Hailey D.

I have read a few posts about people dumping after VSG. How is that even possible? I feel like I am missing something really simple here. It's just not clicking in my brain?:confused1:

Ok Thank you guys for explaining. I understand now. I however am not one of the people who want dumping syndrome, so I will stick with VSG lol! And if I happen to not feel very good after eating something I probably shouldn't have, well I guess that would be a good thing in some cases:)

Hi guys! I was referred to my surgeon by a Physician's assistant. I need to get a letter of medical necessity, but does that have to be written by a Dr? Or is it OK that she is a PA? Thank you for your help!

I was in the opposite boat as you. My insurance originally did not cover VSG, even though that is the surgery I really wanted. That was about 2 years ago. Well, since RNY was my only option at that point, (in my mind lapband was not an option for me), I started studying up on it, even though it felt like I was starting over. I got used to the idea and felt really mentally prepared for the RNY journey. Low and behold I just found out my insurance now covers VSG, and this surgery was no longer something I thought about. I chose to go back to VSG anyhow simply because I was concerned about the aftercare becoming too extensive for me to be able to afford, should anything come up in the future regarding vitamin deficiencies and such. With that being said, what I kept seeing over and over throughout this process, was that if your insurance says they don't cover VSG and that is what you really want, APPEAL APPEAL APPEAL! People have had very good luck getting approved after initially getting denied because their insurance "didn't cover it". On another note if you are not able to get approved for anything but RNY (and that is the only other surgery you would choose), you most likely will be able to prepare yourself for that too. Mentally and emotionally it takes some time getting used to the idea of having another surgery, but don't let it discourage you from getting the help that you need. If my insurance denies me for the sleeve for any reason, I would still get RNY. There are pluses and minuses to both surgeries. You will do what is right for you! I hope this helps a little. Good luck with whatever you decide. If you need anything, feel free to message me. Hailey

Hi:smile1: I have been looking into WLS for some time now. A couple years ago, I was seriously looking into RNY, because that and the lapband were my only options through insurance. I was very disappointed though because I knew in my heart I wanted VSG. I had kind of resigned myself to thinking this was no longer an option, BUT I just found out a few days ago that my insurance now covers it! YEAH! So I have just kind of been studying up on everything again, and getting really excited. I am 5'6" weigh 242 lbs.(don't know how, but I lost 10 pounds?) I figure I have around 100 pounds to lose. I have a large frame, so I may not actually even get that low. I will be happy with anything below 200 at this point. My body HURTS! I also have High blood pressure, but luckily that is it so far. I know it will soon get much worse if I don't do something about it. I am glad to have found this site, and look forward to learning a lot from you all. I have a WLS Seminar to attend mid October, and then for my pre-op appointments. With the feedback I have received from others with my insurance and surgeon, it will take roughly 2 months from the date of the seminar until surgery. So I am thinking December? I am really excited to be starting this journey, and much LESS nervous than when I thought I was going to have RNY. So that is a good thing. Sorry this is so long. Nice to meet you all! Hailey

Thank you for the info on you tube Mr. Mason. I will definitely check that out today. And Thank you to everybody else for offering your encouragement and support. So far there has been a ton of helpful information!

Thank you! Good luck to you too Lisa! I don't know about you, but despite why people may think it would be more difficult getting surgery near Christmas (Sweets and Cookies galore lol!) I think it will be a nice cozy time of year to do it:) Nice and relaxing. So yeah for us! :lol0: Hailey

Thank you guys very much! I am excited to be here!:lol0: