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Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
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Am I a candidate for adjustable lap band surgery?
BansterNYC replied to Jaqui's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
1. Are you a candidate? if your BMI is over 40, then yes. If your BMI is over 35 and you have co-mobitities (sleap apnea, diabetes, etc). then yes you are a candidate. However, discuss with a surgeon your options. I live in Manhattan and my surgeon is listed below. 2. Do fills hurt? No more than having blood drawn. Ya know, being fat and uncomfortable hurts way more. **Your best next step is to make a consultation appointment with a bariatric surgeon who has done several lap-band surgeries. Good luck in your journey. -
Found out today that my insurance "renews" at the 1st of June and I will not meet my deductible to have my insurance covered 100%. I have my insurance through my parents so I went to their house to talk to them about it. My parents are being so super supportive my mom has been paying the out of pocket expenses for the psych eval and the nutritionist visit. They told me come hell or high water they will figure out a way to get my surgery done.... From my parents that means they are going to tap into savings to pay the $2,500 or they both are going to start going to the doctors for every ailment that they haven't taken care of yet..... Which means time off work and still money out of their pocketsI am so extremely thankful but I feel like its too much, that I shouldn't allow this big of a "gift"... I'm so upset right now I'm in tears... :'(
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Beginning my journey and hoping some of you old pros can help me! I'm a female, 5'8, appx. 275, BMI of 43. I went to a bariatric surgery seminar offered by a local bariatric surgery group. After completing piles of paperwork and setting up an intial consultation for surgery, I found out my insurance denied my request for surgery. I have Premera Blue Cross. My policy has an exlusion that allows no claims for any overweight/obesity surgeries, etc. I was told there are no exceptions to the exlusions and I cannot file an appeal. There is nowhere further to go with my insurance (that I know of). I know of the self-pay option but I simply don't have the money for that. I can't pay it in full nor can I take on another $300ish monthly payment. Here is where I need your help! Do you guys know of any grants, opportunities, etc. to help with these types of surgeries? I am at rock bottom and was holding on to the wish of surgery as my biggest hope. Thanks in advance for the suggestions, stories, knowledge! Stephanie
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Waiting is so hard!
losing_the_band replied to losing_the_band's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Had my consultation, and I'm glad I decided to find another surgeon. I didn't meet the surgeon this time, but I really liked his staff. I didn't feel like the place was a bariatrics mill, either, and they took my concerns about my band seriously. They did a complete unfill, and I've got an appointment for an upper GI series with barium. Hopefully, we'll be able to document a slip so I can get a revision. -
Reading your story just now has brought tears to my eyes. I have had severe obstructive sleep apnea for around 10 years now, plus fibromyalgia. My number one reason I am having this surgery is to hopefully be rid of this horrendous disease. My quality of life has deteriorated each year due to exhaustion and not taking it as serious as I should have. Wearing the awful mask while being an insomniac is a feat in itself. Please take this seriously, I know you will. I had a gastric band done in 1986 and was unsuccessful. Had it removed in 2005 by the doctor who is going to now do my sleeve. Thinking I could never have bariatric surgery again, I went to him in January 2013 with a painful large hernia. It was just like we picked up from 8 years ago. I had never even heard of a gastric sleeve until he told me before he could address the hernia I had to lose 50 plus pounds. So here I am finishing my 2nd of the 3 month insurance requirements and can't wait. By the way, when I went to him in 2005 I weighed 203 (1986 was 250), now 8 years later I weigh 208. Can't seem to jump over this barrier. We can and will overcome this weight and sleep apnea thing we deserve it. My thoughts and prayers are with you, sweetie!
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Vitamins and Protein
Inner Surfer Girl replied to mizzzzzzT's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I use: Drugstore.com (you can get vitamins, GNC, quest, etc. from them) Amazon Bariatric Choice My surgeon's office Walmart/sam's club Costco Direct from Quest Direct from Syntrax BariatricPal store -
How did you decide on a surgeon?
kmmschaefer posted a topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
How did you decide on a surgeon in Mexico? I went to the site to verify certifications and a lot of doctors I see reviews on and whose website says they are board certified are not even on the list of Mexican board certified surgeons. Only one of my top 3 were actually board certified in bariatric surgery. There are 88 bariatric board certified surgeons in Mexico and I only recognized maybe 4 names on that list from reading reviews and watching youtube. So I was curious what made you choose the surgeon you chose? I am still undecided but have strong contender. -
Hi I need a fill doctor in Tennessee quick
crabcake replied to bkwalling's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
On the The American Society of Bariatric Physicians website, you can locate docs by state. It's http://www.asbp.org/ Good luck! -
While I have not yet had my bariatric surgery, I have had three open abdominal procedures for other reasons. All three went through the same area, from just above my belly button to just below my belt line (below my muffin top) in my upper groin. The first one was not bad, since my skin was just skin and not scar tissue like it is now. The first one was in 1995 and they sewed it internally and stapled the outside closed. The second and the third were last year, in May 2017 and in August 2017. The one in May was mostly healed when the surgeon had to open me back up again through the same place. The one from August 2017 took over four months to heal. As for pain, the first one hurt the most of the three (but it was still tolerable with pain medicine) because it was on virgin skin. The second and third did not really hurt much because scar tissue usually does not have as many nerve endings in it. You will likely have what is called a "wound vac" installed over the incision dressing after they close you in the operating room. This is a dressing covered with sponge material and adhesive-backed plastic wrap with a tube going from the dressing to the wound vac. It looks like Saran wrap, sort of, but it is a bit thicker. What this device does is keep a constant negative pressure on the wound to draw out any fluid and blood, which if left to pool within the wound could cause an infection. The wound vac does not hurt at all and really speeds up the healing process. When I had my surgery back in 1995, wound vacs were not widely used and I did not have one. Both surgeries last year used them. The wound nurses will change the dressings every couple of days and depending on how long you stay in the hospital, you may be sent home with a portable version of the wound vac. My surgery in August last year did just that. I had to carry the wound vac with me everywhere I went, but it was small and rechargeable and not very intrusive. After a while, I forgot it was even there. I had to come to the hospital wound care clinic every three days to get my dressings changed and I had the portable vac for two months. I was in the hospital for over three weeks so overall, I had the wound vac for almost three months. It sounds much worse than it is, believe me. I did not have the choice for any my surgeries either.
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Dr. Seth Kipnis - Excellent Lapband Surgeon
lisw55 posted a topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Dr. Kipnis, I am honored to make the first entry to your forum. For those seeking Lapband surgery in Burlington or Camden counties I would like to suggest that Dr. Kipnis is an excellent surgeon. He requires participation in the New Beginning Program that actually prepares you for the surgery and life afterwards. In the beginning I did not want to participate in the program because of the cost, but mostly because of the 2 hour drive round trip each time I went for an appointment or for the weekly classes. The drive was a major stressor for me during the process. I'd like to recommend and thank Chris from New Beginnings, as well as Nancy and Deborah from Dr. Kipnis' staff. These individuals went out of their way to help me every step of the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. My surgery was performed on 14 April 09, at the Marlton hospital. Overall, the whole process from beginning to end went well excluding the effects of the anesthesia (Dilaudin). Unfortunately, due to circumstance beyond my control, I received a short notice transfer to Japan within days of the surgery so was unable to follow-up with Dr. Kipnis. However, I am currently waiting for a referral from the Tricare Referral Office at the base hospital to a well known Japanese bariatric surgeon in Tokyo. I have continued to loose 1-2 pounds each week and have healed wonderfully. I was well prepared for the surgery and life after due to the New Beginnings program and the skills of Dr. Seth Kipnis. Dr. Kipnis, thank you so much and I will be sure to send you a photo of me as I reach the summit of Mount Fuji! Leona S. Rader -
Hi Crigney21! I'm also going through the process with Kaiser in Portland. I am currently on step 4. Once my PCP approved me I received an email from the Bariatric department that said I was approved for the program. So far, through step 3, it seems as though unless there is an issue with my labs, the doctor doesn't feel I'm ready, etc. then I am going to have it. Let me know if you want to chat more! I know I was fishing so hard to find someone else who was going through it at Kaiser in Portland because each Kaiser is so different.
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This happened to me. I changed my vitamin and split the dose half am&pm, it got better fast.Seems lots of people have this problem with bariatric advantage chewables.
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I had a similar call from my insurance company. They called many times so I thought it had something to do with my surgery. I returned the call. The nurse said, they would do follow up calls to see how I was doing after any hospital stay. I thought to myself....that's what my hospital and doctors nurses do. She continue to as if I had time to answer a few questions for her. She said it would only take about 20 minutes....that's more than a few questions. I was making supper so I couldn't stay on the phone. She called back a few days later. I didn't answer so she left a message. I then got a letter in the mail about it. I go to a monthly support group that my doctor's CBN and dietician hold. Just got a cookbook that was made just for bariatric patients. The meals are simple and look and sound delicious. Plus, you don't have to run to the store for a million different ingredients. I can't wait until I get off the blended foods so I can start cooking these. Your family can also eat them.
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Able to Eat Almost Anything
Djmohr replied to Kathy L's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I too have never had dumping and can literally eat anything I want. At first my bariatric team though I had not pushed the boundaries yet but I can assure you I have and although some things like ice cream make my yummy feel heavy and uncomfortable, I don't get sick. Here is the thing, your new stomach controls how much you can fit into it. You control what and how often you put something into it. This is why building good eating habits is critical to your success. Just because I can eat anything I want, does not mean that should. This is simply a tool to help you manage your hunger. You have to get to the point where you truly recognize real hunger and a whole new feeling of full. Full now does not mean stuffed to the point where you are uncomfortable. I used to do that all the time. Full now means satisfied and comfortable. This is exactly why having this surgery is very hard work. You have to manage your food, Water and activity every single minute of the day. If you do that, the rewards are incredible. Better health, massive weight loss and more energy than you can imagine. I consider myself very lucky to be able to eat what I want without getting sick. Good luck to you guys! -
Hi everyone. I am brand new here, as in I joined maybe 20 minutes ago and this is my first post here. I haven't made a firm decision about surgery, but am definitely leaning that way. I just signed up yesterday to attend an information seminar at Atlanta Bariatric Center at Emory Johns Creek in a few weeks. I've already done a lot of research, and am so excited by the possibility so I can't wait to read here and see everyone's insights.
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Prep medically supervised diet
DLCoggin replied to wolfievonsnapandbite's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
This is the first time I've heard of that kind of problem with a PCP. But like everyone else, all doctors are not created equally. It isn't uncommon for a PCP to be quite ignorant about bariatric surgery. Did she give a reason for her discomfort? -
St vincent's has a bariatric center in Carmel which is a little closer to you then Indianapolis And also where I hope to get my surgery done. Changing Bodies. Changing Lives. Ive heard from people that they really are a great place to have surgery done especially if your a really big person like I am. They have the bigger beds/gowns etc.
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What protein shake do you recommned?
ItsTheSleeve replied to Ellie4me's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Sampled all those and every other variety available with whey isolate protein. I found the Bariatric Fusion to be the most pallatable. I did find a few of the nector ones to be okay...no fruit flavored ones. My surgeons office actually carries it but it can also be ordered online at bariatricfusion.com. -
Over the last two weeks I've started to develop rapid onset hypoglycaemic episodes. These are very different from dumping and seem to happen about 20minutes into a meal and I become drowsy and confused. Fortunately the situation resolves with a piece of chocolate or glucose tablet but means I'm having to eat more chocolate than I'd like and that's screwing up my weight loss which had finally got back on track. I've read up on it and it's a rare complication - http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/print/endocrine-today/%7B1dc23215-49dc-4ad7-90da-346ba16663d6%7D/post-gastric-bypass-hypoglycemia-a-serious-complication-of-bariatric-surgery It seems it's a known late complication of RNY and I'm getting it investigated to rule out insulinoma but wondered if anyone else had experience of it and had any tips on managing it?
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HELP! What factors are most important in making a decision about where to go?
Evilah posted a topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I live near two surgery centers where lap band is done. One is a center of excellence for bariatric surgery, and the other does exclusively lap band, is newer, but closer to home. HELP! What factors are most important to my decision? Proximity to home for fills, support, and nutrition? -
Any Minnesota people out there?
katiemac85 replied to dizzylee's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am from the Minneapolis area. I will be having my surgery done at Park Nicollet. Thus far, I highly recommend their program. They are very efficient and on top of things. The do RNY, VSG and bands and they can give you good information on all three. Here is their website: http://www.parknicollet.com/bariatrics/. You start the program by going to an info session which is given by a nurse clinician and a surgeon. Most of the nurses their have had bariatric surgery so they know what you are going through. Hopefully that helps you a little bit. -
Hey Team BP, Macronutrients are the theme for the next two weeks. Have been working on a lot: Wednesday's class—the counselor actually had me speak about Bariatric Pal, and the support network/informational opportunities that I've see so far. Maybe some of my class members will join in the future! Kitchen overhaul happened on Friday night; tossed everything that was even remotely unhealthy, and totally cleaned out the cupboards. All alcohol was also dumped down the drain. I'm not a big drinker by any means, but people gift lots of liquor and wine to me...it is something I would love to move away from. The six month program has a VERY specific list of foods recommended for consumption, so I bought my groceries online for delivery with Von's. Didn't want to have any bright ideas in the store and add non-recommended foods to my cart. Made my hearty vegan crockpot chili, and meal prepped through Tuesday—I'm a lily when it comes to food, so my leftovers have to be relatively fresh. I can't prep for more than 3 days at a time. This morning double fueled because I just got back from an awesome hike, and it was incredibly smart...burned off everything I consumed and then some. (2) GF everything bagel with avocado, uncured turkey bacon, whipped cream cheese; 1/4c. cottage cheese with fresh blueberries. The trail I discovered today is a little gem! They have signs everywhere that talk about the benefits of exercise hidden around, little reading nooks, playgrounds, AND it's on a lake. This week, my goal is to climb all over the playground bars and such. Misfit had their Shine activity trackers on sale for only $39.99, so I purchased one. It syncs with My Fitness Pal, and doesn't need to be recharged so I can wear it 24/7 for six months. I don't carry the phone with me everywhere, so really needed a solution for food to activity ratios. Onward! ❤️ —FGS Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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Gastric Sleeve Surgery Denied!
SleeveDreamer replied to EnjoyingWhoIAmBecoming's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have Anthem Blue Cross and they have a BMI of 35 and mine was 32 so they would not even look at it. My issue is that 60% of my weight is fat. My doctor says they get a number down and they won't budge from it. They don't care about the individual and other issues they may have. He said they get incentive bonuses for reaching a particular amount for denials. So I am paying for this myself (luckily I have good credit). I heard that after January 1st alot of companies were no longer going to cover alot of bariatric surgery because they feel as though it has become a fad. What is our world coming to? -
check this link http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/309765-questions-i-need-answers-too/ they are listing some recipes...there are others on this website if you search for recipes... also a great source is The World According to Eggface...she has some great recipes for bariatric members!
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Lapband - Questions Any Suggestions Would Be Awesome
Cindysmom (Ilene) replied to phxcwgrl2002's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
1. How many times do you have to get a fill? FOR ME IT WAS ABOUT 5 2. Does anyone get side effects like Nausea etc? FOR ME NO 3. How long does the approval take? DEPENDS ON YOUR INSURANCE. I WAS SELF PAY 4. How long is the procedure itself? I WENT IN ABOUT 10 AND I WAS GOING HOME BY 2. SURGERY TAKES ABOUT 40 MIN 5. Is this outpatient procedure? Or in patient? MOSTLY OUT PATIENT 6. Do you have to prove you have sleep disorder? IF YOU HAVE ONE YOUR DOC HAS IT IN THE FILES 7. Do most insurances approve the operation? MOST? SOME YES e operation is done - do you have follow a strict diet? Like shakes? if so what kind? YOU HAVE TO EAT SLOW, CHEW YOUR food. STOP ALL SODA. GET RID OF BREAD AND ALL WHITE FLOUR ITEMS. SAY BYE BYE TO YOUR Cookies, CAKES, PIES. JUNK JUNK JUNK... YOU H AVE TO DRINK ABOUT 6-8 GLASSES A DAY. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF Protein PER DAY..I WATCH MY CARBS. YOU DO NOT DRINK WHEN U EAT. THE RECOMEND THAT YOU EXERCISE AND WALK. I DO 2 SHAKES A DAY. DOES YOUR INSURANCE OFFER BARIATRIC COVERAGE?
