%#LoosingIt?!&-

Surgery was 1/8/16. Down from 285 to 205 as of today. I have stalled the last few months because I haven't been tracking food like I should be!

I'll be in TJ 1/8/16 for my sleeve. Funny that the timing of my pre op diet coincides with the New Year. I feel like I'm just another person with a weight loss resolution. But I'm going to really loose!! Where is everyone else with the pre op diet? Packing? Last minute freak outs? Let's chat it out...

Sleeved on the 8th!

I know Bariatric Pal doesn't have a relationship with Dr Lopez Corvala (anymore). I'm not sure why, but based on my research I'm leaning towards surgery with him. I want to have surgery in a full fledged hospital rather than an outpatient center and like his other qualifications. I emailed with Dr Ortiz nurse and coordinator and they were evasive with their answers to my very specific questions despite their good patient reviews. My final piece is to find some people that have experience to help me dedice if I should go with him... Anyone out there have experience with Corvala?? Thanks

I'm pre op and on antidepressant and anxiety meds. I am dependent on my meds (hope to one day be able to not be but weight control is my focus now) and don't want to loose their effectiveness. I've been comfortable being fat and less depressed than a little smaller and mega anxious. Hoping to be skinny and non anxious post op! Is it normal for sleevers to need more of their meds or less?? I didn't even think of this before your post!

What about adding either an unflavored protein powder or even a chocolate to regular coffee? If think you'd get the best of both worlds and not have to get a whole extra type of protein powder...

There was a partnership with Dr Lopez Corvala. Why did that end? I want to have surgery in a full fledged hospital rather than an outpatient center. Also Dr Corvala has extensive relationships internationally with bariatric research groups and sits on the international board having conducted research in addition to his hands on experience. I sound like a sales person for him practically, but I've just done my research and feel he's the best option for me. I'd really like to book through and have the assistance of Bariatric pal though! Pea it look like the relationship will start again?? Thanks

My BCBS of CT pulls up 'price estimators for Band and Bypass but nothing's under Verticle Sleeve or any other names I could think to search it. I will call to confirm its covered tomorrow because that's the surgery option I've researched and found fits me best. BUT I'm now freaking out that maybe my insurance only covers some types of surgery and not Sleeve. Is that something anyone has ever seen happen? My surgeon apt is in 2 weeks but I'm gin research mode now.

I'm so sorry! Right there with you... Message me if you want to comisorate ???? everyone was so confident that 'most overweight people have hernias and don't even know it' that I was so sure I had one. It's kind of ironic bc my indigestion and heartburn is getting worse every day!

I've kind of sunk into a depression. I was so sure I had a hernia and am sitting here with reflux as I type, so still super disappointed I don't and that option to lower cost is gone. My options now look like either Mexico or self pay in the U.S. I'm not really comfortable with MX but $5000 vs $12000 is a big difference. I just don't know what to do. I could swing the $5000 or less but with kids, house, car, student loans - I'm having a hard time with the price tag. I know my co morbidities (bp, prior joint surgery) will literally take years off my life but I still can't convince myself I'm worth taking the time and money to focus on myself and do this. ???? I don't know what to do I'm so happy it's working out for you all though! What an amazing thing ????

Where can we find a copy of the "specifications" document you mention? I'd like to confirm what the "Term*" means when you visit the Novamari site.

I still would like some more info on Dr A and going through Bariatric Pal. Where do I even start?

Following!

@davidlopez I looked at the FB group for Dr A and can't find the details on any specials you mentioned...

Egd today - no hernia. I'm in shock. I have all the symptoms and an obviously overweight so I was really banking on this being my answer. I'm going to eat my feelings and cry. Plus insult to injury, I have a horrible headache from the drugs.

Eek! Super excited for you ladies!! @@hilaryglynxo Did you ever have an initial consult or will your trip for surgery be the first time meeting the Dr?

I feel like I need an Org chart to keep all the people straight at the Nicholson Clinic - Sylvia, Lisa... and who does what! Have any of you dealt with Abbey? She's my contact right now. I am waiting on a call from a nurse to review my chart since I just sent in my initial intake paperwork last week. Abbey did say that I should keep my phone on me because the nurse will call in between patients when she has time, so it would be hard to get a hold of her if I miss the call. I have my EGD scheduled for Monday. Once I get confirmation about my hernia, I'll be calling Sylvia and Lisa asap! I have to say that you all are being way more patient that I would be, haha. I will be persistent with the sugar

Question on the haitial hernias and sleeves. I would be traveling for sleeve surgery out of state but within the U.S. (would be cash pay bc insurance excludes WLS). I am praying for hernia to be confirmed so I could have that repaired and just pay a smaller portion out of pocket for the sleeve and have insurance pay for hernia repair. Here's the question-- How do I go about getting hernia confirmed? Since I'm out of state and won't see the sleeve Dr until I know if I am a candidate because I won't be able to afford it without the hernia. I just made an apt with a local Gastrointestinal Dr. Would they look at me like I'm a freak and refuse to do an endo if I tell them the truth that 'I just need hernia confirmed before wls'? Or what do I say?

@@sleevefaith83 I see you are traveling for surgery at Nicholson and am hoping to as well. I was told I'd have to go (fly in)for an initial consult, go home and get testing done then go back a second time for surgery. Is that how it worked for you? I was hoping I could do a phone or Skype consult then my pcp could just send all my charts and results of any tests needed so I didn't have to make 2 trips.

@@shriner37 how much does the Blis run?

Can you tell me about your Blis supplemental insurance for self pay patients? Also, do you perform Hiatal hernia correction during sleeve surgery? (Billing insurance for hernia repair and patient self pay for the sleeve?)

I have good insurance but there's a specific exclusion for weight-loss surgery. I've read about people having a hernia repair covered by insurance and paying the difference out-of-pocket to have weight-loss surgery done at the same time making the out-of-pocket costs significantly lower. *no it's not insurance fraud since there is a legitimate medical procedure that insurance is approving surgery for My question is how do I go about finding a doctor that's willing to do that? How do I get a doctor to even test for a hernia in the first place? Just call and ask?? I'm in Colorado and have only seen mention of this practice in Texas.

Anyone have experience with Blis Insurance for Self-pay in Colorado? Only dr I've found that has the Blis insurance option for complications is Dr Brown. I have insurance but it excludes all weight-loss surgeries And likely any complications that arise from them, so The BL I asked insurance is attractive to me in case something were to go wrong. Also does anyone have any experience with vsg self pay price being reduced due to Insurance covering a hernia surgery?

I'm considering self-pay since my insurance has an exclusion on W LS . My main concern is postop complications and how/if they 'd be covered by insurance. I know that every plan differs, but what's the best way to find out if I'd be 100% on my own if there are complications or if my plan might cover say an ER visit for dehydration, antibiotics for an infection or surgery that becomes life-saving? Is there any tripe of supplemental insurance that I could purchase that might cover complications ? I'd love to hear any stories or information that anyone might have.