GirlShrinking

How did everything turn out ? Or does it take time for the whole process to submit? [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Hey everyone, looking to start an Instagram supporter group and share with you guys upcoming milestones, recipes, tips, support, encouragement and inspiring posts with you. If you have an Instagram feel free to follow and we’ll encourage each other to stay on track! Instagram: @MilaAlmodovar Snapchat: AlmodovarMila I don’t have a Facebook Mila

How did your surgery go? [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I’ve heard good things about them. Good luck with your approval process. Time will tell for me.. I’m not a 100% sure I’ll be approved for surgery but so far it looks like it’s in my favor. [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

They want people to jump through the hoops.. I know someone that had a similar problem (she’s in the process of getting revision to the sleeve) her doctor had to write a letter of necessity and submit documentation from the time she got it until today. There are a lot of people coming back from lap band having similar issues as yours...acid reflux and tolerance to certain foods. I hope you get a resolution... acid reflux is not fun! [emoji57] [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

So, today I had my barium swallow test and come to find out that the mild heartburn I was having is a hiatal hernia.. the dr that diagnosed me says that this is typical in patients that are 50 or older (I’m 36) of course my size doesn’t help it any CW 280.. My question is.. how does the hiatal hernia affect insurance approval? (If any) and how does that impact the surgery being done? I’ve read some mixed messages and I have been so down and sadden by the diagnoses. Trying to stay positive in hopes that maybe a little weight loss will make it go down?.. idk, but the Bariatric surgeon made it clear that he does not like to do surgery on patients that have or have had hiatal hernia. Any thoughts? [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

May I ask what insurance you have? My nutritionist said that all insurances have their own hoops to jump through. Mine requires a BMI of 45 (I’m just 5 shy of that number) if you’re under you have to have some other underlying illness associated with obesity (in my case that hernia is the only thing) Also, requires bunch of other stuff that needs to be submitted along with the diagnosis. Like 6months of diet journals, weight progress, EKG, sleep study, diabetes management, psych eval, Upper endoscopy, H-pyloric testing, blood testing.. the list seems never ending.. So far things are rolling in the positive direction.. I’m just keeping on with the program. I’ve lost 9lbs thus far following what they’ve told me to do.. I feel ready [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Thanks for the encouragement.. it’s hard but I’m giving it my all. I’ve lost 8 lbs since starting the nutritional visits. He doesn’t issues with insurance either. All looks good. I’ll keep updating this thread [emoji5] Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Thanks, Everything went well, no ulcers or cancer tumors whatever else they were looking for. He did take three biopsies to send out for H-pylori (I’m hoping it come back negative) he said if it does I’d have to do antibiotics before he can actually give a surgery date. But for now he just wants me to concentrate on diet/ healthy changes, and he’ll have the office call patients about follow up appointments. [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I have an upper endoscopy to see if in fact I have GERD. The same Bariatric surgeon is doing the endoscopy. That’s tomorrow morning... [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I thought the same. When I told him I’ve tried the ‘natural way’ not only have I been unsuccessful, I’ve put on more than what I had lost (frustrating) because it wasn’t disclosed to me that I had a thyroid condition and was suppose to start medication for it, per PCP. The only way it came it light was me calling PCP about blood work results(before) and the nurse told me someone had left a message [emoji849] (she never did) I left that office and found a new PCP now I’m just waiting for a yearly physical which is in a couple weeks. He pretty much said that he wants this to be successful and doesn’t want me to be emotionally distressed by the changes that are coming after the surgery. Some of these people shouldn’t be working in the medical field [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

So update: I never got a call from my surgeons office about the Barium swallow but had my psych Evaluation yesterday and got my clearance from him. Saying I’d be mentally ready for it.. now with that being said. I don’t have anything else major going on with me except for the hiatal hernia, history of thyroid problems, and fertility issues. The psychiatrist suggested I do it naturally. Has anyone else been told this after their psych eval? ...just wondering [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Any relationship that isn’t supportive is toxic in every sense of the word. I was in a physically, mentally, emotionally and verbally abusive relationship.. not only was I a prisoner to my own body and health but a prisoner to someone else by allowing him to making me feel low,not worthy, ugly and like I had nowhere and nobody else to go to. Slowly rebuilding myself (now 6yrs out of a abusive relationship) in a health relationship now. He is super athletic and healthy.. motivates and encourages me to keep going (I mentioned the surgery option to help me along the way) and he is supportive. I know someone mentioned that he might be jealous (I have to agree with that) you should try to encourage him to join you on your journey (even if he doesn’t need the surgery himself) and assure him you’ll still be there in the end.. maybe he fears he’ll lose you once you lose the weight? ... it’s good to vent about things but it’s also good to think things through too. I wish you nothing but good health, happiness to the fullest, support, and success! [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Welcome, and congrats on taking the first step to a better healthier and happier you! I’m in the early stages myself.. had my first support group last week and my psychiatric evaluation is this coming Tuesday. Found out last Friday I have hiatal hernia (idk how that’ll affect insurance) but staying positive! [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

This is hilarious. I’ve seen it a few times on here and ignored it..secretly it was grinding my gears 🤣 that doesn’t make you bitchy btw..makes you educated Thanks for the post.. I needed the laugh [emoji23] [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I believe it’s optional in the state of CT but because I have a history of depression I think I’m required to an evaluation and make sure of the extent of the surgery and what lies ahead (am I emotionally and mentally ready ) for the permanent life change [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I totally agree with you Veronica. I’m doing this surgery with my sister (she smokes) I don’t and she’s struggling to quit.. she’s gone from 2 1/2 packs a day to 5-7 cigs a day.. told her she’s doing well but she really needs to push harder than me to get this surgery. Nicotine levels are tested before the surgery date and if she doesn’t meet the drs accepted nicotine levels she can not get the surgery. Just gotta keep reminding her that this is for good and for life.. it’s not worth risking it all of a drag of smoke.. especially if you’ve fully quit smoking (to whom ever is wanting to smoke again/thinking about smoking) [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

What state was this surgery done in? You’re story intriguing.. would like to read the rest? ...patiently awaiting a response [emoji4][emoji848] [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I think it’s to have another diagnosis to fall back on for insurance to be approved.. for example if you have no medical issues but you’re morbidly obese you’re chances of getting approved for surgery is slim to none. [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Medicaid in CT requires 6 nutritional visits, an upper endoscopy, GERD testing , Bloodwork (fasting), PCP, Barium Swallow test, Cardiologist visit, TWO support group meetings within the six months, food tracking for six months...um I think I left stuff out but that’s what some of the stuff is required for the office I’ve been going to [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Ugh! That’s a bummer. Was it the same surgeon that did the repair?( for the hernia) and your revision to bypass.. I have been told if acid reflux and/hernia were present before surgery for VSG it’s most likely the patient will have worsen cases of acid reflux (idk about the stomach though) Now that I know I have this hernia I think the doc might push for the RNY if I go with him. How are you doing overall ? 4 yrs later are you staying on track with regular diet and exercise [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I’m thinking that’s probably why? I’ll know come Monday when they Bariatric office calls me with the results I already got that same day. Before the hernia I have never experienced acid reflux but I was diagnosed with GERD because of past complaints of acid reflux.. but it’s possible that it could be because of the possible issues after the sleeve surgery and hernia repair if done.. maybe he’ll have me repair first? And then continue on with the steps towards the sleeve? He performs his own upper endoscopy procedures and does his own GERD testing in office. it should be interesting to know what’s going to happen come Monday.. I have an endoscopy scheduled on the 3rd of April.. I’m wondering if they’ll push it sooner than later to see if the sleeve is even an option for me. Based off that is probably what will help me decide if I’m even going to another Bariatric doc [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

Yea, at first I thought I misunderstood too.. but he repeated himself and you can see everyone in the room looking around at each other.. then that really got people asking other questions like what about patients with Ulcers.. and he said he’d much rather go on a case by case basis on those (you would think it would be the same for a hernia) idk.. I went through everything the last time (different surgeon) but had to stop the process due to personal circumstances.. someone local recommended Dr Floch who does both procedures (if needed) .. Thanks [emoji120] you as well.. I’ll keep posting updates about this hiccup in my path. Staying hopeful [emoji5][emoji304] [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

That’s clever! [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila

I don’t either. Like creekimp13 said that it was honest of him.. he said that he had a bad experience with someone in the past and I guess the patient lied about the severity of it until they went under for surgery and was opened up. Of course the patient had private insurance so the patient wasn’t happy about the ‘new’ charges applied towards the procedure ( I know all insurances are different) this too makes me nervous because I’m a single mom with set income and state insurance (in CT) it’s not covered unless it’s aggravating an illness or disease. Does a hiatal hernia fall under that category? I agree with you not having an issue finding another provider. There’s a dr named Dr Floch who I’ve heard does both (I have to find the means to get to him) his office 2 hrs away from home.. but if that’s what I have to I’ll have to due somehow :/ [emoji991] Instagram: milaalmodovar [emoji317] SC: almodovarmila