KinkySlinky

Oops

What I would do is write a letter with statistics that you can find to help your argument (and make sure they are peer-reviewed articles and not from like wikipedia, also provide resources so they are able to verify the information.) But explain why the sleeve is better for you (lower BMI, you need a RESTRICTIVE procedure, not a restrictive AND a malabsorptive procedure, which might make you lose TOO much) versus the bypass, what steps you plan on taking post op to maintain the weight loss: gym, support groups, nutritionist, etc, how you have struggled for so long, all the steps you have taken to help you lose weight, etc. Just make a veryyyyyyyy compelling argument... The people who review your cases are nurses and physicians... Make a good enough argument as to why the bypass is a bad idea (failure rate, lose too much, more complications), they just might let you do it... Oh, and be SURE to mention that the sleeve procedure is cheaper than the bypass. That'll get 'em! Good luck!

I am most definitely on the fence... I have received approval from my insurance, everything is ready to go.. Just need to schedule a 2nd consult followed by a surgery date.......... I've started logging my food now and everything... I am really starting to debate whether or not I should have this surgery at all...... I am really stressing about it....... I'd like the surgery because it would make this whole weight loss easier in that I could KEEP it off.. But at the same time, if I ever go on vacation and want to eat a meal, then I should be able to enjoy it, you know? I don't even know what to do.. I think I've decided that I will log my food intake and see how much progress I make with that in three months.. if I am able to lose a satisfactory amount of weight, then maybe I won't have the surgery...... I've tried multiple weight loss programs and haven't been able to keep the weight off... I feel that this time might be a little bit different now that I have a son but....... I don't know!!!!!!!!!!!! I really need some advice..............................

Ugh... I came back to check to see if this ad issue had resolved.. Nope.. I can understand small ads but these are just overdoing it!!!! I can use the app on my Xoom (Motorola version of the iPad) but it doesn't load the threads that I have subscribed to, which I don't like.. Maybe I will just stick to the app.. It took 6 minutes just to respond to this thread.. and I do have high speed internet... Ridiculous!!!

Hey everyone! I loved this site as I have been preparing for my surgery... But due to the recent ads, I am going to have to stop coming regularly.. The ads are too much!!! It's taking so long to load these pages that it isn't worth it anymore. And I can't find a way to nix the ads... I will return periodically as needs arise, but not often... I wish you all success on your journeys!!

I JUST saw a commercial for him late at night this weekend I believe...

Interesting... Thanks for the info!! I am going to look in to this more just for knowledge sake!

Well, specifically to VSG... I believe the hormone that gets cut out out of your stomach (ghrelin) plays a huge role in metabolism... When ghrelin is present, insulin production is decreased. So ghrelin causes hunger, you eat, raising your blood sugar, but it also decreases the amount of insulin present so all of that food you just ate has nowhere to go but in your blood because there isn't as much insulin there to carry it to the cells (now in non-diabetics, I don't think this is really an issue because our bodies are able to produce sufficient insulin).. Problem with diabetics is that you already have decreased insulin or your cells are resistant to insulin and do not respond properly when introduced to insulin. Now ghrelin has also been shown to be produced in other places, like the pancreas, but in smaller amounts... I believe this is the basis for weight loss through eating several small meals throughout the day rather than waiting to get hungry... Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas by some cells called beta cells... Over time, when you tend to eat excessive amounts or high sugary, fatty foods, your pancreas just can't keep up with the amount of insulin you require, and over time begins to decrease the amount of insulin it produces (which is why some diabetics need insulin later on)... When you exercise, your cells NEED fuel so it eventually begins to use the sugar that's available, thus lowering your blood sugar.. You also tend to eat better when you're exercising and losing weight, so that in itself lowers blood sugar... Fat cells tend to increase insulin resistance which increases blood sugar.. Lose the fat, have better blood sugars.. The whole topic of metabolism is very in depth and confusing, and I have hardly any education about metabolism, even as a nurse... This is just from all of the research I have done on the sleeve so far... Oh, and if anyone finds anything wrong with my info or has any more info to add, please let me know!! I think to simply put it to your dad: Weight loss helps and can completely cure diabetes. I think what should you should also focus on with your dad is the COMPLICATIONS of diabetes... Blindness IMPOTENCE (enough of a complication for some guys ) decreased sensation to your extremities heart attack stroke kidney disease (needing dialysis) amputations If you can think of something, diabetes probably destroys it... What's the worst that can come of this surgery?? You have a slight risk of death?? You WILL die of diabetes... That's guaranteed You might need a re-operation for a leak?? You MIGHT need an amputation at some point with diabetes... You lose weight and then gain it all back?? At least your body had a break for a few years!!!!!!! (It's a lil harder to come up with a good excuse for this lol) You're going to miss your favorite foods??? You're going to miss your penis EVEN MORE than that steak and mashed potatoes when you can't get an erection anymore!!! And you will have a crabby wife due to no sex...... Not being able to have sex ON TOP of a crabby wife?? Oh man.. LOL.. Talk about miserable!!!! Now what's the BEST that can come out of this surgery?? Increased libido AND better, more satisfying sex (again, with the men.... lol) HEALTHY BMI FOR ONCE!! Not having to take all of those ridiculous medications!! CONFIDENCE HAPPINESS Doing activities that you never thought you could!! LONGER LIFE!! More money!!! (through buying less food and not having to go to multiple doctor visits/prescriptions) LOOKING GOOD in that sports car when you have a mid-life crisis!!!! Congrats to you for taking your health seriously and doing something about it before it becomes full blown diabetes!!!! Hope this helps and is semi-convincing LOL Good luck!!!!!!

VERY lucky!! I hope I am just as lucky... My surgeon should be submitting my info soon

My husband was told he would be getting a 32.. and He's 6'4, 375 lbs.. He's pretty muscular as it is... We also discussed the caloric intake for him and if it was feasible to get in enough protein to actually add muscle mass... The surgeon assured us that even with a 32, he would be able to get adequate amounts of protein to increase muscle mass but it's going to be a little difficult.. Surgeon said he had one short guy that "looks like a tornado now from the shoulders down" but takes in about 100g of protein per day... So it's possible with a smaller sleeve, but I guess a little bit more difficult and takes a lil bit more focus?

Good point.. Usually plans will state "physician" supervised diet... Since yours is so vague, I would clarify with your insurance company... I'd hate for you to do all these weigh ins with an NP only to be denied...

It's because your policy is different than theirs.. It's not the insurance company, or even the STATE of BCBS.. The requirements are SOLELY decided upon by your employer.. If your employer didn't require any hoops for you to go thru, then you don't have to.. If your employer wants employees to have a 6 month diet, then it will be required... I have BCBS, and my husband's employer only requires a BMI over 40... What a lot of people don't realize is that the EMPLOYER makes the plan (in most cases), and the insurance company is just there to enforce the plan... But more often than not, the plan is chosen by the employer.. Hope this clears it up some

That made me laugh!! lol

It is NOT wrong... It is YOUR decision who you want to tell... Obviously, there's a reason you aren't telling them... You may already know they won't be happy with your decision and will try to talk you out of it, or whatever... There's clearly a reason you aren't telling them, and you shouldn't have to!!! In the end, it isn't their business... I am not telling anyone except my husband either... No reason to feel guilty.. But if it is killing you, then think really hard about whether or not you want them to know... Because once you tell them, there's no taking it back... If you think they will support you and be happy for you, then have at it!! If they will not be supportive or will say negative things about your decision, then it's probably best to keep it to yourself.... Just my thoughts!!

Interesting to know that it didn't do much for you.. I figured it smelled horrible lol.. Wonder what would happen if you nebulized a strawberry daiquiri or a pina colada or even coconut flavored rum??? HMMMM LOL j/k.... Oh well.. Thanks for trying it out and letting us know!!!! There are die-hard alcoholics that will drink listerine or in a worst case scenario, rubbing alcohol, when desperate...