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Do call back and ask for a supervisor. Ask them to send you the specific section of the policy that they are relying on to come to that conclusion. Also, ask your doc's team if they will appeal it. When the doc appeals it, he should ask to speak with another bariatric surgeon to do the review. Generally, if they cover RNY they should cover VSG. The only procedure, right now, I'm aware of that policies that cover bariatrics are avoiding are the balloon. Also, ask that they send the denial to you citing the specific language. Best of luck.

What variety will you be having? in the long run, you'll have,our friendship no matter what. So welcome, tell us more about you. And don't be. scared, I had a very bumpy road to my surgery, but you,know what! I'll never be sad I did it. I am 72, red-headed, pretty spunky, still it beats death all hollow and I feel I dodged that mortal bullet. I had an RnY on September 5th, 7AM at the Ohio State University Hospital-Wexner Medical Center in Columbus Ohio. . My surgeon was Bradley J Needleman MD, chief of Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Weight Loss, full professor in the Medical College, the Top Dog in a wonderful,kennel of supporting doctors. And I cannot help but sing the praises of them all. I had a rough bumpy road getting my surgery and it still is not Total smooth sailing⛵I developed a Stomal Stricture and 5 evil post-surgery ulcers which are being difficult to resolve, but they are resolvable. My surgeon , my endoscopist who is his junior partner and myself are a team and we will beat this yet. Am I sorry I didn't have a VSG? Nope, I already had history of GERD, gastroenterologist had already discovered 1 baby ulcer whom I named Hector while on average PPI, so swiched to what he called the Ferrari,of PPI,Dexilant. Why would I want an surgery that would worsen my GERD? Why would I want to throw away the vast majority of my nautral stomach to do it? And although I now am functioning with a reduced in size, a turkey egg in truth, I could be rejoined back together back together, worse case scenario. Oh a stricture is not fun, won't tell you it is, but still is far better than dieing on an operating clinic table at the Cleveland Clinic , my 1st cousin JuneEllen , GERD can lead to Barretts Esophagitis which can and often does lead to Esophageal Cancer. So another mortal bullet my surgery helped me dodge, been 2 years, she was 68, would have been 70 the 18th of last month, when I turned 70 we joked about it, made plans about how we would celebrate her 70th, God I miss my JuneBug! Nobody should have to die like that! And thanks to my RnY I won't. Sad someone has to die to help secure your own life. Strong history of diabetes on my Daddy's side, weaker on Mama's but both died diabetic. 💓disease,yes that also, my son , my older boy, died at 31 of an undiagnosed asending aortic aneurysm, so that was another loaded gun aimed at me. He did not have full Marfans but a Marfanoid-syndrome, possibly. True Marfans is a dominate entity, neither my late husband or I had the disease, but in a rare sequence of events, he and I both. had subtle flaws that added up to this conclusion. I have an aortic root dilatation, one of the facets I passed on to my son, I have a very good cardiologist who's keeping an eye on my cardiac health. I married a man with hereditary kidney disease in his family tree, my 2 remaining children get checked often, but my family tree is not straight trunked there either. One first cousin almost lost a kidney because of a kinked kiney artery, his daughter had also problems, so did another first cousin in California's son. Both my parents had 3 kidneys, as do I. And all my kidneys are functioning right now but have an urologist watching mine. I tease him and tell him. he's" on retainer" but he is very good. It is nice to be able to joke about such things. My PCP gets peeved with me Cholesterol-low side of normal Thyroid -a little low but doesn't need replacement yet BP- low normal Heat rate nice and smooth Lungs-asthma, some COPD, and sleep apnea. My dad had it bad, look up Pickwickian syndrome, this is the type of apnea surgery doesn't cure, if so, Uncle Snuffly and I have been a couple for over a year, have him on as I text . I had bad nightmares before him, maybe when I stopped breathing? My Blood Sugar is always on the low side of normal. And the esteemed Frederick Charles Carroll MD puts his hands on his hips. " I am less than 50, my test values are worse than yours. It isn't right, I tell you, it isn't right! YOU SHOULD BE BROKEN DOWN BY NOW!" But like the Energized Bunny🐰(snicker snicker) I just keep going and going! Last time, in August, right before surgery, I smiled sweetly and said "Sorry-y about YOUR LUCK!" So if you ever want to talk more, I hang out,on Bariatric Pal a lot. Almost always find me near my cellphone, use it instead of computer, most,of the time works well.

I'm day 2 post op and actually feeling pretty good I had my surgery on the 8th with Dr Lopez at ALO Bariatric in Tijuana. This place was amazing! I feel like I received more nurturing care than I would have in a busy hospital in the states. I'm sore but the gas pain have not been as bad as a expected. I couldn't find the gas x strips so just got the chewables. I'm already learning the signs from my stomach if I take to large of a sip. Very thankful I'm able to drink and dip broth with no issues. I've read that many were not able to drink normal for awhile. My big take away so far from this experience is no one is the same. You can easily get freaked out by reading other's experiences. No way to tell what yours will be until you have the surgery. Hope the rest of the April Sleevers and everyone else are going great! Last night here in Tijuana. I can't wait to be home tomorrow:)

Hi, I'm just at the beginning of all this. I live in VA and this Dr Elariny who operates out of Inova, I believe, belongs to a bariatric group. Has any one heard of him ? I'm going to a meeting next week at the Inova Fairfax hospital Any input would be appreciated. My BMI is only 33 but I have back problems because of a bad car accident my legs are numb, I have a plate in my neck and my neck makes it worse. That is the reason I gained all the weight to begin with, no exercise and antidepressants. Sharon

I was banded on 5/21/07 by Dr. Amir Moazzez, who works out of Inova Fair Oaks. The Fair Oaks hospital is a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence. I'm sorry that I don't know Dr. Elariny, but wanted to let you know about my very positive experience at Fair Oaks.

I agree with Inner Surfer Girl here. She should reach out to her NUT to see if she can find a diet that would help her lost more. I find that eating more protein helps. I'm super sorry that your wife has to deal with this. When I started my program I was 342.7 pounds. Before my first meeting with the surgery I lost 15 pounds. He was very happy with that and told me that I didn't need to meet a weight requirement. He did tell me that the only time he makes a person lose a lot of weight is if they have a super high BMI. The larger you are the more weight they require for you to lose. He told me that at the most it's 10% of your body weight. Your wife is so close. I would maybe try going through another Bariatric program. Without knowing all of your wife's stats I can't tell you if the surgeon is just being a jerk about it. It's a disease. He should want to help. Wishing you all the best!

I don’t think leaks are a common issue with people that have had multiple bariatric surgeries. Instead, it sounds like it may be an issue with your surgeon’s practice. You may want to investigate further. I had revision surgery in July 2018 and have had 5 abdominal surgeries in my lifetime. My surgeon, who is one of the preeminent bariatric/GI surgeons in the U.S., did not tell me I was at increased risk for leaks. I have suffered no complications post-op.

Hello All! My name is Kimberly. I am 24 yrs young, married with no children, and currently a pre-Nursing student. I am 5'7, 354lbs with a BMI of 55.4. I started the lapband journey just over a year ago. I have Humana EPO, and they have been terrific. To qualify I had to have: Medical records with recorded weights for the past two years, (one a year was sufficient), Letter of Medical Necessity from my PCP, and 6 consecutive months of nutrition/exercise advise from my PCP (each month I went to the doc, she typed in something along the lines of "advised Kimberly she needed to lose weight, follow low-carb high Protein diet and exercsie 3x per week..yadda yadda yadda). I turned all of that into my insurance and received an approval less than a week later! (This was after my father, who is the primary insurance holder, forgot to renew me on his insurance last January..thus having to wait another 6 months until his open enrollment, then another 3 months for my insurance to become effective again, so this prolonged everything by 9 months :-/) But alls well that ends well, and now I am anxiously awaiting my surgery date. I am having it January 25th with Dr.Rehnke at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital in St.Pete, FL. I start the Optifast on January 11th, and really am NOT looking forward to it. What helps me is the fact that my mother had the surgery with the same doctor a few years ago, so she has a bunch of tricks that she has passed on to me. One of which is to buy a BUNCH of different flavored extracts, like banana, Coconut, Almond etc. to add to the shakes. I'm hoping that will help with the variety. I guess the main things I'm nervous about are: 1.) I have bad acid reflux when I don't eat. Will I have this while on optifast? 2.) Anesthesia. I've never been under before, so I'm frightened of what my reaction will be. 3.) Just generally nervous about something unbeknownst happening to delay or prevent the surgery such as bad preop testing, complications in surgery, and various of other possible scenarios that have to come to mind. I want this so bad, I feel like I've been dreaming of it for a very long time, and now that my dream is being realized I'm afraid I will wake up! I look forward to continuing to post as I experience this new journey in my life and I look forward to reading all of your stories as well! Happy New Year!

I just got back from traffic court and the impoundment lot. I had to pay $335 to get my car back. I just got to work and it's 3:40pm! I accidentally let my registration expire October 31st. I don't ever remember seeing a renewal notice but really it's my own fault for not being on top of it. Anyway, I got pulled over for going 78mph on I95 in the left lane, and got a speeding ticket, then the cop found my registration was expired and he called PPA and they towed my car away! I had the cop drive me to work, where all my co-workers came out with video cameras and regular cameras and took pics of me in the back of the cop car. He even let me pose with an "oh no!" face while getting out of the car while they took pictures! Then, I renewed my registration online, and had my co-worker drive me to traffic court. After 3 hours and $335 I got my car out of impoundment and I have to go back to court on January 7th to get reimbursed for the registration ticket and make a plea bargain for the speeding ticket and hopefully have them wave points on my license. Let this be a warning: DO NOT let your car registration expire!!!

I'm booked in with him on 26th Sept. Tijuana Bariatrics?

anyone had the Bariatric Sleeve at ALO Bariatric?

I like Sea Foods including, shrimp, Shrimp Cocktail, Pattie Melt/ cheese/ onions, (I DON"T EAT THE BREAD) so open faced is nice, chili, chicken salad, tuna salad, BBQ Chicken. Salad, Soups, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy. These are some ideas to pick from. I will show my Bariatric Card, and pick what I want,, not what comes together. They then go by what I ask for. Instead of chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy. I would choose chicken, Soup, cottage cheese. This is very do able. Have a good trip, Shirley.

Hello All, Sept 6 I am attending a seminar in North Chelmsford at the Center for weight management and bariatric surgery LGH. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how their experiences have been and who they've had for a Surgeon. thanks, Jim

There are several Drs in Sacramento. I found these, but you need to do your own research to find out which one is best for you. I go to UCDavis Med Center Dr. Ali. I think he has just started doing the Sleeve. He has tons of experience with RNY and is the head of the dept. which is a center of excellence. I was told a five year followup is included. My insurance covers most of it, so I don't know how much is self pay. 2221 Stockton Blvd # E Sacramento, CA 95817-1418 (916) 734-2680 Dr. Paul T. Cirangle Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (Sacramento Office) 1111 Exposition Blvd Building 700 Sacramento, CA 95815 Phone: 415-561-1310 Alt. Phone: 866-957-3627 Fax: 415-561-1713 Gregg H Jossart - Fellow American College of Surgeons Contact Information Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (Sacramento Office) 631 Fulton Avenue Sacramento, CA 95825 Phone: 866-957-3627 Alt. Phone: 415-561-1310 Fax: 415-561-1713 Laura L. Machado, M.D., F.A.C.S. Sacramento Bariatric Medical Associates 5769 Greenback Lane, Suite 1 Sacramento, California 95841 Contact the Doctor http://www.locateadoc.com/doctors/bariatric-surgery/ca/machado-laura-374644-sacramento-contact.html

I definately spend way more time cooking, shopping and planning meals. Before surgery I was always eating junk and fast food, now I am playful to make sure I have the proper groceries and I have had to learn to cook differently. I live on Pinterest finding recipes that I can use as a base and then tweak it to make it Bariatric friendly.

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

Mine was an actual bariatric patient herself. She was very knowledgeable with the entire process and what to expect. I also had virtual visits, so she may take out of state patients. Deana D. Johnson Therapeutic Greenhouse 120 Sister Pierre Drive STE 506 Towson, MD 21204 (443) 991-8461

Honestly, it's very hard here in the states to find bariatric-competent therapists too. I am just using the one from my surgery center, and it takes months to schedule an appointment with her. I really like listening to podcasts made by/for the bariatric community - Our Sleeved Life Podcast and Breaking down Nutrition with Dr. Susan Mitchell, and check out "the sleeved dietitian" on Instagram. She has a program called TRIBE. Good luck!

What are your thoughts on an air fryer post bariatric surgery. Is it worth it? If so, any suggestions/ recipe ideas?

I would think a renewed outlook for a healthy lifestyle would outweigh vanity. I have two boys and I would love to be able to keep up with them. They are my world and when I get sick from obesity related things, they worry. I feel sorry for them because they shouldn't have to be so concerned for me.

I have been living on unjury Choclate splendor and Simply Smart milk for the last 5 weeks. You don't need to add anything to it but I do sometimes add a bit of natural Peanut Butter. I also have been living on nectar strawberry Kiwi or Fuzzy Navel with 16oz of Water. (8oz is too sweet). I know everyone's tastes are different for example, I thought Unjury chicken soup was the most vile thing I had tasted is quite some time. I have a variety pack of the torani SF syrups and have only tried the caramel so far in the Bariatric Advantage Vanilla powder. It was ok. I am such a big caramel fan and was a little disappointed. I am sorry you are having trouble Meggie. I hope you find one that works for you.

LapBand + bad cold = weight loss! Just kidding - but it's too bad no one ever came up with a non-surgical solution to over eating. Still hate shopping, but made myself go. Found a pair of great chocolate tweed lined slacks - size 18. Figured they wouldn't fit but they did. Needless to say I did a lot more shopping. Am now a L/XL(misses) on top and 18/20- maybe 1X on the bottom. Finally got rid of the sweatpants my husband said made me look like I was channelling MC Hammer. Another big step for me - actually wearing colors other than BLACK! Visiting with my RD the other day. She attended a conference where I group of bariatric docs were talking about the "disappointing" success rate with WLS and how gastric banding can serve as "training wheels" for the new gastric sleeve procedure. Very expensive set of training wheels!

The band is without a doubt the best decision anyone can make for themselves. It may take longer to lose the weight then most bariatric surgeries but it is by far the safest. The pro's far outweigh the con's. I would do it again without hesitation even with all of my trials and tribulations. I have lost all that extra weight and gained a healthier happier ME

I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MY INSURANCE IS NOT GOING TO PAY FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY FOR AT LEAST 6 TO 12 MONTHS AS THEY RESEARCH THE COMPLICATION RATE. I WOULD LIKE YOUR FEED BACK ON WHICH OPTION I SHOULD DO. 1. kEEP ON THE MEDICAL SUPERVISED WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM THAT I AM ON (I'M CURRENTLY LOSSING A POUND AWEEK) 2. LOOK AT SELF PAY OPTIONS (MAY NOT BE FINICIALLY FEASIBLE AT THIS TIME) 3. WAIT AND SEE IF INSURANCE WILL COVER IT NEXT YEAR (TURN 65 IN 2020 WITH MEDICARE)

Thanks guys. I'm taking my Bariatric calcium 4x day and it has all that in it, plus my Flinstones daily vits. Also, since the surgery EVERYTHING 'make me itch. I even break out in welps and hives... Any idea? It's driving me insane!!!