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Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
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Lap Band for a BMI of Less than 35?
MelindaH replied to TexasLady1986's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
hi, hon, thank you for your post and welcome to our little group! By all means, if your dad is asking you to consider bariatric surgery, I would at least go to an informational seminar at a center of excellence. I do not know where you are in Texas but for sure they are in the major cities. If you have the financial means or insurance to cover it, I would seriously consider it. Nip it in the bud while you are young. Don't wait till you are my age (54) and have developed several co-morbities. All the best to you. Feel free to join us often. I really like this website. Melinda -
Sure why not. If you don't have a prob with carbs like I do. I love the Zeroodles that @Alex Brecher carries in the Bariatric Pal Store. So damn good! Seriously. This one is the bomb.com! Love both the angel hair and spaghetti!
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Lap band to gastric bypass revision info
suepro replied to Stacylynn1982's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I don't think that it was too much of a problem, the adhesions were apparently harder to sort out. My surgeon said that hiatus hernia are common in Bariatric patients. Sent from my SM-G920F using the BariatricPal App -
Seriously thinking about Lap-Band...still not sure
Mac the Knife replied to ginabee38's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
To anyone who may be considering LapBand: don't. I had the procedure done in February 2008. I lost roughly 30 pounds during the first eight months, but spent the entire time vomiting back at least one meal in three. I plead with my bariatric surgeon (a man evidently so incompetent that he stopped practicing due to all the malpractice suits he was losing) to do an adjustment under flouroscopy to see how the band was functioning. He refused each time I asked, and after eight months I had an insurance coverage change that made seeing him a financial burden. My change in insurance coverage (to United Health Care, whom I recommend to NO ONE) resulted in an inability to be administered any form of bariatric care for eight years. The 30 pound weight loss was as good as it got - over the time since, I regained it all plus six pounds, all the while still vomiting about one meal in four. On August 1st my insurance coverage finally changed (to BCBS), whereupon I initiated a new round of bariatric care, the ultimate goal of which will be to remove the band, probably in favor of a duodenal switch. But just since then, I've heard of so many stories and outcomes similar to my own that I can't help but chime in and repeat: if you're considering a LapBand? Don't. -
Seriously thinking about Lap-Band...still not sure
Mac the Knife replied to ginabee38's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Chris, I neglected to mention a key detail in my previous post: upon resuming bariatric care, one of the first steps taken by my new doctor was to do the testing I had begged his predecessor to do - checking the band under a flouroscope. The findings were that the band had, in fact, failed in a fashion, as my body defeated it by creating a new "pouch" above the band. The temporary solution has been to remove all Fluid from the band, after which I experienced an immediate end to all my symptoms. The long-term solution, which hopefully occurs in mid-December, is replacing the band with a duodenal switch. -
Bariatric Center of Kansas City
wannaBthinsoon replied to jhood2005's topic in Insurance & Financing
The open enrollment package has been sent out, and I'm super excited that Dr Hoehn and KC Bariatrics hosp are both Tier 1 and "in network"!! I never thought I would ever be sooo excited to pay for health insurance, when for all my life we never paid a dime (hubs ins was paid for through his employer, paid 100% of everything, but EXCLUDED anything related to bariatrics...dumb insurance!) I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to click that button to take out the UHC PPO and get this party started! -
What was your first step?
Papillon replied to sychadelic's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The process started with an information session at Banner Gateway Bariatric Center. The information sessions are free. Take the time to do your research. -
I have been completing my requirements prior to surgery since the end of August, which includes 6 monthly visits of medically supervised weight loss with my surgeon's nurse/bariatric coordinator. My last visit with her is at the beginning of March. After that, assuming all of my other requirements have been met they will put in for approval (which is expected very fast with my particular insurance). I have done a lot of research since even before August about what surgery was right for me and I was convinced it was the sleeve. Liz (the bariatric coordinator) was very honest with me yesterday and said she thought I might not have very good success with the sleeve because I have been struggling to lose weight and definitely have a fondness for sweets. She also said that when she attends the surgeon's office's monthly support group sessions she is kind of jealous that the patients who had RNY seem to have a much greater degree of "control" in their eating. I can certainly use more control in my eating! So now I am seriously questioning my decision and and starting to re-think my plan. I need to decide before 1/31, as I have my appointment with the dietician who will give me a binder full of info and the info varies a bit depending on the type of surgery I choose. I realize that RNY has been around much longer than the sleeve and that the sleeve was originally intended to just be the first step in duodenal switch surgeries for 500+ lb. patients. However, the re-routing of the intestine freaks me out quite a bit and I am afraid of nutritional deficiencies caused by the malabsorptive aspect of the RNY surgery. I'm thinking I should just go with my "gut" and get sleeved, but just wondered if anyone here regretted getting the VSG and wished they had gotten a bypass instead. Any comments would be appreciated! -
Hello everyone, and Happy Holidays to each of you! My name is Susan, I'm 41 years old, single with no children. I live in the South Suburbs of Chicago. This journey for me has been a long, but enlightening one. I've been heavy pretty much all my life, with my highest weight coming about 2 years ago after thyroid issues leading to thyroidectomy, discovering thyroid cancer, and being hypothyroid for several months while have treatment. Also going on anti depressant meds didn't help Anyway, bariatric surgery is not new to me as my mom had RNY bypass back in the early 1980's. She has been successful at keeping about 2/3 of the weight off, but has had anemia and B-12 deficiency since the surgery. I'm not sure how I started reading up on LapBand, for a long time I was kinda anti-gastric bypass. But I researched starting in Sept 2009 and attended my first seminar in Nov 2009. After all the requirements hoops and such I was approved and set for November 8th. I think some of you have heard this in the post op thread but technically I "had" the surgery, minus the band There was a little complication not related to the actual banding and my wonderful surgeon decided to hold off for a few weeks to make sure no infection came up. Sooooo I have been thru the gas pain, abdominal pain, etc, but got to go back on solids for 2 weeks and just have to do 3 days liquid now before Monday So round two the 29th... I am very anxious to get started with getting healthier. I have a few comorbidities such as hypertension and prediabetes that I trust will get better by losing weight. Also there are so many things I want to still do while I'm "young" lol most of them involve being ACTIVE. But in my head and what my body can do now and two different things. I thank God often for this gift and opportunity. Best wishes to you all and I appreciate your posts and updates! I think that support by others who are going thru it is important for all of us!!! God bless and see you around!
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I just received my Self magazine today. It is the August 2008 issue. I was flipping through it and notice and article that said "The weight loss miracle that isn't." It talks about the scary things that can happen with bariatric surgery. It mostly talks about the bypass procedure and the complications that some people have with it. Like malnutrition and needing to have the procedure reversed so they can live. It also gave a least one negative example for the band but over all it shows the difference between the two. If you get a chance you should pick it up and read it. My mom had bypass 8 years ago and is doing great but has to take alot of supplements to keep her numbers up. She said she would not do anything different that the consquences of the surgery out way her being fat. But it shows what works for one peron might not work for all. I am still glad I got banded. I think doing things slower will work better for me.:scared2:
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Haha. My license has been renewed so many times that I actually finally weigh about what it says on my license: 180. Which was a lie: I'm sure I actually weighted around 200. But you can bet I never once heard anyone say "Man you have gained weight since you got that license"!! Lynda
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I received insurance authorization paperwork on Saturday in the mail...and then our area had the "wind" from Hurricane Ike...and knocked out our power, landline phone, and cell phone until yesterday. Sadly, it also knocked out the bariatric center because I tried to take it there on Monday to try to schedule something! (can you tell I'm anxious?) :biggrin: The earliest date I could work out is October 22nd...but I am SO looking forward to it! My husband is very supportive. I've told my mother and two co-workers who have been banded...but that's it so far. I have teen daughters that I am hesitating telling...but we'll see. If the time seems right I will. I love the idea of being part of a group who will go through similar things/emotions at the same time. ~~anne Indiana
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Call your insurance compnay and ask if they cover WLS. If they do, ask them what the requirements are - BMI, co-morbidities, etc. Once you have that info ask them for a bariatric suregeon on their preferred provider list and set up an appointment. They might tell you tour PCP needs to refer you, if that is the case set up an appointment with your doc and ask them for the referral. Good luck. And if you get turned down for the surgery, search the web for info and tips on ways to get it appealed, a lot of people are successful if they battle the insurance company long enough. Alternatively, you can do what i did and save the money to get it done in Mexico instead! Good luck!
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I've been on the list for about a week now but haven't really introduced myself. I am 48 years old and currently weigh 255, I have lost 15 pounds in the last month or so tracking food on myfitnesspal.com I looked into the lapband in Jan of 2011 but at that time I had lost 70 pounds doing Weight Watchers on my own and was down to 232 and hadn't gained any of it back. I got off track last year and ended up gaining back about 38 pounds. I decided to look back into Weight Loss Surgery Jan of this year. I had thought about the sleeve and when I found out my health insurance covers it now (Health Alliance) I was thinking it would be the best route to go. I am going through all the appointments and stuff like now. Had the Medical evaluation, psych social visit, indiv. nutrition meeting, schedule for group nutritional classes in March 2012 and have physical therapy assessment end of Feb. My insurance doesn't require the 4 weight loss visits to my PCP in 6 months like they used to but Memorial Bariatric Services does so I had that last week. I have been overweight all my life, I weight 11 pounds when I was born. I was a Weight Watchers member at the age of 10! I have lost, gained, lost, gained all my life. Never been the correct weight my entire weight. I know this surgery isn't a magic but I think of it as a tool to help me loose the weight and keep it off for good. I just wish I hadn't waited till I was 48 to do it. I have a set back right now, I found out yesterday I am going to have to have a knee replacement on my left knee sometime. I have doing alot of exercising but can't right now. I am going to try to put the knee replacement off as much as I can. The cortisone shot they gave me yesterday in it helped some but I still have to take Tramadol to walk on it and make it to work. Thank goodness I have a sit down job. This is great group! I am glad I stumbled onto it! Pam
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PPI's, ulcers and old stomach questions
green*eyed*girl replied to itsmekarenlee's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
Yes, I can see that coming. I will see my GP in a week or two and I will ask him, but honestly I do not think he will have an answer as he is not a bariatric surgeon or an expert on this field. The next time I will see my surgeon is going to be in October, hopefully he will have some answers... When are you going to talk to your surgeon? -
My road to sleeve surgery...fingers crossed!
KimB7811 replied to KimB7811's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Ok, not going to lie but the past couple of days have been terrible for me! This is completely consuming my every thought and the fact that all I can do is just wait and wait....is pure agony. The not knowing if this is or isn’t going to happen is a head trip. I want to get so excited and really prepare but then tell myself to not get that far ahead of myself until I know for sure. But I am in limbo as well with my weight.... I can’t lose any because I can’t fall below 35 BMI right now but can’t gain anything either and I feel like crap. I refuse to buy new clothes to fit me better because I want to fit into my old clothes.. will I end up fitting back into my summer clothes with the help from surgery or is it back to the good ol’ fashioned way for the billionth time. I have gone over my insurance requirements with a fine tooth comb 100 times. I even ran to the weight loss dr I’ve been seeing for the past 2 years just to squeeze in a last weigh in/visit for April so it would show a “recent” 3 month consecutive visit for insurance even though my drs office told me anything consecutive for 2018 would do. I called Tuesday to speak with the insurance coordinator at my surgeons office, who by the way is the nicest person and is so extremely understanding. She had the sleeve done 2 years ago so it was good to know she understood first hand the nerves I was feeling. She told me to just breath and that she has barely seen denials come through. They work really hard on making sure they submit what’s needed and that Dr. Padnani writes his letter well. But the wait for next Friday....the 12th is agony! Just knowing that’s the day I meet with him again to go over the surgery again and I guess the next step and I get my “tentative” surgery date. And I meet with Kathy, the insurance coordinator to sign all the consent papers so she can send it over for pre authorization. Ughhhhh. Please tell me I’m not the only one who has felt this way? Meanwhile... I went to the Bariatric support group meeting on Tuesday my nutritionist suggested. It was about a group of 12. Most had already had it done except for myself and 2 others who were pre-surgery. The only thing I keep thinking about is the one young girl that had it done because her whole family had it done....and kept saying she didn’t even really want it done at the time....?????? All I could do was shake my head. I swear if I don’t get approved...lol -
What's being in the hospital like?
The Candidate replied to gpmed's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ha! Love the status updates, especially the bacon burping nurse. I think that would just be outright cruelty were that to be a bariatric patient! You made a lot of great points! Already have my pillow, mask and ear plugs packed! -
Scrambled eggs, a chicken and brocolli cheese casserole that I found in a bariatric surgery cookbook (the chicken is shredded and very moist), today for lunch I had deli rotisserie chicken slice rolled up with swiss cheese. For a snack I had a mini baybel light cheese. I started soft foods yesterday. This weekend I plan to have meatballs one day and "tacos" one day (lean ground beef in taco seasoning with low-fat cheese)
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Thank you for your post, Penni. Who cannot relate to you??? I sure can. I am the same way -- always ready to jump in and help and often put myself last. But, just this week with healing, I have said no to quite a few things and this is the first Christmas in many years where I am not baking gifts, planning and hosting parties, etc. We are having family here Sunday, but very low key and I am excited about it. I think it is wondeful to do for others and share who we are, but not at our expense. You have alot going on right now -- this entire year you have had alot happening. Of course we get tired and it is so great that you recognize that you need quiet time to recharge your batteries and your soul. It does not matter what spot you chose, just the frame of mind you put yourself in. You can have a retreat in your own home -- I am right now. I am enjoying music, reading, crafts, movies, walking, resting and just being peaceful. I hope you will find a chance to do that soon. Thanks for sharing your tree as I did not put one up this year so I appreciate yours all the more. It is awesome. I love decorating for Christmas. I have other things up and lights outside in trees but I did not think the tree was appropriate this year as I cannot lift much right now while healing. Remember, my post earlier when you put photos of yourself on line for us to share and I said you would be the brightest light for your Christmas tree. You are. Your light bulb is just dimmed a little bit from tiredness, but it burns bright inside. Rest and let that light shine out for all to see. I so cherish your posts here. I always smile and learn from you. You and Delarla are sisters in spirit and compliment each other's personalities beautifully. I am glad she encouraged you to post. We have missed you here. I think everyone is busy as posts are way down -- including me. I have not been posting too much lately either. We will all regroup after the holidays. I am thinking about you and will say a prayer that God will renew your spirit and soul and you will feel rejuvinated. Plus, about the pounds -- remember, doll that muscle weighs more than fat -- with all the decorating you are doing, you probably have lost inches. You are gorgous inside and out. Enjoy the holiday and let us know how all of your plans go. Again, I love your tree and your decorations -- magical. Hugs and blessings to you and yours, Theresa Marie
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lap band surgery denied by tricare
GoSetReady replied to crafty mama's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I hope your appeal goes through. I understand your frustration. The requirements through Tricare changed on 2/14/11 to the following: Check out the Federal Registrar to see if this may help your case. I spoke with the Tricare director in WA and was told the change was effective 2/14 but Tricare reps might not know about the change for a few months. http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-3207 Show citation box (A) Payment for bariatric surgical procedures is determined by the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(15) of this section, and as defined in § 199.2( of this part.Show citation box ( Covered bariatric surgical procedures are payable only when the patient has completed growth (18 years of age or documentation of completion of bone growth) and has met one of the following selection criteria:Show citation box (1) The patient has a BMI that is equal to or exceeds 40 kg/m 2 and has previously been unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity.Show citation box (2) The patient has a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m [2] , has at least one high-risk co-morbid condition associated with morbid obesity, and has previously been unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity. -
I received a fill at one of the national fill centers in January 2010. My band tightened up overnight to the point where I could not swallow my own saliva. Of course it was the weekend, so after several hours of vomiting, I went to a local hospital emergency room for treatment. When I explained to the ER physician that I had my lap band placed in Mexico, he called the ER physician that was on call for bariatrics. The ER physician returned to my room and stated that the physician on call said to tell me that, since I had the band put on in Mexico - to take my little "problem" to Mexico. I was released from the ER without being treated. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how did you handle it?
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I am going through the same problem. I have BCBS of FL through my employer. The employer(thanks, a lot), b/c of the fact that we are a small business, chose the most basic, cheapest plan out there - So there is an exclusion to the policy which states that they will not cover bariatric surgeries of ANY kind - And none of the individual plans will, either. I have been frantically and desperately searching around for someone who WILL cover the surgery - I do not qualify for financing b/c of my credit score and debt to income ratio. I have been in touch with the agent for my insurance - the office - and am fortunate that the lady there understands my pain, or whether or not she understands it, I don't know - But I do know that she is sympathetic and is trying everything she can. She told me that she was going to look into certain plans like AFLAC, etc. that may have some sort of ryder or to see whatever she could do to help me. That is my suggestion to you. You can also go ahead and let the surgeon submit the request, and if it doesn't work, have his office send it in again - That would be considered an "appeal". You could call your insurance company and hassle them to death, but I don't know far that would get you, either. I'm half tempted to do it, myself. Either way - I IDENTIFY WITH YOU. I completely get what you're going through right now and it's hearbreaking ... Write down everything about this surgery and what it means to you to get it done. You should include any medical issues that have been a problem with your weight, and talk about the money you have spent on doctor's visits, etc. due to your weight issues. Explain that this would take care of so many of those issues, and that while it may be a large sum to look at now, in the long run, you will be healthier and they will be able to stop paying out the money they've been spending on medicines, dr visits, etc. Hope this helps...If you find a way to get it covered, let me know. Thanks, Krystle
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I'm new to this and was wondering what everyone's first step was. Did you call your insurance co. first, talk to your pcp, or go to the bariatric office first? I know it can depend on your insurance coverage, but just wondering. Have a great day!
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What was your first step?
Donna4545 replied to sychadelic's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My first step was having my PCP make me an appt with the bariatric clinic. She's the one who suggested the surgery, and seemed to think the insurance would pay (it did). The bariatric clinic asked her to do an ECG, blood work, a chest xray, and to refer me to a pulomologist for a clearance because I have asthma. When all of that was done, paperwork was sent to BCBS, who approved it within 3 days. The bariatric clinic then scheduled my surgery. I started the process in May and was sleeved in July. They offered a June date, but I had time conflicts. The process was really easy, but that could be because I had a high BMI and because my bariatric center was in a pilot program with BCBS for the sleeve. That said, I had tried to have a gastric bypass in 2002 and 2005 and got stopped by insurance issues both times, in another state, with different insurance (Kaiser and UHC) -
I suggest going to the library, ordering from Amazon and studying every forum or article you can get your hands on to help make this decision. Also, attend a seminar or get a consultation with one or two (depending on availability) bariatric surgeons. Only you can make this life-changing decision yourself, and everyone has your history or something similar. It took me 5 years to make my decision, and I just had surgery in December. I am quite happy, and the surgery was minor from a physical standpoint. The toughest part will be staying committed and understanding the life changes - which is why it took me 5 years!
