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suggestions on how to get surgery approved??
MrsG replied to photographer's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi there-I have UHC and they don't cover bariatric surgery...however, the surgery center I went through has a little trick they use. Since I needed hiatal hernia repair...they billed the insurance for the repair and not the band....which got my procedure covered for $8k. I financed the remaining $3k and am on a monthly payment plan (200/monthly) I don't know if thats an option for you, but it sure helped me get a bulk of the cost covered. I hope this bit of information helps...good luck! -
How much guidance are you receiving before bypass surgery
JRT Mom replied to Myturn4me's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Do you have a e-reader like Kindle? There are TONS of free or low cost books that will help with your meal planning and the different stages of eating. As far as pain, I think you will be surprised at what a small amount you have. The hospital should stay on top of your pain relief the first day or two so the worst pain you will have will most likely be the gas pains from the surgery. My doc doesn't even send anyone home with pain meds because it's usually minimal! If you feel like you aren't getting guidance from your bariatric team you might have to get sorta pushy about it. Make a list of questions that you have and when you go in for a visit be sure to bring your list and get them all answered. Be proactive about your care and you'll get a far better outcome! -
Well I'm all the way in Orange County, but my group was great! They are located in Newport Beach and are called the N.E.W Program. Their whole practice (including not only surgeons, but internists and dietitians) are dedicated ONLY to bariatrics. They had great statistics on laprascopic to open conversion and I liked their whole approach to the subject. I think their website is The N.E.W. Program Southern California - Gastric bypass, Lap-Band, Weight loss, Adolescent Obesity. Tell your cousin good luck!
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Curious if you all feel a need to use bariatric plates, utensils etc. Getti g ready for surgery. Any suggestions appreciated.
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Help I'm Hungry!
For-me-and-only-me replied to For-me-and-only-me's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I think it's just the preference of the hospital because its the food program for all their bariatric patients. Kaiser -
You would be amazed at how many surgeons are doing bariatric surgery but aren't certified in it........
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Dr. Carlos Barba - Great Doctor and Wonderful Staff
bxlisa posted a topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
During my visits I always felt that I was treated very well. The staff is amazing specially Bariatric Dietitian - Melissa Sullivan and Physician Assistant - Jason Reese. I would absolutely recommend this Dr. Barba to my family and friends. I felt my lap band surgery was an amazing success! BTW - They are also bi-lingual for any Spanish speaking patients. -
Centers of Excellence
Creekimp13 replied to kakatlady612's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
OK...Bariatric Centers of Excellence are an American thing.....because they are accredited by two American organizations, one of which is the American Society of Metabolic Surgeons...the other is the Surgical Review Corporation. To qualify, hospitals have to do 140 bariatric procedures per year, and staff has to have extra training in bariatric surgery complications, sensitivity training for bariatric patients, nutrition and post op care, and safely moving bariatric patients. Their accreditation signifies a level of excellence in the field of bariatric medicine. There are currently 778 Bariatric Centers of Excellence in the US. -
So Bariatric surgery is not covered on my insurance but with all my health issues my doctor seems to think my insurance will cover it.... Has anyone's insurance covered it even though it's not listed??
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I was NOT able to get my procedure covered by my insurance last year even with 2 comorbidities. My policy stated that there was a Bariatric Surgey Exclusion. My medical necessity did not matter. My company did not pay the premium to include bariatric surgery on our group policy, making it an exclusion on our policy. So no, they would not cover it and I had to wait till open enrollment to drop that policy.
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Super Tired, Two Months Out, Hit A Stall :(
lunabella007 posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am seriously exhausted, like almost all the time. I started taking huge doses of B Vitamins in addition to my bariatric vitamins in an effort to make myself a little more alert. Caffeine isn't helping very much either. I realize my body is working hard right now to convert my fat into energy. I get that it's hard work, and takes a toll. However, I am still sleeping 11-12 hours a night. It's hard to be active, and exercise when I feel like I'm dragging myself through the day. Add to that, I've hit a stall. I've been just about single-mindedly focusing on getting all my Protein in, and getting enough Fluid. Any advice, or encouragement would be appreciated. Has anyone been through this before? -
Second Guessing - Surgery next week!!
Jeter2 replied to Jeter2's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You all have made me feel so much better. I never thought I would have this last minute fear because I had been waiting so long for the surgery. I started with my first visit to the bariatric center in March '07 and becasue of unforseen problems I didn't end up with the actual surgery date until June 18th, 2008. When the realization hit that it was only a week away -- WOW-- it hit me! I'm still nervous, but I believe I'm ready. My pre-op visit yesterday went well. I was even told that after a few months I could have a little diet Pepsi, my fave. My doctor's office says that they've been reviewing the diet soda thing for a long time and see no evidence that it causes any harm. But it also has no nutritional value, so I intend to try to not have it, but it makes me feel a little better knowing later on I can try some if I want. I also met a really nice nurse that had adopted a little girl from China, like we have, and we talked about how much more I would be able to do with my kids. My husband and older daughter went hiking in the Adirondacks a few weeks back, and I didn't go because I knew I would just hold them back. Next year, I'm going!! Thanks for all of the encouragement!! --Gail -
Every time I go to a class with the Surgeons
Guest replied to mphsmommy's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
All: I hear your concerns and very much support your choice of which surgery is best for you, as only you can decide what is best for your body. While my surgeon was equally partial to both surgeries, I really liked the idea of great weight and rapid weight loss with bypass, but didn't like the idea of being completely rerouted internally. However, instead of gastric bypass, I really wish I had known about VBG or the gastric sleeve as both of these procedures produce great weight loss with less complications than bypass. I am by no means trying to sway you into a surgical procedure, only stating that I myself only thought there were two bariatric options (being bypass and lapband) and wish I had known there were other options that were combination restrictive/malabsorptive. Bottom line: learn about as many options as you can and make the decision that is best for YOU, regardless of what the surgeon wants/pushes. -
Difficult getting enough calories in
SaraJay425 replied to tripletsmom3's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
My first week I didn't want anything. Lol the second week I struggled bc I was so head hungry. I just started the puree diet. Bariatric advantage has a vegetable soup powder and it's great I added some seasoning to it but you mix it with water and that's how I survived the last week before puréed foods. I couldn't do yogurt and was so sick of jello and pudding. My doctor told me it's almost impossible To get down the 60 g of protein the first couple weeks. I am now doing better. Also bariatric advantage has protein shakes. The orange taste like an orange cream sickle the iced latte taste like a real coffee. I didn't find these until my 2nd week and wish I knew from the start. Also vitamin shoppe and GNC has isopure. Flavored liquid protein. I add crystal light packet to it but it's not bad at all. -
Complications
winning_by_losing replied to MBM1Forever's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Not to take away from the original post, but my program considers bariatric surgery elective as do those from everyone I've spoken to about it at both of the support groups I attend. Regardless of the classification, my insurance covered part of the cost, though I had to pay a great deal out of pocket. All of that said, I'd do it again in a heartbeat, regardless of cost. After getting to the point I am so far (still 19 pounds from my goal) I've been given a new lease on life and even if I were forced to pay hundreds of thousands (instead of just tens) I'd do it again without question. It took me a little longer than SugarFreeMe to get from Obese to Overweight, but then again I started my journey at almost double her weight. I'll never get into the "healthy" category according to the BMI calculators, but without a doubt I definitely feel and act healthy. I'm now able to do many physical things I would never have been able to dream of the last 15 years. -
Well, just came from my PCP's office and I am a fuming!!! He just informed me that he considers my weight loss surgery a miserable failure and he's not going to recommend it to anyone else. I've been hovering between 216/217 For the last few days. Well, I didn't take my normal water pill that I take daily because I don't like to take it until 'm home and near the bathroom. Anyhow, I weighed 220 on his scale this morning which of course I was upset over as well. I was OK until he called me a failure at this WLS and he also said it's ridiculous if you have to keep going for fills and you're still not losing fast enough. Well, I had enough of his negative talk and blasted back that I am not a failure and considering when I first saw him many years ago I was 289. I started my lapband journey at 267 on 12/28/12. I said I've still lost weight and that is what counts. Last time I saw him 3 months ago I wanted to cry because he felt I had not lost weight fast enough (at that point I was down 37 lbs. according to his scale I'm ONLY down 47 lbs and that's not good enough. I should be losing 2 lbs a week, every week according to Dr. "DOOM"! Anyway, I didn't feel like crying this time. This time I wanted to scratch his eyes out. I've still lost 10 lbs in a 12 week period. I still haven't taken my water pill yet but taking that pill makes me lose 4 lbs like in a 12 hr period. Hey, I'm proud of my weight loss and I'm not going to let anyone steal my thunder especially my PCP! I've had many NSV's as well like fitting in smaller clothing, being able to walk more in the stores, etc . If my PCP knew how serious I am with my calories etc., maybe he'd get rid of that negative attitude of his. As far as I'm concerned my PCP is the failure! Not me! I'm still fuming but I'll calm down after awhile. They say 3 strikes and your out. Well, considering the fact he's not a BARIATRIC doctor, I'm giving him one more chance. In Nov. I'll have my 3rd visit with my PCP, if he so much as suggests I'm a failure again, that will be my last visit with him. I already have a new PCP in mind and he's about a mile from my house so I could walk there Just letting everyone considering the lapband, that I love my my band! I may be a slow loser but at least I'm losing. Don't let any doctor talk you out of it. I think all PCP's should all take a course in bariatric medicine before they judge anyone.
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Hello all! I was directed to this site by my surgeon. She is part of a very comprehensive bariatric program based out of Shady Grove Hospital in Maryland. I had my first pre-op consultation last week, and am in the beginning stages of getting all my testing done. I have Federal Blue Cross insurance, and am told it is a piece of cake to get this procedure approved through them, with no "red tape" so to speak. Im very excited to finally have this surgery done (have been looking into WLS for over 15 years). Im still on the fence about whether to do RNY or LapBand though- and could sure use any personal stories, research links, ect to help me decide. Im worried the LapBand wont help me... My pitfalls seem to be skipping meals (sometimes I wont eat all day), sweets, and/or eating after a certain time of day (I sometimes like to have Cereal at about 8pm). Im never hungry as it is, and try to eat healthy... But, Ive always been overweight- even as a child that grew up in a very restricted home (no sweets, soda, chips, junk of any type). Im currently 5'10" and 290lbs. I am 18 months post partum with my only child, and have not been doing anything to loose the "baby" weight until now since I was breast feeding. Before my pregnancy I was 270lbs. In any case- to me, my appearance is a bonus on this road. Im scared of dying prematurely and leaving my husband and daughter. The though consumes me... I want to break a family cycle of the women in my family dying of heart disease at an ever increasingly young age. My cholesterol is slightly elevated, as is my BP- and that was enough for me to want to make a permanent change. So after many years of battling my weight and yo-yoing, Im ready for some help... I hope to find lots of great information and support here!
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need ideas/help with possible slipped band?!
krmlk26 posted a topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Long story short, I have a doc appointment today with my general doc (my lap band surgeon is in Louisville, KY, we are Army, I am in Watertown, NY) to see if she can give me a referral for my band. I had a baby 2 years ago and had my band completely unfilled when I got preggo. I had the baby :cool2: and the Army moved us to NY. 2 years later, I am having major chest pains, major restriction (remember, my band is empty), I am getting food stuck all the time now :blushing: Being that there is no local lap band doc, nor bariatric surgeons, I am looking at travelling 2 hours just to get in to see someone qualified to see what my problems are?! eeek:( The fact that I am unfilled and am getting stuck tells me there is something wrong! I don't know who to go to, who to ask to be referred to, ar anything! Anyone know who the next best surgeon would be to do an endoscopy or something?! Anyone know of an upstate, NY doc? Does this sound like a slip, or something else? I have been losing weight on my own- would that be causing the band to move around in there? Help, please Thanks in advance, karly -
Hi guys, I live in Murrysville, but work in the city every day (Greentree). If the rest of this 6 mo process goes well, I should be banded in May, at the West Penn Bariatric Surgery Center, by Dr Urbandt. I really like him and his staff. I started going there because I was going to have the surgery at Forbes Regional, but their office on the campus closed. Since I'm in the city everyday, it doesn't make much difference. Forbes was closer to home. Anyone else out there from the burgh going to be banded in May, or seeing Dr. Urbandt?
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Tried my 1st protein drink
ms.lady replied to ms.lady's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes it was the Isopure RTD. On the packet info given the bariatric coordinator its says not to drink slim fast, boost, and carnation instant breakfast for protein supplement. I can already tell that this is going to be a challenge for me!!!!! -
Bariatric Pal protein bars - YUM!
MrsKarenC2008 posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
If anyone has hesitated on trying the BP Protein bars ... DONT WAIT any longer ! I just recently bought the variety 7 pack ... and they are better than Quest to me .. Quest was hard and flavorless ... BP bars are soft and chewy and they have great flavor ... a taste you don't mind tasting again ! I was so happy with my purchase ... I just thought I'd share ... in case anyone was wondering and thinking about buying them ... WORTH IT !! -
Bariatric Pal protein bars - YUM!
MrsKarenC2008 replied to MrsKarenC2008's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@@mrs kaje Thank you! Yes all Bariatric Pal has their own bars and other items .... Just click the little purple box at the top of the page that says "STORE" ... -
This is not meant to sound harsh but I invite you to seriously reflect on why you would chose to eat pizza 1) so soon after WLS and 2) after all you did to GET surgery. You are not on Weight Watchers here. You've chosen voluntarily to have major, invasive surgery because your weight is impacting your mental and physical health. To be 20 days out and to eat pizza? Please consider adding a mental health person to your bariatric team. You want to have your head in the game in order to be successful with the tool. Don't put pizza into your body, at least until you are securely at goal, if then. Don't waste this gift.
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Psych Eval-Feeling Frustrated.
smpin1176 replied to smpin1176's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Well after a phone call this morning to my bariatric center I was told there were no suggestions for treatment on my psych eval. No I am trying to get in touch with my surgeons office to confirm they have the correct report. Nothing like sitting on pins and needles. I just hope it gets cleared up. I will not be happy if this sets back my timeline. Crossing my fingers Momof2sn -
Depression after Lapband?
BirdGirlEm replied to hopsing's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
There has been some research recently on this topic. I read an article that talked about depression in bariatric surgical patients and indicated that a large number of patients suffer from severe depression in the first two years. People who have traditionally used food as a coping mechanism may be at a loss for how to deal with stress or negative feeling, combined with the loss of their comfort and "friend" they often find themselves very unhappy. One would hope the reward of weight loss would be adequate compensation for that grief, but it isn't. I would encourage you to get your husband professional help ASAP. Men who are depressed can often hide their more severe symptoms until it reaches a critical stage. The study I read was primarly about suicide rates in bariatric patients, which is much higher than the general population. Please talk to his (or your) doctor about this. He deserves happiness after all his hard work, and so do you.
