Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Just jumping in to say Hi



Recommended Posts

Greetings all,

Here I am on the LAP-BAND® road. I've attempted many times to lose weight, each try less successful than the last. Things have gotten especially bad since I changed to a desk job. I've also been completely unsuccessful at keeping the weight off and have gained even more weight with each yoyo cycle. In the last year, I've started noticing the symptoms of insulin resistance and aching knees and decided it was time to address the problem once and for all.

I had my first visit with Dr. Orris at the Weight Loss Institute of Arizona two weeks ago. Since then, I have had most of my preop tests done. The only things outstanding are the EGD, my primary doc's preop clearance and the surgeon's preop clearance. Surgery is tentative for early March.

Insurance is mostly a bust for me. Most of my preop tests are covered but my insurance (United Healthcare) requires the typical six month supervised waiting period plus at least a yearly visit to some type of doctor for an official weight record before they will pay for the procedure. Up until now, I haven't really had the need to visit the doc on a regular basis, so I have a gap of two years or more. Of course, if I had all the comorbidities, I could get the reimbursements on the fast-track.

We've decided to go out-of-pocket with as little financing as possible. That's kind of love-hate for me because now that I've decided to do this I want to get it over with, so I'm happy to not have the waiting period, yet I'd like for insurance to pick up more of the cost. I'm a bit bemused by the illogic of the insurance company. I would think the long-term cost of the surgery to prevent the comorbidities would be much less than the cost of surgery plus treatment of the comorbidities. :biggrin:

So, currently I'm reading all I can on things like Protein Shakes, chewable and liquid supplements, post-op diet and experiences and such. Lots to absorb and lots of new behaviors to learn.

Slowly counting down the days.

Willy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Willy, and welcome to LBT!

I was fortunate to have my insurance pay for everything, but not before the medical group I was with denied me several times. It took almost a year for me to get surgery, and I have several comorbidities.

I'm glad insurance did pay; there would have been no way I could afford to pay out of pocket.

Good luck to you, and please let us know when you get a date.

Debbie

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BabySpoons

      Sometimes reading the posts here make me wonder if some people just weren't mentally ready for WLS and needed more time with the bariatric team psychiatrist. Complaining about the limited drink/food choices early on... blah..blah...blah. The living to eat mentality really needs to go and be replaced with eating to live. JS
      · 1 reply
      1. Bypass2Freedom

        We have to remember that everyone moves at their own pace. For some it may be harder to adjust, people may have other factors at play that feed into the unhealthy relationship with food e.g. eating disorders, trauma. I'd hope those who you are referring to address this outside of this forum, with a professional.


        This is a place to feel safe to vent, seek advice, hopefully without judgement.


        Compassion goes a long way :)

    • Theweightisover2024🙌💪

      Question for anyone, how did you get your mind right before surgery? Like as far as eating better foods and just doing better in general? I'm having a really hard time with this. Any help is appreciated 🙏❤️
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        I had about 6 months between deciding to do surgery and getting scheduled. I came across the book The Pound of Cure by Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon in Arizona, and started to implement some of the changes he recommended (and lost 13 lbs in the process without ever feeling deprived). The book is very simple, and the focus is on whole, plant based foods, but within reason. It's not an all or nothing approach, or going vegan or something, but focuses on improvement and aiming for getting it right 80-90% of the time. His suggestions are divided into 12 sections that you can tackle over time, perhaps one per month for a year if a person is just trying to improve nutrition and build good habits. They range from things like cutting out artificial sweetener or eating more beans to eating a pound of vegetables per day. I found it really effective pre-surgery and it's an eating style I will be working to get back to as I am further out from surgery and have more capacity. Small changes you can sustain will do the most for building good habits for life.

      2. Theweightisover2024🙌💪

        That sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out thanks!

    • BeanitoDiego

      I've hit a stall 9 months out. I'm not worried, though. My fitness levels continue to improve and I have nearly accomplished my pre-surgery goal of learning to scuba dive! One dive left to complete to get my PADI card 🐠
      I was able to go for a 10K/6mile hike in the mountains two days ago just for the fun of it. In the before days, I might have attempted this, but it would have taken me 7 or 8 hours to complete and I would have been exhausted and in pain for the next two days. Taking my time with breaks for snacks and water, I was finished with my wee jaunt in only 4 hours 😎 and really got to enjoy photographing some insects, fungi, and turtles.
      Just for fun last week, I ran two 5Ks in two days, something I would have never done in the past! Next goal is a 10K before the end of this month.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Teriesa

      Hi everyone, I wrote back in May about having no strength. I still get totally exhausted just walking from room to room, it’s so bad I’m using a walker with wheels of all things. I had the gastric sleeve Jan. 24th. I’m doing exactly what the programs says, except protein shakes. I have different meats and protein bars daily, including vitamins daily. I do drink my fluids as well.  I go in for IV hydration 4 days a week and feel ok just til evening.  So far as of Jan 1st I’ve dropped 76 lbs. I just want to enjoy the weight lose. Any suggestions or has anyone else gone thru this??  Doctor says just increase calorie intake, still the same. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Stone Art By SKL

      Decorative Wall Cladding & Panels | Stone Art By SKL
      Elevate your space with Stone Art By SKL's decorative wall claddings & panels. Explore premium designs for timeless elegance.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×