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I am wondering why people have chosen Lapband over other bariatric surgeries? I was set on Lapband but find myself considering gastric bypass. What influenced your choice?
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Most important preop question of all...
suepeeps replied to orthoman's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am just over 3 months out. I see the foods that I love and am completely satisfied after taking just 1 bite! I never believed this would happen for me. Last night a friend (who was sleeved on Oct 30) and I went to the support group meeting. It is about 1 1/2 hrs away so we went out to dinner afterwards. We ordered the shrimp appetizer. It had 8 medium sized shrimp. We each ate only 4 and were stuffed. As we saw plates going by with mountains of food we both commented on what an incredilble amount of food it was and it was hard to believe we ever ate that much! My problem has always been portion control and the sleeve has absoultely solved that problem for me. This is the best decision I have ever made! Keep a positive attitude and just follow the directions of the bariatric team. I have never thrown up or felt sick. It has been so good for me. I am so happy and wish I would have done it long ago! Good luck to you. -
Has anyone ever had a PCP stop their pre-op 6 month diet due to not losing enough?
pg278 replied to pg278's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@Apple203, it is a tough goal, and I am scared that if I do start achieving that goal, then my insurance won't cover the surgery, and if I don't start achieving it, then my doctor might not allow me to continue with the 6 month monitored diet. I called the office of my bariatric surgeon to ask them for advice on the matter, and they should be calling me back soon. -
It may just be hormones. My PA told me that we needed to use condoms for several months after surgery because women's hormones can go nuts after surgery. I have a Mirena IUD and haven't had a period for years, but a few days after my surgery, I had the Mother of All Periods and they've been coming and going ever since. When you say "doctor", do you mean your GYN? I'd make sure to talk to him/her as well as your bariatric doc. Being a girl can be so much fun!
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Insurance companies are so annoying!! I cannot count the number of times we have been through the same nonsence with myself or one of my family members. Do you have a bariatric or surgical coordinator at your surgeon's office? I found that I got much more direct and straight forward answers when she called the insurance company. Good luck.
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Mufasas-mom, Unfortunately, the plan that my company has with UHC does not cover Bariatric services, just the surgery..isn't that strange???
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With UHC - do you not have to contact the Bariatric Team at UHC? I did and I have UHC CHoice Plus as well - and did the (well still doing) the 6 months, psych, ekg, pulmonary testing and blood work. Did not have to provide 5 yr weight history and I DID contact the Bariatric Care with UHC who mailed me a list of all the documents and testing that they require prior to approval. So i knew from Day One what the process was. You should call the #800 number on the back of your ins card and ask to speak with a Bariatric Specialist - that should get you the correct answers.
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failed lap band and now considering the sleeve
JoiaRox replied to rachel1217's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Had a severe slip with my LapBand and finally had it removed in March 2013 (installed in January 2010). While I lost over 100 pounds, I gained all but 30 of it back with frappuccinos and other high calorie drinks (it was the only thing that would go down with ease). My doctor wouldn't convert to a sleeve during the removal surgery because he wanted to give my stomach a chance to heal from the trauma of living with a slip for over a year (my former insurance company didn't cover bariatric stuff). BUT - getting the sleeve on June 7, 2013 and couldn't be more thrilled! I agree with a poster above who said that the journey, painful as it was, has better prepared me for life with the sleeve. I'm looking forward to the restriction, the rules, etc. because I know WHAT to do. And, of course, I never want to live through digestive hell again - with a good team of doctors by my side this time, and the right mindset, I know I can do this! -
Finally sent in to BC for approval...WAITING!!!!
Blund replied to Blund's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
NikkiD, I called BC a few weeks ago to ask how long the pre-service review took and they told me 5 days max. (REALLY??!!) When I told the surgeon's bariatric coordinator she made a face and looked like she didn't believe it either. I guess I feel confident, since I was told by 2 different BC people. And it IS BC of California. Maybe they have a big pre-service review dept since everyone and their brother wants cosmetic and/or WLS!!! lol ;D (I live back in Michigan now, but my DH still works for his CA company and thats why we have CA ins.) Lets hope its true!! -
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Wife is treating me terrible after surgery.
Apple203 replied to Thom's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
DS, get real -- most people would be angry if a spouse became disabled. If I was the disable spouse, I'd be angry. If I was the healthy spouse, I'd be angry. All of their long-term plans are to the wind. They have financial crisis. Spouse #2 works all day, comes home and has to tend to children and now spouse #1 who chose elective surgery. What sort of saint-like humans are they supposed to be? There are no unicorns pooping rainbows in that household right now. @Thom I, too, have a disability -- a slowly progressive muscular dystrophy. I, too, am choosing bariatric surgery to lessen my long-term deterioration. I have a brother with the same condition as me who worked successfully for a 30-year career and now he's retired in his early 50s. I Can retired at any time, too -- I'm thinking about before my surgery. I have a cousin with the same inherited condition who didn't make good decisions, and has been on govt disability for a decade. When he moves to SS, his income will be in tatters. Its not an education thing -- I'm a PE, but both my brother and cousin never graduated college. One chose to work, the other looked for a way not to work . I would urge you to find a suitable job and contribute meaningfully to your family. You may think you are too nauseous to cook for your kids, but billions of women time immemorial have done this while nauseous and pregnant. -
Moving to Another State During 6 Month Pre-Op Program?
beachgurl84 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm just starting the 6 month program required by my insurance (BCBS NC). I am currently working in PA but I live in NC. I'll be in PA through the end of this year and into 2015. Because of work and the travel I have to do, this is the best opportunity for me to have surgery because this is the longest I'll be in one place. My surgeon's office is aware of the fact that I will not be here long post op and I will be transferring my post op follow up care back to NC for long term. Has anyone else had a situation similar to this? There is a very, very slight possibility work could require me back in NC before my surgery. Has anyone else had their 6 month program in one place and surgery in another? I'm going to talk more about this with my surgeon but I'd like to hear from actual patients as well. The PA hospital I am planning to have my surgery at is a Blue Distinction center for bariatrics and there is one in my home town as well so insurance covers both locations. -
Actually, My doctor has had bariatric surgery. That is one of the reasons I chose him..I figured having gone through it he at least understood the issues. In that aspect, I was very happy.
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Not eating enough?
bellalulu replied to shelleys goal's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I see no one answered your post. All I can add is that I would stick with what your surgeon wants for you and his dietician. A primary care doc may not be well versed in bariatrics and the new normal for is patients. Just call your clinic and speak with a nurse they are your best bet. I hope you find the reassurance you're looking for. Good luck. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
New to Bariatric Pal and have questions
ogleland posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi everyone! I'm Natalie and I have my consultation with a bariatric surgeon on June 5. I am considering VSG however I have 200+ pounds to lose and RNY may be my only option. I'm just curious by experience who has had which surgery and what are the pros (besides weight loss:)) and cons. I'm interested in hearing from all WLS patients - not just what I've listed here. Thank you and I look forward to getting to know you! Natalie -
Month long Pre Op, need protien drink ideas..PLease!!!!
Booyah!! replied to SaraWalk's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello and good luck!, I on day 4 of pre-op shakes, I must say i have not been starving (Yet), I am using the Bariatric Advantage shakes- the iced Latte is superb!! also the orange cream is good. I throw an ounce or two of Diet V8 splash to change them up , and criss cross the two scoop per shake. I have 5 shakes a day and have survived so far. I wish you the best and will follow to see what other suggestions people have too. Have a positvie day -
Don't tell me i didn't try!
justcalldenise replied to BackToHot's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I have tried them all. I even did the bariatric diet and lost 129pd and gained it all back in one year. I am so grateful for my Dr. and the sleeve. Good luck tomorrow. I had my surgery on April 15th 2014. -
Interested in the Sleeve, Dr. recommended Bypass
dancingqueene replied to Rdepps's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Ong it's like you read my mind!!! I felt the same way!! I just read an amazing book that truly helped me beyond words!!! I high suggest it- especially if your a good addict!!! "Practical Advice for Long Term Maintenance of Bariatric Surgery " by Pamela Harrison. It's 5$ and an eBook!! Quick read and super helpful !!! -
Good luck!! I am also waiting for my surgery approval.. Had my last doctors appointment friday Feb 24th and my bariatric coordinator submitted everything to my insurance company Monday.. Hollly nerves! My surgery is scheduled for March 28th.. so insurance company please call! lol My insurance company is Excellence bcbs
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I actually just purchased these dill flavored krinkle fry things that have 12g of Protein... I haven't tried them yet but they got good reviews! Go to BariatricChoice.com - they have lots of Snacks, meals, Desserts and supplements formulated for bariatric patients!
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Sleeved 7/1/14 and failing miserably!
BLERDgirl replied to jackersducky's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
When you are given instructions you find vague from doctor's and/or medical staff, I find it best to ask for specific examples. Most bariatric programs can provide or at least direct you to where to get sample menus. As for eating during the day. Pack your lunch and Snacks. -
I have spoken with the Bariatric Nurse and I am waiting on a prescription to address the present situation. Let’s hope this one works Thanks
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Bariware - Portable Portion Control For Us!
delta_girl replied to delta_girl's topic in Food and Nutrition
There is a lot more variety there and they are really cute, but the portion sizes are not designed specifically for bariatric patients measured out by ounces. Those portions total to 4-5 cups of food in the example shown. http://www.laptoplunches.com/myplate.php It would be good for several meals, though. -
You just did! Welcome to the forum. Keep in mind that although opinions and tact may vary, your bariatric bothers and sisters wish you an uncomplicated recovery and good health. Feel free to post on any topic. I come to the forum every day to see what is going on. It keeps me out of trouble.
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Shocking news: I'm "pre-certified" but not "approved" for insurance
Maggie Journey posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I got a phone call from my surgeon's office earlier this evening saying that my insurance company is covering my hernia repair, but NOT MY VSG. I went through this conversation with the surgeon's office a week ago. I knew it had to be wrong and someone was mixed up. I called to check pre-cert myself, and they assured me that I was "approved" for all of it. So tonight, after I'm hearing this from the surgeon's office yet again, I call my insurance company again and speak with benefits. They tell me (for the first time) that my policy does not cover bariatric surgery. I tell her that I've spoken twice recently with customer service and pre-certification, and they said that I am approved for surgery. She says yes, you are approved, because you have medical necessity. I ask again.... you are telling me that I am approved for surgery because of medical necessity, but my insurance is not covering it? What does that mean?? She just keeps repeating that my policy does not cover bariatric surgery. I ask her, how is one department at BCBS looking at my file and telling me I'm all set (approved), and then speak with another and I'm not covered???? Nothing. I'm stunned beyond all belief. I've invested 7 months into this. After being "approved" by my insurance coverage, I was scheduled for surgery on 5/16, just six days from now. I'm deep into a 2-week all liquid only pre-op (the worst kind). I have pre-op labs and doctor appointments tomorrow. And I SUDDENLY might be self-pay. Dr's office is telling me that my doctor is looking into the finance department to see about getting financing for me to do the VSG portion/surgeon's fee. The rest would be covered by insurance under the hernia repair. As of tonight, I have no idea how much that VSG portion will cost. As of right now, I don't even know if I'm going forward with it. I cannot believe I've invested so much of my time, energy, money and emotions into this, only to learn SO LATE that I'm not covered for this. I am positive that at the very beginning, when I first went to the informational session last fall, filled out the paperwork and got a call the very next day from the surgeon's office: they told me that my insurance company would cover my VSG. I would not have even begun this process, let alone go this far, unless I was sure. -
People who want privacy - what is or was your cover story?
Maggie Journey replied to Maggie Journey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You guys rock! Love your replies. Update: I'd already mentioned it, but just to clarify, I AM having hiatal hernia repair with my surgery. The liquid diet and recovery time happens to be the same even if you're having only hernia repair, so it all fits in. Yesterday, I told the woman in my department who works right next to me. She already knows well my ongoing stomach issues, severe GERD, etc. She is not questioning further and I know that she understands about that part. Next, I emailed my boss, explained the same thing about hernia, told him how long I expected to be out. Today, I went to the HR person who does the FMLA paperwork. I learned that they will "approve" my leave, which irritates me because I'm using my own earned personal PTO time. But, in order to secure that I have a job to come back to after leave, I HAVE to go through the FMLA process. Also, they are going to want documentation from the surgeon. I realize now that there is some risk of them learning some private details through this process, even though legally (HIPPA) they are not supposed to know my medical details unless I volunteer it. However, this group is known to be nosy & gossipy. And, I have to work on the same floor where they all are. I'm sure that the doctor's office will be subtle about stating what I'm having done (probably will just say "abdominal surgery"). I called there the other day and they assured me they won't write "bariatric" or the full name of their office on the form. However, my surgeon just does bariatric surgery only. A simple google search will show them exactly what my doctor does, if they look it up. However, I'm trying to just let it roll off and not worry. Once I'm approved by my employer to take my leave, I'll breathe easier.
