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Be glad your insurance pays. I had Aetna when I was working, and my plan covered bariatric surgery. Then I quit to be a stay at home mom 2 years ago, and my husband also has Aetna. But his company refuses to pay for bariatric surgeries. So same insurance, different coverages. So I ended up being self pay. So $500 and a few months is way better than being out the $12,000 I paid. Could have gone to Mexico I suppose, but wanted to do it stateside. If there's one thing this surgery will teach you (before and after!)...it's PATIENCE!! Good Luck!
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Non Supportive Primary Care Doctor
MamaM replied to carlab51's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I agree and think you should write some letters. That's wrong. My initial doc, prior to band surgery, I thought would NEVER be on board but I needed HIM to refer me to the Bariatric Dept! I asked him and he approved the request, sent the referral that day. I was shocked! As I was finishing the program, he left and I got a new doc. I needed his signature on the FINAL reports for the go ahead. My first meeting with him was for this! He was happy to do it! Now I've got a PCP whose a knucklehead! He's very young and the type who works out a lot, played football all thru HS and College, still play pick up games w/his friends, etc. He think you can do ANY thing if you only stop eating and exercise! UGH! If I had to go thru him to get my revision, it wouldn't be happening. He is against WLS, says it doesn't work (just look at you), etc. Same ol' song and dance that most of us hear at some point over the years. I can't change docs unless I want to drive an hour to see someone even when Im sick. As soon as one of the other docs open up, I'm switching. Tho I do have to say, in his defense, that there have been a couple of times where I really needed him and he came thru for me. -
Hit the 50lb Milestone!
Barry W replied to Barry W's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks folks... the sleeve isn't an easy road to travel, but it is bringing results that I think are worth it. I appreciate the tips and the support that are given here at bariatric pal, so thank you :-) -
I lost 30lbs in 1 month on Low carb!
PixelToph replied to Delia1434's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Low carb is amazingly effective. When I entered my bariatric program, I decided to completely overhaul the way I eat. I figured I am going to have to change how I eat after surgery (almost all protein) so I might as well get used to it and make it a habit while I can still afford to slip up and cheat occasionally (which I did). I eliminated sugar from my diet, as well as pretty much all simple carbs like white bread, Pasta, and rice. I also didn't shy away from fat. I ate tons of cheese, and used real butter and cream in my cooking. Because the meals were so filling, I ended up eating less, whereas with carby meals I could eat a ton, then be hungry again in an hour and ready for more (or dessert). The carb cravings were horrible for a while, but they went away. When I did slip though, they came right back, so I learned it's better to just stay away. Personally, I can't do carbs in moderation. If I have some, I will want more and the cravings will intensify. In the 7ish months it took to fulfill all the requirements to get my sleeve, I ended up losing 110 lbs! I seriously considered not having surgery, but I have a LOT of weight to lose, and maintaining is another beast altogether. Also, while I was eating less (and much healthier), I was still eating way more than I should have been. I would just fill up on salad or veggies. Much healthier, but my years of overeating meant that I was still eating 2-3 times a normal serving size. -
Tips for surviving the pre-op diet
Pandemonium replied to GivinItMyALL's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Bowel prep is one of the many things that varies from doctor to doctor and program to program. May the Bariatric Surgery Gods bless you with not having to go through THAT particular experience. The worst part for me? The first of two days of bowel prep was on my birthday. Crappy Birthday to me! Literally. -
Has anyone been banded by or heard anything about Dr. David Rohrer, Dr. Amy Elizabeth Martin, or Dr. Dale Mortenson from Benifis Bariatric Institute in Great Falls Montanna? I'm from Alberta and waiting to get in to a Dr. here, but concidering self paying if the wait is too long. How long did it take to get in and how much $ if you did. thanks, Marie
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I was banded April 2007 and had done great until this past September when I started experiencing the same pain as you are detailing. I also work in the ICU at the same hopsital where I had my banding done. The surgeon who performed my surgery had since left but I spoke to his associate about it when he came in to make rounds. He ordered a esophagram which looked as tho my esophagus was swollen so he came up to the unit and removed all the saline to let me rest for a couple of weeks. I went back in 2 weeks and told him the pain was still there but not as bad with the saline removed. He then put 1.5 cc back in. I had been at 3.4 previously. In two weeks he put me back to 3 cc and then 2 weeks later back to the 3.4. I still have the same pain but since then it has not been as intense. However now I have a whole new set of problems. On feb 18th I went to work and shortly after getting there I became very hot and sweaty. I sat down and put my head down on the nurses station for a few minutes then got very sick to my stomach. I got up to go to the backroom and that is the last thing I remember. The next thing I knew there was about 20 people kneeling around me. I was on a backboard and c collar and had a huge gash in the back of my head. Apparently I had passed out and then stopped breathing and they had to do cpr on me. After getting my head closed with 9 staples I was admitted for observation and had a complete cardiac workup all which was negative except that I have a low heart rate. Upon admission they found me to be extremely dehydrated and that and the low heart rate was all they found. I was discharged in two days. No our hospital does not have a bariatric surgeon and I have to go 90 miles to see one but all the drs that were involved in my care (family dr, cardiologist and endocrinologist) are all convinced that it has something to do with the band. I was wondering if anyone else has ever had any problems such as this.
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feedig tube and pain rny complications
Ginger Snaps replied to stefonics's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
My one experience with the ER after surgery (4 days after) I learned they don't know a lot about bariatric patients. While I was in the ER I called my surgeon and told him where I was and what was going on. He contacted a pulmonologist who he knew was in the hospital that day to come see me. He also added a test or two to the ones the ER doctor ordered to make sure the problems I was having weren't related to the surgery. I agree with the poster above -- raise some hell with as many doctors as you need until you get some help. You shouldn't have to be suffering. -
No magic trick or hack exists to increase the rate of weight loss in the first 3 months, though some folks may certainly disagree. Adopt permanent lifestyle changes and you'll be fine. Bariatric surgeons hesitate to admit this so as to not discourage prospective patients, but genetics run the show regarding speed of weight loss with surgery in the first year. People with two favorable markers on chromosome 15 are rapid losers; these genetically blessed people can eat a dozen of Krispy Kreme donuts daily and still lose weight like a house on fire. People with one favorable marker on chromosome 15 lose at an average to slow rate, and those without any favorable markers on chromosome 15 are non-responders who usually lose less than 30 lbs. In addition, men, the super-morbidly obese (BMI 50+), and males/females under 35 years of age are normally the rapid losers. The usual slower losers are older females, 'lightweights' who've got less than 100 pounds to lose, menopausal/postmenopausal women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with stubborn metabolic afflictions (PCOS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance).
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You don't know unless you get professionally tested, which is outside the realm of most people. Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon with a bunch of YouTube videos, explained that people with first degree relatives who underwent weight loss surgery and lost rapidly probably have two copies of the favorable gene.
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You should just move on from the whole Insurance issue and seek out financing that is specific to plastic surgery. Start looking at options that are offered on this site like bariatric pal mx. It seems like so many people have had WLS and the plastics done in Mexico that it is just as viable an option as getting it done here in the U.S. at a much lower price. Good luck!
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My WLS journey has been at a Bariatric Center of Excellence in a major Medical Center. The Weight Loss Center here has done thousands of surgeries in the last ten years. The program is discouraging patients from pursuing the lap band procedure because of the risk of complications. In my classes, I met two lap band revision patients that have had multiple issues. After talking with them, I am very comfortable with my decision to do the sleeve.
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Dana and Aiysha, read my post below dealing with food Aversion. Another perspective on the Bariatric sorrows I am going through ❤Frustr8
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My sleeve surgeon just did a gallbladder removal for me a couple weeks ago. I saw him today for follow-up and he chatted a bit about a bariatric surgeon conference he just attended in Sydney, AU. Just as background, my surgeon does mostly sleeves and the occasional bypass. He used to do a ton of bands but now only does the band if the patient insists. He still maintains a lot of bands. He said that the band is way down in Australia and whole areas of the country have no band surgeons anymore. He also said that the re-operation rate (for all types of re-operation) is as high as 40% with the band. He said that the band has a lot of potential points of failure, including that the port can flip, the needle can puncture the band during a fill and cause a leak, or lots of other ways that are not really direct failures of the band. He seems pretty down on the band now but wants to give his existing band patients the highest standard of care. He also confirmed that Allergan has sold the lap band to another company, Apollo Endosurgery. I googled that and found a story in the Wall Street Journal. http://m.asia.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303471004579165961441181356?mobile=y He said that the sleeve is gaining massive popularity because of the low complication rate, high success rate, and that they are starting to feel really confident about the long term prospects of the sleeve, starting to see some patients with more than 10 years sleeved. He said that the sleeve may stretch 3-5% over time but then it stops. He said it is like taking a t-shirt and cutting off a sleeve. You can stretch the sleeve but it will never be nearly as big as the shirt. The bypass is going to be around a long time and is still very well regarded. It is the #1 choice for people with reflux or bowel diseases and it is the best salvage surgery for people who have reflux problems after the sleeve. The DS is very uncommon these days because the sleeve works so well on its own. This is my surgeon's summary to me about the state of bariatric surgery in Australia today from the point of view of the surgeons.
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Anyone ever thought:"I can do this on my own, I don't need the sugery"
MissMac replied to Killian's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am 64 and have been on one or another diet and exercise plan since my second daughter was born in 1978. My weight yo-yo'd between 160 and 200 for years, and then finally by the time I made my decision in August of 2013, my weight was 235. What convinced me to get bariatric surgery?????? I had a stroke caused by high blood pressure caused by obesity. My spine started collapsing because it could not bear that weight any longer while I fooled around with yet another diet. My choice was do something on buy a wheelchair. -
Surgeon agrees today to do port revision surgery
Katy517 replied to Katy517's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Thank you Mimi. I made it through port revision surgery yesterday and other than the discomfort from the incision I'm in pretty good shape. Very gassy, major diarrhea and retaining lots of fluids that I attribute to the procedure. I did find out from the hospital's bariatric coordinator that low profile ports aren't available yet for the 14cc bands that are the hospital's standard for use. I'm anxious for the swelling to go down to see if this makes the difference that I hope. -
Could use a little encouragement.
Andrea72 replied to Andrea72's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@@jane13, there are 6 hospitals in my area and only one surgeon that is in bariatrics. The one that doesn't allow outsiders. I'm good though. Thank you again for the help. -
One more and then I promise to let the subject die. See the more I ponder on it, I think maybe Daddy,loved me in his fashion but there was disfunction there. Last example my parents were married 6 weeks past their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Apparently the Sunday closest to the actual date they, between Sunday School and Church , renewed their vows. I knew nothing about it, one of my co-workers who also attended that church told me about it a week later. I felt l8ke I had egg on my face over that. She must have thought me a horrid daughter that I did not attend. Although I worked many weekends I did have that day off. S9 I went to their retirement flat to ask them, if they were planning such a thing, why was I not invited? Daddy's Rationale: I WAS NOT THERE WHEN THEY WERE MARRIED, WHY WOULD I WANT TO BE THERE THEN? Neither was the bulk of the Church people watching, the majority where my age or younger. And Fotr My Children, I still cry inside at that cruelty shown, I did my best to be good, cause no trouble, didn't date bad boys, truth be told I never dated anyone while under their roof. Brought home good grades, was never an embarrassment to the famility. Tell me, What mo4e could I do to win their love?💦😥💦
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Not so good news post 4 years
thingirltrapped replied to VALKAY's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello, I am sorry sorry to hear of your complications and I can only imagine the frustration you must be feeling. It does sound like possibly the doctor is at fault and it may be a malpractice issue. Possibly another opinion from a different bariatric surgeon--that's what I'd do for sure. Or maybe meet with a lawyer, some have free consultations, to see if your doctor is at fault. Maybe you can recoop some of your money or get it fixed for free, the way it should've been in the first place. I'm praying for you that you get this figured out and back on a healthy track. Best of luck!:thumbup: -
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Alex Brecher posted a topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
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@@Amanda Harris Hi there and welcome! Congratulations on taking steps to get healthy. It is an exciting time as you get closer to surgery dates. As James said most of the testing you go through is just to make sure that a safe surgery can be performed. Bariatric surgery has become fairly routine but being obese comes with potential complications if you don't dot all your i's and cross your t's. As you know getting through the process requires great patience. Every step is really worth it in the end. Having bypass surgery was the very best thing I have ever done for myself. I thank god everyday that we have such an incredible medical community. They literally saved my life! If you have any questions feel free to either post or reach out. I would be happy to help.
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Welcome. You might also find a Bariatric Surgery Support Group Meeting in your area. Generally they happen monthly and are free. It seems like you are in the middle of the process. You will undergo a series of pre-op testing which takes almost a day. If they find anything of concern, they will schedule you for follow-on specialized tests with a specialist in the field of expertise. They are just trying to be extra careful to avoid problems during surgery. They will set a surgery date. Towards the end, there is a half day class that provides great detail about the surgery and post-op requirements. A lot of information is provided during this class.
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Am I selfish for doing this?
mal0712 replied to jillstl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Lau4lau I once sat through a lecture by a bariatric surgeon who flat out said mental health, depression, and anxiety had nothing to do with obesity that it was strictly bad eating habits (?!?!?!?!?!) There are HUNDREDS of different research studies done that say otherwise. Now looking how uninformed a surgeon is, just imagine how uninformed the general public is!!! People see over weight people as lazy and gluttonous. They have no idea that it's a disease. It is an addiction. I posted about my breakthrough with my husband just this past weekend!!! It took me literally being fed up to the point I vented it all out. -
So tired of people saying you dont need surgery!
Sharon1964 replied to Shellbell619's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Random person: "you don't need surgery" You: "thanks!" or "thanks, I'll tell my surgeon! He'll be so happy to hear it!" or "is that how you say "good luck" in your language?" or "it's so cute that you think I'm asking for your opinion." or, in the case of a medical professional who is not on your bariatric team, "I'd like to speak to your supervisor now." -
Nutritionist
WLSResources/ClothingExch replied to samantha614's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@@samantha614 -- The RD's services at my bariatric practice are billed separately and, under normal (whatever that may be) circumstances, I'd have a co-pay. For some reason at which I can only guess, but will keep to myself lest I inadvertently open a can of worms, she's never put through billing for me. I think my co-pay would be $40 per appt. The RD is covered as a necessary part of treatment. If the nutritionist (is she really a nutritionist and not an RD? Is the person at the bariatric office really a nutritionist and not an RD?) you called first is an independent practitioner, I doubt that she's "crazy." Why not set a fee structure which the market will bear? Her fee may not be so different from the in-house fee for self-paying patients.
