Getting started with a VSG

Phat PhoenixVSG:

Hi. I'm Karla. I'm tired of being fat. I'm tired of not having any energy. I'm 33 and I move like I'm in my 60's. My body is stiff. My muscles are sore. It feels like the older I get the more noticeable my aches and pains become. Every time I visit my primary doctor I leave with a script for lab work, a referral to a specialist, and/or an x-ray of the area my latest pain is in. 

I've always admired the Phoenix. If you are not familiar with the legend of the Phoenix click here for a video about the mythical bird. I found a quote that says "Out of the ashes, forged by flame, beauty is created, a life reclaimed."  That's is exactly what I want to do with bariatric surgery, reclaim my life. I am tired of living in this worn-down-before-it's-time body. I will use this tool to reshape my body inside and out. It is time to do something different to get better results. 

Current Health Rundown:

I've been tested for everything: diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorder, a metabolic disorder. Thankfully everything comes back average. Here is a "Complete Problems List" my primary doctor gave at my last visit on May 29, 2015:

shoulder pain, left chronic

costochondritis

hiatal hernia

screening for endocrine, nutritional, metabolic disorder

screening for lipoid disorders

screening for thyroid disorder

irregular menses

tonsillitis chronic

snoring

hypertrophy of tonsil with adenoids

vertigo

sleep apnea, obstructive

sedimentation rate, elevated

depression

musculolskeletal pain

morbid obesity

hypersomina

So, basically the problems that I have and the lack of any diagnosis with the test results say that I'm "just" morbidly obese and my body is tired of dealing with the extra weight.  I'm not quite 5'3 and my BMI is around 49. In order for me to be "healthy" I'd have to lose between 120-140 lbs.      

As great and positive and persistent and smart as I am that is a tall order for anyone to fill. At this point I think WLS is kinda my only option for long term and successful weight loss. I know that my current insurance doesn't cover any of it. I am writing down everything that's floating around in my brain right now. ( I'm a chronic note taker & list maker) My mother says I should "just stop eating". Geez ma, thanks...If only it were that easy.

Things I have done:
*Numerous diets in the past-- cabbage soup, Atkins, Slimfast, HCG injections with phentermine pills, high protein/low carb 

*Went through about 3 months of Metabolic Research Center Diet plans. --lots of chicken breasts, vitamins, protein supplements, and  $600+ later only lost 12 lbs total. 12 lbs!!! (In my teens I had lots of success on this program. I lost 40 lbs my senior year of high school and my sister did great on it too. She lost 30-40 lbs. back in 2007.) This time around, my body was super resistant and I followed the plan exactly. This attempt is NOT considered doctor supervised. One of the "coaches" recommended that I get blood work and a check up done to see if there is any reason why I'm not losing weight like I should. We both think it was related to Poly Cystic Ovarian Symdrome (PCOS). Of course they tried to sell me some offer to do blood work for $119 (geez up-sale much?). I politely declined and made plans to see my doctor, so my insurance pays for it. 

*Picked a new primary physician and went to him about my lack energy and inability to lose weight, even on the MRC plan

*Got blood work done that new primary doc ordered to rule out thyroid problems and diabetes 

*Made follow up appointment 

*Researched online about different types of WLS and the insurance process--Not covered

* Started looking at self-pay options in the USA and Mexico--

*Applied for an increase on my CareCredit account --Got declined, who wants to pay $24k out of pocket anyway? That would be like having another car payment each month will really high interest rates (19+%) after the first 12-18 months (at 0%) 

Things TO DO:

* Decide on a surgeon & facility

* Schedule time off from work

* Flight info if traveling

* Follow up with my internship site (this is school related but my fall semester will start a few weeks after I have surgery)

* Look for new job, complete substitute teaching application

*Complete Arise application for WAH option until subbing picks up next school year. 

Wish me luck and feel free to message me, leave a comment, or find me on other social media.