Alaska1980

Good morning, please understand this is the first time I have ever posted something anywhere. Also that I feel this is more of a vent than anything. I am 5’7” tall, large frame and have been obese since I was 5 months old (per my medical records). I was in WW in the 5th grade at 198lbs . My hw was 310, my goal is 150 In the fall of 2014 I went to see a dr about my back ( I have ddd, sciatica and a few more things wrong with it) but the dr told me he would not touch my back till I was under 200lbs. The dr assistant gave me the name of a pcp that might help me get control of my weight. I started seeing the pcp for my weight she was nice and seemed to understand my struggle. I talked to her about gastric bypass and she said we could try. I followed her instructions for the next 6months and talked to with a bariatric surgeon. My paperwork was submitted to Aetna but was denied because I did not lose enough weight during the 6months. I walked away angry and ashamed of myself. In the fall of 2015 I went back to the same pcp and asked for the diet pill qysima (sp?). I went from 270lbs to 207lbs in less than a yr. I was so happy I have only seen under 200lbs once, I was in military school and bulimic. When I ask to renew my prescription, my pcp told me no and I needed to learn to do it on my own. In 2016 my personal life went to s***. I was back up to 240lbs and smoking. In the fall of 2017 I went back to the same pcp and asked again to have my prescription renewed. Again she told me no and that she had managed to lose 20lbs all by herself that summer and that I just needed to learn self control and to eat less. I was angry, how dare she compare us. She is a tiny little thing to begin with already and was surprised she could find 20lbs to lose. By the time I got to the car I was crying and called my husband to complain. Let me just say this my husband is the most amazing person that have ever met. He is the reason that I never give up on myself and know that I am worth something. I had NO self esteems when we met. Around Christmas I went to see a new pcp for my back pain. He suggested the vsg and sent me to see a different bariatric surgeon than in 2014. That surgeon told me up front it will be hard to get insurance to approve it as I am a healthy fat person with only a BMI of 36. But is willing to try using my issues with my back. Well as of last Thursday I have finished Aetna Insurance-3 month (90 day) multidisciplinary diet. Now it is the waiting game as the dr office submits it, I think this is the hardest part so far. I feel that if I am denied again I will go to mexico to have the surgery. I must do something I can not live with the pain anymore. Thank you

After surgery did you did you follow up with a bariatric surgeon [emoji67]‍⚕️ or primary care doctor [emoji68]‍⚕️? If so did you have any trouble being accepted by the doctor?

Good evening, I am currently waiting to hear from the surgeon’s office to see if I have been approved. I am 37 years old, 5’7” and starting weight 234.9 (BMI 36.8) currently 228.4 (BMI 35.8). I started the 90-day Aetna multi-disciplinary program in January. The surgeon is using my back as a co-morbidity (degenerative disc disease, lumbago, SI joint tenderness, severe spondylosis, annular tears, neural foraminal narrowing, facet arthropathy, muscle spasms, sciatica and chronic pain) as I am a healthy fat person. I met with my pcp and nutritionist every month, personal trainer every 2 weeks and weight loss counselor every week. My family has been so patient with myself and my pain. This is the second time I have tried to have WLS, if I am denied again I hope to be accepted with the bariatric pal MX with Dr. Illan.

I am scheduled to see Dr Ilian on August 17th. Thank you for asking, only 3 people in my everyday life know what I am planning to do (my pcp knows, he worries but is supportive).

Thank you, I just bought my plane tickets and upgraded to fist class on the way home.

thank you for the positive feedback, I am nervous about going by myself. But I know with reading everyone’s positive comments about Dr. Illan and his team I will be well taken care of.

I have been denied once again through my insurance. I will now be going to Mexico to see Dr. Illan August 17th

Well insurance has denied me once again. I am now scheduled for surgery with Dr. Illan August 17th.

Thank you, you have answered my question and I feel sure in my choice. I have scheduled my surgery with Dr. Illan for August 17th

I talked with my primary care doctor yesterday. He is reluctant but on board, his concern was that the bariatric surgeon in our state will not accept me as a patient. The surgeon has a private practice and may not accept me as a new patient after another surgeon has done the work.

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Thank you. I hope and wish the best for you. I know even a even a day from pain makes all the difference for me. I believe that people that suffer from chronic pain and still try for a normal life are fighters.

My pcp was the one to suggest I try for the vsg but I do not think he has ever been apart of the process before. I can not type up the doctors notes but I did make sure we talked about everything that was supposed to be on the notes at every visit. Also I did type up a letter of medical necessity for him and he loved it.

I live in the middle of nowhere (100 miles to nearest town, I have to go 360 miles to see the surgeon) so I did not have any classes. I did see my pcp and nutritionist once a month, personal trainer every 2 weeks. Plus a weight loss counselor every week by video chat.

I am so glad you got approved and are doing great. I have Aetna and did the 90 day program, I hope to be approved soon.

Did you figure out about the 90 day program? I just finished mine and waiting for the doctors office to submit to Aetna.

I am 37 years old and 5’7” my BMI is 36. The only health issues I have is degenerative disc disease and sciatica. I have just finished my 90 day program for Aetna. I am currently waiting for my surgeons office to submit to insurance. I have been looking in to surgery in Mexico if I am denied.

I wish you all the best of luck if whether you are waiting for approval from insurance or getting ready for surgery. I have just finished my 90 day multi-disciplinary program for Aetna and waiting for the doctors office to submit. I know that I have only a small chance of being approved, so I wish everyone the best.