tennessee1031

I went to the doctor today. He said all my incisions are healing wonderfully. He said the burning sensation and pain is nerve endings. I'm hoping this will pass soon. He also gave me oxycodone to help with the pain. It seems to help a little better than loratab. Of course I'm only taking it when I absolutley have to:)

Tiffy, You are simply beautiful! Inside and out!

Now that all my other surgery aches and pains are subsiding, I think I have pulled something or may have a incisional hernia. Not trying to diagnose myself but from what I've read, all my symptoms are pointing that direction. I have an appointment with my surgeon at 2 cst today. I have to hold my stomach up with my arms. If I allow any gravitational pull at all, the pain is breathtaking. It feels like a burning stab. The pain isn't on an incision site but between 2 of them.... Anyone had a hernia AFTER WLS?

It really ticks me off that insurance companies are not covering this procedure. They want a compelling reason why their "covered" procedures aren't an option for you? How's this for compelling: Gastric Bypass: I don't want to have my insides rerouted and I'd like to continue to absorb all the nutrients I get from the little bit of food I do eat. For Lapband: I don't want to have a foriegn piece of plastic in my body that has a great chance of erroding into my stomach. Also, I'm not fond of having a permenant "keyhole" for fills. I was sleeved 4 days ago, self pay here in TN by a "Center of Excellence" doc for 12k all inclusive. My insurance approved me for Lapband or GBP. I would pay out of pocket anyday than go with their policy!

Oh that gives me hope MB20mom. It's not one certain incision, rather it's in an area beside one. I'm praying this will go away ASAP!

Of course we have to remove all metal jewelry. If you have a nose ring, the hole WILL close very quickly if you take it out. My doc and anesthesiologist allowed me to use my plastic retainer. So just a trivial point I thought I'd share:)

No fever and the area isn't warm to the touch. If I'm sitting still, no pain. If I try to walk or turn over it feels like I'm either being ripped apart or burned with a torch. I will call my doc ASAP but of course you all have been my greatest resource! Thank you all.

Jenn, This is GREAT news! Things like that are the reason why we chose health over obesity. Sending my prayers your way that you are able to remain off these meds. Please keep us posted!

ooooohhhh! Thanks Thin!!!!

I was finally sleeved on 2/4 by the doctor I wanted to do my surgery in the 1st place! (Dr. Wayne Westmoreland in Murfreesboro, TN). The total cost was 12k AND done by a center of excellence doctor. He was and is most wonderful. He is a sweet Christian man. Knowing this, I asked him to pray with me preop and postop. I had such a calming feeling.

I'm very excited, a little worried, some depressed, much happy... I don't know. I've used food for comfort for so long and that's how I got here. I've used eating for all my emotions: happy, sad, whatever. My emotions were usually pizza flavored. Soon, I'll be hitting the gym for emotion control. I'm so looking forward to my new life. This is the tool I've waited for!

Of course I'm looking forward to summer and getting sleeved 2/4. I know it differs for everyone. I'm 5'3 at 260. Thanks!!

Holy smoke! yall have me wayyy too excited now:)))

THANKS! LOL. You got it Sweetie. Prayer said:) I HATE cardio myself. I don't mind weight lifting though. I just think it's er... I dunno; easier?

So, here's the scoop. As you saw, my docs office called all excited that another Tricare patient was surprisingly approved for VSG. I got all excited. Pre-authorization submited; pre-authorization DENIED. I call Tricare and get a lady that said it's not covered- she wasn't very helpful. I hang up and call back and get someone very helpful. I give her the CPT code. She tells me: "yes, it's covered. It just says referral required". Okay, so I proceed to ask why my pre-autho was denied. She looks into her "system" and she said: "humm, in this system it says gov't no pay." Apparently, they have 2 systems. She proceeds to say that the system that is usually most current says :referral req. The other: NO pay. It get's escalated to her manager for clarification. The manager said it was an error on their part and that it depended on which computer system the representative looked at as to what your answer would be. Really? Wow! If you have Tricare. Submit for pre-authorization first. Doesn't hurt to try. They DID approve a lady right before me. Still denied. But here's what I think: I think the currently DON'T cover it, but they soon will since there is current proposed regulation to update WLS options from Tricare to the 21st century. Here's some good news (Maybe).... I did a little research (gotta love google) and I understand that when Tricare began covering the LapBand some time ago, they allowed reimbursement claims (and came through) for those that were previously denied the authorization.... Not sure how far they went back.... Maybe they'll do the same for VSG. Here nor there. I'm back to paying out of pocket. My surgery is scheduled for Feb. 4th. I'm sooo excited.

I have Prime in the South region. I haven't been able to find anything on the net and search pretty much everyday, but I did find this: Justia Regulation Tracker TRICARE Program; Morbid Obesity , - Department of Defense - 55792?55794 [E9?26042]

Oh my goodness!! My credit union came through!! Bought my ticket, leaving Friday for Sat. surgery!!! I know only yall know how I feel. I have cried, laughed screamed and done it all. *I'll save the cartwheel for after the weightloss. lol. I am SOOO happy! I am SO thankful for everyone here! A place to come to talk to those who know and have that special commonality with. I'm gonna cry again now. Thank you.

Ok- I haven't had the surgery.... yet. I have a new date of Feb 4 w/ Dr. Westmooreland, close to my hometown where my mom lives. It was 3k more but I wasn't crazy about leaving my 7mth old baby behind and it was closer to home of course. I hope this time flys by!!

Oh Jilly!! I'm soooo happy for you!!!!!!!!!!

20 days after my surgery, I have to attend a week long business meeting in AZ with people I only have to see a few times a year. I don't want to announce to the world I've had VSG. The problem is they cater the whole thing with a big dinner reception on one of the nights with steak fish or chicken as entree choices. How do I get around this? On the other days I'm sure there will be like yougert available for breakfast and softer foods, but steak, fish or chicken? Maybe I could say I don't feel well??? Somebody, any suggestions??

OHHHH I can't wait. Dr. Aceves in Mexicali!! HERE I COME!!!! SOOOO HAPPPYYYY