dizzylee

Wondering about surgeons and outcomes in Minnesota. Having my mind changed by my bodies unique attributes. I was all set to have a RNY and then when did the scope to check things out have to switch plans and go with the sleeve. Trying to get some background on surgeons and info to help me with my decision and to ally my fears and concerns.

I'm in the process of waiting for insurance approval and wondering what has happened with other people

I DO feel much better. My pre-diabetes has abated and numbers are normal and my blood pressure is normal so off all my prescriptions except for the thyroid and an over the counter drug for heart burn which I still occasionally suffer from. I'm also on all the vitamins and supplements as RNY people too. Once the decision was made to be switched from the RNY to the sleeve it was only a week later for the insurance to approve the sleeve. Perhaps since I'd been pre-approved for the RNY that might have helped. The RNY approval came in about 3 weeks after first sent. I'm still never hungry, which amazes me. I've had issues with bronchitis throughout my life so ended up with pneumonia so was in the hospital for a total of 5 days, if it hadn't been for that there really hasn't been any issues outside of the normal, if I eat too much it hurts and early on I'd sometimes get nauseated. Dr. Kelly is somewhat reserved I thought, but as an Operating Room Nurse myself there are many aspects to surgeons, I thought he was fine. The only draw back I had was their nutritionist didn't give concrete info about post op expectations for consumption I thought they were kind of vague. I'm a numbers, plan type person though. I don't remember about him saying about paying for the tummy tuck BUT that would be wonderful. I'll have to keep that in mind.

I'm 62 and 5' 4" and went from high weight 292 prior to any pre-surgery weight lose (was on 1 month of their pre-surgery diet, day of surgery 268). Surgery 4/18/11 and as of yesterday 6/16 was 199. Must admit this last 6 weeks or so haven't been the best with all the graduation things going on. It is still just a tool and have to behave. Haven't yet approached the subject of a tummy tuck yet and I'd like to get to 175 before investigating that. Finances being what they are perhaps will live with wearing a spanx for awhile when I need to look nice.

I had the Vertical Sleeve 4/2011 by the St Paul Surgeon's group. Dr. Kelly did it and everything has gone well. They don't perform them frequently but somewhere in my research they have done quite a few. This specific option hasn't been that much in vogue until recently again. I was originally approved for a RNY but with my work up for past esophageal strictures they found stomach polyps and felt that wouldn't be wise. They need resubmitted everything and I was approved. I have BCBS.

At 4 months out, if I eat too fast or don't chew enough it feels like some one sucker punched me in my stomach. So I've learned to follow the guidelines and it helps

I'm 4 months out and have found Bariatric Advantage Meal replacement protein mix is pretty good with water or skim milk. With water it is 27gm of protein and skim milk, 35gms. Puts a good chuck of protein and 8 ounces of fluid right off the top. I'm using this as my breakfast and lasts me all morning. I too have issues getting all the fluids, but the "Nutritionists" say do the best you can. Using sugar free jello initially helped with the proteins, and they were then more concerned with fluid intake.

I had my sleeve on 4/18 and too felt I wasn't getting enough in. So I've been using chocolate and banana Bariatric Advantage mixed with 8 ounces of skim milk so it comes out to 35g of Protein. That is what I have for Breakfast. lunch has been cream Soups w/ milk and blended in ricotta cheeses. Usually 4 ounces. Use cottage cheese for dinners. I too agree the Isopure wasn't very helpful at all made me gag. My nutritionist said to try to do the best I can but it takes awhile to have your body adjust. Usually 6 to 8 weeks. I've just started on pureed & soft foods and I get full easily. I still have no hunger so I have to remind my self to eat and drink. Getting the 64 ounces of fluids they want me to get in also is a struggle

I too was done on 4/18. Been a hard road. My lungs didn't want to cooperate well after OR and ended up with pneumonia. Didn't get to leave until 4/22. Liquids antibiotics are nauseating and leave a terrible after taste, so nothing much has been going down too well. It has been difficult to get much protein and/or fluids and walking with 30'ish weather hasn't been what's happening. I know I did the right thing but still wonder when the outcome will make me feel better.

I live between Hastings and Red Wing. Will be having surgery once it is approved at United Hospital in St. Paul. Been looking at the forums and wondering if there is a support meeting group around for "sleeve" people? Have you heard of any?

I too am waiting. I've done what I can do now it is in the surgeon's hands to write the letter to go in with the insurance lady's input to get prior approval. Patiently, (NOT) waiting to see the results.

I also have Fed BCBS, and initially was approved for a RNY but have had issues with gastric polyps in the past and the surgeon wanted to do a scope and just look to see. Well they found a WHOLE bunch of polyps this time so they fell the better choice for me would be the SG. Now they have to start the approval process over again. Was it a problem for you to get the approval for the SG from Fed BCBS?

OH Yes, please send me one. I was told today that I would need to do this type of surgery instead of the RNY. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Email is dizzylee@bevcomm.net