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A Journey to Health and Fitness

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Houston surgeons? Doing your homework....

So... I've been to one seminar, got an estimated out of pocket cost which was in my budget, and decided this is something I am going to do.   Then I started doing some research. First, I found some negatives about the surgeon from my side of Houston and called the clinic to ask about switching to one of their other surgeons. However, I'm still having reservations about the clinic, and all my options are now an hour's drive. The clinic is a chain clinic for bariatric only, specifically lap-band called True Results. I've not seen too many negatives, but there seems to be one here and there.   Now I am moving forward with more homework. I've located another seminar in my area that I am going to attend at a regional, well respected hospital (Memorial-Hermann) on Thursday night. I am hoping that this doesn't mean my out of pocket will increase. The doc giving this seminar, Dr. Turnquist so far seems to have excellent comments and reviews.   This is so important. This is me. This is my health. This is my life.   If anyone has experiences in the Houston area, let me know. I'd love to hear!
SuzieInTexas

SuzieInTexas

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Really decided to do this

I weigh 263 lbs. My BMI is 48.2 depending on who's BMI calculator you use.   Whoa! That is INSANE! I've got to stop this madness.     I attended a lap band seminar at Texas Gastric Banding on Tuesday 9/27/11. The surgeon is Dr. Richard Wilkenfeld, and surgery is done at True Results in Houston. I got a call on Thursday 9/29/11 from TR saying my insurance, CIGNA will approve my surgery based on the information they gave me, however there are things that need to be done. I will be required to have 6 months of weight loss counseling, 1 nutrition counseling, a psych exam, and a letter of necessity from my primary care physician. I also have a pre-existing condition clause that expires Oct 31st. So, I have my first counseling on Nov 1st at TR that will include a nutritionist session. I do have a copay plus some deductible, so I will be upping my medical flex deduction next year.   I currently don't have diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension. I do have unmedicated high cholesterol and acid reflux that is treated with Prilosec OTC. I have medically diagnosed bone loss, what my last doc diagnosed as Osteopenia or pre-Osteoporosis. I do have painful knees and ankles, and I did break my ankle in a fall last December. This excess weight is not helping.   The lap band is my choice, but I am hoping to combine it with gastric imbrication, referred to here as gastric plication.   Problem #1: No primary care physician. I did get a couple of recommendations from the surgeon, and have checked and found two are in network with my insurance. So I will call them and see which one fits my needs best.   Problem #2: My work insurance will renew, and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that they do not introduce an exclusion for bariatric surgery. If so, I'm toast.     I am hoping this surgery will give me what I need to lift me up and defeat my weight problems and my food addiction. This forum, youtube videos, and this blog will be great support and great therapy. I am so looking forward to sharing my journey with y'all.
SuzieInTexas

SuzieInTexas

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