I will probably get a lot of flack from this but oh well! I'm watching the show and Marc is back with a possible blood clot. It's been my observation from seeing him on day one of the show that Marc likes attention, he makes excuses for not trying to help himself.
Each time they tried to assist him on the first few episodes, he screamed like a woman...even in pre-op. I've had 3 c-sections, and I never screamed like that! Marc has got to do what's going to benefit him.....he can't wait on others to do it for him.

Somebody had said on one of the posts that the surgery is not a "tool" to permanent weight loss, and I feel that's what Marc thinks. I'm sure all of us at some time have hoped that we finally snagged "the diet" the "magic bullet" of course it takes more and we know that, I just wish Marc would try, he's got so much to look forward to....a new beginning and family who loves him.

I hope after this episode that he will get it together.

hi..I'm new here...

Congrats to Marc!

My heart goes out to Kimberly... Suggestion - is there a teaching clinic associated with the Methodist?

I was lucky - having lost half my body weight (160 lbs) - I needed skin surgery also. I was able to have the chief resident from a medical school in my area - with major prestige - do my surgery.

Good luck!

I was disappointed for Kimberly too. The excess skin that I have is worse than most of the post-ops on the show, but not nearly what Kimberly has. If she can't get it covered, there's no way I will.

I think Marc finally got himself on track for now. He's got a myspace page and has lost over 400 pounds thus far. I would think as he regains health and mobility that he'll fear for his very life to go back to where he was. Hopefully MJ gets to keep working with him too.

I am appalled insurance didn't cover Kim's plastic surgery. Just like the surgeons stated, who are the insurance companies to have the final say so?! I seriously wonder if that what was a man with a pannus over his penis, how much quicker they would be to cover the procedure. No, I'm not male bashing.It just alludes to the double standard involved with things like insurance companies covering a newly introduced viagra when they still wouldn't cover oral contraceptives. A total double standard!

Even with approval for WLS, it amazes me that BCBS could override the professional medical opinion of a PCP, a GYN, and Endocrinologist, a Psychiatrist, and a surgeon amongst others. Who are they to negate the opinions of not one, but several multidisciplinary medical professionals? Grrr. It really lights a fire under my butt.

I think the 17 year old guy will fare better losing some weight. Medically , I can see feeling safer doing a procedure on a 17 year old girl vs. male because she is done growing, he is not. Both sexes might have a harder time dating when obese, but I think women are affected and held in more disdain all around when they are obese. I don't know if most adults would have the tenacity to plug away at something for two years. Granted, teenagers can be awfully stubborn and persistent in getting "their way". This kid had some valid concerns though....with a BMI like he has at 17, he's sure to only get worse.

I posted a response for you but it is currently "in review because it contained one or more trigger words". LOL I think I used the word butt....dunno! Kim was awfully brave to allow them to use the video footage of her while getting her photos for the insurance company. Oh! I know what the trigger word was...I used the correct anatomical term for the male genitalia. I was saying how if Kim was a man and her pannus was over her P*n*s (don't want my post to get sent for review) I'll bet she would have gotten approved. It's the double standard which allows things like a newly introduced viagra to be covered by insurance while the same companies won't cover oral contraceptives for women.

Hopefully my other post will appear in a day or so.

I also, say great job to Marc. I was so glad to see his progress at the end of the show; and how he is getting up and using the walker. He truly has my prayers for a complete restoration to a normal life.

Kim here, from tonight's show. It was tough to let the camera in and film all of the naked shots, but my hope is that my story will help others who are going through some of the same things I went through. The excess skin is a real pain, both literally and figuratively. If you want to email, my email is kimvalera@hotmail.com.

quote:

Originally posted by kvalera:
Kim here, from tonight's show. It was tough to let the camera in and film all of the naked shots, but my hope is that my story will help others who are going through some of the same things I went through. The excess skin is a real pain, both literally and figuratively. If you want to email, my email is kimvalera@hotmail.com.

Wow, I am new here and am really impressed that you wrote in. Thank you. My husband has just been approved for the surgery and we are starting the pre-op weight loss. I was wondering, if you don't mind, can you tell me your previous weight, the amount you lost and your insurance provider? Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. That couldn't have been easy.

Kim, my heart goes out to you. I was really touched by your story and very upset with the insurance company. You've worked so far and for them to deny you just doesn't seem fair. Something to think about though, I saw an episode of Jon and Kate plus 8 where a plastic surgeon fixed her stomach after giving birth to 6 kids(!) pro bono. His wife had saw something on tv about Kate wanting the surgery and not being able to get it. maybe you will have the same luck! Keep up the good work!

quote:

Originally posted by kvalera:
Kim here, from tonight's show. It was tough to let the camera in and film all of the naked shots, but my hope is that my story will help others who are going through some of the same things I went through. The excess skin is a real pain, both literally and figuratively. If you want to email, my email is kimvalera@hotmail.com.

Hey Kim! You have been on this forum for a while. You are one of the most inspiring and supportive posters. Now I know why. I didn't know that was you on last night show until today. OMGosh girl! Your circumstance made me cry. Seeing you in your clothes after working so hard really upset me. :-) Have you tried notifying M.D. Anderson burn unit to see if they will do the surgery? They did it for a friend of a friend of mine and did it free of charge as long as they got to harvest the skin for burn patients. That made me chuckle since, what the heck are WE going to do with the removed skin?

quote:

Originally posted by coloradoevie:

Wow, I am new here and am really impressed that you wrote in. Thank you. My husband has just been approved for the surgery and we are starting the pre-op weight loss. I was wondering, if you don't mind, can you tell me your previous weight, the amount you lost and your insurance provider? Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. That couldn't have been easy.

My highest known weight was 475, although I am quite sure I gained some weight between that weigh in and the first time I saw Garth. His scale at the time stopped at 450, so we couldn't get a good weight. (He has a 'high class' scale now!) I've lost just over 200 pounds, and I feel fantastic! I truly had no idea how bad I felt before until I lost the weight and can see what it feels like to really feel good!

I don't know if I'm "allowed" to post my insurance company's name...but if you'd like more info, email me at kimvalera@hotmail.com.

I am excited for your husband and wish you both the very best as you go through this life-changing procedure!

Hi, kara and junkie! I appreciate your supportive words! Actually, although they didn't show it on the program last night, my plastic surgeon as well as Garth were both willing to do the plastics and the seroma removal for nothing, but I still had to pay for the hospital and the anesthesiologist. It was a fantastic offer, and I was incredibly grateful to both surgeons, but the costs were still incredibly high to pay, particularly since I'm still paying for the gastric bypass itself.

I have not contacted the burn unit at MD Anderson. It is an interesting idea, though.

Thanks again for your wonderful, supportive words! This has been an amazing journey, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world...bumps and all!

I really wish that TLC would post my comments that are "under review"...I really don't want to retype all of it.

*sigh*

Let me say, I was amazed and touched that Kim let us share everything she's going through, including the photos/video pictures of her skin folds. I know she did that only in the hopes it would educate people and make a difference. It was exceptionally brave.

quote:

It's been my observation from seeing him on day one of the show that Marc likes attention, he makes excuses for not trying to help himself.
Each time they tried to assist him on the first few episodes, he screamed like a woman...even in pre-op.

i couldn't agree with you more! marc obviously thrives on the attention and when he didn't get it at home he stopped doing what he should have done. back in the hospital he seemed happy as a clam under the limelight. he knew just what to say to the doctors to make them think he'd go along with the program but i'll be curious to see what happens.

i've never heard a man cry and scream like he did and i've spent many months at a time in hospitals. the drama is too much with this man!

Kimberly, if you're still checking this post, I was infuriated after last night's show. There is no doubt you deserve insurance coverage for that procedure. What about UTMB in Galveston? Are there options with that hospital? I would even be willing to send a contribution, however meager it may be, toward the operation. It's obvious you're working hard, and your grace and strength throughout this battle is commendable.

Thanks, Crystal! I appreciate your support! I am not giving up, you can count on that. I promise to keep everyone posted!
Kim

Kim-you said earlier that the doctors said they would do the surgery pro bono. What would the hospital fee be?

Cheers to you and the great weight loss. I lost 80 lbs and have kept it off for 5 years.

Chris

Kim--your story really touched me! I work in medicine, and see on a daily basis the "unfairness" of insurance. God bless you!

~Elisabeth~

(P.S.--your weightloss is astounding! Congrats!)

OMG! I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelmed and touched I am by the amazing posts on this forum as well as the OH website! The generous spirit of everyone is just...well, beyond words. I have felt so much love and concern from everyone...it's a wonderful thing!

I have just gotten good news regarding the skin on the belly, and I'm scheduled to have it taken care of in September! Once I am sure of details, I will post more information here. I'm sure there will be another battle down the road for the arms, breasts, back and thighs, but for now, one battle is done.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I'm sure my continued journey will be chronicled in the second season of Big Medicine, so all of you who have been so kind and amazing to me will be able to see how things progress.

Again, thank you SO much for your wonderful, supportive posts and emails! They have been just fantastic, and your support will help me as I continue this journey!

Kim, I am so glad that you received good news regarding the skin on your stomach. Keep at them for the other parts. How they can say this is cosmetic surgery is beyond me. Anyone in their right mind knows this is not cosmetic surgery. Keep writing, calling and whatever you have to do to break them down. I will be praying that the Lord will open the another doors so that you can get the other parts done. You are an inspiration!

Dear Fattypooh! Marc Here. I would like for you to know that I have been very receptive to the treatments and NO I am not trying to get a lot of attention. What you misurably fail to realize is that when you are seeing this epiode for the first time that was taped months ago! I applaud you on your C sections and wish you well but there is a reason that you didn't give birth naturally! Think about it. It was medically necessary for you. The same is true for me. There were underlying circumstances that ultimately led to my complications and pain that were not aired on the show but were taped. You need a realiy check as wellas a compassion check and remember that this surgery was and is no day at the pak. It starts with acceptance of responsibility and forgiveness of oneself and doing something to correct the situation. I don't have the luxury of comparing weightloss surgery to childbirth. Get a grip. That's like comparing a foot race to the Indy 500. While they are both important races, they just don't deserve to be compared side by side.

I thank you for viewing.

Marc

quote:

You need a realiy check as wellas a compassion check and remember that this surgery was and is no day at the pak.

she doesn't need a reality check to know that pregnancy and delivery are a million miles apart from deliberately becoming super morbidly obese.
giving birth to a child is a gift from God, piling on weight for years certainly doesn't come close. what contribution to the world did you make by gaining hundreds of pounds to the point where you are unable to take care of yourself and having others do for you?

of course you had complications. hundreds of pounds of excess weight will do that to a body that should not be that size. a woman's body is made to carry and deliver a child. what good came out of your obesity??

Marc,

First, congratulations on standing up for yourself, I bet that is new for you! It is very empowering as you transform inside and out to be able to express your anger and not "swallow it" usually with food!!!! I am sure Mary Jo has talked to lots of WLS patients about this.

Tinlady, get off your preacher's box.....this forum is about enlightening others not being spiteful.

Best wishes to all on the board!

To Marc, WHATEVER!!!!!
I called it like I saw it, okay? You can't ever began to compare morbid obesity to childbirth....puhleessssssssssss. YOU need to get a grip!

As an overweight person, I have a lot of compassion for others like myself, but you make me sick!

TINLADY, Thanks a million I swear.....some people...*uggh*

Childbirth and morbid obesity, he's got a lot of nerve.