6kiddos

Anyone use him? What has been your experience? He is on my ins. =) He seems nice but very quick and to the point. Of course when I went in for the initial consult they had med students there....the one who came in initially was the husband of someone I work with at church. Kind of uncomfortable since I don't know them very well. I was more uncomfortable than I would have been with only him and I forgot most of my questions. ugh.

So...I have thought about getting a boob job done when I am done losing weight. That will be a little while. Anyway, I am just scared I will lost sensation in the nipple area. Does this happen? Thanks for the info.

I had mine on Nov 9, 2010. I have lost 54lbs so far. Dr Fang is quiet but good. I have been very happy with my sleeve. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! Furio had hers done in Jan. =) I think my friend has Blackstone do her bypass but I am not sure. Good luck to you!

My dh had one on his forehead. It was removed about 10 yrs ago.

$0 - I had already hit my $5k deductible doing other things last year..heck, we hit our family deductible of $10k in June!

Here is Aetna's Clinical Policy for bariatric surgery. If you go to their website and search for "bariatric" you will find this. You have the option of 3 month (more intense) or 6 month (PCP, etc) I personally did the 6 month with my PCP, 2 yr weight history (using 1 gyn appt for 2008 and gym record for 2009), nutritionist, psych eval, pulmonologist, and cardiologist. I was approved just fine. =) Good luck! Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy, Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Duodenal Switch (DS) Procedures: Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (DS), or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria listed below are met. Selection criteria: Must meet either 1 (adults) or 2 (adolescents): For adults age 18 years or older, presence of severe obesity that has persisted for at least the last 2 years (24 months), defined as any of the following: Body mass index (BMI) (see appendix) exceeding 40; or BMI greater than 35 in conjunction with any of the following severe co-morbidities: Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea (i.e., patient meets the criteria for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea set forth in CPB 004 - Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults); or Coronary heart disease; or Medically refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg systolic and/or 90 mmHg diastolic despite optimal medical management); or Type 2 diabetes mellitus [*]For adolescents who have completed bone growth (generally age 13 in girls and age 15 in boys), presence of obesity with severe comorbidities: BMI exceeding 40 with one or more of the following serious comorbidities: [*]BMI exceeding 50 with one or more of the following less serious comorbidities: Medically refractory hypertension; or Hypertension; or Dyslipidemias; or Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; or Venous stasis disease; or Significant impairment in activities of daily living; or Intertriginous soft-tissue infections; or Stress urinary incontinence; or Gastroesophageal reflux disease; or Weight-related arthropathies that impair physical activity; or Obesity-related psychosocial distress. [*]Member has attempted weight loss in the past without successful long-term weight reduction; and[*]Member must meet either criterion 1 (physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program) or criterion 2 (multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen): Physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program: Member has participated in physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program (including dietician consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, and behavioral modification), documented in the medical record at each visit. This physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must meet all of the following criteria: or[*]Multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen: Proximate to the time of surgery (within 6 months prior to surgery), member must participate in organized multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen of at least three months (90 days) duration meeting all of the following criteria, in order to improve surgical outcomes, reduce the potential for surgical complications, and establish the member's ability to comply with post-operative medical care and dietary restrictions: Behavior modification program supervised by qualified professional; and Consultation with a dietician or nutritionist; and Documentation in the medical record of the member's participation in the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen at each visit. (A physician's summary letter, without evidence of contemporaneous oversight, is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of the physician's initial assessment of the member, and the physician's assessment of the member's progress at the completion of the multidisciplinary surgical preparatory regimen.); and Exercise regimen (unless contraindicated) to improve pulmonary reserve prior to surgery, supervised by exercise therapist or other qualified professional; and Program must have a substantial face-to-face component (must not be entirely delivered remotely); and Reduced-calorie diet program supervised by dietician or nutritionist. and[*]For members who have a history of severe psychiatric disturbance (schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, suicidal ideation, severe depression) or who are currently under the care of a psychologist/psychiatrist or who are on psychotropic medications, pre-operative psychological clearance is necessary in order to exclude members who are unable to provide informed consent or who are unable to comply with the pre- and postoperative regimen. Note: The presence of depression due to obesity is not normally considered a contraindication to obesity surgery. [*] Member's participation in a physician-supervised nutrition and exercise program must be documented in the medical record by an attending physician who supervised the member's participation. The nutrition and exercise program may be administered as part of the surgical preparative regimen, and participation in the nutrition and exercise program may be supervised by the surgeon who will perform the surgery or by some other physician. Note: A physician's summary letter is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of physician's contemporaneous assessment of patient's progress throughout the course of the nutrition and exercise program. For members who participate in a physician-administered nutrition and exercise program (e.g., MediFast, OptiFast), program records documenting the member's participation and progress may substitute for physician medical records; and Nutrition and exercise program must be supervised and monitored by a physician working in cooperation with dieticians and/or nutritionists, with a substantial face-to-face component (must not be entirely remote); and Nutrition and exercise program(s) must be for a cumulative total of 6 months (180 days) or longer in duration and occur within 2 years prior to surgery, with participation in one program of at least three consecutive months. (Precertification may be made prior to completion of nutrition and exercise program as long as a cumulative of six months participation in nutrition and exercise program(s) will be completed prior to the date of surgery.) Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea; or Type 2 diabetes mellitus; or Pseudotumor comorbidities.

I need to start exercising. I have plantar fasciitis so I cannot do the treadmill or anything that has a lot of impact on the foot. I did the bike the other day and it wasn't too bad...I was also thinking about swimming. Any other ideas? Thanks!

implants/lift Nursing 6 babies, losing weight, and age has not been kind to the girls!

Wow. I just checked my EOB's from my surgery. They added up to about $8k for what Aetna allowed. I am fortunate that I hit my deductible in June and this was 100% covered (wasn't sure about anest. but they did them too). I am sorry you are having to fight this! Aetna pulled one over on me for my physical therapy for my plantar fasciitis and only covered $25/appt. got hit with a bill for that.

I personally don't have anything for the rest of my body BUT I do take care of my face/neck. I don't want the turkey thing going if I can avoid it. I use Mary Kay Timewise and the night serum also. I also use the micro-dermabrasion 1-2 times per week. I did this before when I lost 100+ lbs (on my own) and I never had issues with my face and neck. Other areas...yes. I am interested to see what everyone else does with the rest of the body. =)

I feel for ya. The week after surgery my dh HAD to go to the HOA meeting, a political mtg, etc. I was left with all six kiddos because he had "obligations". sigh. He still doesn't get that I felt like I was last on his list. That aside....I have been where you are..though my kids aren't quite as close in age. The only thing that has worked for me is to work out before the kids get up. It was a pain but worth it. Get out your video and pop it in. I understand the not napping thing too. Most of mine were done napping at 2. =) I would definitely have food delivered. Safeway, etc has home delivery. Is there a day that he has off? When do you do the normal shopping? Plan well when you do. Another option is to ask a friend to get what you need. I have done this before (not because dh wouldn't ...just I didn't have time and she was going there anyway). Hugs to you! It is really hard emotionally when you feel like those who SHOULD care most don't. Remember, you ARE important. Find something for YOU everyday. I know it is tough with little ones but it is important. Again, hugs!

I am 6 weeks out. Yesterday I started with this mild pain near my largest incision. (just left of center midway down my tummy) It is an internal pain. Should I be worried? I have been doing fine for a few weeks now. Could it be that I am at the height of the Christmas rush (baking, wrapping, etc)? Thanks.

I haven't been exercising yet either unless you consider house cleaning exercise...think vacuum stairs, etc. =) I can work up a good sweat cleaning my house.LOL. Anyway, I am thinking of swimming since I have plantar faciatis really bad and can barely walk by the end of the day on a NORMAL day (without exercise). I also might try the stationary bike since it will hopefully lessen the impact on the heal. I am hoping the MRI will figure something out. I am WAY too busy right now to get to the gym...sigh. After Christmas. =)

My paperwork said no straws. I haven't tried and I am 6 weeks out now. btw, I am in the Valley also. =) Dr. Fang did my VSG.

I too am an emotional eater. I do know that diet/exercise can work for me...but I cannot keep it off without being uber strict. (I have lost 110 lbs on my own before only to regain during pg and with emotional eating). I really did a lot of soul searching and decided this was another tool I needed in my tool chest. I also listened to the psych when I had my eval. She really encouraged me to find things I like to do (I really couldn't remember! I have been a sahm with little ones for 16 yrs! everything revolved around my kids!) So...I have been trying to find what I like to do and replace with those things. I am getting into sewing more (always wanted to make quilts but never took the time unless I had to). So, now I am 6 weeks out (tomorrow). I do not feel hungry MOST of the time and when I do it is for good reason. I have to remember to eat. Once in a while I have wanted to stress eat but it hasn't been that bad. I have found this incredibly easy. =) Your mom is very lucky to have you. Support her. She needs to have someone who cares.

I did the 6 month and didn't have any issues being approved. I also did not have a full weight history...1 dr. appt in 2008 and gym record for 4 months in 2009. I was approved right away.

I had bruises from the heparin shots.

You could just do what I do.....Live in Phoenix. 79 degrees yesterday. A COLD day is 60. glad you are both ok. Sorry about the rib sharold.

JDR - I am 5 weeks out now. I scrubbed the floor last week at 4 weeks (of course I had that pain before and THOUGHT I was doing better). Personally, I don't want it to come back so I would not do it yet. I am sure not everyone had this...but I do feel the familiar twinges still when I am doing a TON of errands (especially at Christmas). So...I will not do it for at least a few weeks. I also feel a little tender after pushing the vacuum (it is pretty hard to push anyway). If I can't get one of my kids to vacuum...I do it. BUT I am not doing it everyday like normal...maybe every two days. (I have 6 kiddos and our family room gets A LOT of use) I also have to sweep daily (sometimes twice!) to keep up with the traffic, etc. Who said being a stay-at-home mom is bon bons and ice cream? LOL. I WISH I could just sit and read a book. haha. ods's alarm just went off....5 am...time to start the day.

I had the sharp, burning pain also from my largest incision (actually just below) and it eventually spread to my side sometimes. I had to ask for a refill of pain meds. I am finally feeling better most of the time unless I overdo it...which started the problem in the first place. =) It took about 2 1/2 weeks for mine to feel better (from when it started...1 1/2 weeks out). Good luck. btw, when it feels pretty good and you THINK you are ok....DON"T scrub the kitchen floor on your hands and knees..it WILL come back with a vengence!

First, I would make sure the plan you get covers WLS surgery. =) I had to do a 6 month diet/exercise with my PCP. I was able to cut a month or so off by starting the VERY end of May and finishing the VERY beginning of October. As long as you have 1 visit per calendar month you are ok. I also had to do a variety of other things...psych, nutritionist, heart doc, pulmonologist, weight history (didn't really have one from the dr except 1 yr...the other year I used my gym log which showed me being weighed by a trainer), etc. Once it was finally all turned in, including some time for some issues at my surgeon's office (fax issues), it was less than a week. I got approval just before Halloween. I was able to take a cancellation spot with the surgeon and had surgery on the 9th Nov. Good Luck!

Aetna approved mine and we are individually insured. =) It was a PPO plan.

I am sorry you are going through this! I pulled an internal stitch by doing too much 1 1/2 weeks out. It has bothered me ever since! It is finally feeling much better...thank goodness! (unless I scrub the floor on hands and knees...bad me!) Take it easy and I would call your dr. on Monday about the knots. AND No more lifting the little one! I know it is tough...I have a 3 yr old (+5 more) and I have had c-sections. Hang in there!

I started with heartburn yesterday at 4pm. I am already on Protonix 40 mg once a day. I tried eating thinking it might be hunger, it went away temporarily. Then it came back. It is bad enough right now that I cannot sleep and I am constantly sipping water to relieve it. I won't have to worry about water intake! lol. Suggestions? Can I take something else? Tums, etc?

Dr. Fang, St Luke's Medical Center in Phoenix. He is very quiet but good. He is very kind. =) The hospital was good though I wasn't there long. =)