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12/5/04 Well, I'm 7 months out as of today, and 100 pounds lighter. Woohoo!! I wish now that I had been updating all along, but here's the highlights: Lap RNY 5/5/04 at Rose Hospital, which went great - no problems whatsoever. Dr. Snyder Rocks! (and the morphine wasn't bad either, lol) I did have a stricture at about 8 weeks out, and like a fool I waited 10 days to go to the doctor's, thinking I had a stomach virus or something because I could keep water down and up until then I was eating solid food with no problems. But when I did go into see Patrick at Dr. Snyder's office he got me scoped the next day. After they dialated me I was fine, and it's pretty much been smooth sailing since then. It did take me about 3 months to really learn my limits and to re-learn what 'full' feels like. I was especially blessed to go through this surgery with my friend Laurie (surgery the same day!), who is the sister of my heart, and two other good friends who had their surgery 3 weeks later. The support from these wonderful, special women made all the difference in the world. If they weren't around I know this would have been an entirely different experience. Having their support and being able to share this journey with them has made the hard days easier and the great days even better. (I love you Laurie, Dawn, and Julia!) Life now is so different than 7 months ago. It's hard to fathom it's only been a few months. I feel 10 years younger again. I can take for granted things that use to be daunting and exhausting, like housework and going to the grocery store. Things that I use to avoid, like going to the movies, getting on airplanes, sitting in resteraunt booths - now I don't give them a second thought - I just go! For anyone who is comtemplating this surgery I would recommend that you really research it. It was 9 months between the time I went to Dr. Snyder's seminar and my surgery. At the time it was so hard to wait, but post-op I was grateful that I had that time to learn everything, go to support groups, and talk to people who had been through it. It made such a difference to know what to expect, and you need to realize it is a MAJOR life-change. Your relationship with food and your health will never be the same. Post-op it is something you always have to be aware of and diligent about in a way that I never was pre-op. And in the end it is all worth it. How ever long it takes, and whatever obstacles you have to overcome, don't stop working toward this surgery. It is worth everything you have to go through (before and after). To sum it up, it has given me my life back. I am living again, not wasting my days away because I was trapped in a body that could barely do anything. I'll use the line I've heard from everyone else "I'd do it again in a hearbeat!" Surgeon Info: Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) What can I say about Dr. Snyder and his staff, except that they are the greatest. From my very first impression of Dr. Snyder at his lecture, through every office vist, he has been compassionate, helpful, professional, and very open and friendly. He was available to answer all my questions, and when I had to page him he called me immediately (and I do mean immediately, I had barely put the phone down from paging him). His office does a very thorough and complete workup pre-op, which made me feel comfortable that nothing would be overlooked or rushed. His staff was great and I want to especially thank Connie, Patrick, Laurie, and Dolly - they are all very helpful and great at their jobs. I know 5 other people Dr. Snyder has operated on and all had great results with no problems. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Snyder to anyone who is researching surgeons. Insurer Info: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Anthem gave me approval within 24 hours of my surgeon's office submitting the request. I think the fact that Dolly at Dr. Snyder's office has a good relationship with the insurers she deals with helped with the fast approval - she does a great job.

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I still have to look twice in the mirror. I NEVER thought I would look nice again. I had forgotten what hip bones felt like. Whenever I put my hands on my hips, I am reminded. I feel good when I dress even though under those clothes, its not a pretty site. When I get some money, maybe a plastic surgeon can help. I like being able to move, and go up and down my staircase easy. sometimes I even catch folks taking a second look at me, and the compliments I have received from folks I have known for years. Much has happened this past year. The surgery and my husband of nearly 35 years as my best support. He was scared but stood by me. Than I lost him about 2 months later. I just wish he could tell me how proud he is of me. I am a nervous eater and I must watch that. Surgery fixed my tummy, but not my head. Our support groups are so important and so helpful. I encourage all to attend. We all have a common bond! Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: Dr Michael Snyder, is wonderful, dedicated and passionate. He wants all his patients to succeed. His staff is great. Patrick and Connie and all the office staff. Friendly, professional and full of encouragement. I highly recommend him. Dr Snyder is so caring and is building a wonderful program to help us with aftercare problems. I rate him AAA++++. Surgical competence and bedside manner - superior. GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! GREAT! GREAT!

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Before

I have been overweight all my life. I have tried Redux (with great success before it was taken off the market), Meridia (moderate success but expensive) and various and sundry diets and diet aids. I think my base problem was that there was no real relationship between eating something bad for me and consequences. At least with surgery, I know there is NO WAY unless I want to be hurting for me to cheat. There are consequences if I don't eat right. (Update) I post-op now and loving life. I can't believe the energy I have. I'm actually LOOKING for ways to get out and move and (OH MY GOSH) I WANT to find a good sweaty exercise routine. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would ever want to do that. I'm looking forward to walking though Ireland! I can't believe how wonderful the world looks now that I'm able to feel better about myself. (9-2003 Update) Can you belive that I have gone sea kyacking, horseback riding, climbing to the top of a 14,000 ft mountain and whitewater rafting since I've had this surgery and dropped over 120 lbs?!?! I can't and I still have just a few more pounds to loose. Life is sweet and i'm taking a big bite out of it. (10-2004 Update) I CAN"T WAIT to see Dr. Snyder for my 2 year update!! I am within 5 lbs of my goal wieght and hopefully I'll make it there by next week if I work hard enough. I've had some plastic surgery to get rid of some excess skin and sagging breasts and I feel like a new woman. I finally feel "Pretty" and I am getting compliments all over the place. I can't believe how much I've missed out on in life and now becasue of Dr. Snyder I've finally emerged from my cocoon and am soraing high like the butterfly I finally am. (12-2004) I saw Dr. Snyder and I'm holding steady within spitting distance of goal weight. I love his new office and am was proud to see his award about being a great bariatric surgeon. I felt so proud to have him be proud of me, almost as much as my own amily. I really appreciated it also when he siad he wante dtme to let him know if I went above 160 so he could help me out. Most surgeons don't do that kind of thing, once you're donem your done, but not Dr. Snyder and I will love him for it. Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) I LOVE DR. SNYDER!!! He is so compassionate not just to me but to my family and friends who saw me in the hospital. He kept all of us informed about what to expect during the process and he's just a nice overall guy. His office stall and PA are wonderful, Patrick is the best! He always listens to you and wants to know your questions, even the "stupid" ones. They are also always open to suggestions to improve. I think the aftercare could be a bit more structured, perhaps a binder with some "helpful hints" or such as I've seen with other friends who have had it done in different states. But, overall, he's doing a good job. Dr. Snyder and staff are a great bunch of people and always willing to help me out for scheduling since time at home is hard for me as I travel for business. Overall, I would give him an A+++ I can honestly say that Dr. Snyder has transformed my life, he is wonderful and I wish I could see him more or go to his support groups more often. He is kind and compassionate and Patrick knew exactly how you feel since he too, had had gastric bypass surgery. How more in tune with your patients can you be? I wish i had a PCP who was as kind and wonderful as Dr. Snyder. Insurer Info: BSBS of GA

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Before	After

I am now 2years and almost 4months out and feeling great! I did have a set back as I have artificial knees and one was bad before my bypass surgery. I finally blew the knee last October and put off getting anything done until this year. I am 8 weeks out from having a knee revision and doing really well. I am back working out and really feel terrific. I am now working for Dr. Michael Snyder as a Patient & Internet Liaison and working for Rose Medical Center as a Unit Secratary on the Surgical Floor (get to visit all the new patients that come in for surgery) and I am working as Administrative Assist. for the Director of Bariatrics at the hospital. It really keeps me busy, but I still have time for my Support Group in Thornton, Colorado. We just hosted an All City Picnic for the Denver Bariatrics. The Support Group is something that I really enjoy! My Daughter just came to Denver last week (from TN) and gave my husband and I a 25th Wedding Anniversary party last weekend. It was wonderfull. Boy, what a differance this surgery has made in my life. Life is Great!! 02/24/06 I am now over 2 years out and feeling wonderful. I am still not to goal, but have some knee problems keeping me from working out like I should. I have a knee replacement coming up next month. One more problem from many years of Obesity! I am still working at Rose Medical Center in Denver, CO, part time. I am also working for Dr. Snyder as one of his Patient Liaisons, part time and I do the web site for him. I have just started about 2-3 weeks ago as Kim Delamont's (Bariatric Coordinator at Rose) Administrative Assistant. I now have my hands full, and I love it. My husband and I are celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary this year. We are going to fly over to Hawii (no extentions needed on the plane) and go on a week long cruise to 6 of the islands. I am so excited. We aren't going until November, but I am already trying to pick out cloths to take with me. Life is Good!!! 8/17/05 I am 18 1/2 months out now and have finally lost another 5 lbs. I have been plateaued for a long time and I suspect that is is stress. Once a Mother, always a Mother. Do we ever stop worrying about our childrens lives? I hope that everything is under control now. I am undergoing some surgeries to correct or repair problems that my weight caused. I am getting my Vericose Vains fixed. They are so bad that when I went to a Plastic Surgeon, he said that he wouldn't touch my legs until I had the veins fixed. If it isn't one thing it is a dozen. I am down to some size 8's now and am feeling great. This is the best thing I have ever done for myself as well as for my Husband. He has been so supportive and helpfull. I don't think I could have done all of this without him. He has been a terrific backer. "Thank You Jim, and I love You!!!!! ************************************************** 7/8/05 I am out 17 month now and have only lost another 5 pounds. I am holding my own and have gone from size 24/26 to a solid size 10. I would like to get down to a size 8. One thing that has really helped me is that I am a support group leader. I am constantly researching information to take back to my group, so the information helps me also. That is one thing that I really enjoy is the support group. I love watching these newbies develop into a whole new person and whatch them gain self confidence and become the person that they want to be. I have had to go to an exercise and nutrition specialist because I had hit plateu for 4 month. I am wondering if part of that isn't stress. Anyway, I am working with her and just starting to get somewhere. If nothing else, I am getting an understanding of how everything in my body works. I have slowed down on the exercise as I was overdoing it. I have gotten a job at Rose Medical Center as a Unit Secratary on the surgical floor and really enjoy my job. I have been there 4 month now and am still learning (by the way Dr Snyder, you really some improvment on your writing. Maybe your son could give you some pointers!) I can honestly say that I have never regreted having the surgery. I now have a life that I can/do enjoy. Thank You Dr Snyder for giving me that and my husband thanks you,also. Thank You, Judy Harris Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) I had Laproscopic Roux en-Y Gastric Bypass on February 2, 2004 and as of today (5/16/04) have lost 72 lbs. He has always been excited about what he does and is never to busy to talk to you or help you with conserns that you may have. You are given a card with his personal pager number on it and always calls you back within 20 - 30 minutes, max. He is never to busy to help you. He will not see a patient until they have been to one of his lectures and know a little about what they are getting into. His entire office staff is there at the lectures to asnswer questions, also. He isn't really up on the differant insuraces, but has staff to help you through the tough things. The office staff seems to stay on top of thing at all times. My personal favorite is Dolly Sandell. She is the Bariatric Insurance Specialist. She works very hard for all of us and really cares about what she is doing. The only negative thing that I could say is that I would like to see him more after surgery instead of always seeing his assistant. I like and trust Patrick, but would like Dr. Snyder to spend a little time with me. He has support groups that he encourges the patients to go to both before and after surgery. They are so helpful as you are talking to people that have all been through it all. You find out that you are not having any problems that someone else hasn't been through before and they really help you get through the rough times. He has you go to before surgery, 3 weeks out and 6 weeks out to learn nutrietion. I would like the option to continue more classes after as I am now 3.5 mounths out and have plateaud and am at a lose on how to get over it. Dr. Snyder makes sure that you are aware of possible complications and even has you fill out a questionier before surgery to make sure that you totally understand. There is a great need for doctors that care as much as he does. It seems to be very personal to both him and his assistant. I would rate him on the highest scale and now understand the great demand for him. I found the his surgical competence and the bedside manner were both great. I didn't have any complications, so I don't know allot about that. I do know that he works hand in hand with your personal physician as I did have some blood issues before surgery. I like going to my own doctor and he knows what is going on. I would highly recommend him to anybody that is serious about his program. He is very strict on somethings, but there is a reason for that. Insurer Info: Blue Cross I have only had to make one call to the insurance company. After most of the bills were paid, somehow the surgery date got changed in my file and they refused a couple of payments. After I called, every thing was taken care of in a timely manner.

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Before	After

I am 30-years-old and the single mother of a 7-year-old daughter. She is my world and I want to be around to see her grow up. I am now 15-weeks post op and my, how time flies when you are having fun. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: This man cares about people. My first impression was he was very busy but that did not stop him from taking time to personally come get his patients from the waiting room and greet them letting them know this was their time with him. He also answered my first inquiring e-mail within 24 hours. My impression has strengthened since then. He is polite, gracious, and openly honest with you. He is not judgemental at all. The office staff is very understanding and personable as well. They know what you are going through, because they've been there. I haven't found something to like least about Dr. Snyder as of yet. You should keep in mind how busy the office is and that many things are out of the control of the humans working there. It is hard to be patient but you should try real hard. Aftercare is important to this doctor, who describes himself as a "coach." He tells you the surgery is the easy part, and you must follow his aftercare instructions carefully to be successful. He is open and up-front about the risks and how you can sabotage the whole procedure so listen carefully. I would rate him a "9" on a scale of 1 to 10. He is afterall human and not superman, he improves his practice everyday. He is skilled in his practice and works hard to do a precise job and he has a great personality to go with it. I may be bias in my opinions because this is the first doctor who is treating the one problem I've been suffering from my whole life. And he listened to me instead of pointing the finger and blaming me for it. If you are ready for this life changing journey, Dr. Snyder and his staff will put you in the right direction.

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My insurance is a PPO- Blue cross /Blue Shield of Illinois I am 49 yrs old and haven't even begun to live life. I want to be thin and active not fat and immobile. Comments About Dr. Michael A. Snyder: Very caring, extremely detailed and the Best surgeon in Denver. I've met with him twice and he has always been very careful to answer all questions. His staff seem to be overwhelmed, but Beth is great. There is nothing to dislike. He is very good at getting insurance to pay. aftercare is a top priority, he even gives out his home phone number. yes and it is given to you in writing at your first visit. explains it thoroughly, no medical jargon and he even tests your knowledge. 10+ Surgical competence is most important because you could have the nicest doctor but if he doesn't know what he is doing.....

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Had my first appt with Dr. Snyder this morning, he is very professional, and very understanding of the plight of those of us that are morbidly obese. It was extremely refreshing to speak to someone that understood and didn't pre-judge me based on my wieght. I am looking forward to having surgery, and have done quite a bit of extensive research on AGB. it appeared that his office staff is very busy, but they do follow up constantly, in fact within an hour I already had a call about my first scheduled test. The only concern I still have is Pacificare covering the AGB. I am not too keen on the other surgeries even though they have been around forever. He did state he would follow up with Pacificare...as the last he heard they still thought it was experimental. 6/25/03 - It's been 19 days since my surgery. Dr Snyder and his staff are wonderful, I can't begin to thank him enough. I've already lost 17 lbs with the lap-band and I am so excited to be on this new journey. Dr Snyder emphasizes aftercare as this is a lifelong journey. He talks fast, but always listens, and is very responsive to any questions or concerns you may have. He handpicks all the hospital personel that support him in surgery, and that definitely is a plus...If I could rate him and his staff on a scale of 1 to 10...they would be a 15!!! His surgical competence is superb, and his bedside manner excellent. As of today I have lost 58 lbs in 10 months. The support and aftercare have been wonderful

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Well for starters I am 21. Been fat all of my life. I haven't seen myself skinny, kinda scared to. I have no kids, no boyfriend none of that fun stuff. I have all the fun comorbidites that no one thinks about depression, infertilty, irreagular periods(irreagular in the sense that they don't come.... I love this co morbidity), and the great pain in the weight bearing joints. I started looking into this surgery when I watched the Carnie Wilson, surgery. Since I think I have seen everything that the discovery health channel has to offer. I especially love "OBESITY.... THE DEADLY RISK" oh its a great one. I have looked at all the websites. So now here I sit waiting to get all this fun pre op stuff done. 09/25/03- Went to Dr. Snyders lecture, very informative. He gives you the biggest stack of paperwork I have seen from a doctor before. 09/30/03- Finished the paperwork. Now I have to make appointments. 10/02/03- Made appointment with Dr. Snyder. Jan 24th. Maybe I can move that up. Called the Pulmonologist. Got an appointment on the 16th. 10/13/03- Called to make an appointment with the shrink. Found out she charges $210.00. Called Dr. Snyder's office and asked for an alternative. I mean I am poor. Got new shrink made appointment on the 29th of November. I am scared to death of this appointment. 10/16/03- Went to the pulmonologist today and everything went fine. She ordered a chest x-ray, ECG and full pft's(don't know what that is) she told me everything seemed fine and she would send a letter to Dr.Snyder that I was a good candidate for the surgery! Now just have to work on the shrink. 2/4/04- Had to change insurance companies, got a new job! Haven't done the shrink appt yet. Have to find a new one. Got full pft's done, was not very fun. Started seeing a nutrionist for my medically supervised diet. Hopefully Cigna will take that. 3/28/04- Well I got an appointment for an ECG and the shrink. I am very frightened about the shrink. I mean what if I have been insane my whole life and didn't know it. Then my nutritionist is pissing me off. She has missed two appts with me. Luckily I have seen my doctor in between there and weighed me, but if she is the reason I get denied I am gonnna be so mad. 3/31/04- Got my ECG today. The guy was a hottie too. Leave it to me to get a hottie for a topless event. He said that he hasn't seen such a healthy heart in years. YAY ME!!! He said there shouldn't be any reason why I can't get the surgery. Wish he was the insurance company. For some reason I think I am gonna get denied. The Shrink appt is Monday. I have a folow up with the pulmonologist on the 15th my diet will be done in June so hopefully I'll be a loser by july! 4/28/04- Went to the doctor today and found out my nutritionist screwed me over on my diet so now I have to go through another 6 months. I am so mad. I'm so close to saying screw it and pay for it myself. Found out I have sleep apnea and today I heard my knees pop. I gained 17 pounds in a month and I am on a diet!!!! I am so discouraged, I feel like giving up. 5/13/04- WOO HOO I have surgery in June, just don't know the date. I have become a self pay though, Cigna said I was too healthy. 5/25/04- MY DATE IS JUNE 22nd!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! 6/20/04- long time no update. Well at this very moment I am starving as part of my 2 day liquid diet. I know it will all be worth it but at the moment I am being quite pissy about it lol. 6/28/04- I am home. There was a ton of pain while I was in the hospital. I was about to back out, but my mom was looking at me telling me how proud of me she was I just couldn't back out. I can't wait for the pain to go away. 7/12/04- I have totally spaced my profile, woops. Well I am feeling better still sore. Getting the protein in is so hard. I don't think I have ever got in enough. I am doing great with the water though. I have lost 35 pounds and I can see it in my face its kind of creepy. 8/10/04- I am really bad about updating this. So far im down 50 pounds yay!!! 8/15/04- I am now 60 pounds lighter. I have lost a small child. Oh dear. 9/27/04-lost 82 pounds!!!! 11/20/04- 92 pounds gone forever!!!!!!!! 01/10/2005-100 pounds gone forever!!! yay i am part of the century club 6/22/05- Its my anniversary!!!! I just have 48 more pounds to lose. The extra skin is the worst part though. Ick Surgeon Info: Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) 10/16/03- I have only met Dr. Snyder once at his lecture, but since then I have been e- mailing him questions and everytime he gets back to me within 24hrs. Even on the weekends! I have never met a doctor that dedicated to their patients. DR SNYDER ROCKS!!!! He told me how great I smelled. Insurer Info: Cigna So far I haven't delt with them yet. Said I was too healthy became a self pay.

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DR SNYDER IS A VERY FRIENDLY, OUTGOING, CHARISMATIC PERSON. I ATTENDED AN INFORMATIONAL SEMINAR IN JANUARY 2004 AND WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH ALL THE INFORMATION HE GAVE OUT. THE OFFICE STAFF SEEMS TO BE VERY FRIENDLY AND WILLING TO HELP IN ANY WAY THEY CAN. DR SNYDER HAS A VERY ORGANIZED PLAN FOR PRE OP AND POST OP CARE. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MANY HOURS HAVE BEEN SPENT ORGANIZING AND IMPLEMENTING THIS PLAN BOTH IN HIS OFFICE AND AT ROSE MEDICAL CENTER. SUPPORT GROUPS ARE SET UP AND VERY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE. DR SNYDER GIVES OUT AN ABUNDANCE OF INFORMATION REGARDING THE SURGERIES AND ENCOURAGES HIS PATIENTS TO BE INFORMED--INFACT, THERE IS EVEN A QUIZ TO BE TAKEN AT THE FINAL PRE OP APPOINTMENT JUST TO BE SURE THE PATIENT IS AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND MANY OF THE THINGS THAT COULD HAPPEN. THE RISKS ARE NOT MINIMIZED, HOWEVER, DR SNYDER MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN HIS ABILITY AND THAT CONFIDENCE IS NOT MISPLACED. HE IS NOT A "NURTURER OR CUDDLER", BUT HE MAKES YOU FEEL IMPORTANT AND WILL LISTEN TO YOUR CONCERNS. I WOULD GIVE HIM AN "A" RATING.

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4/9/07 I haven't posted to this site in over two years but I just celebrated my 4 year anniversary and I wanted to just say that I am still feeling great and loving life with no complications. This surgery changed my life.
1/30/05 I am just a few days shy of 10 months and have lost 132 lbs. The key for me right now is excercise. I just have so much energy and feel so good. I never felt like this before. I have dieted and lost weight before but never have I felt this good and this strong. I finished the "Body for Life" after 12 weeks. Then I decided to take a break from that regimen and over the holidays. Instead I just walked on the treadmill every day for 20 minutes. I have found that I need to do my excercise in the early morning, that way I can feel the full benefit all day. If I excercise at night it just seems to pump me up and I don't sleep as well. It use to be that excercise would wear me out, but now for the first time in my life I am experiencing the adreneline rush from it. In early January my husband and I went on a diving vacation to Bonaire for our 25th wedding anniversary. My transformation was never so evident as on that trip. And it wasn't because I looked better in a swim suit (with all this sagging skin, give me a break) no it was because I had so much more energy and strength. When in water, the bigger you are the more bouyant you are. The more bouyant you are the more weight you need to strap onto your body to sink. And you need to sink to get to the bottom of the ocean to see all the pretty things. When I was diving at my top weight of 350 lbs, I had to strap on 32lbs of lead to sink. That is in addition to all the gear and air tank which weighs about 70 lbs. The great thing about diving is that underwater you are weightless, it is a euphoric feeling that I can come close to describing. And then of course there are all those pretty things to look at too. The real work of scuba diving is hauling the equipment in and out of the boat, in and out of the water, etc. When I would surface from a dive I would need to hand my weight belts to a crew member first, then remove my vest and tank and they would haul that up, then I would take off my fins and hand that up to them. Once they had all my gear on the boat I would climb up the ladder and get on the boat. (It is a good thing I know the greatest dive operators in Cozumel and that she accomodates me.) However when we went to Bonaire I didn't need any special assistance. At 225 lbs I was able to cut the lead weight I needed to carry almost in half. I was able to use 18 lbs of lead instead of 32. And the most amazing thing is that I was strong enough to get up the ladder and into the boat with all my gear on. My husband thrilled and amazed at my progress. For probably the first time I was just another bozo on the boat and didn't need special assistance. It felt great! Oh and not only did I not need an extention for the seat belt on the airplane, I was able to get the food tray all the way down. (for those of you that know how uncomfortable plane travel can be you know what a big deal this is) I am sending in a new scuba pictures as well. Oh and another amazing thing has happened this week. I am now wearing a size 16! I haven't worn a 16 since I was a 16! I have alot of clothes I need to get placed on the clothing exchange. 10/5/04 6 months Post OP and I have lost 105 lbs. I am half way there. I want to loose another 100 lbs. I have been doing the "Body for Life" excersise program for 6 weeks and feel great. I think the upper body is the hardest for me but I have noticed muscle tone building in my arms and legs and while my stomach is far from flat at 245 lbs, I feel stronger than I have for years. I had my 6 month checkup with Patrick at Dr. Snyder's office. All went well. I go back in 6 months. The goal weight in my chart is 163 lbs. Patrick said something that has stuck in my mind. He said that once I get to 163 lbs I will no longer be considered "over-weight". Can this be true? I have been overweight everyday of my life. I was born overweight. I was an overweight baby. I have never not been over-weight. Never in my 44 years. I can't stop thinking that it is now possible for me. For me to be a normal weight. I went to the BMI tables and anything between 123 - 163 is normal weight for 5'8". In my mind I want to be under 150, about 145. It is truely incredible to me that it is now possible. It is not just dreaming but a real possibility. I guess what I want to share with everyone is my optimism and my gratitude for the blessings I have been given. 8/28/04 A week shy of 5 months and I have lost 90 lbs. I started the excersise program "Body for Life" this week, today was my 6th day and I am feeling pretty good, a little sore, a little more tired when my head hits the pillow but otherwise pretty darn good. I went on a diving trip the first week in August and it was really great. I felt so much better during the dives caring so much less weight. I keep thinking I need to get some new pictures online, I really can't believe how different I look already. Life is good. 7/5/04 90 days Post-op and feeling great & down 70 lbs. 4/16/04 11 days Post-op and feeling pretty good today. The last couple of days I had left side pain and that made it hard to walk or move much for that matter. Went in for my first post-op check up two days ago and lost 14lbs. I got my drain out and that was a wierd sensation having that pulled out. It didn't hurt, just makes you alittle nauseous for a moment and then it passes. I emailed in my before pictures today to be posted and sent in a picture of me scuba diving. I am so looking forward to enjoying all the things I love like diving and travel without having to lug around all this excess weight. 4/11/04 I am happy to be home and recovering nicely. Today is 6 days post-op. Thank you everyone for the best wishes. I had bypass surgery first thing on Monday morning 4/5 and thanks to Dr. Snyder's expert capable hands I was out of surgery and heading to recovery unit in just about 2 hours. I was very surprised that I have experienced very little pain. Discomfort yes, but not so much pain. I was impressed with Dr. Shaffer, my anesthesiologist, who called me personally the day before and we talked about my medical history, she assured me she would take the best care of me, and she did. The pre-op nurse had some trouble getting my IV in and Dr. Shaffer and get it going. I have very bad veins. They are deep and they run and hide whenever someone goes to poke me. Most time the capable staff got me on the first time and they were drawing it a lot. I used pain meds the first day but really didn't feel the need after. I ended up needing a couple of pints of blood the 2nd day and they watched it very careful. The only real challenge I had was with radiology, and when I expressed concern the matter was corrected swiftly. One of the reason I know my stay was so positive was due to my very caring sister. She was there to help and she was phenomenal. I love you sweetie. Even though the staff is extremely attentive. I would recommend everyone have someone there to help out. She helped me out with logging my intake for the first 3 days as well as walking with me and helping me with all my personal care and basically being my advocate. I want to send out a special kudos to several nurses that I thought were exceptional. Connie, Kim, Ann and Carolyn. I think there should be some kind of award for these women that give such excellent care while at the same time portray sincere caring on an individual basis. I don't know how they do it but thank God they do. 4/4/04 I am off to the hospital. I am ready. Wish me luck. 3/31/04 Only 5 more days to surgery. I am nervous and excited all at once. Dr. Snyder says it is normal. I am making a list of all the things I still need to do. I went in to Rose for the pre-op. Everyone at Rose has been very nice. I am ready to go. 3/12/04 I have a date! It is April 5th at Rose Memorial. I had to wait patiently due to my work schedule and now here it is mid March already. Time really does fly when you are working 7 days a week. I am excited and nervous. I have a lot of details to work out like how long to plan on staying in Denver after the surgery. I think now I plan on staying a week and see how that goes. I live 2.5 hours away and I am more nervous about the time immediately after the surgery than I am the surgery itself. I know the time in the hospital can be the easy time while you have health care professional watching over you. I worry about the week after the surgery and how I will do, if I will need help. What kind of help? I have a large family and I think all I need to do is ask and I will have someone to sit with me but I know they are busy and it is a long drive for them too to come. I think I will need to work out a plan. I always feel better when I at least have a plan. 11/28/03 I'm approved! I got a letter from my insurance company. Oh my what a relief. I didn't anticipate any trouble from the insurance company but you just never know. Now Monday I will call Dr. Snyder's office and see if I can get a surgery date the first week of April. 11/22/03 I am still waiting to hear from the insurance company. I have been assured that it has been sent in. I called Dr. Snyder's office over a week ago for an update and was told that there were no surgery date openings left for this year. So I wait. I have decided that I am going to wait till April after being approved. Jan/Feb/March are busy monthes for me in my business and I will just have to wait till April. When I started this process this past May I was hoping for surgery in Oct or Sept. Then I started hoping for Nov or Dec. The saddest part about this is I am feeling very insignificant to Dr. Snyder's office. Emails to Dr. Snyder are not returned. I call the office and I am identified by my insurance carrier. My homework told me that Dr. Snyder was the best, and I know he is busy, but this is a big decision for me and I am wondering if I should take this time to confer with other surgeons. 10/13/03 Well I called the office last week and was told my file was still on the Dr's desk and that I should check back this week. Today I called and talked to Dolly and found out my insurance letter has not been sent out yet. I thought everything was thumbs up and that I was waiting to hear from the insurance but evidently the pyschologist rated me "fair to guarded" because of my busy schedule and "stress" level. I found out I need to be re-seen and hopefully gain a better score before they submit my insurance. Dolly is Dr. Snyder insurance expert and she warned me about sending in the request letter now with that report from the pyschologist evaluation. It is possible the insurance could use that report to deny my procedure. I have another appt with the pyschologist in two weeks and I have made big changes since I saw her 6 weeks ago. Since Oct 1st I have been caffiene free, nutra-sweet free, carbonated beverage free, and dairy free. I have been taking daily vitamins and drinking a minimum of 60oz of water per day. I have been to a support group meeting and have looked into starting one in my area. I have joined the local health club and started water aerobics three times a week and have lost 10 lbs. I admit I am somewhat disappointed that I have more waiting but I am resolved that this will happen and in the meantime I have lots of work I can do to get ready. 9/24/03 I met with Dr. Snyder, my husband went with me but my daughter decided against coming along because of the long drive to Denver. I ended up being glad she changed her mind about coming, after a 3 hour trip, it ended up being a quick appointment. Dr. Snyder gave me a quick check over, answered the few questions we had and gave me a few things to do while I wait to here from the insurance. He said he would dictate the letter that weekend and I should check back in about 3 weeks if I hadn't heard from his office by then. My husband and I left feeling pretty comfortable about things. 9/11/03..I have finished my pre-operative screening, been to Dr. Snyder's lecture and have my PCP referrals in order and my insurance company changed to one that I was told would approve the bypass. Now I wait for the appointment with Dr. Snyder is Sept 24th and I am appreciative that I visited the pyschologist. Things she said helped me move from a destructive waiting stage to a "preparatory stage". I am working to remove caffiene and carbonated beverages from my diet to start. I am anxious to meet with Dr. Snyder as I am sure most people are. I was glad to hear her say that bringing my 13 year old daughter along for the consult was not only ok but she thought it was a great idea. I told her that my daughter was extrememly concerned and curious as to what to expect if I have the surgery. I am glad I can bring her and give her an opportunity to ask Dr. Snyder questions as well as myself and husband. Michael A. Snyder MD (Denver, CO) I did my homework for over 6 months before choosing a surgeon. I think if one is going to make such an important decision that is going to change thier life so much as this proceedure does, that they need to be as educated as much as possible. Dr. Snyder came up on the top of the list in every criteria I set. He has an excellent record, the lowest complication rate, 0 fatality rate, he has the best follow-up care of any one I researched. Not only is he a skilled surgeon, he is compassionate and caring. How many other surgeons out there return your page immediately. (In my case it was under one minute) The nurses at Rose like and admire him. I think that says a lot. He was so careful to make sure I knew all aspects of the surgery and all the risks. I think that is why they say Dr. Snyder's patients are the most knowledgable. I would absolutely rate Dr. Snyder a 10 out of 10! Insurer Info: New England Financial Approved with no fuss. I would recommend working with this company.

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