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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? -
Every insurance company has different requirements. The best advice I can give you is to call your insurance company, find out what exactly they require and what the total amount is covered. If they absolutely do not cover bariatric surgery, then your only options are to pay for it out of pocket or switch health insurances to one who does cover it.
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Hello, I'm Matthew from Mid Michigan Medical Travel Agency LLC, specializing in coordinating trips abroad for affordable medical procedures. This is a new company and I am interested to hear if anyone from the Mid Michigan area has any experiences they would like to share with bariatric procedures as medical tourists. Poking around a bit, it looks like Mexico is the most common destination.
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I had my surgery done in Mexico. I found the Weight Loss Surgical Center in Wichita, KS who will do these fills. You have a choice to do a contract which I did. The details of the contract are Unlimited fills for 1 year. 1 bariatric fill, 2 unfills all for only $2,000. I had to share this news! :biggrin:
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i have really grown to love this site. there are about 5 people that i really like and take interest in their journey. i check the blogs every day and comment and some times they comment back. its nice. thanks to so many of you really giving me great advise i hope to leave the seminar tomorrow with great confidence that i will be approved. you all have given me encouragement so that i want to keep trying and your successes make me want it for myself, your advise leads me in the direction that i need to go and i just wanted to tell you all thank you for everything. keep your fingers crossed for me. my Dr is a butt head and wont approve it but lets hope the bariatric specialist will.
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Let’s see last Christmas vs today
Frustr8 replied to NYJenn's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Last Christmas I was. trying desperately to finish up prerequirements for bariatric surgery at Facility #1, only had my sleep apnea one to go. When I had gotten to my cardiologist, because of the strong family trait toward cardiovascular problems I had a more involved assesment done than average. And I found the one cardiac anomaly I possessed was not enough to bar me from surgery. I was pleased enough with her care of me that I am retaining her as my permanent cardiologist , although I cut ties with the others affiliated with that hospital system. So the majority of my specialists are either here in Mount Vernon or at Ohio State University in Columbus. I had just joined Bariatric Pal, although I was a still-apprehensive newbee, everybody here was kind and answered my questions. And I was heavier by nearly a hundred pounds then but had started trying to lose. And I was going to my appointments, dotting I and crossing it's as I went, trying my best to make them like me, I still was trying to be perfect. Christmas 2018, I finally received my RnY in September, although my recovery has been and still is bumpy, I will never regret something I still regard as a Wonderful Miracle in my life, I had. sought it for over 3 years, fought an uphill battle against age discrimination from many angles, and now I have a PICC LINE in my upper left arm, receiving TPN 14 HOURS EVERY night, could have never forecast that twist, but I believe it to be helping my ulcers to heal, when the inner swelling of my pouch subsides perhaps the stricture will better also. So at least into January I will retain this added bit but I remain very hopeful that Drs Needleman and Noria are correct, I am repairable and will be okay when all said and done. -
Vitamin D, Vitamin D, Vitamin D. However sometimes depression is a chemical imbalance not just situationally caused. I suggest contacting the psychologist that performed his pre-op psychological testing/counseling or find a therapist that had experience with Bariatric patients. Your insurance company's Bariatric division may be able to refer you.
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I'm posting this because I had trouble finding it on this site and saw that several other people were looking for something similar too. This has to be on your PCP's letterhead. Bring this with you to your appointment with your PCP for medical clearance (I even filled mine out myself!) [Date] Re: [patient’s name] Date of Birth: To whom it may concern: [Patient’s name] has been a patient of mine for [insert number] years. Patient is [insert height] tall and weighs [insert weight] pounds for a calculated BMI of [insert number]. This patient has been excessively overweight for the last [insert number of years] and will benefit from Bariatric surgery. The patient is medically cleared for surgery. An EKG [also insert names of other tests included such as laboratory tests, stress test, echocardiogram, sleep study and/or PFT] is provided with this letter. In addition to morbid obesity, the patient is suffering from the following co-morbid conditions: [insert conditions, e.g. exertional dyspnea, urinary incontinence, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, shortness of breath, etc]. The patient has tried many methods of weight loss including appetite suppressants for [iF appetite suppressants were tried - insert length of time], with [insert number of pounds lost and whether they were regained or not], physician-administered diet plans for [insert length of time] and [insert number of pounds lost and whether they were regained or not], Weight Watchers, etc. The patient is limited due to his/her co-morbidities in his/her ability to exercise but has tried [list all attempts and any successes or regaining of weight]. Family medical history is positive for [insert medical conditions, e.g. obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, etc]. I am supportive of this patient’s desire to proceed with Bariatric surgery. The patient has a good understanding of the risks involved and reasonable expectations and understands the importance of being compliant with all post-surgical requirements. I will also continue to support this patient’s primary care needs should they proceed with surgical intervention. I am respectfully requesting consideration for Bariatric surgery. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Sincerely, [signature and typed name of PCP]
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MEXICO SLEEVERS?
SleevelessinSeattle replied to rollargirl's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am going to Tijuana and have heard the Marriott there is very nice.But i think going to Puerto Vallarta or Cancun would provide a more interesting experience for your friend. I also learned that a lot of the bariatric doctors practice medicine in more than one place. Tijuana is just convenient and MiHospital is located only 3 blocks from the border. I think that's why you hear so much about surgery in that area. -
" Hello, He's Listening "
Dooter commented on DIAMOND45's blog entry in DIAMOND45's SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me! -
My pre-op diet is Bariatric Advantage protein powder shakes for 2 weeks. I can mix the powder with water, milk, or soy milk, and add fruit or greek yogurt if I wish. I can have 4-5 shakes per day, which works out to be about 1000-1200 calories per day. I can also have sugar-free clear liquids as I wish. From what I have read on the forums, the diet varies surgeon to surgeon. Some people do the shakes for 1 week, others, get to eat food but have to follow an Atkins diet.
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I have gotten Medicare to reconsider accepting the Sleeve Gastrectomy. you need to view the psoting. They are soliciting public comments. http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-details.aspx?NCAld+=258&ver=2&NcaName=Bariatric+Surgery+for+the+treatment+of+Morbid+Obesity+(2nd+Recon)&bc=ACAAAAAAAAAA Please visit this site and post any information in favor. Thanks. Marcia name='likasulema' timestamp='1318798760' post='219248'] i have medicare as my primary coverage, but empire blue cross as my secondary. MEDICARE does NOT cover the sleeve yet because its relatively new (few years or something. ) Medicare DOES cover the lapband and gastric bypass. (but i want the sleeve) My surgery for the sleeve is 12/7 - medicare will send the "official" denial for the sleeve after hospital sends bill, empire needs to see the "official" denial first, and then empire looks at my qualifications in having the sleeve. I have all the qual.. (BMI, diabetes, high chlolesteral, and high blood pressure, and sleep apnea (aren't I lucky???!!!) The insurance companies know that Medicare doesn't cover the sleeve, but they need the official denial after the surgery. Then the other insurance company can proceed. I know this sounds weird, its the beurocracy (msp) but thats how it was explained to me. Empire does cover the sleeve - so they told me after all the paperwork is sent in I will be 99% positive I will be approved. They can't officially guarantee it for obvious reasons. But they did tell me unofficially of course that everything looks fine. so the bottom line is MEDICARE doesn't cover the sleeve, no if ands or butts, but your secondary might cover it, like my empire blue cross. hope i've helped - without confusing you too much - write back w/any more questions )
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Hello all, my name is Gloria and I just had my first consult for Lap Band surgery yesterday! I've been researching (and saving) for this procedure for as long as I could remember. A little bit about me, I'm 28 single with no children. I'm in school full time attempting to obtain a nursing degree. I also work full time as a receptionist. I've been over weight my entire adult life and I only have myself to blame. I tried many fad diets with no success and I tried the "hard way" diet and exercise when I was in my early 20's and did have minor results only to gain it all back (and then some) after going through a job loss and depression. At present day, I'm at the heaviest I've EVER been (5'0 250lbs) and can't seem to lose more than 10 pounds and keep it off! I haven't had a full panel blood work done in over 5 years so I don't know if I have any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism. My blood pressure fluctuates but usually is borderline. I recently became insured through Aetna but unfortunately my policy excludes all bariatric surgery, just my luck! Apparently the company I work for didn't purchase the plan but the center I went to found a small loophole, sort of; Hiatal hernia. I'm now scheduled for an EGD on October 1st and per True Results, if they find I have a hiatal hernia, the total cost of the surgery gets discounted about $4000! I know it sounds horrible but I really hope I have one! I had an EKG, PFT, physical exam and lab work done yesterday and aside from the upcoming egd I was told I could have surgery as soon as the 4th. It all seems to be moving so fast, I'm VERY excited but a bit apprehensive. I've never been put under and I'll have that first experience with the egd. I'm also curious about other pre-op clearances I was told I needed by one doctors office weren't brought up yesterday, mainly a psych evaluation and sleep apnea study. Are these not needed for "cash patients"? When it comes time for surgery, how many days should I request off from work, just a receptionist here. I'll have to keep in mind I'm in school too and will have to make arrangements there too because of stairs. Any advice from those who've recently had it done. Pain felt when you wake up on a scale from 1-10? I appreciate ANY feedback, comments, questions or concerns. Anyone else from Houston, please add me or keep in touch!
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Sleeved on Jun 20/2013...lost & sad.
Damaris67 replied to karenoconnortx's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Boiled eggs are a waste of calories and sleeve space. Not enough protein .Research before you put anything in your mouth. I live on greek yogurt 14-15 gr of protein. Tilapia, chicken, red meat. Cottage cheese is high in protein. Special K PROTEIN PLUS cereal 1/2 cup with 1/2 cup Carbmaster milk. I don't have space for veggies or bananas in my sleeve. No protein? I won't eat it. Water? Yes, but not as much cause I forget to drink it. I take my Bariatric advantage vitamins and 1 iron pill every day. I am not doing ANY excersise but to walk from my cubicle to the mail room a few times per day. I've lost 35 lbs in 8 weeks. Ps: I take Wellbutrin. What is depression again? You gotta take something. See a doctor. Get serotonin levels up baby. Check your thyroid levels. You'll feel great. -
Did anyone have problems with the Vitamins you order and get delivered to your door and only pay your copay? Today was my first day with them and the iorn is making me burp a lot. . Wondering if I should try buying in the store instead of getting shipped. Suggestions? THANK YOU!
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Bariatric Vitamins
Jessica _ Stephens replied to Jessica _ Stephens's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
When did everyone start taking the vitamins? I didn't like the Bariatric Vitamins either so I bought all my vitamins separately -
Hi , So my surgery date is 30.August . Tomorrow I'm starting with my two week pre op diet - and hopefully it won't be too much of a struggle I'm from Sarajevo , Bosnia and Herzegovina Here it is not usual or common to do bariatric surgeries and I have no support system or community - hopefully I'll find support here [emoji4] I have been in this process for two years and it finally get to the end of it . Sent from my SM-J500FN using BariatricPal mobile app
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Dr. Kirshenbaum does it in Colorado for $9,950.00. That includes everything but travel expenses. Check him out at Lap Band Surgery in Denver Colorado | Lap Band Surgeon in Denver | Gastric Band Surgery Denver | Bariatric Surgery .:biggrin:
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How to Get a Gastric Sleeve with Low BMI - Where to Go, How to Convince Doctors I Need It
KatFight replied to Salazar's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Salazar. You clearly have made attempts at weight loss and aren't where you'd prefer to be. I can relate with you there. You may know that a nutritional plan is followed as part of the Bariatric (autocorrect keeps capitalizing) process. Many patients who could not lose weight with other attempts do lose on this plan. It's going to sound super-obvious...for me, the goal was to get 80-90 grams of protein, 64 oz. or more fluid, 1/2 c. whole grain, 1/2 c. veg/fruit (veg preferable to fruit), and no sugar. Even when I've followed high protein/low carb, my protein goals were not THAT high (and I didn't know that they "should" be). I did lose some weight - in 2 1/2 months I lost 16 pounds. Perhaps it's worth trying a Bariatric food plan? Like you, my husband is 6'1" but he weighs 256 lbs. He is currently trying to lose weight as well. His goal: 210 lbs. Everyone has different goals but his happens to be the lower end of your current weight. Doctors have said no to you for a reason. There's nothing you can do to "convince" most doctors to do surgery on you. You simply are not obese. I applaud your thought regarding not gaining so that a doctor may be compelled to perform your surgery. Many doctors, even most, are not likely to perform your surgery since you have no co-morbities and will still have a relatively low BMI. A few of the responses you rec'd gave suggestions of where to go to seek surgery. Wherever your next step leads, I wish you great success. [emoji458] -
Dr. Robert Cooper - Sleeve???
lizv123 replied to iamchrisstone's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
He does the sleeve. His Bariatric team is wonderful and his skills are great with the DaVinci robot. However he is not a nice person. Very judgmental post op and downright rude. He is the reason I had a leak. He has had me in tears in his office. Just yesterday I had my one year check up and he made my cry. Accused me of using my fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis as an excuse to not lose weight and even went as far as to say "your fibro is bad because you're still fat, we've had no other patients complain." If you'd like further info feel free to message me. -
Questions to Ask Before Surgery?
NovaLuna replied to SpartanMaker's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Literally the only thing that I wish they would have told me is that there is a 3% chance that you can develop a wheat allergy or celiac disease with any surgery that has malabsorption. I developed a wheat allergy and it completely blindsided me. I have crappy luck so had I known I would have expected it. Still would have done the surgery, but I would have expected it (not joking about the crappy luck. I had an MVD in 2017 and there is only a 1% chance of getting meningitis and guess what? I got meningitis. Yeah, my luck is crap). Also the hilarity of me having to call the bariatric surgeon because I was having chronic constipation and their confusion because they'd never had a patient with my surgery have that issue as it's generally the opposite (diarrhea) made my day. I laughed so much when the doctor had trouble processing that (I absorb iron really, really, really well so the fact that I was taking 3 iron multi's is what caused that issue. I now take 1 iron multi and 2 non-iron multi's and my iron level is the high side of normal... yeah). Also, keep in mind that everyone loses at their own pace and try not to compare yourself to others. You'll get there. It may be slower than someone else that started at the same time, but you could actually lose more than them in the end. You could also be a chronic staller (that was me. I've never met anyone who stalled as much as me) and that is incredibly frustrating (oh, the stress and frustration!), but it happens. And yes, even if you're not a chronic staller, stalls DO happen and are 100% normal (generally can last up to 3 weeks. Though some can last longer as I had a few that lasted in the 40 day range. No joke.). -
I just hit the jackpot!
HDubSleevery replied to HDubSleevery's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Now to be fair, I have found pros and cons about this stuff. I have found sites that state: "Hydrolyzed gelatin or collagen. These products do not contain all essential amino acids and are not recommended for weight loss surgery patients." I have also found sites that state that these products are recommended for bariatric surgery patients. I KNOW that my doctor would really like me to have whey isolate protein powder but right now that just isn't doable. Perhaps I have developed an allergy to whey? I know that when I drink even a few sips of whey protein, I have hot flashes followed by cold sweat. I have a lot more phlegm in my throat and my mouth goes immediately dry for about 20 minutes. I thought maybe it was dumping but this happens in whey products/mix-ins that have no lactose and no sugars. I am not saying that this would be my first choice, but I am going to try using it as an alternative to getting almost no protein at all until I get to a stage where I can get protein from food.
