della street

3 days later? or 10 days later?

Arizona, Scottsdale Healthcare

Anyone out there use Scottsdale Healthcare? My PCP recommended Dr. Swain there -- anyone have him for their surgeon? Thx!

Makes sense, thanks for replying -- and best of luck!

Why did you decide on bypass -- what did the scope show? (if you don't mind sharing...) -- I'm still trying to decide between sleeve and bypass -- thanks!

Hi all, pretty newbie here -- have submitted paperwork, but haven't met s/surgeon yet -- I've read and researched tons, but can't seem to find definitive answers to the questions about sleeve vs. bypass. Obviously, depends on your circumstances, but what are some of the reasons a surgeon would say you need to do one vs the other? things like GERD, size, BMI, etc etc. I've seen some research that says a "high" BMI (and what would that be?) should do/can only do one or the other; I see a lot of posts that say "surgeon said it was my decision" -- thoughts? And thanks!

Thank you all so much for taking the time to reply--MUCH appreciated! Still not sure which one I'll do, but it's so helpful to read other people's reasons for one way or the other -- sometimes it's very clearcut (no pun intended, lol...), other times, not so much...thanks again to all!

I'm in arizona and purchasing aca plan thru bcbs... Covers wls while hubby s employer policy does not. Aca policy is the answer to my prayers

I work at home full-time - self-employed -- I'm so hoping that one week will be enough time to really take "off" -- and then can do lighter schedule for a few days -- but all will be at home, so that is very helpful obviously. I have no backup for my clients, so it's got to be -- so yes, although health/surgery is biggest worry obviously, work is probably second biggest worry --

Oh, this is soooo timely (as I sip my Diet Pepsi...) -- haven't had surgery yet, haven't met s/surgeon yet, but paperwork is in process -- I *love* my DP -- I used to drink regular Coke, but haven't had a 'reg' soda in over two years -- MAJOR accomplishment for someone who used to drink 3-4 cans a day -- and now I hear no more DP after that became my drinkable vice after giving up Coke -- oh well, if I could kick the high fructose corn syrup habit, I can kick the DP habit too I guess -- what are some alternatives for other DP or D-Coke addicts? Thanks!

How are you all doing? I'll be using Scottsdale Healthcare , too

Thank you Cococat )

Too many 'last straws' to count, but here's a couple -- son works part-time in the box office of a local live theater venue -- got free tickets to a wonderful performance I would have *loved* to have seen --- and I found myself asking him if the seating charts included the width of the seats -- humiliating to ask your son that -- husband ended up going alone because I knew I wouldn't fit in the seats - ( Other last straw - doctor sent me to get a baseline bone density scan -- got there, checked in, finally was called back - first stop, scales -- over 340, but was pleased w/myself because I'd lost 9 lbs. Woman took me in a room, I thought to explain test and have me change into a gown or something -- but no, she very nicely (I actually felt bad for her...) told me that their machine only holds up to 300 lbs. I profusely apologized for wasting their time, kept a blank look frozen on my face so I wouldn't start bawling in shame and embarrassment, and managed to get out of their and hightailed it thru the waiting room to my car where I broke down in complete and utter despair and humiliation. But wait, the story's not over -- a couple weeks later, I got a *bill* for the procedure, which wasn't done due to my weight. I then had to call the insurance company and explain the situation -- yes, i did check in, but no, they didn't do the scan. "Why not?" And i had to tell the clerk on the phone why not. Ugh.

Just take one thing at a time -- it helps me to make a list and then check off one thing a day -- lets me know I'm that much closer to my goal. Glad you called them, that's a great step in the right direction! You can do it!!

) Assumed so, but just wanted to confirm ) thanks!

Thanks Aribay1, I can do eggs and Lactaid milk (lactose intolerance), and I can probably do tuna -- I did a protein sparing modified fast dr-supervised program for a year and a half -- and after all that MEAT, MEAT, MEAT, I just can't even look at meat any more --

Do you mean Tuesday 10-14?

I, too, am vegetarian and meeting soon w/the surgeon re WLS (hopefully). Other folks out there -- can you be vegetarian and do WLS? Thanks for the insights--

HI all, I'm just starting this journey--have wanted to have WLS for YEARS, but insurance didn't cover it. Now am purchasing an Affordable Care Act plan for 2015 that DOES cover it--and unfortunately (fortunately?) I meet all the criteria. Of course, not approved yet since new insurance effect 1-1-15, but gathering info, researching, etc. I've read a lot about pre-op diets, and I know everyone's case and surgeon are different, but is it usual that you go on a two-week liquid diet before surgery? Also, do most surgeons recommend colonoscopies before surgery? And on a completely unrelated note, but one I've wondered about--nail polish, lol. Many years ago, when I had my gallbladder out, they made a big deal about no nail polish because they can tell your oxygen levels from the color of your (not polished) nails. Anyone heard of this? Again, I'm sure these have all been answered a zillion times, but searching didn't seem to get me the answers I'm looking for -- much thanks in advance!

Thanks all! Like I said, I'm sure these have been answered a zillion times, but I couldn't find the info condensed anywhere, so I really appreciate you taking the time to offer info and advice -- Debbie, re the question about insurance: I'm in Arizona. The Marketplace has about five companies (maybe 6-7?) and as with all states, they each offer Bronze, Silver, Gold and some offer Platinum plans. Of course, the lower-level plans have high deductibles generally and usually higher out-of-pocket maximums - but they are cheaper per month on premiums and great to have in case of serious illness/surgery. That said, I don't know whether they all cover WLS or not, but I went to an insurance broker (free to the consumer; they're paid by the insurance companies that they sell policies for...), explained what I was looking for (a policy that covered WLS, had a reasonable monthly premium, and the lowest out-of-pocket maximum I could afford. Yada yada yada - he did some searching and we found a BCBS plan that will keep my out-of-pocket max to $3000/year. Premium is about $550/month -- but -- by not having hubby include me on his employer plan (which specifically excludes WLS), we save about $200/month on that, so the net cost to us is about $350/month. I am going with a Center of Excellence, for either the sleeve or bypass -- not sure yet. There have been many years when the extra $350/month would not have been do-able financially, but fortunately, we're at a place right now where it is. I feel like the brass ring is within reach and just want to get it all finalized -- the insurance, the surgery to-do's, the surgery itself...

If your policy excludes it, then now amount of appealing will get it covered. It sounds like James has done his homework on this already. We can go round and round about how they "should" cover it, but some policies, especially those of companies that are self-insured (but may be administered by BCBS or another company...) simply choose not to. As in my hubby's policy. WLS is SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED. So no amount of appealing will get it covered by them. Hang in there James! Lots of folks on here have gone to Mexico and been happy, so just do as you are doing - plenty of research, then make the best decision for you and your health--good luck!