longhorn
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Everything posted by longhorn
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shylady, I had no pre-qualifications required other than that I was diagnosed as morbidly obese (>40 BMI). But I think this is more benefit plan specific than doctor specific. You should review the details of your benefit plan coverage through UHC. I have seen where some UHC customer plans required 6 month proof of supervised weight loss programs. Although I'm using Dr. Hamn I agree with Tiffykins response about Dr. Nick. He sure seems to have more people on this forum that have used him. That's about all I know about Dallas doctors. Tomorrow is my day. I certainly hope and believe Dr. Hamn will do a good job for me. But will have many more opinions in a few days I'm sure. Good luck to you!
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It took 2 weeks. Probably only should have taken 1 week but UHC screwed up and denied coverage with the first request. The doctor office resubmitted the request and it was correctly approved on the 2nd try.
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I'm using Dr. Hamn in Plano. My insurance was UHC as well. Several others on here have used Dr Nicholson including twobluecats and barbannn. I think he may be more popular but I'm not certain. I basically am using Dr. Hamn becuase he was recommended by a co-worker who had lapband through him. My surgery with Dr. Hamn is this Tuesday. So far he and his office has been fine. They helped get the insurance pre-approval which was a relief. I'll obviously have much more input on Dr. Hamn post surgery.
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my 3 day diet can include things like applesauce, pudding, some lite soups and broth, yogurt, and oatmeal. But that's about it besides fluids. Day 1 was not so bad. But I'm glad this is only 3 days because I'm hungry today.
While I love burnt orange not so sure about that in a protein drink.
But you can bet I'll be watching that game. Maybe more nervous for it than I am for my sleeve surgery on Tuesday
When do you come up to Dallas?
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Seeing my tool in action
longhorn replied to Gingin33's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just have to say..... I read the title of this thread and thought this VSG forum had taken a whole new turn in a very shady direction. Was relieved to see the tool in question was not what I first thought. -
Yes, barbannn. My date is the 29th also. And yes, I'm nervous. My doctor is Dr. Hamn in Dallas. I just started my 3 day liquid pre-op diet today. At least I got one last Christmas feast in yesterday before it all starts.
I think these next couple of weeks will be the worst time. I'm just trying to remain focused on what I will feel like and look like next Christmas. That end goal will hopefully help me through.
I wish you the very best! I'm sure your surgery will go well and then we are on the down hill side of this. Please post updates as you get the chance. I will try to do the same.
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One week out..pain question....
longhorn replied to twobluecats's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Twoblue, Overall, sounds like you are doing quite well. The weight you have already lost is impressive. I'm sorry for the pain you are experiencing but it does seem from many other posters comments that this goes away in a few days. I'm sure getting rid of your drain will be a huge comfort. Anyways, I appreciate your updates. My sleeve date is one week from today and naturally I'm very nervous and anxious. I'm looking at your journey as where I may be a couple of weeks from now. But I'm jealouos that you have already gone through these 2 weeks and I still have to experience that. Continued best wishes to your recovery.... -
Only a 3 day liquid pre op diet?
longhorn replied to longhorn's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks ya'll. Good to know I'm not the only one. Kind of nice to be able to eat up until 3 days of surgery. -
I agree. No big deal. I had one as well. Not sure why but it seemed to be standard procedure.
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Does anyone have facts or information related to life expectancy after having WLS? One of the things that bothers me the most about getting the sleeve is the inability to have long term results data and possible long term issues if any. Since there are at least some similarities to gastric bypass does long term data exist for this type of WLS or any other types? Appreciate any thoughts or information. I realize my long term prospects as a morbidly obese person are poor. But just want to go into this with eyes wide open. I'd like to think my long term prospects will improve dramatically by getting the sleeve and for the most part I think I do believe this. But having some addiotnal data would be helpful.
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My Dad was diagnosed with this same condition - Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC). I don't know how many he had going but it was so bad he had no energy. Walking from the couch to the kitchen wore him out. After diagnosis he had surgery where they electrically stimulated the part of the heart that was out of rhythm and caused it to get back in sync. After that he has been great and totally back to normal. Good luck to you Barbann. I know waiting is frustrating. Hopefully whatever this is will not be an issue for your sleeve date.
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Twobluecats is home
longhorn replied to twobluecats's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for the update. I'm sure you are happy to be home. Glad things are off to a good start. Keep us posted. -
I don't yet know what size sleeve. Will find out during my last pre-op visit next week. But I don't want to get a 'bigger' sleeve just so I can eat more. That pretty much defeats the whole purpose of this. I'm okay with the small quantities as long as I can still eat the foods I enjoy today. My pig out days will be long gone. I may miss that some, but overall I realize not being able to pig out will be a very good thing for me. Thanks for the reassurance that foods I like today will still be options for me tomorrow.
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I need some advice because I am SCARED TO DEATH!!!
longhorn replied to Behemoth845's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I suspect many of us pre-op folks share these same concerns. My surgery is Dec 29th and I know these thoughts have concerned me. I do have a specific question that I have not seen answered in my research on VSG and Behemoth mentions above. Is there a limited period of time where leaks are a concern? Does the new stomach heal itself and close up around the staples so that at some point you no longer have to be concerned about leakage around the staples? Or are leaks a continuing possibility even after several months? Thanks. -
I believe your surgery is on Monday. Sounds like you have done well on your preop diet. I'm sure everything will go great. Best wishes to you and your family. Look forward to hearing about your success!!
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Well, I'm not expecting to eat that type of food on day 3 of post op. Just want to know that after a few months I'll be able to eat what is 'normal' food for me. Hummis is not my idea of real food. Heck, I'm not even sure what that is. It's all about ground beef, steak, potatos, BBQ, fried chicken, lasagna, mexican food, etc. That's what I'm talking about. Although in unimaginable small quantities post sleeve. I live in Texas. Cow is king and usually in the form of BBQ or mexican food. Quiche and hummis, chased down with a side of squash is hard for me to get my head around. Scary,
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prefer to keep it private. Only my wife knows. Will tell my kids when in a couple of weeks when the surgery date is very close. Don't pan to tell anyone else. If they ask post surgery I will not lie. But I will not volunteer it otherwise.
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stratusphr,
I'm using Dr. Hamn in Plano. He has done roughly 75 sleeve operations and thousands of lapbands and other types. A co-worker recommended him to me after he had done his lapband a couple of years ago. I don't know much about him beyond that. He seem sokay althogh I've barely met with him. My big pre-op appt is not for another couple of weeks and I plan to ask many more questions during that visit.
I don't know much about bariatric surgeons or sleeve surgeons in particular although through other postings I think I recognize Dr. Nicholson's name.
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Five days down on my 14-day preop diet!
longhorn replied to twobluecats's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
twobluecats, Sounds like you are doing great. You are in my prayers. The 14th will be here quickly and the best way for your nerves to be calmed is for that date to get here as quickly as possible I'm sure. Insurance finally approved my sleeve. My date is Dec 29th. My doc only requires a 3 day liquid pre op diet. But I may do a little more just to be on the safe side. It's funny. Even though I'm more certain than ever this is what I need to do, now that I have a confirmed date it is tougher on the nerves. I'm nervous about the surgery. But perhaps more so I'm nervous about grieving for a loss of food. The cold hard reality that my new stomach just will not allow it I guess will help force me to move past the grieving process. But wow is it gonna be different. -
I can't figure it out either. For me they also responded very fast. Within one week I had my denial letter. Trying to get a clear explanation is like trying to break into a bank. UHC has themselves well protected. I cannot speak to anyone who can just review and discuss my coverage with me directly. Instead the appeal process is very secretive and long. It will take at least a month. If that appeal comes back with the denial I'm gonna go crazy. I know this must be a mistake. Your approval also proves that. But I cannot talk to anyone who is a decision maker at UHC. Ugh.
I will be interested in how things proceed for you. I'm sure you will do great!
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Interesting. Yes, I'm in Dallas at MK. Have not told anyone at work about my plans so if he figures out who this is I'd appreciate his discretion. My doctors initial pre approval request was denied by UHC. The only response they would give me was that the MK plan does not cover WLS. I know this is bunk. They did not mention anything about a requirement for 6 months proof of formal weight loss programs. They just denied the approval request. I'm appealing it now but that seemingly takes forever. Guess I need more patience. Was hoping to have surgery and recover during the Christmas break.
Thanks for getting back with me. No worries about the delay.
Good luck to you!
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Congrats. I'm planning to use Dr. Hamn out of the same office as Cribbins. Still waiting on insurance approval. I will be interested to hear how it goes for you. Hope you like Cribbins.
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Thanks ladies! Not too many men on here, huh. Sounds like there may be some hope for some of the foods I am used to eating. Other foods maybe not so much. Just don't want to be on a hunting trip and suddenly start talking to my buddies about the delicious quiche and squash casserole I enjoyed the night before. Then I'd have to hand in my man card. Although if I can hand in my fat card along with it maybe even that is okay. :party4:
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Well, that seems like your parents are being pretty reasonable. Anyone who does this without careful consideration, weighing the risks, and adding much thoughful and heartfelt prayer to their God is probably being quite unwise. This cannot just be an emotional decision. Seems to me it must also be a considered and reasoned one that weighs the health risks of being obese with the health risks of having surgery. Having noted that, there is clearly a large emotional component as well.
