Search the Community

I’m going to be self pay in FL. I found 3 surgeons in FL that were more “affordable”. Dr Radecke, Dr Shillingford and Dr Wizman. These are all around 10-11,000 for sleeves. 2 of those Dr do you surgery at bariatric centers of excellence. Other Florida Drs quoted me around 15,000-17,000 for sleeve. I will be cash pay up front. I am very concerned about self-pay complications though. I have United Health for insurance but Dr office told me my plan doesn’t cover bariatric AND I’m low BMI. I also have disc degeneration issues and following weight loss I also want to get a breast reduction. I have numerous herniated disc’s and a broken vertebrae. I think you are just going to have to google and call around like I did to find surgeons in your area. It was time-consuming but I wanted to make sure I knew all of my options.

Just wondering if there are any other NY Bariatric Group patients on here. I feel we had an excellent pre-op education compared to what I have read on here. Also, I am having my first fill this Thursday and wondered how it works with their practice.

I was told by my doctor's nutritionist, and a couple of other bariatric surgeons I consulted before making my final decision that hair loss is a product of slacking off on Vitamins and Protein. I remember I diet I went on in 2005-ish where I lost a LOT of weight (nearly 80 pounds) in about 4 months and I lost a lot of hair on that one but I know my calories and protein were all wrong. I was barely eating, not taking vitamins, and exercising like 3 hours (straight catabolic cardio) every.single.day. Once I got off of it, the hair came back quickly though.

I just got some bad news that will require me to put surgery on hold. Being a typical guy, I don't complain about the things that I probably should. Well, I had a routine follow-up with my sleep doctor and he referred me to a cardiologist. I told him that I was feeling short of breath lying down and sitting upright sometimes. I always just chalked it up to being overweight. Today, I had an echocardiogram and the result has made me feel hopeless. There is a problem with the mitral valve in my heart. This will need to be corrected before I can undergo bariatric surgery. For now, my cardiologist increased my blood pressure medicine to ease some of the stress on the vascular blood vessels. The next discussion is surgery to repair the valve. Given that I have not had a heart attack, the recovery period will be somewhat shorter but still will be a while. I feel really sad .... for every step forward, it seems that there are two steps backward. Anyhow, thank you for listening.

Matt, I don't have any new words of wisdom beyond what others have said. I'm sorry you're having to focus on a different health area before your bariatric surgery. I do agree that perhaps once you get past the initial disappointment you might be able to see this as an extension of the same journey, toward the same goal of your health. I know that doesn't help right now, but don't forget why you started this and don't lose heart! You've come so far already, you'll do great!

dont expect to be working or using laptop. you probably wont even read a book. between sleepies from pain meds and post anesthesia, not much will be happening in brain land. I was really glad I had loose pants with drawstring, warm crocheted vest, sleep mask, ear plugs, warm slipper socks. everything else was not really needed. oh, and some nice smelling lip balm, think it was coconut almond or something. I had a little fleece blanket that was bright colored that was homey to come back to after my walks, and helped me know I was going in to the right room. just think bedtime and hall walks. I had a roomie so it was nice to be able to tune out that side of the room. of and comfy old bra and tshirt with loose sleeves. you will have an iv so dont have anything with long tight sleeves. I had a little firm pillow that helped me move around, better than the bariatric teddy bear with advertising they gave me. oh, and I loved having my airline pillow since I have neck problems. love sara

I had an issue with severe constipation. I found that eating an apple with the skin just before bedtime relieved the problem. "An apple a day keeps the constipation away". Sounds almost like a jingle. Others on this website have made other recommendations: Smooth Move Herbal Tea (available in the health food section of Krogers and other grocery stores.) Prune juice (warmed) Prunes (4 in the morning and 4 at night) Magnesium citrate Insoluble fibers (Garden of Life Raw Fiber or Renew Life Triple Fiber). Haribo sugar free Gummy Bears Aerobic Magnesium 07 Low Fat Bran Muffin (recipe). 80 calories each 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups bran Cereal 1 ¼ cups milk 1 egg ½ tablespoon applesauce optional: banana, berries, mini chocolate chips Bake 400° F for 22 minutes

And I guess I forgive me most of all. Today I hurt internally, gastritis? It's like an internal toothache in my pouch area, now I was an RNY so it should not be GERD. I had an Endoscopy the 12th, no redness/swelling/malformation was noted in the pouch. Do I re-call my bariatric clinic at O.S.U., my gastroenterologist here( Dr Upchurch) or my Primary (Dr Carroll) at 9 and half months post-surgery who has juristriction? So I forgive myself for trying so hard to always take my meds, follow the rules laid down, not be any trouble to anyone, but I fear it for no good benefit. Did I sell my soul for weight loss? It's Almost like having to choose between death from Obesity or something else? Tonight I feel like the Adult version of "Failure to Thrive" and not even the bland things I think of seem to help with the sore sensation. And at this point I feel lower than a snake or earthworm navel. And I am abundantly sorry now for it all.

I believe all psych Evals are different depending on the place you go. At mine they had me doing random stuff like repeating a set of numbers, remembering 4 object till I was asked what they were in order, addition like 2+2 up to 198+198, a depression test, talked about why I chose the surgery I did, talked about what I’ve learned about the surgery. They just to make sure that I’m aware of all things about the surgery. And finally a 200 question bariatric test where at least my psychiatrist sent to Indianapolis to receive the results. All this took 2hrs so prepare to stay that long at most. Hope this helps 

My bariatric program gave me Premier Protein Clear in Tropical 👊, it seems very strong so I have been cutting it half-and-half with Minute Maid 15 fruit punch , than topping it off with enough cold bottled water to fill my complimentary plastic cup from OSU. Then I pour it out into my baby 2 oz cups. Impromptu Poem Ounces 2-That's the thing to Do! Not good enough to win me Poet Laurete of the United States🇺🇸 but I do work cheap---even FREE!

My surgeon has all his patients start taking bariatric level of vitamins 2 weeks before surgery to build up stores of them, because it's often hard for people to get in all the vitamins they need immediately after surgery.

Congratulations! I was banded by Dr. Wolff last week. All is going well and I am so happy it is finally done. After all the preparation work, the day after surgery I still couldn't believe that I had gone through with it! Good luck to all my fellow MMC Bariatric bandsters! maybe I'll run into you at one of the support group meetings! :thumbup:

​I now have MVP and they do cover Bariatric Surgery.

I'm confused. Do you have coverage through an employer or through the healthcare exchange? If its through the employer, the employer has probably chosen to opt out. If this via the state exchange, you may live in a state that excludes bariatric surgery as a necessity. If your employer has opted out, suggest talking to your benefits manager. If your state excludes contact the department of insurance in your particular state and appeal your case.

I've contacted several Insurance Companies that have told me they don't cover Bariatric surgery. I have an Individual plan.

Most insurance plans cover it. Bariatric surgery is optional so employers can opt out. You can contact an insurance broker or check the health insurance exchange (healthcare.gov) for what you need. Pricing will vary depending on insurance company and options. Deductibles also vary. So to that end, what information are you looking for exactly?

It's truly the distance that bothers me... and the fact this office never returned either of my calls! What if there WAS an emergency or I needed to get a hold of them? Scary thoughts. I dunno - I'm going to consult with "my guy" and see how comfortable I feel after that visit. I would highlyyyy prefer to go to someone local. I live in West Virginia so my options are extremely limited, lol. I'd also be able to stay at the hospital I had my bariatric surgery at, which is wonderful. When I had lipo in 2009 in Baltimore I stayed at the world's worst hospital and it was a nightmare, so I know how important that part can be, too.

Hello, fellow Buckeyes. My name is Linda and I don't live in your local area. I live in Belmont County on the east/central side of the state. I am 62 years old and just found out my insurance covers bariatric surgery. I have tried for many years to keep my weight under control but to no avail. It has just gotten worse and worse and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I have diabetes and high cholesterol and have done what I can with medication and diet to try to diminish them, but that isn't working very well either. I didn't realize how many different types of surgery there are until I came to this site and I would appreciate any direction or suggestions anyone can give. I am so very ready to make this life change and want to make the best and most informed decisions I can. I am most likely looking at having surgery done in Columbus at some future date. I hope all of you are doing well and are happy with your decisions. Any of your input would be extremely valuable to me!! Linda

Probably pure spasm, possibly a stricture, been fighting it for over a year, trying to remain patent/open, I'm told now ( late September 2019) that my stoma is small in size, that my jejunem is open with visible scars from where last year's ulcers were, so thin foods do go through slowly but they do finally go through. Still. have not graduated to any more than moderately tho k pureed chew as I may. Precious still provides me with emesis on a frequent basis, 3-5 times weekly, keep extra gray Wal-Mart bags in the wastebasket near my Recliner so I can tie off and dispose of what Precious Pouch declines. On the Good Side I am regaining the size I had as a late Teenager- never expected to be under 300, under 200 and we'll into Onederland, after a starting BMI of 53.6, finally found my Ist Visit Summary from O,S,U, Bariatrics--- a BMI of 28.3 seems like achieving an Impossible Dream. And after Size 30W, a Size 16 to 18, majority 16 is a definite WhewBaby. So perhaps there are benefits to the Whole Shebang I have gone through. Just for my Own Peace of Mind, I wish somebody would be honest and stamp "Gastrointestinally Crippled" because at coming up to 13 months, I wonder if I will ever be "RIGHT" again, will I still have a "Healing Day" IDK When, IDK in what Manner, but nobody told ME yet to stop praying👼🙏so I continue till my breath leaves ME SomeDay. Maybe I trusted in -All Things Will Be Made New- perhaps for ME only a Bible Verse. But, you know, I AM still better, healthier and thinner than I started out so perhaps I should be praying for Placid Acceptance at This Point.

I have not heard the term...but for those of you were were wondering...this is what I found. And after reading it... I need it. LOL Mermaid Lift procedure is designed to achieve the following: 1. Accentuate the waistline to create a more feminine flare at the hips. 2. Flatten the abdomen to improve its contour and definition. 3. Lift the pubic area to create a more smooth youthful transition to the lower abdomen. 4. Redefine the belly button to compliment the bottleneck waistline. 5. Lift and restore shape and volume to the buttock and lateral thighs. 6. Cinch and redirect the skin to reduce /or eliminate the appearance of cellulite in these areas The design of most lower body lifts often does not address each of these crucial aspects, leaving many patients disappointed with their results. Over the last ten years, working with over 2500 post-Bariatric patients, we have developed the Mermaid Lift procedure--inspired by the feminine curves of these mythical creatures which are emulated both in art and fashion, to enhance and accentuate the female body. The key to this surgery is properly placed tension. Just as in any graceful, well-constructed wedding dress, the lines smooth out wrinkles, lift key areas, augment curves and give an overall pleasing shape. We begin centrally by making sure to lift the pubic area smoothly without leaving any unsightly mound while flattening the upper abdomen, without any need for a vertical scar. The incision is then carried out to the sides along a bikini cut, lifting and curving the thighs. We always tighten the midline abdominal muscles since this helps lower the scar further and brings in the waist, allowing us to have the thighs flare out naturally from an hour-glass shaped abdomen. The incision is then carried to the back along an imaginary bikini line and the buttocks lifted and augmented with fat from the lower back creating a pleasing curve. The total effect is similar to that achieved with so-called Mermaid-cut dresses and perfectly addresses all the key points that concern most massive weight loss patients. Another very important aspect to achieving the optimum shape is that we pre-operatively size every patient for a compression garment customized to her figure. By choosing the right size and shape of garment before the surgery and placing it directly on the patient in the operating room we are able to better control tension and allow the newly placed tissues to conform to their ideal positions. This also allows easier mobility for the patients and they are encouraged to begin walking the same evening after their surgeries. Proper preparation before surgery is also crucial. Patients’ weights need to have stabilized and their nutritional status must be optimized. In addition, any anemia must be addressed pre-operatively. We are often able to combine tummy tucks or the Mermaid Lift procedure with hernia repair or gallbladder surgery by the Bariatric surgeon at the same time, saving the patient recovery and expenses. Because of the extent of the surgery, we are cautious about doing a great deal of additional surgery. On select patients we will also do breast or arm lifts or augmentation along with a Mermaid Lift procedure. For most patients, a day or two in the hospital is sufficient, but depending on whether other procedures are done simultaneously we sometimes keep our patients longer. Recovery is usually about three weeks, but varies a great deal. Insurance coverage for at least a portion of these procedures has improved dramatically over the last few years and this often takes a great deal of the financial pressure off of patients allowing them to recover with a little more peace of mind. Plastic surgery is often the “icing on the cake” of the Bariatric experience. Once a patient has lost the weight and is feeling good, she feels complete when her newly restored inner harmony is matched by a newly harmonious outer appearance. The Mermaid Lift procedure transforms these patients’ figures and helps them radiate their new inner happiness outwards.

Hi everyone! I'm very close to the end of my WLS process and my surgery coordinator said that all I'm missing is medical clearance from primary doctor , weight chart for last 5 years and a new bariatric referral because the one I had expired a month ago. Now I called in the referral but I'm wondering what tests are done for medical clearance by primary doctor and what happens when my regular primary doctor leaves the clinic and is replaced by a new doctor? does the new doctor fill out all my clearance paper work? I'm confused

I'm new here but hoping someone can help me or give me some sound advice. I decided in Aug 2014 to have the bypass surgery as I read it can really help with diabetes which I was diagnosed with last year and now take 5 shots per day. I was familiar with the director of bariatric surgery of the local hospital as he had performed my colonoscopy last year. After attending his information class, I decided to proceed with the gastric bypass. I've completed all of his requirements then yesterday had another appointment with him hoping my package would now be ready to submit to the insurance company for approval. I've told him all along I neet to get this done by the end of the year since I've met my out of pocket maxium and because of my job. Our busy season starts January 1st and it's impossible to get PTO until June. He had previously said at my Oct appointment that if I was able to get everything done by the Nov appointment and assuming my insurance company doesn't take weeks to approve then I should be able to get it done by the end of the year. At my appointment yesterday he said he would review my paperwork at my Dec 11 appointment and I should have surgery in Jan or Feb. I left his office in tears! I'm ready to find another doctor! Any advice would be very appreciated!

Pam is the Bariatric Program Director. I'm pretty sure she's over Susie. She did mention that Susie is not the best at returning phone calls, and she sent her an email about calling me back and copied Dr. Chae on it. Yes, they need someone in the office, that does nothing but answer the phone. I was almost about to switch surgeons because of the lack of support. But I really did like Dr. Chae, and now I'm glad I stayed. I will definitely go to the next support meeting!

I can't argue with the cost issue - I think it is usual here for insurance to include lapband and VSG, but not everyone is insured, and then public hospital waiting times are long for things like this. A great many things in life are a trade off between cost and safety or cost and comfort, sadly. I have previously asked my surgeon why he keeps his patients in hospital so long (although i was personally v pleased to have it done that way) and his reply was (in part) that Gastrectomy is done for lots of reasons, not just weight loss - cancer/tumours and ulcers on the fundus can lead to an op that is a lot like VSG. It is standard to keep patients for those ops in hospital for 3-10 days... And I have seen those same times quoted on US websites too. He went on to say that many VSG patients have higher blood pressure, sleep apnea or other issues that put them in a higher risk category than the average person and he prefers more conservative treatment. And finally that it reduces the risk of complications and increases patient comfort. All very sound reasons to me. Someone said earlier in this post that the OP should discuss with her dr and be sure she is comfortable with his reasons for discharging her on day 1... Specifically why he thinks this is right for her, not just "right"... And then the OP can decide what she needs to feel comfortable undergoing the op. I think that's good advice. It's worth shopping around too, as longer days in hospital don't always mean greater cost - well where I live they don't. Every clinic I spoke to charged the same "out of pocket " cost - Insurance companies in Australia can only insure up to 85% of of a govt determined cost for a particular service - the doctor can charge more (and most do) and the "gap" between the insurance payout and the cost gets bigger... and the patient has to pay. Bariatric surgery is very competitive these days, and you too may find doctors are charging similar end costs to ensure their share of the market If you pay the same and get less care and follow up the doctor is pocketing the difference as profit. More care and follow up and he's investing in your health. It's always worth asking around.

Can you see if there is a bariatric support group in your area?