HoosierGirl

When I started the process of meeting the insurance policy requirements for weightloss surgery last April, I did all of what BCBS PA required me to do (several medical tests, psych eval, physician supervised diet, counseling, nutritionist visits, blood work, EGD, etc.). I had to have a BMI over 40 or over 35 with one co-morbidity. My BMI was 35/36 and I had hypertension. So, I completed all my insurance requirements and submitted for insurance approval in August. I was immediately denied. At that time, I contacted Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy to see if they could help me. They took my case and it was a slow process, but it is obvious they have a great understanding of the healthcare laws as well as how insurance companies work. Lindstrom pushed the issue as far as they could, but ultimately, I was caught in a timing issue with the new healthcare laws and my insurance policy and there was nothing they could do to help me, unless I waited a year or so. Overall, I was pleased with their knowledge, but it is a slow process. I would recommend them to others as they are so knowledgable. Good luck!

My hubby stayed home with our kiddos too, so my friend traveled with me and was there the day of my surgery and left the following day. Was kind of nice to rest, walk, drink on my own schedule and not have someone there with me. Traveled home alone. It was no big deal. Now don't get me wrong, I was tired when I got home, but it worked out well. I've been in contact with the OCC a couple times after my surgery and have gotten good response to my questions. Good luck in your decsion!

I had surgery with Dr. Ortiz on February 4....feeling really good...off all blood pressure meds! Woo hoo! The staff at the OCC is very organized and the nurses were helpful, but not pesky. The whole surgery center is very efficient and I felt were thorough. They answered all my questions and overall, I wouldn't change anything. Including the pre-op diet, I have lost 27.7 lbs in 7 weeks....only 65 more to go! Please message me if you have questions I could answer. My surgery experience is on my blog. GOOD LUCK!

Here is my short list of criteria on selecting a doctor in Mexico: 1. A surgeon who has performed a lot of weight loss surgery. 2. Member of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery (i.e. need to be able to verify their credentials) 3. The doc should have a lot of positive internet “buzz”, or testimonials on weight loss surgery forums so I could contact those people and get some independent feedback. 4. Would like to go to a part of Mexico WITH NO TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS from the US State Department (Tijuana doesn't have a travel warning) 5. The icing on the cake would be if they were at an International Center of Excellence as designated by the Surgical Review Corporation – same independent body that designates US bariatric Centers of Excellence as measured by outcomes 6. Oh, and I wanted to contact the surgeon DIRECTLY, not through a surgery coordinating company

OMG AMY - thank you for posting this picture! Wow! Just can't say anything but WOW!

Dr. Ariel Ortiz used compression stockings and blood thinner to reduce the risk.

If I did INSANITY, I would have a stroke. They have a guys yoga - strength training video by Diamond Dallas Page (the old wrestling guy). Seems like yoga would be kind to your knees while helping build up strength. I saw this video about a guy who could barely walk and what it did for him...pretty inspiring, so I thought I would share. GOOD LUCK!

Amytugs - SUPER excited for you.....looking forward to your updates! Safe flight, safe surgery and speedy recovery. Hugs!

Tessies - you are doing FANTASTIC! Welcome to our side sleeve sister! Hugs and continued good recovery!

WOW Krystal - that is fantastic! And Happy Birthday!

As I read this, I am finishing 2 oz of tuna. It is on the approved soft foods list. Although I can drink well (have had 75 oz by 5pm), I know when to stop on the soft foods. I don't feel full as much as I feel "pressure" to know when to stop. I am 3.5 weeks out.

WOW...just....WOW! Kudos to you Holly!

Safe surgery! Let us know how you are doing when you are able. HUGS!

Thanks for the info! I'll be making some changes tomorrow!

Biggest fear is that I will not lose the weight or be able to maintain it if I do.

Time will fly and you will be more than ready when the day arrives! Now is the time to sneak in some of your favorites, before your pre-op diet. I believe they asked me several times about any allergies - so they will help you remember too. Good luck! Any questions, feel free to message me. All the best!

Dr. Ortiz at the OCC doesn't use external stitches. My incisions were closed with dermabond. The drain was not uncomfortable for me and after seeing the volume of fluid it caught, I was so glad I had it! When they removed it, it felt like a pinch, but not a lingering pain. GOOD LUCK!

If you have a drain, you will want something with an elastic waist to hold the bag that the fluids drain into. Otherwise, the drain just hangs there and gross while flopping around while you walk. My suggestion is pajamas. If you have a night shirt, you have to lift your behind up in the hospital for them to check you and that is a big hassle.

I have used Isopure RTD in the glass bottles since surgery on 2/4. I tried several from GNC and I found the Apple Melon, Grape, and Orange were OK. I like that it is clear and has 40g of protein. Good luck!

Thank you for sharing your story. And for being so candid about your complete experience. I know your story will help someone trying to select a surgeon. Mostly, I am glad you had a good outcome, despite the blood clot in your arm! Congratulations on your weight loss! Very impressive!

Prayers to you and your families! Safe surgery.

Noticable energy boost at two weeks....that is when I quit feeling so darn tired and weak. Every day is better and better. Tomorrow is my three week anniversary and this morning, I had enough energy and was able to go for a 15 minute walk! Give in to your body - let yourself sleep, rest and heal. Great things are coming!

Your weight loss is incredible! Way to go! (I'll bet everyone else was eating while you were standing there getting compliments on your weight loss!) Watching others eat and smelling the food kind of makes me sad - a few months ago I would have been over indulging too. I was sleeved 3 weeks ago and am starting soft foods today. While all the food looks and smells good, my friends and family will be the same size this summer and I will have lost weight. That thought keeps me going when I want to eat something I shouldn't.

TommyD - thanks for sharing! Your results are impressive - keep up the good work!

Hi Beth - I was sleeved by Dr. Ortiz at Obesity Control Center 2/4/13. I was very pleased with the level of care, the nurses, follow up suport, and am losing weight! Initially, I was pretty nervous about traveling for the surgery but it was really great. The doctors spoke great english, nurses spoke well enough to communicate, and I specifically liked the Nutrionist, Dr. Miranda. You can read more details on my blog and are welcome to send me a private message if you have questions. Good luck! Do a lot of research, talk to a lot of people, and be sure you feel comfortable about your decision.