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I’m sure there are post out there but I am looking for input from those who have bcbs Alabama. I recently switched jobs and the company insurance covers bariatric surgery. I have looked at my plan but can’t find how much it actually covers. For those of you who have it and have used it for your surgery, what % did the insurance pay and how long did you have to wait for the surgery? TIA

I am glad you are seeing someone that specializes in eating disorders. It will never make sense to me why people who have NO experience with eating disorders get to make decisions about surgery for people who have them. My guess is that even bariatric doctors don't understand them. A lot of us on here have patterns of disordered eating that obviously have not served us....My other question is do you 'believe' your diagnoses are accurate/up-to-date? Sometime whats in the chart is just what's in the chart. Idk just some thoughts.... I too worry about maintaining a 'lifestyle' for myself. I have a long history of ADD which typically acts out as being able to be totally rigid for a long while and then falling off and unable to follow a program....my hope is that with the surgery hormones will be regulated and adjusted which will make continuing easier....I read somewhere that brain function is improved with WLS in an article on this site.... Good luck to you, keep us posted....

Not sure if this is allowed, but I have a box of Beef Bone Broth never open all 4 are still in the box, 3 Chicken bone broth. I used one, but they are all individually sealed its the orange package. 3 other broths which is Cream of Tomato, Chicken soup, and chicken with pasta (all broths). I have two protein powders. One is Coffee and the other is Double chocolate fudge. Also a Bariatric Pal plastic mug you heat the broths in. So total of 10 broths, 2 shakes, 1 mug. I bought all of this off Bariatric Pal and they are left over from my 2wk liquid diet. I'm not gonna use them so they are just sitting here. If you live close and willing to meet near me somewhere then they are yours for free! I know how costly it is getting ready for the 2wk liquid faze and the first month after surgery! So let me know. I won't hold for anyone (sorry) unless we are meeting of course. So its whomever can meet first. Thanks! (delete if not allowed) Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM Supplemental Letter for January 9, 2007 January 3, 2007 Dear Review Panel: Presented to you for review is my case for a gastric procedure known as a laproscopic banding procedure or "Lap-Band". In a lower review, BCBSFL did not dispute that I meet the criteria for the Lap-Band procedure. There is no dispute that I would benefit from weight loss surgery and there is no dispute that losing weight would be beneficial to my health. At issue is the coverage of this surgery and the exception I am requesting for this exclusion. Ironically, I received a phone call a few weeks ago from BCBSFL's new Diagnostics Program that offers support to wellness. Through this program, I gained beneficial information in the form of a booklet, catalog and DVD on the very weight loss surgery I am requesting. There is evidence in my medical records that I have tried for years multiple weight loss regimens and used pharmacotherapy for obesity under the supervision of my physician, Dr. Alan Sichelman. For my mental state, it is documented by my therapist, Jane Fenby, that I have a full understanding of what this procedure entails and that it will be a lifetime commitment on my part. There is no indication that I am unstable, misinformed with perceptions of unrealistic expectations; Rather so, that I have pursued this avenue under the direction of my primary care physician and other medical personnel, with cooperation, information and education; That I am laying the course for my surgical event and post surgical life by the compass of these individuals and their combined medical expertise demonstrates I am an individual who very much wishes to be healed. Unquestionably, I am ill and feel I am fighting for my life. As a result of my severe morbid obesity, I suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, back problems, joint pain, hypertension, migraines, Pictures will show my condition and the severity of my obesity. It is true that my life is endangered. This procedure will prevent the worsening of my condition, alleviate present harmful medical conditions and perhaps cure them. It is the conclusion of my physican(s) and myself that I am in need of this operation. Please authorize my surgery. Additional: As providers of health care coverage, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has historically authorized weight loss surgery. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina cut in half hospital re-admissions "by the twelve surgeons in North Carolina that are designated as centers of excellence for bariatric (obesity) surgery." Additionally, BCBSNC was one of the first insurers in the nation to officially recognize centers of excellence for bariatric surgery. Illinois also follows this model as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and several other states. In recent publications in the Tampa Bay area, BCBSFL appears to be using bariatric surgery denials as a financial decision rather than one in the best interest of patient care. I must express my concern that with sufficient evidence from their medical providers and informed decisions with which they move forward, it is very troubling that patient/physician decisions of health necessity are disrupted, ignored and denied, superceded by a focus on cost. It is hoped that Florida will soon follow the successful excellence practice as established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in other states. Patricia Reeves

The Doctors and staff are very good. I had my bypass with Dr. Page and I would recommend him highly. Much of the process depends on your insurance. The Bariatric Nurse Navigator (Amber McNulty) and Nutritionist/Dietician (Andrea Mattison) are always there for you if you have questions or need support. Mt Carmel also has various support groups you can attend before and after surgery. http://www.mountcarmelhealth.com/bariatrics

I get the patches here at the bariatric pal store, I use this https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/vitamin-patch/products/gastric-bypass-vitamin-patch-pack-30-day-supply My kaiser nurse that runs our program says the calcium does not absorb well and will not show a deficiency in a blood test because the body leaches it from your bones so I also take a chewie bite per day. I just had my 6 month tests last month and everything was great!

I have kidney stones but probably started growing them pre-surgery since I was treated for a bunch of UTI for blood in my urine the year prior. I didnt feel like I had a uti, no painful pee etc. But passed 2 after surgery and had the tell tale back pain to go with them so that pointed to kidney stones. And then I started filtering my pee and there was enough sand to fill a bucket. Not really but peeing sand feels bad too. I have to have surgery next month because I have a 1.5 centimeter one that is too big to pee out. I came to snoop the forums because the kidney stone diet is totally nuts. And doesnt mesh with after surgery diet. Going to a new appt with new bariatric docs (since I now have kaiser) to figure out wtf. Kidney guy doesnt want me to take any vitamins over 100% RDA and non protein powder and no collagen. He is deferring to the bariatric docs whom I assume will refer back to him. Basically I'll follow bariatric stuff because I dont want to die from too little protein etc. So be prepared when the urologist hands you the most absurd diet you have ever seen. Only corn, squash, kale, parsnips and 6oz max total all day for animal protein: chicken, pork, fisg, low fat dairy. No spinach, no fruit, no anything. They actually said sugar was ok wtf. I am sort of freaking out.

In complete agreement with above posters. Meet with Bariatric surgeon and team. Learn all that you can about the procedure. I was able to gain information by following medical twitter and the bariatric thought leaders that post some of the latest data on metabolic changes that surgery brings. Also I found a great podcast by Reeger Cortell ARNP, called "Weight Loss Surgery Podcast". In the past 6 months I only experienced one unprofessional encounter, and that was with Cardiologist during appointment for cardiac clearance. Was scheduled for this next Monday but got the call today to postpone 2 weeks as I'm just getting over bronchitis. Reset for 11/4. Good luck to you! Let us know how things are going!

I am having mine on 12/18. My bariatric Dr said he could install a low profile port. My plastic surgeon said he didnt think it was necessary that he could work around it.... so I am going to leave it alone and hope for the best. My port isnt very visable all the time... just occasionally.

thanksLuckily my plastic surgeon does a lot of work with my bariatric dr so both know each others work.... I am hoping the port doesn't stick out too badly. I have a frowning belly button and a few folds I am so excited to get rid of The excess skin and a taught tummy will be the crowing jewel

Well, I didnt have to do one. But I thought I would anyway, for all the reasons you've got running through your head. I did last 3 days. Before i started fainting every time I stood up! Called my doc, he said I was mad to do that to myself if it wasnt even necessary and pointed out that its an extreme measure for an extreme circumstance and NOT a healthy way to lose weight at ALL. He said if it was difficult, made me feel sick and had me passing out, then stop doing it. I knew for a fact my liver was not particularly fatty and not enlarged at all and it wasnt going to be a problem for surgery. So I just ate sensibly in my last few weeks again. Not doing a liquid diet does not mean eating everythign not nailed down either. Cutting out the white carbs, getting rid of carbonated drinks and for me a huge one was cutting down drastically on caffeine (knew I wouldnt have the stomach space for my normal coffee intake afterwards) is going to help enormously. I have renewed respect for those that do do it. I've never done such an awful diet in my life. I couldnt do it now WITH a band.

You need a calcium citrate supplement not one made with calcium carbonate. The citrate is better absorbed by your new stomach than the other type. We lose the optimal area of calcium absorbption when we have the sleeve. I buy the Bariatric Advantage calcium chews online from Amazon. There are other Vitamin threads on this site that have a lot of good information if you search for that topic. Good luck with your surgery!

I swear by my Twin Labs Bariatric Support calcium citrate. They are always on sale on at least one website or another. To keep costs low, I take 2 Flintstones complete multi-vitamins a day. Get the ones with iron already in them, avoid the rest. Also, I ordered free samples from several Bariatric vitamin makers, got enough b-12 that I won't have to buy it for months. There is a thread on here with who gives out samples.

I’ve been taking things in stride as best I can but am rather miffed at doctors and events today so I am just going to rant even though I need to be trying to sleep. Prior to my gastric bypass surgery and gallbladder removal My gastroenterologist insisted I have a colonoscopy due to the fact that previous ct scan had shown severe narrowing of my colon and a recent ct showed possible colitis. But the colonoscopy had to wait until after my surgery. I went through three days of clear liquids and hellish prep trying to swallow the required liquids. While the nurse was great I was literally the last patient and they were already starting to close down the facility before my procedure started. I had an unusually hard time waking up from the sedation and just wanted to close my eyes but they were in a hurry to get me out, I was barely awake and told to get dressed and get in the car to go even though I was stumbling and could hardly walk. I didn’t get answers from the colonoscopy. I don’t know if endometriosis can be confused for colitis. But why would a ct scan show something but not a colonoscopy. It showed melanosis in the colon usually caused by chronic laxative use which I refuse to use laxatives on a regular basis so rarely take it. Also diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon which has been there some years now and the last doctor just said well you have to wait until you end up in the Er with an emergency to even do anything. Like ok. But no biopsy was taken of the darkened spots of my colon. And no explanation of my symptoms. My bariatric surgeon said My gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since he is closer to where I live, and he got all my information and everything. I had previously had a balloon dilation of a very narrow stricture. They saw the stricture during this procedure (so I guess the previous dilation didn’t do anything) but my endoscopy report reads: “ge junction with mucosal tear from hiccup during dilation” I didn’t speak to the doctor, I wasn’t alert enough. He made it out like nothing to my mom. They didn’t take any biopsy from either tests. And I have a mucosal tear but not what to do about all the pain? Im just tired and frustrated. I can only manage so much when I don’t have clear answers. I have to have another procedure this time a surgery in two weeks to do with the endometriosis. Not even sure the doctor will be able to find where it is since it can be anywhere and the main reason is my ovary has to come out. All my long rambling, sorry. Has anyone had a tear happen during a balloon dilation? From what I see dilation isn’t a cure just a treatment or temporary fix. I know you don’t want the stoma too big but too small is not good either. I’ve been having spasms in my left side, crushing chest pain, nausea and difficulty with purée and other symptoms. I’m the end I just shut up and deal with it. Im not regretting RNY because with my nonexistent metabolism I would not have lost nearly 63lbs. And I knew it would take its toll on my chronic illness but so much at once has me exhausted. end of rant.

my bariatric dr was willing to assist my plastic surgeon and install a low profile port and I didn't take him up on it because it would have been an additional $1500.... There are times when I wish I would have done it but I was nervous that I would have more complications. Which is most likely silly thinking

So glad you asked these questions. As you can see there are a lot of us who are now in the best shapes of our lives. I am 4 years out. I work out 6 -7 days/wk. I also heard similar comments from friends, trainers and even a bariatric MD. Getting my band was the best decision I ever made for my health and self-esteem. My story is a lot like yours. If you interested you might find something of use on my blog (in my signature below). Good luck.

Hi I recently saw a few groups that have meetups in the area they live in. I think we need this in Mass. Not sure if this is the best way to go about it or if there is already something in place, so I thought I would give it a shot. Dawn Marie

My nutritionist also recommend Flintstones complete. I don't know that they are "sufficient", but they are about the same ingredients as the Bariatric Advantage--my list has them both as either/or. Plus I take extra B6, B12, Calcium, D, Biotin.... Think that's all? All required by my surgeon.

Hi I have Blue Precision HMO I chose this because this was only plan i could some what afford with my part time income. And it said they covered bariatric surgery. Then the insurance person at the place I will be getting the surgery done called me on Friday and told me there is an exclusion and it not covered.... I know it is a HMO i know I need to go through my PCP first but why is it saying it's not covered when i went through the exclusion packet part and it does not say anything about it. And right before I bought the insurance the reps said it is covered on my insurance, this was only reason I bought the insurance and paying a whole paycheck for it... idk any info or insight would be nice. I have 8 days to opp out of this insurance if i don't like it so kinda running on time.

Brandy from Eugene checking in :wink_smile: I am using the Sacred heart bariatric center... Dr. Umbach/Dr. Yarbrough.

I think it's good you are questioning if you are ready for surgery. I say that, because I think some people go into this unprepared. I see it all the time here, head hunger. I can safely assure you even though many don't admit it, if we're to the point of having surgery. We have food addiction issues. I took a year, before surgery and got into intensive therapy. Because I am a food addict. That's how I got to 345lbs. I weighed more than that in my life too. I am just like any other addict. (I am disabled, so I don't drive, and rely on others to take me shopping) I hid my consumption from others, even the food I was buying in my cart. I lied to people about what I was eating. Or that I was making food for others, and it was really all for me. Whole batches of cupcakes and pans of Enchiladas or enough donuts, chips and Snacks to kill an elephant loaded in my cart, was explained away as food for an upcoming party. I started panicking when I was getting low on my favorite foods. I, an out of control diabetic, was eating extremely carb heavy meals, topped off with 3 cupcakes and big glass of milk, and would sit on the sofa....and start nodding out like a heroin addict. I'd sleep for hours, wake, repeat. That was my life. Trust me, I am so aware I could fall off that wagon at any time. Emotional upsets tend to set me off...but, with the help of my therapist who I still see, twice a month, helped me find other things to replace that good feeling I got from nodding out on the sofa. Now, that I am 50 lbs away from my goal...I am so determined, and have said goodbye to not only 145lbs, but all those huge clothes that used to hang in my closet. Along with all those bad eating habits I had. Gone, but not forgotten. I kept the outfit I wore the day of my surgery, as a remembrance of where I came from. My surgeon told me, I shouldn't experience physical hunger, and for the past 10 months he's been right. I have not had physical hunger since my surgery. He did his job. I did my job too, because I have not had head hunger either. That was because I worked through the what's and why's. What happened in my life that made me want to eat my emotions? What was missing in me that made me want to fill it up with food? Why couldn't I stop on my own? I had a LOT to face. More than most of these bariatric programs ever even attempt to cover with their psych evaluations. Sorry, 1 test, and an hour with a Psychologist is NOT enough. So, yes, ask yourself if you are ready, because the head hunger, that's probably not going to go away. In my opinion, you really need to get that in check. I'm not being mean or harsh, just real with you. I wish you luck with everything. If you really want this....it's yours.

Oh it will, but we all want what we. want and we want t9 see results Right Now. Its just Bariatric Human Nature to feel like that.

Thanks so much for the info! I've never heard of Built Bars, but will look into them. I have a bunch of Premier Protein shakes onhand, but was told they're off-limits as they're not on the "recommended" list for my specific bariatric program. Sucks because they are 30g of protein and I figure it's better than nothing. I follow the protein first rule as well, but as I mentioned, I can only eat so much of it before I'm full/very uncomfortable. BTW....glad I'm not the only one who can't stand Unjury! LOL! I keep getting told by my dietician and doctor that it's not that bad...YES, it is! LOL!!!

To the initial post: your concerns are valid. Having tests done the day before surgery is fine if there's nothing wrong with you--but if there is you need to know in time enough to solve the problem before surgery. It's important if you have co-morbidities. You need to locate a bariatric surgeon local to where you live and see if he will do followup with you. Research complication symptoms on the web so you will know if a trip to the ER is needed once you're home. Have your regular doc do bloodwork before you go so you can correct any deficiencies beforehand, and after you get home, same thing. If your doc can find an excuse for you to have a ECG before you go, do it, just to make sure it's normal. If you have stomach problems, get your doc to do an upper GI test to rule out ulcers or hiatial hernia. There are reasons for the tests done in the US a month in advance--it's so the surgeon knows what he's dealing with, and has time to correct anything that's a problem. For nutrition, you can Google for well known programs' guidelines. These include Cornell University and the Mayo Clinic, among others. If you can do this, you'll have the best of both worlds--US caution and Mexican prices.

Hello, I'm 6 days post-op from the sleeve and outside of terrible pain from my big incision. Normal, from what I've read. Anyway, I'm sure that I'm not the only one who has watched people in our lives go through the dark side of WLS with unfortunate life changing experiences like transfer addiction. Seeing this happen to someone close to me really discouraged me for a long time from taking the leap. I finally got past that and while I don't regret doing it, I'm determined to not fall into that pattern. My first goal is to find a good therapist that has experience with bariatric patients. If anyone has recommendations or advice, I'd love to use this spot as a safe and productive place to discuss. Take care all! Sent from my SM-S908U1 using BariatricPal mobile app