ColdFred

Hi, I had a DS in May with Dr. Ng and his group at Rex Bariatrics. I can't say enough good things about everyone in the whole practice. They have a whole approach to the surgery..exercise, nutrition, surgery and lots of support. They do a fabulous job of incorporating all aspects of the process into their support groups and group sessions. I have great confidence in recommending them!

My DS is Monday morning here in Raleigh. I'd love to hear more about your experience. I'm having a hard time getting all the protein in. I still haven't found the right protein powder. Getting the water in is easy but wish I liked the protein drinks. Anything, you wished you had at the hospital?

Congrats. on getting approval. I got my approval last week and spoke at length to one of the insurance bariatric specialists. She told be that my BMI was borderline but comorbidities pushed my approval over the edge. I'm scheduled for surgery May 9th. I'm ready to go through it. I do want to hear from people about the aftermath of surgery. The pluses and minuses.

I just got my surgery date..5/9 and I'm also having the Switch. I'm eager to hear how it's going for you a couple of weeks after surgery. Any big surprises, how are you getting all the protein in, etc.

Hi, My insurance BCBS Anthem also required a six month wait period during which time I had to do all the tests you mentioned. My packet has now finally been completed and sent to the insurance company as of 3 weeks ago. I was told by my insurance specialist not to expect to hear from Anthem for 4-6 weeks. (very disappointing). Others I've met in the support groups who have BCBS NC don't have to wait for so long and do hear back faster. I liked having the 6 months to prepare myself and my family for the surgery and all the changes but now I'm ready to have the surgery. I hope you mentioned your poor experience with the cardiologist with the Bariatric md. Maybe he should rethink using that Cardiologist. Good luck and hang in there.

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. It sounds like you are well prepared. I look forward to hearing how surgery goes. I'll be thinking about you!

Love My Body, I haven't gotten my surgery date yet as I'm waiting on insurance approval but like you, I will be getting a DS. My surgeon feels with my comorbidities (Diabetes, NASH) that even with a BMI of 35 that this is the best option for me. Like you, I have fears about the changes in my body, how others will regard my choice of WLS etc. I dread the question "Did you try diet and exercise?". I am eager to have the surgery esp. as all my pre-op testing and counseling is completed. I pray my love for sweets is abated as that is my weakness. You expressed your feelings so well and I felt you were inside my head reading my thoughts. But remember it's important to surround yourself with the ones who lift you up and support you and the others will fade away. Be strong and proud of the choice you've made. As my Father in Law told me, "you have made a courageous choice that won't be easy but will change your life for the better" Good Luck. NHardy (coldfred) NHardy

Hi, I have BCBS of NC. I hope to have my surgery date set for mid-March. My BMI is 36 but I have other pre-morbidity conditions...Diabetes, NASH, sleep apnea . I qualified for surgery and my MD wants me to go with the Duo-switch bypass. I thought since I'm starting at 196 lbs. he would agree with a sleeve. But he likes the switch to get rid of my diabetes and NASH. I think my other conditions is why I qualified for the surgery. So hopefully your insurance will do the same for you. Even though my weight isn't as high as other patients, I pray this surgery will increase my lifespan and rid myself of 2 diseases.