youthguy80

My surgeon was at two different hospitals with two different programs. One program required the Pre op diet to be clear liquids plus protein shakes and the other full liquids plus protein. I'd love to know which one you all found beneficial. I'm thinking of trying to do the clear, in my head it's seems like it would help detox better than the full liquid.

Your nurse and nutritionist should discuss reasonable expectations with you. It's usually a % of your EXCESS weight.

Found out today insurance approved (after 6 mo nutrition/dr visit requirement). I've been weaning off caffeine the last 6 months, no carbonation for two weeks. Start Pre op on Sunday (full liquids for two weeks plus protein shakes) and surg on 16th! I've been in a medically surprised weight loss program for almost two years...I've been putting in much of the post-surg work with that without even knowing it. Ready for a new life and new lifestyle! I realized I've wanted to commit as little as possible to necessary changes these last few years, but reap the maximum benefits. Doesn't work! 100% commitment to new ways of eating and activity.

Four months into my six month insurance requirement and found out my surgeon is leaving and not being replaced. Appreciate prayers that I don't have to start from square one!

I was able to move with the surgeon to his new practice. Submitted to insurance Tuesday, approval today!

I saw my primary care provider in February of this year. At that visit I spoke with her specifically about needing a referral to a surgeon to begin the bariatric surgery process. One month later I went to see that surgeon and started that process. In April I started seeing my primary care provider because I found out I had a six-month Insurance requirement. Now I'm wondering can I begin the six-month in February when I first saw my provider or do I have to wait until the April visit? Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Found out today I was approved! Thank God!

Found out today I was approved! Surgery on 9/16. Gloria Dios!

Submitting to insurance tomorrow with a 9/23 surgery date! Ready for a new way of living!

Thank you both!!

I've struggled with this also. Maladies in our bodies are because of the sin in the world. For some of us it seems there is a biological/chemical/psychological/emotional disconnect causing us to be overweight. I believe strongly God is using this surgery to equip me to being honor to Him thru my body and thru serving him more efficiently. If I had cancer I don't know if I would sit and decide if getting chemo was a sin....I'd use it as a tool for God to restore health to my body. There is such a stigma to being overweight, those of us who struggle have many of the same thoughts. If we could just WILL it or be better people, we'd be able to do this. For some--God gives the willpower. For some of us, it's the tool of weight watchers, support groups, personal trainers, nutritionists, doctors and even surgeons. Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Being healthy will allow me to glorify Him much more effectively. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV / Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. --------- 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Grace and Peace brothers and sisters!

I spoke with an insurance rep and she said if the surgeon and PCP say they were both seeing me for surgical weight loss then it shouldn't be a problem. I'm just growing nervous because my surgical center is very new at this. Thanks for your experiences all!

"The patient must participate in and meet the criteria of a structured nutrition and exercise program. This includes dietitian/nutritionist consultation, low calorie diet, increased physical activity, behavioral modification, and/or pharmacologic therapy, documented in the medical record. This structured nutrition and exercise program must meet all of the following criteria: The nutrition and exercise program must be supervised and monitored by a physician working in cooperation with dieticians and/or nutritionists; and The nutrition and exercise program(s) must total 6 visits or more during a period of six consecutive months; and The nutritional and exercise program must occur within two years prior to the surgery; and The patient's participation in a structured nutrition and exercise program must be documented in the medical record by an attending physician who supervised the patient's progress. A physician's summary letter is not sufficient documentation. Documentation should include medical records of the physician's on-going assessments of the patient's progress throughout the course of the nutrition and exercise program. For patients who participate in a structured nutrition and exercise program, medical records documenting the patient's participation and progress must be available for review."

Find out all the requirements from your insurance before going in November. Your drs office will still check with insurance, but I researched it all on my own first.

What kind of nutrition program did you go thru? And what did you and your dr talk about during visits?

Has anyone used this Pre surgery? Love to hear thoughts. My Primary is suggesting it during my six month insurance wait.

I'm just worried about the side effects. I suppose since it's such a new combo.

During my 6 month insurance waiting period I've started using my CPAP again. I stopped using it two years ago after less than a month. My problem then, that is now reoccurring is I wake up and have random air leaks. If I stay in one position it's fine, but I move in my sleep. This is the second night of week two and I'm so tired and waking up numerous times thru the night. The first four nights I'd wake up between 1:30 and 2:30am and took the mask off---either because of headache or so uncomfortable from laying on back (I usually sleep on back, side and stomach. Is this normal? Does the air leakage mean the mask isn't right for me? I'm using a different mask than last time. I'm trying so hard to stick with it but I'm constantly exhausted!

Thank you both for your thoughts. I'm still trying to stay vigilant and keep trying every night. Last night I took it off after an hour (longest it's taken me to fall asleep) because I wasn't falling asleep and the leaks were killing me. After I took it off I was asleep within 10 minutes.

Have you tried increasing your time on treadmill or intensity? Often our bodies adjust to the same routine.

I received my initial denial within hours of submission. My appeal was received on May 8. I've called a few times to check on status and they always say it's still being reviewed but will get an answer within 30 days. Anyone else had an approval after waiting this amount of time?

Yes. I had the requirement. I've been seeing a nutritionist weekly for almost two years. But they still denied the initial claim and appeal because I didn't go to my dr 6 times in 6 months (though I had office visits multiple times in the two years).

The Blues On Call nurse calls to go over any questions you have.

It sounds like an allergic reaction to the bandages or something on the wound.

My initial (denial) request happened same day as submission. It's been over a week since my appeal submission.