Maggie1955

Just wondering if you've tried a Tens unit? I have chronic pain from lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease (13 bulging discs and 1 herniated, with moderate to severe spinal stenosis). Yes, I do take Percocet, however I only take it when my pain level reaches an 8 or above. For moderate pain (5 or 6 on the pain scale), I will use a heating pad and my iTens unit. I purchased this unit because it was important for me to have it wireless. The iTens unit is rechargeable and there is an app where you can control the unit. I love it. I also have had acupuncture in the past which really helped, but insurance companies don't want to pay for alternative medicine. I had to stop getting the acupuncture because I had to go 3 times a week at $75 a pop; I just couldn't afford it anymore.

Hello all! I am in the process of choosing a protein shake I like and will most likely go with JBN (Just Be Natural). This morning I mixed a Premier Protein shake half and half with sugar free Chai latte mix; Chai lattes are my absolute favorite! I loved this combo!!!! Anyone else try this after surgery and did you have any problems with it?

[emoji7] you look fabulous!

I can definitely see your face is thinner! Yay for you!!!! Good luck with the rest of your journey.

.....as long as it is performed as a "stand-alone" procedure.

Hello again! Evidently, I used old info regarding Medicare's stance on laparoscopic vertical sleeve surgery; Medicare actually updated the National Coverage Determination to include LVSG on 6/27/12, so it would appear that all Medicare contractors will cover the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

I would check with your dietician to see what he/she would recommend.

Maybe try PlantFusion or hemp protein?

One local medical expert (who happens to be a dietician) weighs in on the popular documentary "What the Health". You can read the story at http://www.turnto23.com/news/local-news/one-local-medical-expert-weighs-in-on-the-popular-documentary-what-the-health

Hi Retired Dude! Medicare's National coverage determination for weight loss surgery indicates they will cover open & laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, open & laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for Medicare beneficiaries who have a body-mass index ≥ 35, have at least one co-morbidity related to obesity, and have been previously unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity. These procedures are only covered when performed at facilities that are: (1) certified by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Bariatric Surgery Center (program standards and requirements in effect on February 15, 2006); or (2) certified by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence (program standards and requirements in effect on February 15, 2006). The following bariatric surgery procedures are non-covered for all Medicare beneficiaries: Open adjustable gastric banding; Open and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; and, Open and laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty. With that said, however, individual state (local) Medicare contractors MAY cover laparoscopic vertical gastric sleeve surgery. In what state do you live? I would be happy to find policies set forth by the Medicare contractor in your state. In Pennsylvania, the local Medicare contractor is Novitas Solutions and their policy, in part, indicates: Laparoscopic SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY for morbid obesity is covered under Local Coverage Determination by this contractor to include patients with the three above criteria (BMI 35 or greater, at least one comorbidity related to obesity and previous unsuccessful medical treatment for obesity) as the following: Laparoscopic SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY for a 'stand-alone' procedure (i.e., not as part of staged procedure or part of failed attempt that moves to an open procedure)

Awesome!!!! I still don't have a surgery date; if I can't get an October date, I will probably wait until January.

WOW!!! You look absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! Congratulations on your weight loss!

Hi! I also have lupus and fibromyalgia (also have RA); I, too, am hoping the surgery will give me some relief. Good luck to you!

I also have that concern. When I had my consultation with the surgeon, I specifically asked him about that because I have rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia. I used to be on NSAID's every day, but my kidney function was not good, so I went off the NSAID's. Now I only take them once in awhile and try to rely more on my tens unit (I use the iTens unit that works from a phone app - I can honestly say that it helps me deal with the pain). In any case, my surgeon said that once I was on solid food, he had no concerns with me taking an occasional NSAID; he just didn't want me taking them constantly. I can live with that.

Newbie here....currently my BMI is 36.8. I do not yet have a surgery date. I have been trying to follow my nutritionist's advice and have lost several pounds, but I am concerned that if I happen to get down below a BMI of 35, will insurance say I no longer qualify for sleeve surgery? Right now, my insurance will pay for the surgery because my BMI is above 35 and I have severe sleep apnea. I am so worried that if I drop another few pounds I won't qualify any more. Has anyone else had this issue?

Thank you all! This is a great forum.

Thank you all! This is a great forum.

You look amazing!!!!

I actually had this question too. I don't have a surgery date yet, but I am hoping for the beginning of October. The problem is that we have already paid for a Florida vacation over Thanksgiving. We are traveling by car, but depending on when I am sleeved will only be about 5 weeks out from surgery. Do you all think that would be possible? If not, I will have to put surgery off until December. [emoji53]

Hi everyone! I am 61 and do not yet have a surgery date. I am hoping for early October.

Congratulations!!!! You look fantastic! I am close to being your twinsie!!!! 5'3", currently 207, preop.

Thank you all for posting what it's like. I am just starting my journey (no surgery date yet, but hoping the beginning of October. So thankful I kept my size 14 and size 12 clothing! Akaet - I am also 5'3" currently in a size 16W at 206 pounds. My highest weight was 240. I had tried Belviq for weight loss, but it stopped working at 6 months - started at 235, got down to ONEderland (197), only to put 15 pounds back on. [emoji53] I have moderate to severe sleep apnea and I am so hoping that the sleeve surgery will help with that. I did have hypertension, but when I lost some weight my BP normalized. This is such a great forum!

ONEderland! That has to be such an awesome feeling!

Congrats!

You look absolutely fantastic!