfather: blue

From:

heterochromia

[mailto:heterochromia ]

On Behalf Of Nasy

Sent: Wednesday, 24 August 2005

6:49 PM

heterochromia

Subject: Re: More

questions

Hey, is that true? We're all Europeans?! Ummm, that's strange - I

suppose here it's a more common thing, or as it's

always been - we're

more talented:P. Hehehe, just kidding!

Now about my family:

mother: dark brown

father: dark brown

grandparents:

from my mother:

grandmother: green

grandfather: dark brown

from my father:

grandmother: dark brown

grandfather: dark brown

I'm with one dark brown and one hazel eye.

> I noticed that we all have (for the moment)

european blood so that's

> something I never read in internet

> Now I am wondering something else. read

that some of you

inheritated the

> eye colors of your grand parents so let's see

if its the same for

all of us,

> so let's do something funny. Can you answer

these questions please ?

> parents 's eyes colour:

> Father : dark green almost hazel

> mother: very light blue

> grand parents 's eye colors:

> From my father

> grand father : blue

> grand mother : green hazel

> From my mother

> grand father : green

> grand mother: blue

> In my case I have one eye blue and the

other green

[Guest guest]

Dawn, Each of us on this site would tell you to do exactly as you are doing now....RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! You cannot research it to death, you cannot ask to many questions. This is a life-altering, total life changing experience that you have to be sure you are ready to deal with if you chose to have the surgery. No matter which site you go to, you will find patients singing the praises of their surgeon. You will hear wonderful things about Dr. Rumbault in Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Kuri in Tiajuana, and Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. (These are typically the three most often asked about on this site.) I'm sure each of these surgeons are good and you wouldn't have problems dealing with any of them. I will tell you how I made my decision on using Dr. Aceves and perhaps that will help. Dr. Rumbault was the first one I

researched. In my research I also looked at the location of Monterrey. I checked on flights to the airport or the closest. Monterrey was extremely difficult for me to get there and it was EXTREMELY expensive. So, I marked that one off the list. Next, I checked on Dr. Kuri. Now, I believe it was his patient coordinator who lives somewhere in southern California that I called one morning. Maybe I was stupid for calling in the morning since I live in the southeast and there is a three hour time difference but I honestly just didn't think about it. I woke her up. She took my name and number and was going to call me later that day. I never heard from her. I did call back several days later because I was still reading good things about Dr. Kuri and wasn't going to let my screw up with calling so early stop me from finding out more. I called and talked with the patient coordinator for a while and she answered

most of my questions. I felt good about using this surgeon but I still had the idea that going to Mexico was insane. You know, typical American ideas about Tiajuana and the type of town that it is, I couldn't imagine going there for surgery. ly, I thought it was insane. So, I quit researching for a while and got busy with the Christmas holidays and such last year. My husband, however, continued researching. I was out of town after Christmas and my husband had returned home to go back to work. He found Dr. Aceves' site but more importantly, he found Nina. He called and talked with her and my husband said she was the nicest, most imformative person with whom he had ever talked with. I got home and called her. My husband was right. It was a funny thing, it's like as soon as I hung up the phone, I know this was where I was going to go. Yeah, I researched Dr. Aceves on the internet but then I just knew

that Nina was the connection that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with this particular doctor. 2 months later I was in heaven....I mean Mexicali. Now, I'm not going to go into all the details about my banded life thus far because it is very much like everyone elses. However, I will tell you that I have had a few problems recently that I am still having to deal with. I had a fill in May that was great. I had a fill in October that was way too tight, although it didn't appear that way while I was at the hospital and Dr. Aceves was working with me. The tightness happened later. The distance from Mobile, Alabama to Mexicali, Mexico seemed world's away at that point. After having 2 IV's I traveled to Atlanta to get some relief and have an unfill. Twice. I went one week and they took a little out. I went back the next week and they took the rest out. I needed some relief and although I

wasn't able to go back to Mexico to see Dr. Aceves, I was able to get the help I needed. Here is the best part, though. Even though I wasn't in Mexico, I was in constant contact with Nina and Dr. Aceves. I tried to call my own local physician during that time but I guess the receptionist never gave him or his nurse the message because he NEVER called me back! Not so with Dr. Aceves and his staff. I talked with Nina time and time again. I have never had such incredible patient care in my life. It is truly amazing. I am heading back to Mexicali in a few weeks just so Dr. Aceves can look at, check out, and possibly fill my empty band. I just feel more comfortable with him than any other doctor around. In fact, just as a little side note, I have had some problems with infection and I am convinced that it is from the fill doctor I saw in Atlanta. She stuck me 15-18 times with the same

needle....yes, the SAME needle! I believe she used two alcohol swabs but that is it. So, I go to Mexico, have no problems, then I go to one of the largest bariatric clinics in the southeast in a city as progressive as Atlanta and I contract an infection that I am still having to deal with today! Don't go to Mexico? I would be more likely to say, "Don't go to Atlanta!" I would be more than happy to talk with you on the phone sometime or through private email if you are interested. You can call me on my cell phone at 251-401-4210 or email me at giftedtch@.... I think you will be amazed, however, that even with some of the difficulties I have had, I still think Dr. Aceves is the best surgeon in the world. EVEN with the few problems that I have had, my life is completely changed and improved like you cannot even imagine. I am no longer afraid I am going to die from

obesity. Dr. Aceves gave me my life back. He gave my family their mom and my husband's wife back. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who will say anything negative about him or their experience in Mexicali. But, I do understand your interest in finding out EVERYTHING! Keep researching. The right answers will come. Keep in touch, Jenni Currie 2/23/06 231/155/145dawn <dawn9368@...> wrote: im really trying to

research this whole idea of banding to death. here is my question(s)how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but where do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro that doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when you come home and something goes wrong?????? i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you dont hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble

isnt hidden from me either.anyone wanna help me out alittle here. really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your choices.dawn

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn, this isnt Dawny from olypia is it? I told a gal named dawn

about the band and Dr. A. So, I was just wondering if it was the

same person. I will tell you when I researched my doctors I came to

this group and I loved the way that they all had such positive things

to say about the Doctor Aceves and his staff. And then I stayed on

the board for awhile and I just became convinced this was the doctor

for me. And I am so glad that I chose Dr. Aceves and his staff, they

were fabulous!!!! So, just keep doing your research and you will

come to a decision that you feel good about! :-) You are right some

people will choose another doctor and love them too. so it has to be

something you feel good about!

K, about the band. it is a wonderful tool, but no road to weight

loss is a easy one, and no road is without bumps. I would say that

the band has the fewest risks and very few things can go wrong. But

that isnt to say it is easy either. I just got my first fill a

little over a week ago and I spent my first holiday with some out of

town family. and I wanted to cry alot this week, because I dealt

with some hard things with food this week. Food is such a social

thing, and when you are sitting there and you eat two bites and it is

to much and then you have to leave the table to go lay down and

everyone is wispering about " is she ok, whats wrong, why cant she eat

more " . it was very embarassing and hard. This was my husbands

family, so I am not close to them like my family, so some of them

didnt understand what I was going through and I had 0 support. I

just had to work through it on my own. But it was very hard! In

fact the only people that will know what you are going through are

other banded people. that is why groups like this are so important.

the physical risks are very few, but the emotional is very hard. So,

dont take this lightly, do your research and really prepare yourself

for the road ahead. I would never change one experience I have had.

I would never choose another doctor, I never regret getting the band

for 1 second, but I knew it wouldnt be without sacrifice. But

anything good is worth some sacrifice.

So, take your time do your research and you will come up with a plan

that you will feel at peace about!!! :-)

best wishes on your journey,

hugs,

>

> im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to death.

> here is my question(s)

>

> how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

where

> do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......

> i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

> and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro

that

> doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

>

> i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just

> want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel

> like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

>

> one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when

you

> come home and something goes wrong??????

>

> i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you dont

> hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

either.

>

> anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your choices.

> dawn

>

[Guest guest]

Nope, im dawn from michigan. dont think we have chatted before.

im so glad that when people read my letter they didnt think i was

being " mean " ... i really expected a bunch of letters saying im

crazy . lol.

> >

> > im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to

death.

> > here is my question(s)

> >

> > how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> > obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

> where

> > do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem,

regret......

> > i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

>

> > and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro

> that

> > doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

> >

> > i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just

> > want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and

feel

> > like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

> >

> > one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when

> you

> > come home and something goes wrong??????

> >

> > i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you

dont

> > hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> > trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

> either.

> >

> > anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> > really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your

choices.

> > dawn

> >

>

[Guest guest]

I dont think any of us would think you are crazy, because we all

started out in the same place you are at. We all had to search and

do our research and find the right doctor for us. There is nothing

wrong with asking questions and wanting feedback. :-)

let us know how you decide even if it isnt Dr. A.

best wishes on your journey

hugs,

dob 10/6/06

322/296/160

1 fill 1.6 cc

> > >

> > > im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to

> death.

> > > here is my question(s)

> > >

> > > how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> > > obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

> > where

> > > do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem,

> regret......

> > > i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

> >

> > > and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all

pro

> > that

> > > doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

> > >

> > > i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i

just

> > > want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and

> feel

> > > like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

> > >

> > > one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens

when

> > you

> > > come home and something goes wrong??????

> > >

> > > i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you

> dont

> > > hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> > > trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

> > either.

> > >

> > > anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> > > really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your

> choices.

> > > dawn

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

, you have a very long road lately havnt you? I wanted to say

something about your infection. My mom and I were talking this

morning (this is a woman who was totally against my going to mexico)

and we were talking about how many people we knew lately that have

gotten bad infections in american hospitals, and do you know what she

actually said to me????? " You are so smart that you went to mexico,

because you didnt have one problem or infection " !!!! YEs!! I was

amazed, see we make believers even out of the " non believers " . lol :-

) I also wanted to comment about Nina and her mommy Yolanda. I was

so nervous when I was going in for surgery because I have never had

surgery in my life. I just got into my room and Yolanda could tell I

was nervous and she came over to me and took my hand and said " dont

worry honey you are in good hands and there is no reason to be

nervous " . and when she did that a calm came over me totally. I am

telling you Nina and her momma really have a way about them, they are

made for this type of job! They are great about calming us and

working through things with us. My husband also loved Yolanda, she

is such a sweet, sweet lady, like a mother hen over all of us. :-)

Oh and , I cant believe your doctor in the US pricked you that

many times!!!! was he doing it with floura? why in the heck did it

take that many times? Jeeez your poor girl. You have really been

through alot. But even though you have gone through alot, your

attitude always amazes and inspires me! You have done so well and

you look so fabulous!! :-)

talk to you soon,

hugs,

> im really trying to research this whole idea of banding

to death.

> here is my question(s)

>

> how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

where

> do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......

> i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

> and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro

that

> doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

>

> i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just

> want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel

> like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

>

> one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when

you

> come home and something goes wrong??????

>

> i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you dont

> hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

either.

>

> anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your choices.

> dawn

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn, It does sound like were "sugar" coating sometimes I'm sure, but I don't think any of us had any thing so bad we couldn't handle :-) Most bandsters will have a "productive burping" episode at-least once, (throwing-up kinda). Or will get "stuck" on certain foods and "slime". (like a thick mucousy spit). I know I have more than my share of each, but usually know why or what caused it. These episodes are much less frequent as I learn to work with my band. I can't say anything, at all about, bad about the care I received in Mexico. It was 5 star treatment all the way! Dr. Aceves, his associates, the hospital, Nina & Yolanda.....all 5 star!! You can review Dr.Aceves credentials on his web sites if you haven't already. You can access them on the "links"bar to your left or go to:

http://www.mexicolapband.com or http://www.mexicalibariatriccenter.com

I think the lap-band surgery is as life changing as the Gastric-bypass with out all the risks. It takes some getting used to, you may have some vomiting or sliming, your band could "slip" or "erode" (rare).You eat less, Your hunger is tamed, you lose weight! All-in-all it's not that hard, anyone can do this, it's relatively safe, and it absolutely works!! Good Luck with your reseach and hope you find what your looking for..a great Surgeon!

Dana

2-1-06

200-140-140

-------------- Original message -------------- From: J Currie <giftedtch@...>

Dawn,

Each of us on this site would tell you to do exactly as you are doing now....RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH! You cannot research it to death, you cannot ask to many questions. This is a life-altering, total life changing experience that you have to be sure you are ready to deal with if you chose to have the surgery.

No matter which site you go to, you will find patients singing the praises of their surgeon. You will hear wonderful things about Dr. Rumbault in Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Kuri in Tiajuana, and Dr. Aceves in Mexicali. (These are typically the three most often asked about on this site.) I'm sure each of these surgeons are good and you wouldn't have problems dealing with any of them. I will tell you how I made my decision on using Dr. Aceves and perhaps that will help.

Dr. Rumbault was the first one I researched. In my research I also looked at the location of Monterrey. I checked on flights to the airport or the closest. Monterrey was extremely difficult for me to get there and it was EXTREMELY expensive. So, I marked that one off the list. Next, I checked on Dr. Kuri. Now, I believe it was his patient coordinator who lives somewhere in southern California that I called one morning. Maybe I was stupid for calling in the morning since I live in the southeast and there is a three hour time difference but I honestly just didn't think about it. I woke her up. She took my name and number and was going to call me later that day. I never heard from her. I did call back several days later because I was still reading good things about Dr. Kuri and wasn't going to let my screw up with calling so early stop me from finding out more. I called and talked wit

h the patient coordinator for a while and she answered most of my questions. I felt good about using this surgeon but I still had the idea that going to Mexico was insane. You know, typical American ideas about Tiajuana and the type of town that it is, I couldn't imagine going there for surgery. ly, I thought it was insane. So, I quit researching for a while and got busy with the Christmas holidays and such last year. My husband, however, continued researching. I was out of town after Christmas and my husband had returned home to go back to work. He found Dr. Aceves' site but more importantly, he found Nina. He called and talked with her and my husband said she was the nicest, most imformative person with whom he had ever talked with. I got home and called her. My husband was right. It was a funny thing, it's like as soon as I hung up the phone, I know this was where I was going to go. Yeah, I researched D

r. Aceves on the internet but then I just knew that Nina was the connection that I needed to feel comfortable and confident with this particular doctor. 2 months later I was in heaven....I mean Mexicali.

Now, I'm not going to go into all the details about my banded life thus far because it is very much like everyone elses. However, I will tell you that I have had a few problems recently that I am still having to deal with. I had a fill in May that was great. I had a fill in October that was way too tight, although it didn't appear that way while I was at the hospital and Dr. Aceves was working with me. The tightness happened later. The distance from Mobile, Alabama to Mexicali, Mexico seemed world's away at that point. After having 2 IV's I traveled to Atlanta to get some relief and have an unfill. Twice. I went one week and they took a little out. I went back the next week and they took the rest out. I needed some relief and although I wasn't able to go back to Mexico to see Dr. Aceves, I was able to get the help I needed. Here is the best part, though. Even though I wasn't in Mexico, I was in constant co

ntact with Nina and Dr. Aceves. I tried to call my own local physician during that time but I guess the receptionist never gave him or his nurse the message because he NEVER called me back! Not so with Dr. Aceves and his staff. I talked with Nina time and time again. I have never had such incredible patient care in my life. It is truly amazing.

I am heading back to Mexicali in a few weeks just so Dr. Aceves can look at, check out, and possibly fill my empty band. I just feel more comfortable with him than any other doctor around. In fact, just as a little side note, I have had some problems with infection and I am convinced that it is from the fill doctor I saw in Atlanta. She stuck me 15-18 times with the same needle....yes, the SAME needle! I believe she used two alcohol swabs but that is it. So, I go to Mexico, have no problems, then I go to one of the largest bariatric clinics in the southeast in a city as progressive as Atlanta and I contract an infection that I am still having to deal with today! Don't go to Mexico? I would be more likely to say, "Don't go to Atlanta!"

I would be more than happy to talk with you on the phone sometime or through private email if you are interested. You can call me on my cell phone at 251-401-4210 or email me at giftedtch . I think you will be amazed, however, that even with some of the difficulties I have had, I still think Dr. Aceves is the best surgeon in the world. EVEN with the few problems that I have had, my life is completely changed and improved like you cannot even imagine. I am no longer afraid I am going to die from obesity. Dr. Aceves gave me my life back. He gave my family their mom and my husband's wife back. You will be hard pressed to find anyone who will say anything negative about him or their experience in Mexicali. But, I do understand your interest in finding out EVERYTHING! Keep researching. The right answers will come.

Keep in touch,

Jenni Currie

2/23/06

231/155/145dawn <dawn9368 > wrote:

im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to death. here is my question(s)how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but where do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro that doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when you come home and something goes wrong?????? i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you dont hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for trouble, but i wanna be su

re that trouble isnt hidden from me either.anyone wanna help me out alittle here. really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your choices.dawn

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Hi Dawn,

You can do some research at Obesityhelp.com, they have a lapband

site there and some sources to check doctors out. It does sound like

everyone is happy, that's because there has not really been any

major issues which is good. Just check a few websites and gather as

much information as you can. There are some books you can buy online

about the lapband, I got the Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies book

which helped me after my surgery but it does give good info for

prior. You can check my blog at blogsource.com (Kelli's Belly is

about to get Smaller) is the name of the blog. It goes through from

the time I got my band to now. I wish you luck on your research.

Kelli

>

> im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to death.

> here is my question(s)

>

> how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

where

> do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......

> i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

> and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro

that

> doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

>

> i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just

> want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel

> like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

>

> one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when

you

> come home and something goes wrong??????

>

> i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you

dont

> hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

either.

>

> anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your

choices.

> dawn

>

[Guest guest]

Dawn,

I think it is great you are trying to research every angle of it. I

think there is some 'bad' but not all of us have experienced that.

For me the worst part by far has been that on the clear liquids I

could not stomach most of what I was allowed to have so for the last

few days I lived on apple juice and water. The surgery was fine and

my recovery has been fine. There are dr's in the US that will treat

you if you had surgery elsewhere so if you are concerned about after

care go to the home page in this group and click on database and

there is a table of all the dr's they have found that will do fills

in the US. Find your state to see if there is one close to you.

Good luck!

>

> im really trying to research this whole idea of banding to death.

> here is my question(s)

>

> how do you research a doctor??? i come to this site which is

> obviously full of happy patients.. which is a great thing, but

where

> do you find out things, has anyone ever had a problem, regret......

> i have also checked out another group mexicanbandsters here on

> and they mostly used another doctor and at that site its all pro

that

> doctor,,,, where do you look to find out more.

>

> i really dont mean this in a bad/neg way what so ever.... i just

> want to be sure that i am as happy as all the rest of you and feel

> like i did my homework into the ground. ya know.

>

> one of my biggest things that is scaring me is what happens when

you

> come home and something goes wrong??????

>

> i feel like im shopping around... and its kinda scary when you

dont

> hear anything but happy happy, im really not out looking for

> trouble, but i wanna be sure that trouble isnt hidden from me

either.

>

> anyone wanna help me out alittle here.

> really, happy for all you , you all sound pleased with your

choices.

> dawn

>

[Guest guest]

If you really want to do some research and try to find some people who

were unhappy with the services from Dr. Aceves, you should put " Alberto

Aceves " into several different search engines and check the results very

closely. Obviously his site and this site will come up in the list, but

if there are any Mexicali horror stories or people who got ripped off or

whatever, you can almost guarantee that they will have posted it on the

Internet somewhere or in some kind of " watch out for ripoffs " type of

site. Now if all you can find on the Internet are tons of positive

information and maybe one or two disgruntled people's story, then that

says an awful lot right there. If all you can find is tons of positive

information and not a single disgruntled person's story that says even

more.

DOB 11/06/2006

345/310/165

[Guest guest]

As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a couple that I'd like to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic, but I'd really like to know!! Nothing is off limits, as far as I'm concerned. Information is so important to have.1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it is "normal" to end up having your period right after you have surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume that I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..? I was not menopausal when I had my revision. I did not get my period until about 6 weeks later. I actually had my period when I went into surgery. I was nervous they would cancel because of low hemoglobin.2. For those of you who may have had severe bladder problems and self-cathed - was this difficult to continue after your surgeries? My incontinence is most likely due to other

things, so we're not expecting the surgery to alleviate the need for self-cathing. This doesn't apply to me.3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery?? I haven't been able to do so for a couple of years, because it causes too much pain. Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery? I could only sleep sitting up by the time I had my surgery. For the 6 months to a year before surgery, I didn't see my bed. I now sleep on my back with no problems.4. When sitting on the toilet, I sit all the way back so that (sorry for the graphics) I can get my hands in front for the self-cathing stuff. I've noticed in the past year that my tailbone seems to be sticking out more and it rubs very uncomfortably on the toilet seat as I am sitting. Has anyone else noticed strange things with their tailbone? When I look at myself in the mirror after a shower, I see a small lump

that sticks out there, right above my "crack". Most people seem have a sway inward there right above their butt. Again, this doesn't apply to me. Can't help you here, although my butt always stuck out before surgery. Now it's tucked better. But my belly is out more. Can't we have it all?5. For those of you were were thin going into the surgery - did you lose a lot of weight after the surgeries? Over the past few years, I have had a problem keeping weight on. I carry any weight in my tummy and the rest of me is skinny. I already drink ensure shakes and protein shakes to try to keep my weight from dropping. I also dutifully eat my fair share of cookies and ice cream, haha I have always struggled with my weight. I didn't eat the entire 3 weeks in the hospital - and I didn't lose a pound. They put me on HAL and jacked my calories up, gee thanks alot.6. I have been on disability for two

years now and Medicare will be kicking in about a month before my surgery. I have fantastic health insurance through my husband, and will therefore only be taking the free Medicare coverage. Does anyone have experience with this? Will it interfere with my current coverage through my husband, and make the surgery a billing nightmare? Currently, I will only need to pay a $100 co-pay for the surgery, then everything else will be covered 100%. I am hoping that Medicare won't mess things up, but I won't hold my breath since it is a government program I can only speak from my experience working with billing in Home Health Care. Your insurance will be primary and if there is a balance, the healthcare providers will bill Medicare. Medicare probably will not even be involved in your case, since your insurance is so good. I wouldn't worry about the insurance part! Lucky you!Anyways, I probably have a lot more

questions, but that is all I can think of at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Any other questions, fire away. Hopefully others will chime in with other experiences.

Donna

[Guest guest]

Hi Rebacca,

I thought I'd just chime in regarding your questions. I realize

everyone is very different, so my experiences might not match your

own, but here goes...

I'm 4 years post-revision surgery (Boachie) and I'm happy I had the

surgery although I have many problems with my back and need to

attend to them regularly...especially regular exercise (modified

Pilates, water exercise), medications (Ultram, Soma, Percocet) and

massage when needed. It's like a part-time job!

Regarding menstruation - can you believe I STARTED my period as I

was being wheeled into the OR? A nurse put a folded sheet under me,

although it was probably for my emotional comfort more than anything

else - I'm sure there was lots of other blood on the operating

table!

After the procedure and throughout my two and a half weeks in the

hospital, my period mostly went away - I think my body was in shock

and stopped operating in its usual mode. I had a private duty nurse

wash me every night and I saw a little bit of old blood on the

washcloth. I wonder, then, if your own period will stop - or at

least slow down - after your first procedure.

I was able to sleep on my back before my revision, although I

usually slept with my arm under my back where my curve is - I guess

I needed extra support there. I can sleep on my back OK now -

without my arm - but I also invested in a Bergad-Isotone mattress

topper (recommended by our forum owner, ) and that provides

a lot of support.

I've had problems with my tailbone before and after revision. The

tailbone definitely moves around and can get out of alignment. I had

a series of sessions of cranio-sacral (very gentle) massage and that

helped immensely.

I didn't lose weight after surgery - in fact, I gained about seven

pounds. I chalk that up to being on morphine for three months (which

I highly recommend - it helps you heal faster), which must have made

me hungry, and to being mostly inactive.

By the way, I gain weight in my belly, too - everywhere else is

thin - and that situation became more pronounced after my revision.

That is, to ease my 'hump', Boachie rotated my skeleton and my belly

ended up slightly more 'protruding' than I would have wanted. I used

to be able to see my pubic hair when I looked down; now I only see

the top of it (sorry for the graphic info).

I hope this helps! It still helps me to talk about this stuff - I

sort of now define myself as disabled - something I never expected

to happen following revision. I thought I'd be back to where I was

after my first fusion in 1973 - I had about fiftenn or twenty mostly

pain-free years. It's disappointing to have to focus so much of my

time on taking care of myself to prevent worsening pain. I just

moved to Boulder CO where many people exercise outdoors because the

weather is wonderful (warm more often than not) and the scenery is

pretty - seeing them running and biking and hiking drives home how

limited I am and it makes me sad. Oh well. I'm thankful for my life -

great spouse, great friends, great books, fun quilting projects,

adorable pets, fun TV and movies, and yummy food!

Best Wishes,

Andy

[Guest guest]

> 1. The day of surgery I was told not take the pill and I fully

expected to start since my surgeries were 10 days apart. I didn't

infact I couldn't take the pill for almost a month. I miss if I am

stressed so it did not surprise me. When I got my first period

afterward it hit me like aton of brick so Itook the pill back to back

for a few months (with DR recomandation) in order to not have it

until I was further along in my healing process.

> 2. DOes not apply to me.

> 3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery?? NO

Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery? Yes

> 4. I did not notice how far forward I had tended to lean whilst on

the pot prior to surgery because if I didn't stuff would squirt up. I

noticed after that I could sit straight which was an odd feeling.

> 5. I was Thinish 130 and am tallish I did not lose any weights but

I think it is different from person to person.

> 6. I have no experience with medicare

Jolynn

>

[Guest guest]

Andy,

I'm so sorry that the revision surgery left you with so much pain.

Has your surgeon offered any answers as to why? I know that a pain-

free life is not guaranteed, but it is well-hoped for by any sane

person who decides to go through this surgery.

Colorado is a beautiful state. I visited there a few times when my

husband's cousin lived out there. It must be frustrating for you to

live there and not be able to participate in the outdoor activities

that are so popular. It makes a person feel so isolated! I am

already disabled before going in to this surgery (multiple

sclerosis), so my biggest hope is that it will not make things

worse. There is a decent chance that it will improve things for me

by putting me back upright, but obviously no guarantees. After a

lot of thought, I am choosing to go forward with it for the CHANCE

to improve my life. I am only 31 and I have two kids - ages 3 and

almost 2. I started using a cane over 4 years ago, and using a

walker fulltime over a year ago. I have required a wheelchair when

going out of the house (and inside the house on bad days) for over a

year as well. I haven't been able to drive for almost 2 years. So

I have already " mourned " my loss of independence and the ability to

be a the mom I always envisioned to my kids. I am going forward

with the surgery because I truly believe that my flatback will get

worse over time (it has noticeabley begun to get worse in just this

past year). My MS is stable right now, and by having in-home PT

3x/week for the last several months I have regained enough strength

and balance to be able to stand for a few moments without holding on

to things. On really good days I have even been able to take a few

shaky steps unassisted before having to grab my walker again. (If

you're interested, I put a video up on youtube to show off my

improved walking ability to some MS friends it was a pretty good day

and my husband said I was standing up fairly straight

)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the painkillers and with

gaining weight. I have been trying to gain about 8 pounds before my

surgery, but I haven't been very successful yet. It's quite

frustrating, especially when people laugh and say things like " It

must be nice to have that problem! " I know they don't mean anything

bad, but it really is maddening to hear them belittle my situation!

I mean, most people who are overweight wouldn't like to hear someone

laugh and say that losing weight isn't a problem or why don't they

just eat a little less to help solve their problem. While it's not

easy for them to lose weight, it's hard for them to understand that

it's hard for me to gain

It seems from everything that I hear that exercising. stretching,

and keeping mobile are very important activities both before and

after the surgery. Especially after the, even though it may hurt

like heck to get started. While I would obviously clear things with

my surgeon, how long after revision would you estimate that it might

be safe to try the stretching and pilates?

Thanks for your help!

>

> Hi Rebacca,

>

> I thought I'd just chime in regarding your questions. I realize

> everyone is very different, so my experiences might not match your

> own, but here goes...

>

> I'm 4 years post-revision surgery (Boachie) and I'm happy I had

the

> surgery although I have many problems with my back and need to

> attend to them regularly...especially regular exercise (modified

> Pilates, water exercise), medications (Ultram, Soma, Percocet) and

> massage when needed. It's like a part-time job!

>

> Regarding menstruation - can you believe I STARTED my period as I

> was being wheeled into the OR? A nurse put a folded sheet under

me,

> although it was probably for my emotional comfort more than

anything

> else - I'm sure there was lots of other blood on the operating

> table!

>

> After the procedure and throughout my two and a half weeks in the

> hospital, my period mostly went away - I think my body was in

shock

> and stopped operating in its usual mode. I had a private duty

nurse

> wash me every night and I saw a little bit of old blood on the

> washcloth. I wonder, then, if your own period will stop - or at

> least slow down - after your first procedure.

>

> I was able to sleep on my back before my revision, although I

> usually slept with my arm under my back where my curve is - I

guess

> I needed extra support there. I can sleep on my back OK now -

> without my arm - but I also invested in a Bergad-Isotone mattress

> topper (recommended by our forum owner, ) and that

provides

> a lot of support.

>

> I've had problems with my tailbone before and after revision. The

> tailbone definitely moves around and can get out of alignment. I

had

> a series of sessions of cranio-sacral (very gentle) massage and

that

> helped immensely.

>

> I didn't lose weight after surgery - in fact, I gained about seven

> pounds. I chalk that up to being on morphine for three months

(which

> I highly recommend - it helps you heal faster), which must have

made

> me hungry, and to being mostly inactive.

>

> By the way, I gain weight in my belly, too - everywhere else is

> thin - and that situation became more pronounced after my

revision.

> That is, to ease my 'hump', Boachie rotated my skeleton and my

belly

> ended up slightly more 'protruding' than I would have wanted. I

used

> to be able to see my pubic hair when I looked down; now I only see

> the top of it (sorry for the graphic info).

>

> I hope this helps! It still helps me to talk about this stuff - I

> sort of now define myself as disabled - something I never expected

> to happen following revision. I thought I'd be back to where I was

> after my first fusion in 1973 - I had about fiftenn or twenty

mostly

> pain-free years. It's disappointing to have to focus so much of my

> time on taking care of myself to prevent worsening pain. I just

> moved to Boulder CO where many people exercise outdoors because

the

> weather is wonderful (warm more often than not) and the scenery is

> pretty - seeing them running and biking and hiking drives home how

> limited I am and it makes me sad. Oh well. I'm thankful for my

life -

> great spouse, great friends, great books, fun quilting projects,

> adorable pets, fun TV and movies, and yummy food!

>

> Best Wishes,

> Andy

>

[Guest guest]

Donna,

Thanks for your reply! I keep meaning to ask when I call Ondra's

office, but did you donate any of your blood prior to surgery? I

haven't heard them mention it, and I would really prefer not to

donate. I am concerned with my blood counts getting out of whack.

I have my last chemo treatment at the end of December, and usually

after 3 months it's fairly close to normal again, though my white

counts are usually a little low. So I'd like to not have to donate,

even though at the time of surgery I'll be about 7 months post-

chemo. I don't want my body worn out from donating blood when going

in to this big of a surgery

>

> As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a

couple

> that I'd like to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic, but

I'd

> really like to know!! Nothing is off limits, as far as I'm

concerned. Information is so important to have.

> 1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it

> is " normal " to end up having your period right after you have

> surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume

that

> I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..? I

was not menopausal when I had my revision. I did not get my period

until about 6 weeks later. I actually had my period when I went into

surgery. I was nervous they would cancel because of low hemoglobin.

[Guest guest]

Jolynn,

Thanks for your reply! That's very interesting about using the pill

and skipping some periods while you were recovering. That would

definately be nice Since starting your periods again, have you

had any problems with inserting tampons (if you use them)?

Here is another question too - did you have neck pains prior to your

revision (from always craning your neck to look straight ahead)?

And if so, have they resolved on their own now after your revision?

>

>

> > 1. The day of surgery I was told not take the pill and I fully

> expected to start since my surgeries were 10 days apart. I didn't

> infact I couldn't take the pill for almost a month. I miss if I am

> stressed so it did not surprise me. When I got my first period

> afterward it hit me like aton of brick so Itook the pill back to

back

> for a few months (with DR recomandation) in order to not have it

> until I was further along in my healing process.

> > 2. DOes not apply to me.

> > 3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery??

NO

> Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery? Yes

> > 4. I did not notice how far forward I had tended to lean whilst

on

> the pot prior to surgery because if I didn't stuff would squirt

up. I

> noticed after that I could sit straight which was an odd feeling.

> > 5. I was Thinish 130 and am tallish I did not lose any weights

but

> I think it is different from person to person.

> > 6. I have no experience with medicare

>

> Jolynn

> >

>

[Guest guest]

That should have read that I " had " my last chemo treatment in

December....

> I have my last chemo treatment at the end of December, and usually

> after 3 months it's fairly close to normal again, though my white

[Guest guest]

Yes, I did donate three pints in rapid succession. The last time I was pretty anemic, then went out and tried to snowblow the driveway. I thought I was having a heart attack. I got short of breath and chest pain. You would think being a nurse I would have known better. Just wasn't thinking.

Many people gave directed donations for me and I was able to track whose blood I was getting by the numbers they use. I know I had my son's, brothers', brother-in-law's, sister-in-law's. But I also had unknowns. I had a lot of blood. It's a really bloody surgery. I had so much blood that it really wouldn't have mattered if I donated my own. I mean, if you're going to be exposed to potential transfusions issues, does the other three units matter?

Re: more questions

Donna,Thanks for your reply! I keep meaning to ask when I call Ondra's office, but did you donate any of your blood prior to surgery? I haven't heard them mention it, and I would really prefer not to donate. I am concerned with my blood counts getting out of whack. I have my last chemo treatment at the end of December, and usually after 3 months it's fairly close to normal again, though my white counts are usually a little low. So I'd like to not have to donate, even though at the time of surgery I'll be about 7 months post-chemo. I don't want my body worn out from donating blood when going in to this big of a surgery >> As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a couple > that I'd like

to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic, but I'd > really like to know!! Nothing is off limits, as far as I'm concerned. Information is so important to have.> 1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it > is "normal" to end up having your period right after you have > surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume that > I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..? I was not menopausal when I had my revision. I did not get my period until about 6 weeks later. I actually had my period when I went into surgery. I was nervous they would cancel because of low hemoglobin.

[Guest guest]

No problems with tampons. In fact using them is easier becuase prior

to revision they were not comfortable. I did have slight neck pain

which now acts up a little now and then but not as much. I am more

prone to pulling muscles in my neck since I cannot turn my body I am

more likely to jerk my head around when I am not thinking about it

(usually if one of the kids has fallen or something). I also have

SEVERE scoliosis in my neck so that may be a contributing factor.

Jolynn

>

> Jolynn,

> Thanks for your reply! That's very interesting about using the

pill

> and skipping some periods while you were recovering. That would

> definately be nice Since starting your periods again, have you

> had any problems with inserting tampons (if you use them)?

> Here is another question too - did you have neck pains prior to

your

> revision (from always craning your neck to look straight ahead)?

> And if so, have they resolved on their own now after your revision?

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I have answers to some (not all) of your questions.

Sleeping on back -- This is the only way I can sleep. I have not been

able to sleep in any other position for years now. When my flatback

was at its worst, however, I could not lie flat at all and had to

sleep halfway sitting up in a recliner.

Medicare plus group health -- Do you recall whether there is a

penalty for electing Part B down the road if your situation should

change? (Sorry, I realize this is another question, not an answer!)

That is always my first concern about turning down any coverage. It

can be SO hard to get decent, reasonably priced coverage for a spinal

condition that I try to grab any group coverage available at any time!

If your Medicare will be the secondary payer, as mine is, you

shouldn't have any problems. (As you undoubtedly know, there are some

rather elaborate rules governing whether your Medicare is considered

secondary or primary -- One criterion is whether your husband's

employer has more or fewer than 100 employees.) I have no knowledge

of whether there are problems when Medicare is primary. The only

minor, occasional hangup I have experienced with Medicare as a

secondary is the billing of Medicare before the primary is billed.

Anyone who does this gets a Medicare denial and must bill the

primary, then re-bill Medicare.

If you are sure about your relatively small co-pay or deductible, I

guess it makes sense to turn down Medicare Part B coverage (assumking

you can pick it up any time with no penalty). You might want to

correspond with lorrian about these issues, by the way, as she is

dealing with similar ones and knows a lot. I have personally avoided

paying a penny to anyone in connection with any of my revision

surgeries -- a very happy situation for anyone struggling to live on

a fixed income. On the other hand, I would enjoy seeing those

Medicare Part B premiums added back to my Social Security check! --

these situations always seem to involve a tradeoff. It sounds as if

you and your husband have done a very thoughtful weighing of all the

factors involved and are probably making the most sensible decision

for you personally.

Best,

>

> As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a couple

> that I'd like to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic, but

I'd

> really like to know!!

> 1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it

> is " normal " to end up having your period right after you have

> surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume

that

> I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..?

> 2. For those of you who may have had severe bladder problems and

self-

> cathed - was this difficult to continue after your surgeries? My

> incontinence is most likely due to other things, so we're not

> expecting the surgery to alleviate the need for self-cathing.

> 3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery?? I

> haven't been able to do so for a couple of years, because it causes

> too much pain. Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery?

> 4. When sitting on the toilet, I sit all the way back so that

(sorry

> for the graphics) I can get my hands in front for the self-cathing

> stuff. I've noticed in the past year that my tailbone seems to be

> sticking out more and it rubs very uncomfortably on the toilet seat

as

> I am sitting. Has anyone else noticed strange things with their

> tailbone? When I look at myself in the mirror after a shower, I

see a

> small lump that sticks out there, right above my " crack " . Most

people

> seem have a sway inward there right above their butt.

> 5. For those of you were were thin going into the surgery - did you

> lose a lot of weight after the surgeries? Over the past few years,

I

> have had a problem keeping weight on. I carry any weight in my

tummy

> and the rest of me is skinny. I already drink ensure shakes and

> protein shakes to try to keep my weight from dropping. I also

> dutifully eat my fair share of cookies and ice cream, haha

> 6. I have been on disability for two years now and Medicare will be

> kicking in about a month before my surgery. I have fantastic

health

> insurance through my husband, and will therefore only be taking the

> free Medicare coverage. Does anyone have experience with this?

Will

> it interfere with my current coverage through my husband, and make

the

> surgery a billing nightmare? Currently, I will only need to pay a

> $100 co-pay for the surgery, then everything else will be covered

> 100%. I am hoping that Medicare won't mess things up, but I won't

> hold my breath since it is a government program

> Anyways, I probably have a lot more questions, but that is all I

can

> think of at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I haven't had revision surgery yet for my flatback (have been fused

from T5 to the sacrum for 30 years with two Harrington Rods), but will

tell you about my experience with Medicare in hopes that it will make

you feel more at ease with your upcoming insurance situation.

I am under age 65, and when I became eligible for Medicare due to

disability, I, like you, elected just the free Part A Medicare

hospital insurance, and it was secondary to private insurance that

covered me through my husband's employer (because, like

mentioned, the employer had 100 or more active employees). Because

that primary private insurance was so good (it was a PPO plan), the

Medicare Part A has never been any use to me, even when I was

hospitalized for my hip replacement surgery. I waived the Part B

because I estimated that the benefit it might provide would not be

worth the monthly premium Social Security would charge me for it.

Once you get your red, white and blue Medicare card, your husband's

employer (which I assume has 100 or more employees) will probably

need you to fill out an OBRA election form which notifies your primary

insurance of the effective dates of your Medicare and lets your

primary insurance know that they are primary.

If you fill out the OBRA form with your husband's employer, and if you

tell all your medical providers and hospitals that Medicare is

secondary, you stand your best chance at things not getting messed up.

It may seem hard to believe, but so far I've found the government to

be even better than the private insurance companies at getting things

right!

Good luck,

loriann

P.S. If your husband should ever lose his insurance through his

employer, Medicare will become primary for you, and there is a special

enrollment period for you to get Medicare Part B. Although the

special enrollment period lasts for a number of months after your

husband loses his insurance, it is usually best to apply for the Part

B as soon as possible after he loses his insurance to avoid any gaps

in coverage or any monetary penalties.

>

> As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a couple

> that I'd like to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic, but I'd

> really like to know!!

> 1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it

> is " normal " to end up having your period right after you have

> surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume that

> I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..?

> 2. For those of you who may have had severe bladder problems and self-

> cathed - was this difficult to continue after your surgeries? My

> incontinence is most likely due to other things, so we're not

> expecting the surgery to alleviate the need for self-cathing.

> 3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery?? I

> haven't been able to do so for a couple of years, because it causes

> too much pain. Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery?

> 4. When sitting on the toilet, I sit all the way back so that (sorry

> for the graphics) I can get my hands in front for the self-cathing

> stuff. I've noticed in the past year that my tailbone seems to be

> sticking out more and it rubs very uncomfortably on the toilet seat as

> I am sitting. Has anyone else noticed strange things with their

> tailbone? When I look at myself in the mirror after a shower, I see a

> small lump that sticks out there, right above my " crack " . Most people

> seem have a sway inward there right above their butt.

> 5. For those of you were were thin going into the surgery - did you

> lose a lot of weight after the surgeries? Over the past few years, I

> have had a problem keeping weight on. I carry any weight in my tummy

> and the rest of me is skinny. I already drink ensure shakes and

> protein shakes to try to keep my weight from dropping. I also

> dutifully eat my fair share of cookies and ice cream, haha

> 6. I have been on disability for two years now and Medicare will be

> kicking in about a month before my surgery. I have fantastic health

> insurance through my husband, and will therefore only be taking the

> free Medicare coverage. Does anyone have experience with this? Will

> it interfere with my current coverage through my husband, and make the

> surgery a billing nightmare? Currently, I will only need to pay a

> $100 co-pay for the surgery, then everything else will be covered

> 100%. I am hoping that Medicare won't mess things up, but I won't

> hold my breath since it is a government program

> Anyways, I probably have a lot more questions, but that is all I can

> think of at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

>

>

[Guest guest]

Loriann,

Thanks so much for your insights on this. I called Medicare this

week, and while they did give me some of the same info you gave me,

they basically said that they didn't know everything I should do!

Then they suggested I call social security since I am qualifying for

Medicare through disability (versus qualifying by being aged 65). I

was kind of shocked that they couldn't help me with any further

info. But thank you very much for the tip about the OBRA form. I

plan on calling my husband's benefits coordinator tomorrow, and I

will be sure to ask about the OBRA form.

> >

> > As long as we're asking all sorts of questions here, I had a

couple

> > that I'd like to ask. I apologize if some seem a bit graphic,

but I'd

> > really like to know!!

> > 1. For those of you who were still menstruating - I know that it

> > is " normal " to end up having your period right after you have

> > surgery. I am having 2 surgeries done a week apart, so I assume

that

> > I wouldn't likely get another period after that second one..?

> > 2. For those of you who may have had severe bladder problems and

self-

> > cathed - was this difficult to continue after your surgeries?

My

> > incontinence is most likely due to other things, so we're not

> > expecting the surgery to alleviate the need for self-cathing.

> > 3. Were you guys able to sleep on your backs before surgery?? I

> > haven't been able to do so for a couple of years, because it

causes

> > too much pain. Are you able to sleep on your back after surgery?

> > 4. When sitting on the toilet, I sit all the way back so that

(sorry

> > for the graphics) I can get my hands in front for the self-

cathing

> > stuff. I've noticed in the past year that my tailbone seems to

be

> > sticking out more and it rubs very uncomfortably on the toilet

seat as

> > I am sitting. Has anyone else noticed strange things with their

> > tailbone? When I look at myself in the mirror after a shower, I

see a

> > small lump that sticks out there, right above my " crack " . Most

people

> > seem have a sway inward there right above their butt.

> > 5. For those of you were were thin going into the surgery - did

you

> > lose a lot of weight after the surgeries? Over the past few

years, I

> > have had a problem keeping weight on. I carry any weight in my

tummy

> > and the rest of me is skinny. I already drink ensure shakes and

> > protein shakes to try to keep my weight from dropping. I also

> > dutifully eat my fair share of cookies and ice cream, haha

> > 6. I have been on disability for two years now and Medicare will

be

> > kicking in about a month before my surgery. I have fantastic

health

> > insurance through my husband, and will therefore only be taking

the

> > free Medicare coverage. Does anyone have experience with this?

Will

> > it interfere with my current coverage through my husband, and

make the

> > surgery a billing nightmare? Currently, I will only need to pay

a

> > $100 co-pay for the surgery, then everything else will be

covered

> > 100%. I am hoping that Medicare won't mess things up, but I

won't

> > hold my breath since it is a government program

> > Anyways, I probably have a lot more questions, but that is all I

can

> > think of at the moment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

> >

> >

>