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anyone else feel stuck?
BKLYNgal87 replied to scootergirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have been stalled over a month, so I feel your frustration completely. For me, it's become especially hard the closer to goal I get. I think all of our bodies go through periods of plateau. The severity and length of said plateaus just depend on the individual. You have lost quite a lot of weight in 6 months, and have a lot to be proud of. Keep mixing up your food and exercise routines and the scale will start moving downward again, you'll see. I agree with the folks above about 65-70% being normal excess weight loss for bariatric patients. I've lost nearly 80% of my excess weight, and I have my sleeve and my determination to thank for that . You will get there with perseverance and patience! -
Why did you switch from band to VSG/choose VSG instead of the band?
Tiffykins replied to BlackBerryJuice's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I've had the band, and over a 2 year period the band is more expensive than the sleeve due to follow up appointments, fills/unfills, and the other issues with the band. With the reoperation rate of the band, it's actually way more expensive than the sleeve. Hug your doctor, and thank them for being honest and giving you an option. Some surgeons prefer the band because it's the real money maker of the bariatric surgeries. I've had both the band and the sleeve, and my personal opinion is that the sleeve is superior over the band for several reasons. The band has the lowest and slowest loss stats, highest rate of long term complications even outdoing RNY with the exception of Vitamin deficiencies. The food restrictions alone with the band are horrific. I couldn't eat meat, any type of breads, lettuce, raw veggies, and most fruits caused major issues. The less ghrelin thing is true. Just because you fill up your little pouch with the band doesn't mean you are satisfied. That hunger is still there, and once the food slips through, you'll be hungry again, and really aren't supposed to eat because you're on a forced diet. The maintenance thing is true. You don't even need to go to a general surgeon. Your family doctor or primary care doctor can pull your labs, and monitor your levels. This is a post I share often when people ask about VSG vs. Band, or VSG vs. RNY, or VSG for a revision from band vs. band to band revision. At the very bottom, you'll find some research links that I enjoyed reading for research purposes. Hope this helps. This is directly from the band manufacturer so there is no skewing facts or stats here. This is their own study. -
Why did you switch from band to VSG/choose VSG instead of the band?
BlackBerryJuice posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So I was pretty set on getting the band, but as I called the Dr's office to book the surgery, they really encouraged me to get the sleeve. The sleeve costs more, so there's definitely some financial motivation in it for them. Plus it's a more invasive surgery, so I'm more concerned. I'm gonna list the reasons they gave me to go with the sleeve. Can someone comment on these/discuss their personal experience? Thanks. 1) Less ghrelin = less hunger 2) No post-op maintenance (repeated fills, etc) = no need to find bariatric surgeons (there are none in my immediate area) as you can just be cared for by any general surgeon 3) no leaks, slips, erosions or infections that can take place with the band, etc 4) Apparently, lower odds of regaining weight -
What I feel is my port moving around. Not that it actually moves...but there are times when my pants get in the way or even if I lay down, I have to sort of move the port into a better position. I'm going to see my bariatric surgeon soon and ask about a lower profile port. Mine sticks out something awful at this point. I'm used to it but there are times when it shows even with clothes on..and I don't care for that at all.
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You are getting off easy -- I have 6 months nutrition classes, 3 surgeon appts, lab tests, psych, stress test & echo, sleep study x 2, xray/sonogram/bariumCTscan (all in one day), endoscopy, pre-surg PCP exam. I feel like I am forgetting something... I remember! Bariatric Optimization Program with PT (BOP) -- optional, before and after surgery.
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I'm new to the whole idea of chatting on a forum like this so I hope I make sense. I've not yet been able to schedule my surgery but m hoping I can do it mid-May. I decided in December that surgery was the most viable path for me with my co-morbidity. I attended the orientation meeting but didn't sign up to start the process because I was concerned about the lack of enthusiasm from my primary care doctor. Turns out she was fine with it and thinks I'm a good candidate for it. In any event, as a federal employee I only have to be in the program for 3 months before I have the surgery. I've completed all the preliminary steps but have one more meeting with my dietician and the "learning" session with a bariatric nurse - those are this coming Friday. I've managed to lose about 11 pounds on the 1200 calorie diet they put me on but I'm concerned about maintaining the weight lose since I do a lot of traveling with my job. It is this traveling that causes me to write this post. I generally don't have to travel all that much but this year is unusually busy - I'm scheduled to travel three of the next 4 weeks and then again 7 weeks later. So this 7 week interval is when I'm trying to get things scheduled. I'm not feeling too confidant about it just now but firmly believe that things will work out for what needs to be, will be. Anyways, so my question is: how long has it taken before you traveled? I'll only be packing a small carry-on - really small carry-on - it only has to cover three days total. Any suggestions, concerns, tips that I should consider?
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Found out today that my specific group within united health care choice plus excludes bariatric surgery. Fabulous. So we are going to try and appeal it but overall plan on being private pay. Anyone know round about what the cost range is for sleeves?
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Washington State -Seattle Area Bariatric Centers of Excellence, Out patient surgical centers (Not in a hospital) Prices range from $17,000 to $18,000 and that is with your insurance covering the pre-op tests billed against your comorbidities, like blood tests, psych evaluation, endoscopy, sleep test, etc. The $18k price included BLIS self pay insurance.
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Sooooo, I have only 1 more appt. in Sept. then I should be done. Well, not so much. I was told since I have had prednisone for my neck (degenerative disk disease, arthritic, with a pinched nerve) I have to wait until 6 more months for surgery. HAHAAHAHAHAHAHA! Then they tell me my PCP said that my sugar has to come down (currently at 7.4 a1c) cause it was 346 at the time of testing. Yeah, the prednisone elevated it and what could I do. I was at the bariatric centers doctor and told them this, they did not mention the time to wait. WTF!!!!! That makes for 1 year to wait!!! There are sooo many meds and problems I have, but have been flying through FOR the surgery, I am at the point of giving up.... on everything! This is ridiculous, if I am at the weight I am and have so many problems at 37 y/o, why are they questioning this. This is just a rant and I am ready to give up on life....no joke! WTF are they doing!?
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@@Sleevie.Nicks that is great i've heard others get cold feet right before surgery then they stop the process no one should have this surgery if they are too scared, nervous not sure of having surgery so you stopped the plan for surgery then after awhile you realized you really want to go ahead sounds like NOW you are ready keep reading the boards you'll hear about lots of things you need pre-op and {PO) discussions about things you hadn't thought of questions will be answered you ask your questions make sure you are prepared for the big day read, read, read look into some books ie bariatric surgery for dummies they also have a cook book look at U-tube flood of information allll over buy Protein shakes don't buy too many ahead of time taste buds change what you might like now possibly you won't like PO happy you "came to your senses" and are proceeding with surgery good luck kathy
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I have called my insurance company and was told they do cover the lap band surgery and that I do qualify as far as weight ( BMI 38 ). I have my appointment for the seminar at the bariatric clinic and will be getting my referral from my PCP on the 25th. They did mention somthing about requiring that I have tried a 4 month weight loss program through my physician but would look at my last years history with him and possibly accept teh weight loss I have already had being monitored by my Dr. Ayway, I am excited to get things going and have realy learned a lot from all of you out there. Looking forward to chatting with you all and looking for support. Thanks :wink_smile:
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Last week I attended a seminar about LAP-BAND® hosted by one of our local weight loss institutes. I was very exciting. They provided a lot of information including just a quick blurb about cost and that at the first visit the financial counselor would review your insurance one-on-one. That makes sense, everyone has different insurance. They did include that there would be: $500 – program enrollment (includes pre-authorization testing), $400 – psychiatric eval, and $1,000 for the three year nutritional/exercise program. That all seemed reasonable to me. I also knew that my insurance had a $1,000 access for bariatric surgery. When I got the appointment today they said it would be slightly over $8,000. In addition to the costs listed above they use a second surgeon who is out of network (out of everyone’s network) which is about $5,000 and some miscellaneous fees. My husband has been active duty military for over 20 years and I have not seen a “civilian” doctor in a long time. I knew it would not be cheap but I was really surprised at the cost. Is this similar to what your fees were? I know each insurance is different but I had serious culture shock! :scared2:I was going to use my insurance through work but now need to look into TriCare referrals.
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I wanted to echo HoosierDoula and say Dr. Chris Jones is fabulous! He has performed all my plastics post lapband weight loss (Breast implants, LBL, Lipo and an upcoming brachioplasty and medialthigh lift). Not only is he an amazingly talented surgeon he is also a wonderful person. I can't being to explain how much he has impacted my life; I love him to bits. I had lost a tad over 100lbs when I went to him for the LBL and was very bottom heavy despite all the weight I had lost so I understand the frustrations of clothing not fitting properly and wanting the your lower body to fit the rest. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented Surgeon that is experienced with bariatric patients.
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Gastric Bypass - Mexico
Threetimesacharm replied to canadian_girl's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I had sleeve to gastric bypass in Mexico. Check here on bariatric pal for a surgeon. They have a fantastic system set up for surgeons, package deals including hospital stay, recovery house, personal valet, 2 years nutritional follow up. -
Does anyone have BCBS of Minnesota
wishingwell posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am new at all of this. I decided to have surgery in October so I contacted a surgeon for an appointment. I can't get in until January of 2016. So I decided to start the process to get a jump on my requirements for approved surgery. I've been on Adipex for 3 months with a doctor. And now I am on a PCP supervised medical weight diet. I am hoping I will have 5 months completed by the time I see the surgeon. Did anyone have problems getting approved through BCBS of Minnesota? I have their bariatric policy so I know what I have to do. I'm just so nervous about getting approved. I want this more than anything. -
Which blender should I get?
LisaMergs replied to AuntJoJo64's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I love my "THAT" kind too! Yep. Agreed. I already had a Ninja- and used it a bit in the beginning for Bariatric purposes, but now it's just for regular use when I'm cooking A good old shaker/blender bottle with the mixer thing that looks like a jack is perfect for shakes- doesn't make too much air, easy to clean and take on the go. Mine has a bottom part that unscrews and holds the Protein powder dry until I need it. Easy Peezy. Foamy Protein shakes suck lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
Revision surgery: Why will this time be different?
Mammysm replied to KSW22's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Boy do I know how you feel...went in for surgery Oct. 25th , 2021 to have the "Sadi" done...I, too, woke up to find it could not be done because of too much scar tissue..the Dr. did remove some of the scar tissue, guess that's good. I knew there was a chance that this may not be able to be a success because of the scar tissue, most of which is from a couple of abdomen surgeries from yrs gone by. I do however still have the sleeve and it hasn't stretched..but just couldn't succeed with it, very little weight loss.. Long story short, they sent me home that night, just as sore nonetheless. This was my last chance at Bariatric anything, already had the Lapland, that was horrible, sick so much...but anyhow thought I would get my 2 cents in....and don't know what I will do now...I just did the 2 week liquid diet....with great anticipation..feeling disappointed in Maine...Donna -
Hi Dolittle. Almost everyone who goes to Mexico for surgery seems to have a very positive experience, so for self-pay I think it's a great idea. One other option is a very exerienced bariatric surgeon in Colorado, Dr. Kirshenbaum, who has been doing lap bands for a couple years now. You can get more info on hime at LapbandRockies.com His total price is $9950. If you run a search on this site you can see posts from others who have used Dr. Kirshenbaum. I'm scheduled for sugery with him on 1/16. But again, the Mexican docs also seem great. The general price there seems to be about $8500 these days. In general, if you get surgery outside your local area, try to line up someone for fills and other aftercare in your area before proceeding with the surgery. It's good to know for sure that you have options. In some geographic areas of the U.S. it can be very difficult to find aftercare if you had surgery somewhere else. If your insurance will cover this I would focus on finding the best doctors in your area, not just on the best doctors in general in the USA. Many doctors are quite good at this, and experienced, and there can be some advantages to staying local. Keep reading this forum. All the answers you need are in here. Welcome and good luck. Mark
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Anyone had surgery to have a baby...
Pumpkinmeli replied to linda305's topic in Pregnancy with Weight Loss Surgery
I am about 9 months post-op and about 8 weeks pregnant. I have PCOS as well and the doctors told me it could take a year for my cycle to come back. I waited 2 months or regular cycles and we tried- sure enough it happened on the first try. I have had some complications so far and the doctors are saying its because I wasnt a full year post op from bariatric. I was in the hospital last week for dehydration and anemia. I have been SO sick to my stomach that even eating the 4 oz I am supposed to eat is coming back up. Im worried about what the next 7 months hold for me as the past 3 weeks have been a nightmare. Everyone is different so please dont take this as a warning... just sharing my experiance. -
Insurance question for college aged person
Barbiedollgirl posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello everyone. I am Barb from Oregon. I have worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital(for 19 years) here in Portland that is the National Institute of Health's center for excellence for bariatric surgeries. We have insurance coverage for the bariatric surgeries. However, it only covers person over the age of 25. I joined this site to try to get help for my daughter who has decided she would like to have the surgery. Does anyone have words of advice for me on trying to get our insurance to cover her surgery? I will try to appeal approach and have already emailed our VP. I heard there was a lawyer out there that works for the lap banding manufactor that helps people who have insurance problems. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot! Barb -
I was banded on 9/22 and will go for my first fill tomorrow (couldn't go last week - I was working) and since I haven't had any restriction and am hungry all the time - I haven't lost weight. My last visit and weight was coming off 4 weeks of liquid only diet. Now I've been on pretty much the 6 month pre-op diet (maybe less food) - protein, veggie, fruit. I have actually been losing weight for 3 years (2 years before I started this banding odessey) and am down about 60 pounds. I am happy with this. But my doctor said at the last visit that he wanted me to lose 10-15 lbs. in 3 weeks. I am about 185 lbs. Not only is 10-15 lbs. in 3 weeks unreasonable for any diet, but even more so for where I am weight wise and with no fill or restriction. I don't feel like I need to starve myself to reach some artificial goal. My surgeon is a regular surgeon who also does bariatric surgery and I was only his 23rd banding case. Anyone have this experience?:thumbup:
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Just Got My Surgery Date!! 8/23
lucie159 replied to Jason Can Do it!'s topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I got banded on 8-1-12. I understand your excitement and nervousness about the insurance. I have been trying off and on for 20 years to get some kind of bariatric surgery. I found out in April that the Cigna my company paid for this year would cover it. So I was in a crunch to get the approval and all the testing and jump through all of the hoops before they changed it again the end of August! haha. But its mine now and they can't take it away from me!!! The surgery went great, but then if you want this and need this as badly as I did, anything short of excruciating pain would be worth it!!! I am only 4 days post op and I can feel the differences already. My skin feels looser and my face looks different already. I have to lose 170 lbs to reach my goal weight. I feel better already. Good luck on your surgery, keep us updated. I'm so excited for you! -
I started with Bariatric Advantage chewables but now am moving to over the counter vitamins.
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Hello everyone. I started my journey for the surgery way back in September of last year. I hadn't been able to start the process officially because my insurance didn't kick in until December. I attended my Bariatric Seminar at Englewood Hospital in NJ, which just re-affirmed my decision to go through with Gastric Sleeve Surgery. I scheduled my first appointment with the doctor. To my surprise after all the excitement I walked into the office for my appointment and the doctor that I had researched extensively and was referred to me by family and friends, didn't take my insurance tier. I was almost heartbroken. I thought "am I not doing this right?" Luckily, I had indeed selected a great group of doctors. The client relation specialist quickly told me, "no stress we will handle everything with you all the way through. The Dr that will be operating will be Dr.Botvinov but Dr. Vaimakis will be there also." That quickly alleviated some of the anxiety. We scheduled my appointment to meet with him in a different office and to be honest, I was happy I chose this Dr. he walked into the room and just asked me "why?" And I couldn't help but to divulge every reason why It was time for this for me. He told me then perfect. Let's get you started and change your life. They gave me a scheduled day of March 14, 2017, so a little over a month away. I have met with the nutritionist of the facility which was great and promised me that this would be the summer to remember. Of course, being the emotional wreck I am, I cried and all I could think of is finally marrying my partner looking and feeling great. Everything has been pretty smooth since. Scheduling my psych evaluation and my endoscopy then I should be good to go. Any advice or feedback would be great so please feel free to submit your input. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App
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So I had my first consultation this week, the system is very different in Australia to what I have read about the surgery elsewhere. Things went very well, loved the team I spoke to, the Dr I saw was not the surgeon, but a very good bariatric physician, and after our consultation it would appear that I have the choice of; Signing up for top Health insurance, paying premiums for a year and then getting the surgery. Approx $5-7k AUD out of pocket and $5-8k in premiums for the 12 months Going through a semi subsidised model which would be in about 6 months Approx $10k AUD Paying for the surgery myself which would be in a matter of weeks. Appox $22k AUD Good news is I can do any of the above, am healthy and a good candidate, there is little requirements to do a lot of the pre-surgery requirements that other country/systems have, so I guess I now just have to decide.
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