ttdish

Rebekah- you added me on Facebook as a friend, but not to the August sleevers group. I sent you a PM but didn't hear back, so I thought I'd try posting here my name is Trisha Scott

Can someone clarify this image? The caption says regular stomach is on the left, and sleeved stomach is on the right... The right and left photos both have some sort of bypass indicated in the image, and I guess the middle image would be the normal stomach... I don't see a sleeved stomach in any of the pics.. The left pic is similar, but has the small intestine bypassed.. What's going on here?

Was surprised to see this as a sub-group, so I thought I'd pop in and hear from some like minded folks.. This thread had me cracking up.. I have to wonder, am I the only atheist who uses some of these terms despite not believing in God? Like, "thank god it's not so hot today." Or "oh my god, this movie is so funny." I even say God bless you when someone sneezes. It's just automatic, like please or thank you. Anyways, sometime I catch myself saying these things and I find it funny. Anyone else?

August 31st!! Live in MN, but getting sleeved in FL. Rebekah, I sent you a friend request (Trisha Scott). Could you add me to the August FB group please?

I'm scheduled for August 31st... Is there a Facebook group for August sleevers?

I started with nasal pillows? And I hated them. Switched to a mask that covered just my nose, and it was so much more comfortable!

Has anyone used Dr. Shillingford, specifically as a self pay patient? I have my initial phone consult with him on Wednesday, and don't know what to expect. I'm traveling out of state because the cost is too high in my state for self pay. Interested in any experience anyone has with him and his office, and how your pre-op process went as a self pay patient. Thanks!

I didn't ask, but I don't think ANY surgeon will cover those costs as part of their all inclusive package. (Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. I've done a ly of research, but personal experience trumps that.) Unless you get additional insurance to cover complications, You are on your own. Now, if there is some sort of negligence on their part, they will probably cover follow up costs to avoid getting sued.. I know the risks, and I know just because he hasn't had a patient with a leak doesn't mean he never will, but it's still encouraging to hear. I also know that complications are more common in high risk patients, which I am not. I just have to keep telling myself the risks of me staying obese are higher than the risks of the surgery. I think as self pay patients, our options are to find a surgeon who offers BLIS insurance, or find a surgeon we trust, and accept the risks. It stinks, but that's just the way it is.

That is my biggest concern, and I'm losing sleep at night over it. I'm scheduled to be sleeved by Dr. shillingford on 8/31. He told me he has never had a leak, and you have to drink some special liquid to check for leaks before discharge. That made me feel a little better. He will do follow-up via phone, and I know I can call or email his office any time with questions. I don't have the luxury of going to FL a month before and after to do all the pre- and post-op there. That is awesome for you! I just have to keep reminding myself that complication rates are pretty low for this surgery. I will follow the surgeons directions exactly, and hope for the best! The alternative is no surgery at all, and I know I can't do this on my own. Good luck!

Definitely look into an APAP (the automatic machines everyone is suggesting). No need to adjust the pressure.

How strange.. I have it in an email from Nancy in their office. I asked if the price was different if we paid by check vs. credit card, and she said they would take off $500. I wonder if it's just because I asked! Maybe they won't offer it if someone doesn't ask for it. I'm also traveling from Minnesota, so doing all the pre-op testing on my own. Maybe they was a factor too, since those tests aren't going to be included for me.

I'm scheduled for 8/31!! They told me if we pay by cash or check it's $10k even, $10,500 if we use a credit card. Do you live in the area? I'm traveling out of state...

Questions for anyone on CPAP for sleep apnea, and is post-op.. 1. Were you able to stop using your CPAP 2. How long/how much weight until you stopped? 3. Did you have another sleep study to make sure you could stop using it? Thanks!

I'm scheduled with Dr. Shillingford on 8/31.. 10k all inclusive, out of Boca Raton Florida. I'm traveling from Minnesota for the procedure.

Hi all, I'm self pay and planning to travel out of state to save on costs. I'm having my initial phone consult with my surgeon (Dr. Shillingford, Boca Raton, FL) on Wednesday, and I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for questions I should be asking the surgeon. I have a list of my own, but am open to things I may have missed. I appreciate the input!

Will you check in after you've given it a try? I'm not even scheduled yet for surgery, but always looking for good post-op tips!

Well, I did what I should have done prior to posting my question, and called my insurance company. My out-of-network deductible for this procedure is $20k. Dang

Are all of you local to the clinic doing your HH repair and WLS? My insurance excludes WLS, but I know I have a hiatal hernia. I live in Minnesota, and I've only just learned about the HH repair option for self pay, but have only seen this offered in Texas. Do you think it could still save me money doing the self pay/HH repair route if I am out of network?