hmscott09

Prior to surgery in October 2012 a case manager had called to ask if I had any questions or concerns and called again right after surgery in the hospital for the same reason. I had a rough start and had several dr visits and EGDs for a stricture. Now almost 6 months later and close to 100 pounds lost and I recieved a letter from BCBS Texas asking for me to be apart of a case management program. I had never heard of such a thing. Has this happened to anyone else?

I found it very interesting. They have been amazing for me and I thought it was very nice that they would check up on me. I only had to pay like $32 dollars for the surgery and nothing even when I was readmitted to the hospital. The letter just said that they would call and answer any questions I might have. But I was just curious as to why they have found so much interest in me? Is there something I should be concerned about?

I had my sleeve on 10/29. I have had three other sugeries prior to the sleeve two of them being a csection and gallbladder so I figured the pain would be similar. During my surgery the doctor had found a hernia and repaired it. I was out of surgery and in my room by 2:00pm. I was in quite of bit of pain but that is to be expected. The next day they came and took me to my barium swallow and were unsucessfull at getting a result. I was told that I could go ahead and have ice chips try and suck on and was even released from the hospital that next afternoon. Needless to say I was readmitted back to the hospital later that evening due to not being able to keep anything down. I was hooked back to IV's and they controlled my pain. I was kept on a "nothing to eat or drink" diet because I was told I was going to have a scope the next day. During the scope that doctor found a stricure and repaired it. I was for a while feeling so much better. I was released from the hospital on Saturday. Since I have been home I have developed a horrible sore throat( I even have white patches all around my tounsels and my uvula). I waited until this morning to go to my PCP and guess what I have strep throat and he said he thinks some other infection due to the numerous times tubes were put down my throat. I have had such a hard time swallowing anything let alone liquid medicine that tastes horrible. I haven't even taken pain medicine because I am terrified of throwing up. I am so depressed and I guess just had so much of a different thought of what life would be like after the sleeve. I know people have gone through so much worse but I just feel like things will never get better. Has anyone ever felt this way is it normal. My family is extremly worried about me and my 3 year old does not understand any of this and is so sad for me. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get this medicine down? I know that is the first thing that would help. I was supposed to go back to work today but I had to call in. Thank you for any suggestions or encouragement that anyone may have.

Thank you! It is nice to know what other people have been told.That does make since. I felt guilty for drinking anything with calories but I am probably not even getting to 300 calories a day lately because of the strep and not being able to swallow.

I hadn't thought about that either. I wish they would let me take pills. But everything is liquid for now. Suprisingly the antibiotic tastes ok but the liquid hydracodone is the worst. I can take like one sip. Thank you so much and grape fruit is my favorite I will have to give it a try. I did have a question about juice and I know every doctor is different but when they say no sugar added does that mean if it says all natural or even still has natural sugars I can have that or do I need to be having the lite or diet? The no sugar added has a ton of sugar still. And does the fullness after drinking ever get better. Once I take the antibiotic I am full for a while and its hard to get in anything else?

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. I guess I had't even thought about adding medicine to anything. I will definently have to try it. Congradulations on your weight loss by the way. It gives me more and more hope for the days to come.

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. I know I don't get fever but it tears me down pretty bad. My doctor said that he did not have the shot so he actually gave me the flavored version that kids get and it really isn't as bad as I thought. I will have to try that I am hoping that the medicine will kick in soon and I will start to feel a ton better. But I will have to try the chicken broth and protein once I get my hunger back.

I originally wanted to have the lap band but am now 100% sure that I am going to go with the sleeve. I was going to see Dr. Kim but I have read mixed reviews regarding his bedside manner. I have made an appointment with Dr.Smith on August 28. Just wanted to see if anyone else has used him and what your thoughts and opinions were? Thanks!

Wow! Congradulations! That is amazing. You should be very proud of your weightloss. Keep up the good work.

That is a great way to think of it! I guess I had never thought of it that way. I bet your excited about your upcoming surgery! Good luck and you will have to keep us updated!

I feel bad each time I make an appointment at a different doctor. For one I am more than ready to get this process started. But I hate to waste their time if I don't choose them. But then again I am the patient and I am the one interviewing them I guess you would say. I have heard so many great reviews about Dr.Nick. I really need to give him a call. Congradulations on your surgery. How have you been feeling?

You all are so awesome! Thank you so much for all of your input. It helps a lot to hear such great reviews about doctors!

Thank you! Isn't awesome how sometimes you just know? I hope that I to can find someone that I know right away that they are the right one! Keep up the good work!

grayeybeauty: That is what I am looking for! I will definently have to look into Dr.NIck. I live in Fort.Worth but it sounds like he is worth the drive. That is exciting to hear about bcbs! I hope that it is that fast when it comes time to submit my claim. It sounds like they have worked fast completing requirements too! Good luck and Thank you again.! I will look into him and keep me updated with your progress!

KS FORT WORTH, Thank you for your response. I still currently have my appointment with Dr.Kim too. I haven't canceled it yet after making the appointment with Dr.Smith. I might have to still go and see what he is like! I also wanted to say that I am so proud of you! You have come a long way in such a short time. That is awesome! Keep up the good work.

Thank you all so much! I think that finding the right surgeon is the thing that scares me the most! I want someone that is experienced for sure. I will have to look into Dr. Nick and maybe give Dr.Kim a try. Has anyone consulted with more than one doctor before making a decision? Also I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas does anyone else have them as insurance? I called and they said that I would only need a psyc eval and meet the surgery requirements regarding BMI. Has anyone had any issues with them?