Dream4tc

I knew several nurses who worked for UHC as chart reviewers, the nurses were told to Deny...Deny...Deny. I have UHC as a secondary ins and I am having a hell of a time for them even picking up little stuff. They suck! You really have to appeal with them, they never want to pay. It's stupid. Thank goodness, I have good primary insurance.

Check this link out and watch animation video. They came out with this 2 yrs ago. http://apolloendo.com/procedures/outlet-pouch-reduction/

I was diagnosed by my eye doctor many years ago, but my primary care did a CT and that didn't show anything. So not sure really. Occasionally I have headaches and it is always on the right side of my head, but I really don't know. Which specialist diagnosed you all?

Congratulations! You will likely lose more weight before wedding day, so keep that seamstress on hand so she can alter your dress last minute

@@toasty I hear you! Lol I have heard that same thing. @@dannieeliza 15 pounds is very realistic. Congrats! I think the ins company just wants to see if a person can be compliant and show progress.

Hmm, may have to try that. Where do you all purchase yours? Here it is purchased at the hospital pharmacy for $4.85 per bottle!

@@Erron1970 - oh so glad that you have relief! I am so sorry you are still having problems with GERD. It really sucks. Ever since my band was removed, I feel soooooo much better! A few bouts of heartburn but nothing like what I had, it's been amazing! I wonder if the surgeon will go back in our previous port revision sites? Curious as to how many incisions we will have? I posted another thread about this question to other previous bandsters, but haven't heard anything yet. Did your surgeon go over that?

@@kimmoffit - when you say nothing is coming out, are you constipated ? If you haven't had a BM since surgery, you may need to call your doc

Welcome! Congrats on your loss!

Thank you so much for all of your responses! It was very helpful I kinda thought they went by starting, but wasn't sure. Is there a set weight they require people to lose? I didn't ha e a requirement with my previous surgery and I don't have a requirement with this one either. I did set a goal of 5 pounds each month. That may be low, but I don't want to set unattainable or unrealistic goals since I currently have no restriction and relying on diet and exercise only. It is so much harder to lose weight at age 41 versus age 20!!!! Lol. Thankyou everyone, this forum is the best!!!

Yes it is completely normal to have gain immediately post op. They pump you with lots of fluids. Most of the fluids they give you are isotonic which make you retain Don't worry, you will lose it quickly.

Currently that procedure is still very new , within past 2 yrs and there isn't enough data for long term sucess rates yet. I actually posted a similar thread over the weekend about this. My surgeon recently started performing this procedure and currently he has a patient that is 3 months out. This procedure only provides better restriction from stretching of pouch, however as always... diet and exercise will make it successful. Here is an a great link for a neat animation video. If accessing via mobile, animation will be on bottom of page. If by desktop or laptop top right. I also asked if this was covered under insurance and my surgeon said yes but depends on insurance. In addition, he also said this is a cheaper and less invasive versus revision surgery http://apolloendo.com/procedures/outlet-pouch-reduction/

I have tried the Isopure mango peach and it didn't taste like that at all. The bottles are very expensive. I have a blue raspberry in the fridge that I am afraid to try. I heard pineapple was good. I never thought of mixing with powered zero, that's a great idea

Oh love Halloween dress up! Your outfit sounds super cute! Are you going with that color?

I guess you can puree just about anything. Haha. Pureed bacon egg and cheese biscuit doesn't sound too awful. Haha!

Who says you can no longer enjoy Frappe's? Here is a yummy alternative. I love Starbucks, especially their Frappacinno's. My husband bought me a Frappacinno maker and I love it. I have used it in the past, but never tried to make sugar free, low calorie, high Protein frappe's. So here is what I used. (May use regular blender) Recipe Java chip mint Frappacinno Starbucks French Roast or Italian Bold Roast- 3 tablespoons 1/2 cup of Water. (Mix this and warm in coffee cup ahead of time if no frappe maker, will need to add this once mixed to blender) 2-3 cups of ice 3 packets of Splenda (which converts from 2 Tbsp of sugar) 2 Tbsp of Sugar free chocolate syrup divided. (15 calories) 2 Tbsp of Sugar Free Chocolate chips (Optional) Peppermint extract ( 1/8 or you can use more if you want stronger mint flavor) 1/4 or 1/2 Vanilla Premier Protein RTD shake, may use chocolate Topping once blended: 2 tablespoons of light whipped cream or may use fat free, or sugar free whipped topping. 1 Tbsp of the divided SF chocolate syrup drizzled on top of whipped cream Calories: roughly 200 calories, depending on the products you use. 15 grams protein. I use Fitness Pal to calculate nutrients.

@@OKCPirate - that looks yummy! I have heard quite a bit about the Genepro. Does it mix well? What's the taste like? I haven't tried any of the Greek yogurt yet, but planning to

ByHey all, please be careful. I was banded for 4 years. I got to the point of where many of you are at now. I had my band too tight on many occasions, with terrible night time cough with reflux and sleeping nearly sitting up with 8 pillows behind me. I had aspirated a few times with acid while sleeping, I was scared to go to sleep. Vomiting about every thing I would eat, eating unhealthy slider foods thinking that I would lose weight. I finally realized, that my esophagus, and my teeth were way more important than another pound lost. Ultimately my weight finally didn't go any further down than the 80 pounds I lost because with my symptoms, my body was starving. I ended up being on Zantac max strength twice a day plus Prilosec twice a day, drinking milk all the time to help with constant heartburn. Not to mention Tums. Eventually it caused esophageal dilatation and damage to my esophagus and teeth, and finally prolapse then later slip. Please don't have the mentality that it won't happen to you. if you are having those symptoms, please go get an unfill and start over with basics. I am just lucky, that I didn't develop Barrett esophagus, gastrointestinal bleed, or esophageal cancer from the acid. Please please listen to your body.

I thought I would share this because it really helped me and I still continue to use this method which prevents me from taking big bites. I bought some toddler forks and spoons years ago when I was banded. It helped me take smaller bites especially after WLS. I also use small saucer type plates so that I don't put too much. Measuring cups, spoons and a scale is a must in my kitchen. Dining out tips, 1. you can bring those toddler forks and spoons with you. 2. I also request half portions or child size portions. I also have a Bariatric Dining out card that I show and request cheaper smaller meals. 3.Ask for doggie bag at the time of ordering. 4. Bring your own low calorie SF drink mix and just add to Water. Anyone else have tips or ideas? Please share

Try keeping feet warm. I have a hard time regulating my body heat. I actually use a heating pad on my feet when I get in bed. If my feet are cold, I stay cold and can't sleep. I have tried fuzzy thick socks but that doesn't help. The heating pad works.

Have you tried requesting a different appointment so that you can see your surgeon? Doctors now rely heavily on Press Ganey scores for reimbursement due to patient satisfaction scores. You can try escalating this to the office manager or higher. You can also argue the bill for the office visit. The only other option, is to change doctors.

@Erron1970- I am sorry to hear about problems with your band, I completely understand. Do you still have the band in or did you get it removed? So glad you are with us! I am sure you are just as excited as I am!

Try using sensodyne toothpaste. That will help until you get talk to your dentist or physician.

@@kimmoffit as long as you are passing gas, and there are bowel sounds, then your bowels are moving, that is probably why he isn't worried. It is when there are no bowel sounds or passing gas...which could be worrisome for bowel obstruction.

I have insurance that covers bariatric surgery. It paid for my band and will also pay for my revision to bypass. I have a 500 deductible which I already met. My out of pocket max is 1000. I admit my insurance is pretty good and so glad I have it. Surgery is expensive and the biggest fees are for the hospital, not the Dr. I had thought of getting sleeve cash pay and got a quote of 18 K and that included band removal and hernia repair. The surgeon said his fee was only 3000 and the rest went to the hospital....ridiculous!!! This is why so many people go out of the country. Not everybody can afford that much.