Jeannine

This is from the Medicare National Coverage Policy for Bariatric Surgery Nationally Covered Indications Open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP), open and laparoscopic Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch (BPD/DS), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) are covered 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). A list of approved facilities and their approval dates are listed and maintained on the CMS Coverage Web site at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/coverage.asp, and published in the Federal Register. Hope this helps jeannine

I pull the nurse card when I notice BAD technique... there is no excuse. Just think of all the other patients who are experienceing poor care and do not even know it.

My doctor recommended it for me because I have hemorrhoids and since I am eating less and have smaller bulk, It could create a problem for me. Of course I still make certain I get as much fiber in my diet as I can.

Hi! That would be me! I live in the Chicago suburbs (Naperville/Aurora area). There are several members in our stake who are bandsters. Our RS president's sister in Utah just had hers done at Altaview hospital. THere are two of us in my ward.

My best friend has the same problem. She was banded eight months ahead of me. Several of our joint friends only talk to her about weight loss. She likes to visit with me because we don't talk bands at all unless we are going to our support group together. She says she's got more going on in her life than her band! Some of our friends are truly in awe of her weight loss and mean well, but they are the ones having the problem relating to her weight change. In the meantime, she has gotten really good at re-directing the conversations.

Hi! I too woke up with not one, but 2 hernias! The surgeon could not believe that I had been going along like this with no symptoms! My recovery has been extremely un-remarkable. I was banded on June 30th and the only thing the extra surgeries has impeeded me on is that I am not allowed to do any upper body strenght training or exercising yet until after my next visit to the surgeon. Hang in there. I feel very good and even better than I did before surgery. jeannine

I agree with stinaNYC, I got a fill on a Thursday, and woke up 3 days later with awesome restriction! I thought I had wasted my time, but was really surprised!

I like using ISOPURE. One 20oz bottle has 0 carbs and 40 grams of protein. Some of the flavors are really great. YOu can dilute it in water if you find it too strong. It does have 160 calories for the entire bottle, but if you are having trouble getting your total protein in and your liquid requirements, it could kill two birds with one stone.

They actually found two hernias when they ent in to do my band surgery. Only my direct boss knows about what actually happened as I had to get an approved FEMLA leave of abscence. She has kept it very confidential. She even arranged for "work at home days" for me to get my pre-op testing and Dr. visits without dipping into my PTO days. Everyone else just thinks I had the hernias repaired.

I am very happy to join the group. I am doing very well and am pleased to have chosen the Wish team to help me with my journey! I am having (so far) a great post operative period, and I think I owe this to the pre-surgical preparation and teaching. Good Luck to Everyone!

Dianne, I was banded at the Wish Center on Friday and I LOVE the Drs and staff. I sent you an e-mail as well. jeannine