gracielee

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I meant to write this much sooner- because I had imagined that I would be on bed rest for weeks after the surgery... however that wasn't the case.

I had decided to get this surgery a long time ago. I kept coming across obstacles that prevented me from actually getting it for quite some time. I blogged a little bit about my trials here, however there was much more than I wrote. Suddenly everything fell into place (real fast) I finally had both the money and the time, the one hitch was whether or not I could schedule an appointment with Dr. Alvarez on such short notice. I was able to schedule my appointment with Dr. Alvarez 10 days before my actual appointment. For those 10 days Susan/Coordinator (like Lydia who was in the position before was extremely helpful, friendly, and patient answered all of my silly little questions (in amazing time)... She also provided words of encouragement and support without pressure or a sales pitch. 
My scheduled appointment was for Monday, June 18th of 2007. I flew out of Oakland, Ca, caught a connecting flight in Phoenix to San Antonio. I started feeling a little anxious as I got off the plane in San Antonio. What if I couldn't find Rosie/Driver (but she was really so much more) and she left? Like everyone said she was right there with her sign with my name on it. Apparently 2 other women were getting their surgery that day. One had already arrived the night before and stayed at the La Quinta and the other one had arrived several hours earlier (who went to get something to eat with her husband and kill time, I guess until I arrived). We went to La Quinta and picked the 2 couples up (I was the only one who came alone- I thought I was being smart and thrifty in hindsight I do wish I brought someone with me- just for support). The other 2 women were surprisingly small. We then went on a 3 hour drive (that went by really fast) to Eagle Pass- Rosie stopped at the gas station, which allowed us to get snacks, beverages and (the chicken boullion cubes I had forgotten). It was amazing how quickly 3 hours went by- the best part of those 3 hours was getting to know the other 2 women and listening to one of the husbands (who already had the VSG, and lost all of his weight (he was skinny, and muscular, and beyond that inspirational) share his experience. We could have taken a shuttle to Mexico for dinner but were concerned about the possible long lines at the border because it was Sunday/Father's Day, we opted to go to Chili's (took a taxi). 
We went to the hot tub at the hotel afterwards and gabbed and gabbed and gabbed- it was so much fun!
Then it was BED TIME!

SURGERY DAY

That morning Rosie picked us up. I would have to deal with a couple of obstacles that morning but got through them with the help of Rosie and Dr. Alvarez. We drove to Mexico (quick drive). 
It was so cute, quaint and lovely and what I pictured Mexico to be before I saw pictures of Tijuana. I really want to go back there soon just to walk around town since I couldn't this time around (or at least not much). 
Dr. Alvarez's office is very modern. He met with us all individually and answered all of our questions and then some. I had read sooo many people here comment how nice Dr. Alvarez is. However I thought he was going to be nice in a fakish/car salesman-y way so I was a little skeptical. He is SOOOO nice and kind in the most genuine sense (or at least you get that feeling from him). More than anything is you do feel from him that he really does care and is excited for you and wants to help you with reaching your goal. He even helped bring my luggage to the hospital which is right next door. The hospital is not so modern, but very very sanitary. The nurses still wear white hats (they were so lovely and charming too). What I really wished I had done was brush up on my spanish and noted where the nurses call button was in the room. 
I went into surgery early evening. Dr. Alvarez was assisted by Dr. Rodrigues who I didn't get to know but felt very at ease with (and he's very funny). Before I knew it (I mean this literally) I was out. 
Coming out of anathesia was not so easy for me, having never been under before didn't know what to expect but will say that all in all it's the worst part- but in retrospect really not that bad. 
But I was a little confused (this is where a family member or close friend would have come in handy) and incredibly nauseous (they give you something for that and it works). I somehow had seperated my IV tube from the needle in my hand causing the IV liquid to drench my sheet and blanket. I was so wet and cold, however still feeling out of it couldn't figure out where the nurses call button was in the dark. I called out for a nurse for what seemed like a very long time. Luckily one of the women's husbands came and checked on me and went to tell the nurses. This is the part I didn't like, the only part (at least what I can remember is) no one came he had to come and check on me later ask if they had ever come and get them again. Since I had just gotten out of surgery I would thing there was a reason for the IV but they tried twice unsuccessfuly to put the IV back in and then gave up- so no IV for me and I don't know how much fluid I even got into me before I disconnected it. That was a little troubling to me. But not troubling enough for me to regret the VSG, and above that after my experience with Dr. Alvarez he is the person if I had to do this all over again to do it with, even if I could have anyone. 
Walking was painful the next morning not painful in a sharp pain way but uncomfortable way. But I was amazed how much I would feel better every few hours it felt super human (even though the other 2 women were tougher and better than I).

is really going to happen! I finally was able to get the money together! I have my surgery date, my plane tickets, my money, life is so good right now... So many of you really got on me to keep trying despite all the obstacles that I faced, and really at the time when I was so hopeless I was sooo doubtful... BUT I am so glad I had so many of you out there who kept on me to keep on, because I would have given up and well not be where I am today! THank you everyone!

I was Denied, with a capital D. 
I know I was going to try to be positive but I can't I'm devastated. I feel lost, depressed, and sick. Physically sick that foir the next 2 years I am stuck in this body... the idea of it is sickening and makes me nauseous...

I applied online with (I think) Capital One and 2 other medical loan agencies...  Denied-Denied-Denied...
It's ok though... If I handled my business when I first signed onto OH I would have already been a post-op member.. So I'm just taking everything one step at a time one obstacle at a time now...

I am going to go to our Credit Union today on my lunch break to try to get a personal loan, if I can't get one then I will work with them to fix what I need to fix so I can get approved! Either way I am on my way...

I have to add that I wouldn't be so content right now if it wasn't for the amazing amount of support that I have recieved from fellow OH members.. thank you very much everyone!

I am going to try to be as open as I can be and will try to answer any questions, If I am incorrect about anything please let me know...

My insurance company is Kaiser... Kaiser does not perform the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and my BMI is below their requirements for the RNY procedure. Plan B is to pay for my own procedure. Being a Social Worker without a trust fund means that I don't have the 10,000 needed for the procedure (through Dr. Alvarez)...  
I can however afford the monthly payment on a $10,000 high interest personal loan but for the BIG obstacle...

Big Obstacle is:
I ran my credit report it appears that I have a debt of 275.00 (which i will pay off this month) owed from an ER visit before I had medical insurance in 2002 and I have no established credit. Therefore it's not likely that I will be approved for a personal loan from a financial institution. I really should have started this process when I first signed up with OH (example: credit report, pay debt, build credit, and apply again 2 and a half years later which would be now--- should have would have could haves) 

Possible Solutions:
1) I applied to the 2 medical (cosmetic) loan applications offered on Dr. Alvarez's website. (most likely rejected but I had to try)

2) If rejected I can ask my only family member to co-sign (drawbacks to this is 1) I hate mixing money with my personal life it's very stressful for me 2) it may still not get me the loan needed)

3) Go to the credit union my agency has a relationship with, supposedly they give great loans at great rates to the employees of my agency (something to do with city employees....)... (I suspect however that the great loans at great rates is for the employees with good credit) 

4) If 1-3 fail, slowly start building credit and applying and applying until I am accepted. (drawbacks are that this may take years and years)

5) Buy $5.00 of Lotto tickets a week... hehe