mandilou

w00t! Thanks for all the input, folks! I think I am going to stick with my Brooks for now.. they haven't let me down yet, why fix it if it ain't broke, 'ya know?

I get this too! I think it's a relatively common occurance. I avoid it by switching up my foot location a bit... even if it's just inching it forward or back a little. I also wiggle my toes a bit if I feel the tingling start. I also switch up my workout by "peddaling" backwards for about five minutes at a time. I find that when my toes start going numb, when I start going backwards, it helps alleviate the numbness a little.

My guess would be that you're denial might be based on your BMI? Maybe they're worried you'd end up below 35? Best wishes on your 6 month journey! :scared2: I'm halfway done and really excited! It is frustrating to have to wait 6 months, but I've found it's given me time to adapt good habits and prepare emotionally for the major changes I'm heading towards.

Thought I would update this in case anyone else had the same question.. Spoke to the WLS nurse today at my clinic. She said that if my BMI doesn’t fall below 35 (it won’t), then I don’t have to worry about it. Also, she said they submit my ORIGINAL weight to insurance. So she said go ahead and lose weight, workout and keep up with the Meridia. She said it will just help me develop healthy habits. She’s glad I’m doing the food log and said having all that will really show I’m serious about the surgery and that I will stand a better chance of being successful with it.

For my psych eval, I have to go in one morning and take a really long multiple-choice test called an MMPI. It takes around two hours, maybe? Maybe less. Then I have to have a follow-up appointment and talk with the doctor who will be analyzing my test results. He said he wants to talk about my mindset about the surgery, whether or not it will be a success for me, and make sure I'm in a good place and prepared for the difficulties, etc. He sounded like he'll be pretty thorough. But I suppose that will help me in the long run. Assuming he gives his thumbs up! If not, well, I get the impression that he could make or break this opportunity. I'm kinda nervous.

Okay, you're right. :yikes: I'm in Minny-SOH-ta. "so what". :wink: Seriously though... it's about -20 here, and it's just rediculous. I am not from here originally, and I don't get how people can still function in this weather.

cathy- thanks for your input and congrats on the approval! :wink: Fortunately (or unfortunately?) ending up below 40 BMI isn't really going to be a problem. I have about 200lbs to lose, so I'm pretty confident I won't fall below that mark. Plus I do have comorbidities. I'm more concerned that when they see that I "can" lose 30 pounds, they'll say "oh, well she doesn't need this then", even though I really do for lifetime maintenance and success.

Congrats and best wishes! Hoping for April banding, possibly May here. Keep us updated!

IF my approval comes quickly, I could be an April Bunny Bandster. Otherwise, I'm looking at May. Here's to hoping!

I'm actually in Bloomington (which is why I'm going through Fairview - appointments are really close to my house!). You're fortunate that you don't have to go through the hoops that are required by stricter insurance companies. I'm on gmail talk/chat occasionally, and it'd be great to chat online sometime, perhaps grab coffee sometime in the future.

Hey Ale78- You are a little further in your journey than I am - I have three more appointments to meet the 6 month requirement yet. Where are you getting your surgery? I'm going through Fairview Southdale and Dr. Benn. I'm hoping for surgery sometime in May. :sneaky: Good luck to you!

Great info about weight loss surgery success, new stats, and getting diabetes 2 covered as a co-morbidity. Update on Weight-Loss Surgery: 3 Current Trends - Becker's ASC Review

Has anyone tried this? I've seen it on infomercials (which I normally assume are lies), and it looks tempting. If you haven't seen it, its like Spanx, but more for your whole body... I can't seem to find a photo of it online. If you have used it, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Oh! And that one by Dr. Ray from Dr. 90210. He makes one too. Opinions? Gripes? :biggrin:

I work in the health industry, and this article came across my desk today... it's an opportunity for you, the patient, speak up regarding their proposal to NOT cover surgery for patients whose BMI's are under 35 who are dealing with diabetes. Their argument is that it won't make a dramatic difference in a person's health. CMS Proposes Covering Bariatric Surgery to Treat Diabetes Written by Stephanie Wasek Monday, 17 November 2008 After an extensive evidence review, CMS has announced a proposal to revise its existing coverage policy for bariatric surgery to include type 2 diabetes as one of the co-morbidities CMS would consider in determining whether bariatric surgery would be covered for a Medicare beneficiary who is morbidly obese (an individual with a BMI of at least 35 is considered morbidly obese). CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery when it is used to treat type 2 diabetes in a beneficiary with a BMI below 35. In 2006, CMS expanded coverage of bariatric surgery for Medicare beneficiaries who receive one of four procedures — gastric bypass, open and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, and open and laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch — in bariatric centers of excellence, as certified by the American College of Surgeons or the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, and as reported on the Medicare coverage Web site. To be considered for coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must have a BMI of 35 or higher and must have exhibited a serious health condition in addition to morbid obesity, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, or osteoarthritis. Type 2 Diabetes would join the list of serious health conditions. However, after "a careful review of the medical evidence available on bariatric surgery," CMS is also proposing to not cover bariatric surgery for patients who do not meet the definition of morbid obesity, even if they do have type 2 diabetes. "While recent medical reports claimed that bariatric surgery may be helpful for these patients, CMS did not find convincing medical evidence that bariatric surgery improved health outcomes for non-morbidly obese individuals," says the agency. CMS is seeking comments from the public about this evidence and its implications for coverage, and about which groups of patients should be covered for this surgery. Public comments may be submitted directly to CMS's Coverage Web site for 30 days from the Nov. 17 posting of the proposed decision memorandum. CMS will issue a final decision memorandum within 90 days of the proposed decision. Read the proposed decision memorandum and submit comments at the CMS Coverage Web site.

Thanks to BCBS-IL being completely backwards, I will have to drop out of the program. I started the program with a local hospital, and have been going to my six month supervised diet appointments. Well, I got a bill for over $200 yesterday for ONE appointment. When I called the insurance company to ask why I was billed for an office visit, they claimed that they do NOT cover nutritional education unless I have diabetes. So... let me get this straight... THEY require a six month supervised diet, but THEY won't cover it? What the hell? They will cover diabetes, but NOT morbid obesity... which is ironic, really. I suppose in six months when I DO have diabetes, they'll help me out. And so, since I cannot afford over $200 a visit to get my supervised diet, I am going to have to drop out of the program. Apparently, my doctor says not ALL BCBS-IL patients have had this issue, so perhaps it's just my particular employers agreement. But boy am I steemed. I seriously have so little hope now.

Well, the hospital where I was planning on getting my surgery, as well as the other hospitals in the area, have an all-inclusive program. So you HAVE to see their nutritionists and stuff so that they have all the information. I'm going to start researching smaller clinics that offer the surgery, and perhaps seeing my GP once a month will be okay (cheaper still than WW, since I have a copay) for a pre-req fulfillment, yet I'll still have a surgeon to work with. I'll be researching my options, you better believe it. My rant was more based on the idea that insurance companies are always complaining about how their premiums are going up BECAUSE people are fatter/sicker/etc. yet they aren't doing anything to help with PREVENTATIVE maintenance. It just doesn't make any flipping sense. Thanks for the support and suggestions... I will take them all into account and see what I can afford!

Thanks to BCBS-IL being completely backwards, I will have to drop out of the program. I started the program with a local hospital, and have been going to my six month supervised diet appointments. Well, I got a bill for over $200 yesterday for ONE appointment. When I called the insurance company to ask why I was billed for an office visit, they claimed that they do NOT cover nutritional education unless I have diabetes. So... let me get this straight... THEY require a six month supervised diet, but THEY won't cover it? What the hell? They will cover diabetes, but NOT morbid obesity... which is ironic, really. I suppose in six months when I DO have diabetes, they'll help me out. And so, since I cannot afford over $200 a visit to get my supervised diet, I am going to have to drop out of the program. Apparently, my doctor says not ALL BCBS-IL patients have had this issue, so perhaps it's just my particular employers agreement. But boy am I steemed. I seriously have so little hope now. :wink2:

Hi ladies and gents.. I called my insurance yesterday to get some info about their requirements, and they want me going to my doctor/nutritionist/dietician MORE than once a month to show "committment and ability to follow-up". So I want to make SURE that my docs are getting as much info to put in my chart as possible. Having said that, I'm looking for a reliable, web-based tracking method for my workouts/weight loss/nutrition info. I can't afford Body Bug, so any OTHER options would be much appreciated. I've seen them mentioned around these boards here and there, but I couldn't remember their names to search for them. Thanks!! :smile: -Mandi

woo hoo! Just got back from the gym.. did 20 minutes on the elliptical, then lots of leg work. Phew! I'm beat. Time to shower and hit the hay... just wanted to report in. :sad_smile: I love this thread, it's motivating!

With the elliptical, you can get a pretty good cardio workout in, if you interval train, pedal backwards, etc. And if you have no time for the gym, you can always do the calisthenic options... push-ups, supermans, lunges/squats, planks. Good luck getting your lb's off!

thanks babygrl... I grew up in Dearborn (where I see you had your surgery), and I bought my last pair of Brooks from a place downriver in Southgate. Jachut- Thanks for the tip... I did find a specialty store near my house, so I thought I'd try that first. I'm not REALLY running much yet, but I will keep the podiatrist in mind for when I get a little more "competitive" (if ever). I mostly just using them for the treadmill right now. These were great ideas, thank you all! Now I just need to set aside the paycheck money for the new kicks!

these are great ideas... thanks all! I will definitely do that. I'm a little embarassed to into a running shop being my size, but better to find the right shoe and deal with the amused looks, right?

For me, music is a huge motivator. I can't get a good workout in without it! I'm joining a gym this weekend, and I'm looking to put together a good mix, and I'd love your ideas. Any genre, any song... what gets you moving?

New Edition!? YESSSSS... one of the ORIGINAL boy bands! aahahaha There are some great tunes in here... I need to go mp3 shopping tonight!