toler48

Congrats!!!

LOL well one problem solved, don't have gall bladder anymore. A lot of those other tests I have each year for my physical. I also see a cardiologist once a year. Wow, now that lady had a problem. I don't blame the surgeon for turning her down. I also read about a woman that they turned down because she was in the hospital at least once a year for depression. She even admitted she was suicidal! The doctors turned her down also. That one I can really understand the rejection. I'm not worried about the physc eval.

Here's a question for everyone. Has anyone heard of any medical reasons why one would be turned down for bariatric surgery? Besides the obvious serious heart problems.

Thank you!! Thank you!! All these little tips are going to help a lot. I'm making notes

I have another question for those of you that have had the surgery. I know I will need to take vitamins, I take them now. I was looking at Walgreens for chewable vitamins. Thought I'd pick up some vitamin C's since I was out. They don't have chewable vitamin C that does not contain sugar. Well they have one that has sorbitol in it, don't like that stuff. My vitamin D's are tiny enough that they won't be a bother. What does everyone else take for vitamins? I know my surgery is a ways away, but I want to get all this searching done ahead of time.

From what I have been seeing and reading, the lap band would not be my choice at all. Too may times I hear about it slipping. Also, I know with the sleeve, the part of the stomach that produces the hungry hormone is removed. With the lap band, that part of the stomach is still attached and I don't see how it doesn't still come into play, as far a hunger goes. Just doesn't make sense to me. I really didn't want the bypass cause there is too much cutting and re-attaching of "stuff". The sleeve is so much simpler. And waiting the four months means my granddaughters are back in school and my summer "sitting" is done with. They are good girls but also worry worts and would drive me nuts with caring for me LOL

Cococat, The surgeon I am seeing is a Bariatric Specialist, and yes, the hospital does have the Excellence award. I talked to his office a little (when they called to say the seminar was canceled) and found out that the sleeve is covered by Medicare, but, there is the 4 month wait before surgery. She said they require a 4 month, physician supervised, diet. Then of course all the other testing required. Medicare is my primary and United Health is secondary for ins. I am willing to wait the 4 months to get the sleeve. Although, they told me that what I got would depend on what the doctor recommended for my specific case. With all the research I have done, I really would prefer the sleeve, and, seeing how many people, in my age group, have gotten the sleeve, I'm hoping that is what he says too.

I'm torn about the psych. screening. On one hand, I understand they don't want to have someone who may be a closet anorexic, or have other possible eating disorders. On the other hand, I would think that the bariatric surgeon would be experienced enough to spot someone like that. I was told that I would have to have this screening also. It's no problem, at my age, I know I'm nuts LOL. No, really, I'm not worried, just curious mostly as to the reasons behind it. Hang in there Bubbletoes ( love that name)

Congrats!! You should be proud!

Well fudge! Seminar tonight has been canceled. Seems there are surgery conflicts or something. On the bright side, when they called to say it had been canceled, they said that the Doc is going to wave the copay for my consultation on May 1. That is very nice of them. So I wait a little longer, sigh.

I got my new patient forms today. Seminar is tomorrow night. Baby steps but still steps. Don't know for sure about insurance yet, hope to find out more tomorrow night.

Lady1putt Linda, you mentioned getting free samples. How do we go about doing that? Do you have address's for different ones? Cathy

Kate, I'll be finding out about Medicare soon. I will be talking with the insurance dept here in Tucson on Tues. I'll post what I find out. I sure don't want to have to go to another state for surgery. I would think that Medicare would cover all three main surgeries, just to prevent the health problems they would have to cover otherwise. I am very thankful that my hips and knees have never given me any problems. It's all the other co-morbidity problems I have.

Cococat, Oh my, painting my toenails is something I look forward to! It's been so long since I have been able to bend over and do that. Bubbletoes, Congrats, I'm sure everything will go great! I'm just now starting the process and am hoping it doesn't take too long. Hang in there and ask for help and support whenever you need it.

Thanks! I'm pretty much decided on the sleeve, from all the research I've done and people I've talked to. I've also watched a lot of YouTube, even the actual surgeries. All very interesting. I'll need to depend on support from my daughter and friends, sadly my husband isn't very supportive. His loss. My insurance is Medicare and UHC. When I have my doctor appointment, which I need to make tomorrow, his office will file for pre-approval (I'm supposing this is how it works). I just hope I don't have to wait 6 months for the surgery. Cathy

I have to say, after reading all the success stories here, I am really encouraged about getting this surgery. The sooner the better! I have also fought weight all my life. I've probably gained and lost more than 3 of me by now. I'm 66 and I want to get off all the medications I'm on and be able to enjoy time with my beautiful granddaughters!

@@Cococat Hi, I'm 66 and just starting this journey. I got the green light from my PCP on Tues and am going to a seminar next week at the bariatric center. I read your post #142 about Medicare and want to thank you for the information. I have been wondering if they would cover the surgery. I also have several other problems, Pre-Diatebtic 2, high BP, high choles., sleep apnea, COPD. All these things move me into the morbidly obese group. I've been reading and researching all of the options. It's not an easy decision and it's not an easy out. Do you know if Medicare covers the three main different surgeries? Sleeve, By-Pass, Lap-Band. Any information would be helpful. Thanks Cathy

First step taken, went to Doctor this morning and got referral to TMC Bariatric. He is sending information through to ins for me. Fingers crossed that Ins will cover me. Hubby has agreed, reluctantly, to go to informational seminar next Tues at TMC. I keep hoping he will come around and give me more support, but if he doesn't, so be it. I have support from my kids and friends and my new friends here. Thank you!

@@SeahawksGirl Hi, I'm in Tucson. I am just starting this journey. I've been doing reading and research to decide which surgery I feel the best about. I have an appt. with my PCP tomorrow and plan on going to the next informational meeting at TMC. I just don't know if it's April 7th or 14th. I've pretty much decided the sleeve is my choice. It is my "last resort", as I have fought this battle since I was 10.

Wow, I cannot believe this was posted today! I am in your boat with you girl. I told me husband this morning about what I had been thinking and researching about bariatric surgery, HIS comment to me? "Well, I think that this would be a last resort." WTF!!!!!!!!??????? Where does he think I'm at?? I have dieted and lost and fought weight problems my entire life! We have been married for 45 years, where has he been?? Yes, this IS a last resort, MY last resort. I have to do something, NOW. Sorry for yelling, but I just got SO frustrated this morning with his comment. He has never supported me, never. All the times I've tried to lose weight, he never says a thing. In the last 2 years he has complimented me twice, two times. Ok enough ranting. Like you, I am going to have to find support elsewhere, and will. I'm 66 years old and weigh 215 and have borderline diabeties, high BP, high choles. and sleep apena. I HAVE to do something and soon because I want to see my two beautiful granddaughters grow up. I hope we both find the support we need to get us through this battle.