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Weight watchers pre-op
Inner Surfer Girl replied to gottadosumthin's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was doing WW online preop but not post-op. It may have changed, but my major issue (other than cost) was that it wasn't possible to track my Protein with the WW point system. I still had to track my protein so I started using MyFitnessPal which is free. Post-op, protein and fluids are the priority. For me, it is a fairly simple program. If you can track your protein and can follow a bariatric post-op nutrition plan in conjunction with WW, find the meetings helpful, and can afford it then I don't think they are necessarily incompatible. On a side note, I personally hated the focus on the scale that WW relies on and the consequent assumption that I did something wrong if I hit a stall. This is the first time in my life I have learned about how normal, natural, and necessary stalls are to the process of losing weight. (Embrace the Stall http://BariatricPal.com/index.php?/topic/351046-Embrace-the-Stall) I personally have had much more success and have gained many more skills and resources with OA. If WW is helpful for you and meets your needs, then by all means keep going. -
It's ok to have a freak out moment. Maintaining and eating more calories is a whole new mind set. Your surgery restriction is still good at 6/7 months out. Your restriction may feel less after your first year. Check with your dietician and see if they would approve liquid sources. I drink liquid carbs to increase my intake for distance running. look into body building weight gain/muscle mass protein shakes. The macros are much different than bariatric shakes. (Read the nutrition fact labels)
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I too went to Tijuana and had Dr. Zavalza and Dr. Luna perform my VSG on March 3. Great experience and would do it again. I would agree with you Jesser when you say that Dr. Zavalza is very compassionate and yes very skilled. I had no pain at all, except for gas pains and that didn't last very long. I experience nausea and couldn't hold much down the first two days, but after that the blue Gatorade was my best friend while at the recovery house. By the way was super nice and relaxing. Thank you David. Also they have the best chicken broth ever!!!! I wish I had some now, now that I can consume more. If you are looking to get Bariatric surgery, I would definitely recommend Dr. Zalvalza and Dr. Luna if going to Mexico. You will get the proper care and advice, and have a year of follow ups via Skype. My experience was far beyond what I had imagined. I would do it again. I am 4 weeks post op and my incisions have healed nicely. I had 4 C-sections so I know what pain is, but this surgery was a walk in the park to compare. I do have one regret, I wish I would have gotten out more and walked further while there. It was so beautiful and the weather was so great, but I did enjoyed the time I spent. All I can say is follow Dr. Luna's nutritional advice and walk, walk, and walk and it will get better.
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What 3 things do u wish u had been told?
enjoyinglife replied to *Misty*Raine*'s topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi, 1. Constipation and constant gas. 2. Be more proactive. (All the info and visits I have had at my bariatric clinic have been great, but at the end of the day it's my journey, and it's up to me to educated myself, explore this new world I am living in, and make the right choices.) 3. Nature's Best Isopure. I was so burnt out on Protein shakes at week 5, that I had to pinch my nose to drink them. No one at the clinic told me about Isopure, again, being more proactive. Now, I drink a bottle a day, and I get 40 of my 100 grams of protein. They have a great variety of flavors and most of them taste great. They are a bit pricey, but when I think about how much money I use to spend on fast food and eating out, they are worth every penny. -
I have BCBS of AZ and they require 6 months of supervised Dr visits, weekly visits to a nutritionist && documented proof of excercise at least 3x's a week. Really!! Ok, the 6 month wait I can uderstand and even the proof of exercise but weekly visits??!! We have lives!! Luckly I'm going through Scottsdale Bariatric Center in Scottsdale, AZ, and they have a physician on staff who is also a nutritionist and so for a fee I can get both done at once. And my boss (he's great) thinks it will be ok for me to leave work in the middle of the day 1 day EVERY WEEK so I can drive 25 miles one way!! But what about going under the 40 BMI? Has anyone every experienced being denied for losing too much weight? I want to feel beter and lose weight now but don't want to lose my chances at getting the surgery. Has anyone sabatoged their weight loss (wearing heavy clothes, rocks in pockets, etc)? Don't like the dishonesty but...? Any info will be helpful THanks!:eek::confused::confused:
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UGH! we both are having such good luck with our preop stuff-NOT! i've been telling my bariatric center since last november that i would love my surgery during spring break (april 2nd) and here it is march 6th with no date yet! hopefully we can both laugh about this later!!! hang in there-i see a light at the end of this long darned tunnel!!!!! ~courtney
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My question: What is your bariatric surgeon willing to do for you??? Is he/she going to insist on a doctor to doctor conference call with your insurance company? Remember that most of the time an "approval" or a "denial" is already "templated" for whoever receives your request onto their station/desk--usually not a medical doctor of any kind. Your surgeon can take the easy way out and just accept your self pay offer OR she/he can and should have the facts and figures to stand behind his diagnosis and plan of treatment, then be willing to pick up the phone and "fight" for what he/she thinks is what is in your best interest. That takes the $ out of the equation and replaces it with what is best for YOU. If you truly think that a RNY is not for you, than stand firm and fight---being damned sure your surgeon is willing to do the same. Otherwise, in my opinion, you need a different surgeon. You can always self pay (your words), but here and now, you have the opportunity to do the "right thing". Others following down the same path for years to come will be grateful that you fought the fight not only for yourself, but for them (who probably would not have the privilege of self paying). "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is watching"
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Hi everyone! I am so excited and scared at the same time. I am sure I am among the thousands who feel this way. I started my journey 1 1/2 years ago with aquiring and insurer who would pay for bariatric surgery. I talked with the people at Bariatric Treatment Centers and they told me BCBS would be the best insurance for me to get. So I did. I had to wait a minimum of 6 months before doing anything. So I did. I went to my evaluation, meeting and consultation. They told me I was in. Then I broke my ankle in 3 places and was a mess. On top of being a single mom with a house hold of animals and a full time job I now was barely able to get around even on crutches. My one year anniversary is 2/19 of my slip and fall. I needed to recover from that to go forward with the surgery. Then 2 months later when I was feeling better but still in a cast I recieved a letter stating they were no longer excepting my insurance. Well I was extremely dissappionted but wondered if it was meant to be that I did not have surgery. So I kind of forgot about the idea. Thinking about it but realizing maybe my life was at risk if I did it. I met a nice lady who had the lap band surgery in November 2003 who had the lap band surgery and had lost 111 lbs. in a little over a year. She told me it was a much lower risk and less time in recovery and reversible if I didn't like it. I had looked online in the past about this surgery and liked that it was done laproscopic but had not done much about it. Feeling like I could do it on my own. But I am and have been unsuccessful in removing the unwanted pounds for years. The more I diet the more I eventually gain. So I went to the seminar about 10 days ago and did my phyc evaluation before the seminar and yesterday took care of consultation, blookwork, insurance and I am scheduled for surgery Monday 2/2/2004. I am so excited. Please wish me luck and I so hope to join the ranks of all of your success stories! Terri
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Post op day 3 and struggling
jane13 replied to A little less 4 now on's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
@A little less 4 now on - I am only a few days ahead of you and once you can eat something besides liquid you will feel a bit more "normal". your old normal is gone and now you have to adjust to your new tummy. Hang in there little brother @@Dreamer33 - I think a lot of us have doubt but I think it isn't really doubting why we did the surgery but why we couldn't do lose weight on our own (minus bariatric surgery). I know I couldn't - tired of feeling like I was going to get BIGGER and I thought I was a stronger person than that somehow, some way I could beat the weight issue. Nope. Kind of like accepting defeat :/ So I decided to get professional help, Dr. Miro Uchal -
Help!! I have my first consultation tomorrow at Vanderbilt in Nashville for Gastric sleeve. I just found out TODAY that I have a $15k cap for all bariatric surgeries. I'm so confused what this will mean for me. I've read several posts about some people who had doctors that negotiated the price down and didn't have to pay anything out of pocket and others who ended up with a $60k bill because of the cap on their insurance. Any insight or advice out there? I would rather pay out of pocket than end up owing a ton of money due to a cap. Thanks!
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Okay, thanks. My insurance company told me that there is a $5000 co pay for All bariatric surgeries that would have to be paid first, then they would cover everything after that 100%. I have a co worker who had the lap band and she only paid around $1300 out of pocket and that included money given to the surgeon, anesthesiologist and hospital stay. So I'm curious to know if the amount paid out of pocket varies depending on what doctor performs the surgery.
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Atlanta Bariatrics - Dr. Hart
Roux2011-1 replied to mirv550's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Omg! You have the very very best bariatric clinic's in Atlanta I'm not familiar with Dr. Hart however the surgeons in there are phenomenal they know exactly what they're doing and I have had my surgery now for four years and I'm so grateful that I went to Dr Johnson there you'll be very well taking care of if there still the same as they were then -
I am in the process as well. I had my first consult with the surgeon August 5th and my first weigh in was August 11th. My surgeon's bariatric program is 4-6 months long. Since Tricare Standard does not specify how many months u need for the medically supervised diet/weigh-ins, I am going with 4 months. I have read on other threads that some people sent in previous medically supervised diet/weigh-ins to the insurance and they were approved. Others only did a month or two and were approved. Good luck with your journey!
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My NUT is part of the package with my bariatric surgeon. She deals specifically with bariatric patients. Not saying that what she recommends is the "gospel" but at least she is familiar with our kind. At 6 months her recommendations are: Calories- 800-1200/day Protein- 70-90/day Carbohydrate- Less than 100 grams/day Fat- about 35 grams/day Hydration- 64oz /day
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I contacted an insurance broker in my area that delt with medical policies and he gathered all the information for the top 4 companies in my area. I asked for desriptions of the policies and what was and was not covered. I did have to pick a top tier policy (a Platinum policy) and I pay out of pocket every month but I don't pay for my group policy at work so it did even out for the most part. I chose BCBS and the plan I chose covers the sx if I met the guidlines and I did .... I completed the requirments and now I ma scheduled. I do have a $1000 bariatric surgical fee but I can live with that ...... hope this helps ...
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NEED A TRAVEL BUDDY FOR MY GASTRIC SLEEVE SURGERY????
Patricia A Garrick replied to Patricia A Garrick's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Ok☺ I'm from Louisiana. I just checked out the deals here on Bariatrics pal website. If they find a hernia they'll repair it for free! That's a plus! I wonder how much they would charge to remove the gallbladder @@belindadcns? -
The Subject of Sleep
Teachamy replied to truck8595's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Most likely your body is still healing. My bariatric team doesn't consider the sleeve healed until week 12. Also, if you are getting in your Protein and Water, it is likely the fatigue may come from certain Vitamin deficiencies. I was checked at 12 weeks and was OK because I have been on Calcium, Vitamin D, a B-12 supplement, and 2 Multivitamins a day. Give that a shot, and get rest when you can. You deserve it!- 1 reply
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Hello! I am new here (1st post) and will be going in for my 6th month appt next week, only to find out that bcbs took that requirement away? I did lose about 18lbs so I guess thats a good thing? I have an H M O so I need a referral to a bariatric surgeon from my PCP. I've seen a nutritionist already, in my 1-2 months. Is there anyone that might know the timeframe in which I can get in to see a surgeon and also what else i have to do?My insurance will most likely change by November, (relocatuon out of state) so I was hoping to get the surgery done by then... PleaseAdvise!
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An extremely long time before surgery (insurance imposed)
KS123 replied to MarciaN's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm in the same boat. I knew my insurance required the 6 months. I tried to get them to count my recent months doing Weight Watchers but since I didn't see my PCP each month it will not count. That really bummed me out. So I have my first appointment with the bariatric dietician/nutritionist this coming Monday. I'm probably looking at September for soonest possible surgery. I am weaning off diet soda now - have gone from about 5-6 every day to only about 1-3 a week right now. Drinking lots of water (never did that before) and experimenting w different protein drinks. I hope these 6 months go fast!!! -
Book recommendations
OutsideMatchInside replied to sleevedinseptember's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Overeaters Annonymous is the best book I have read to prepare me for WLS. Everything else you can get from google searches, youtube videos from Drs and Bariatric centers, and your own program if it is a good one. Having the right frame of mind about food is the most important thing before surgery, it makes everything easier. -
Hi all Came across your board while researching options for bariatric surgery and think its a great resource not to mention everyone is so friendly! I am 32 and have a BMI of 45. I live in NYC and I am originally from the South. I have a dog that I adore and a really great group of friends that are like extended family here in the city. I was considering RNY surgery before I had heard of Banding and as an option I now cannot imagine having the by-pass. My one problem- I have Aetna for my insurance with no other options short of taking out a personal policy which I cannot really afford. I am taking the appeal process to its end but I am now considering doing a self pay. I am going to start searching the board here for information about having it done in Mexico and the cost differences- any advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated. Its nerve racking to say the least and I am a little scared but in the end after reading all the great things most of you have to say I can tell it will make such a huge difference in my life that I have to do it. Thanks for being here! mags
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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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Aetna only counts high blood pressure if it's not controlled by medicine. I don't know about cholesterol but I vaguely remember it's the same. Their bariatric policy is here: Obesity Surgery It's got all the details.
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Just Got Approved Through Cigna Oap!
UTGal99 replied to Ready4success's topic in Insurance & Financing
I am with Cigna too and am hoping to get approved soon too. The requirements for them are only as follows, right? 1) 3 months of doctor visits 2) Bariatric surgeon clearance 3) PCP clearance and letter of medical necessity 4) Meet once with a nutrionist 5) Clearance from a pyschiatrist 6) Meet BMI requirement Anything else I should be aware of? -
Body Lift (Tummy Tuck, Thigh/Butt Lift) + Arm Lift - February 27, 2015!
NYC1992 posted a topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Hey all, Excited to post in this section of the forum for the first time! I thought it would be nice to share my ever-evolving journey with you all To make a long story short: My name is Mark - I am a few months shy of 23 years old and live in New York City. I am a proud Bandster, having had lap band surgery with Dr. George Fielding of NYU Langone Medical Center on May 6, 2013. My highest weight ever was 357 lbs. As of February 21, 2015, I am 201 lbs, giving a total loss of 156 lbs! I have attached some pictures that are pretty recent. I am overwhelmed with joy to say that my next chapter in getting to my body goal is super near - I will be undergoing a body lift (tummy tuck + muscle repair, thigh and butt lift) as well an arm lift this coming Friday, February 27th at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. My plastic surgeon is Dr. Joseph F. Capella who specializes in bariatric patients and was recommended to me by fellow member Cheryl, also known as My Bariatric Life! I am eternally grateful to her for this. I am excited to document this part of my journey with you all and become more active on this forum again! I'm super nervous for the recovery but have zero doubts that it is what I need for myself. Thanks for listening please feel free to add me here, Twitter and/or Instagram. - Mark- 19 replies
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