omamilam

Hi, Did anyone have to get a special credit card or take out a loan to pay the 20% insurance didn't cover? I will have to pay it before they will do the surgery. I have to go to a center of excellence so I will owe $5,000 and do not have that kind of money since I am disabled and live on a small SSD check. Thanks, Oma

Thanks, Island Girl, I will see if my insurance company has a form also. I don't want to lose time but it is probably inevitable.

Hi, I'm just starting the supervised thing. I went to my PCP doctor today and told him what the insurance company expects in order for the procedure to be covered by Aetna. He replied that he had never had to do that criteria before and the insurance companies know they are better off if you have the surgery so they don't get that technical. I told him I had just spoken an hour ago to the Bariatric Team coordinator and wrote down what I needed to do. He said the Bariatric office will do the 6 visits and I said they told me you would do them. All he told me was to cut down to 1500 calories a day and to exercise. The Bariatric team said the diet had to come from a nutritionist and exercise had to be documented. I am so confused right now. Did anyone have problems like this? What happened? How do I get my doctor to comply? Who did your visits the PCP or the Surgeon? I am so frustrated! Vicki (Oma Milam)

Hi, I'm just starting the supervised thing. I went to my PCP doctor and told him what the insurance company expects in order for the procedure to be covered. He replied that he had never had to do that criteria before. I told him I had just spoken to the Bariatric Team coordinator and wrote down what I needed to do. He said the Bariatric office will do the 6 visits and I said they told me you would do them. I am so confused right now. I see you said "finally approved". What complications did you have? How do I get my doctor to comply? Who did your visits the PCP or the Surgeon? I am so frustrated! Vicki (Oma Milam)

Here is my recipe for a fruit smoothie. You can add a half of a scoop of UN-flavored protein powder without it affecting the taste much at all. You can get the fruit prepackaged in the frozen section of the grocery store. You can make your own portion size bags also. Get the frozen whole strawberries and fresh bananas. Peel and cut the bananas in half then cut the halves into slices. Mix your strawberries and 1/2 banana in your portion size freezer bags and you are ready to freeze. To make your smoothie, just put the frozen fruit into your blender and cover with apple juice. No need for ice because the fruit is frozen. If you add some Rum you have an awesome Frozen Daiquiri too just leave out the protein powder :-)

First don't assume you will NEVER eat the things you love again. You will .... but on occasion and in moderation. If you continue to be in the mind set of NEVER AGAIN... you will sabotage your success.

You will hear EVERYONE tell you to get your protein FIRST. This is something that can not be avoided after surgery for many reasons such as healing and muscle mass and nutrition. Keep searching to find something you can tolerate such as Isopure, Nectar, or an unflavored protein. Good Luck

I heard it was because the carbonation will stretch your pouch and cause other problems.

these are supposed to taste good. Mine haven't come in yet because I just ordered them yesterday. This brand was suggested to me. Its called NECTAR and is supposed to taste awesome. It comes in a variety sample pack at http://www.mybariatricpantry.com I also bought an unflavored protein powder. I also ordered Isopure samples it is bottled like a sport drink but has a lot of protein and is supposed to taste good also.

This is MY OPINION and is not intended to stand on any bandsters toes and is a result of my personal research............... Hi, I am also making the decision between LB or VSG and doing a lot of research. After being in the LB chat room for 3 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me. Yes, it is more invasive, recovery is longer and leaks are rare but you do not have a foreign object in your body that you have to continually adjust. Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? I have noticed that after you heal with VSG you are more normal and can eat whatever you want with no food restrictions to speak of with the band you can not have many of the foods you love EVER. I like the fact that your pouch is larger than with the band. You can actually go to a restaurant and eat a kids meal where with the band, one or two bites is all you can tolerate. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that stretches is removed so you will not stretch back out and the part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) Did I mention every fill with the LB is $150? Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking Protein powder the rest of my life 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. Its a personal decision, do your homework and research. Talk to Bandsters and VSG patients before you make your final decision. Good Luck

I am far from perfect and never claimed to be. This is MY OPINION from the research I have collected and I do have a right to express my opinion. I did not mean to step on any toes.

To mom2hunterandhailey I didn't mean to upset you. This is only MY OPINION from the research I have done so far. I do have the right to voice my personal opinion. Everyone must do what is right for them and I stated for everyone to do their own homework and to talk to both bandsters and sleeves before making a final decision.

Hi, I am also making the decision between LB or VSG and doing a lot of research. After being in the LB chat room for 3 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me. Yes, it is more invasive, recovery is longer and leaks are rare but you do not have a foreign object in your body that you have to continually adjust. Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? I have noticed that after you heal with VSG you are more normal and can eat whatever you want with no food restrictions to speak of with the band you can not have many of the foods you love EVER. I like the fact that your pouch is larger than with the band. You can actually go to a restaurant and eat a kids meal where with the band, one or two bites is all you can tolerate. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that stretches is removed so you will not stretch back out and the part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) Did I mention every fill with the LB is $150? Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking protein powder the rest of my life 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. Its a personal decision, do your homework and research. Good Luck

Hi, I am preparing for the VSG also. I am trying all kinds of proteins now to see what I like instead of trying to deal with it after surgery while not feeling my best. I want to be repaired ahead of time. My favorite so far is a fruit smoothie. Frozen strawberries, frozen bananas and apple juice. No need for ice because the fruit is frozen. Its a delicious mushy food that you can add a little protein powder if you want to. I suggest the unflavored whey protein because it doesn't alter the flavor of what you are drinking as much. I intend on trying ALL the flavored Isopure drinks also but haven't yet. You can get them online or the GNC. I also ordered a variety pack of Nectar from MyBariatricPantry.com. I heard they are really good. I have heard it is so important to get your daily protein for nutrition, the healing process and minimal hair loss for the first few months. Good Luck and keep us posted.

Hi, I am also making the decision between LB or VSG and doing a lot of research. After being in the LB chat room for 3 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me. Yes, it is more invasive, recovery is longer and leaks are rare but you do not have a foreign object in your body that you have to continually adjust. Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? I have noticed that after you heal with VSG you are more normal and can eat whatever you want with no food restrictions to speak of with the band you can not have many of the foods you love EVER. I like the fact that your pouch is larger than with the band. You can actually go to a restaurant and eat a kids meal where with the band, one or two bites is all you can tolerate. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that stretches is removed so you will not stretch back out and the part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) Did I mention every fill with the LB is $150? Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking protein powder the rest of my life 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. Its a personal decision, do your homework and research. Talk to Bandsters and VSG patients before you make your final decision. Good Luck

Hi, I am also making the decision between LB or VSG and doing a lot of research. After being in the LB chat room for 3 weeks now, I have noticed that there are a lot of dr. visits to fill or unfill because of discomfort, or not losing, food getting stuck, emergency surgery because the band slipped etc. I became frustrated that there was never anyone in the VSG room to talk to about the sleeve. I had an epiphany one morning that is because no one has anything to complain about after they have healed from the surgery. That spoke volumes to me. Yes, it is more invasive, recovery is longer and leaks are rare but you do not have a foreign object in your body that you have to continually adjust. Yes, the LB is reversible but if you are not committed, why do either surgery? Are you really going to have the band removed? I have noticed that after you heal with VSG you are more normal and can eat whatever you want with no food restrictions to speak of with the band you can not have many of the foods you love EVER. I like the fact that your pouch is larger than with the band. You can actually go to a restaurant and eat a kids meal where with the band, one or two bites is all you can tolerate. Having a pouch the size of a golf ball (LB) as compared to a banana (VSG) and the hole to your stomach is normal size instead of restricted by a band so food can't go through easily, I have elected to be more "normal" and just have my stomach reduced to the size it should have been before I got fat and made it the size of a football. The part of your stomach that stretches is removed so you will not stretch back out and the part of your stomach that senses hunger is removed so you don't get hungry. I would rather go to the doctor every 3 months for a check up with VSG than every month with the band (if not more than that for problems.) Did I mention every fill with the LB is $150? Also, most people that have the band removed due to slipping end up with the VSG anyway. I also do not want to be stuck drinking protein powder the rest of my life 3 times a day just to get my protein requirements in because I can not consume enough food orally. This is why I am choosing VSG over LB. Its a personal decision, do your homework and research. Talk to Bandsters and VSG patients before you make your final decision. Good Luck

Most people of average weight do not understand because they haven't walked in your shoes. You do not owe them any explanation for your weight loss. In order not to be rude and answering their question of how you lost so much weight, just tell them this.....with lots of hard work and dedication...........and you won't be a liar.

I forgot to mention on my policy bulletin with Aetna states, it is required to go to a "Center of Excellence" for my surgery. If yours is like my policy, not any Bariatric doctor and facility will qualify to do your surgery. The Center of Excellence has a solid pre-op and post-op program approved by Aetna. If your facility is not a cener of excellence, I would suggest changing to one that is.

Its not so much Aetna as an insurance company that is the problem but the policy your employer purchases for the company you work for. All companies purchase policies with certain guidelines for a fee. Unfortunately, Aetna requires 6 months of supervised diet and exercise on the program my company purchased. My policy bulletin states you only have to have a BMI of 40 when you submit the per-determination. Your doctors office insurance department is the one that should be helping you but you need to find out on your own what the policy guidelines are for your company policy. I agree with Banana Babes. Read the "Clinical Policy Bulletin" at the Aetna website under obesity surgery. It will tell you exactly what you need to know.

I saw on TV yesterday that fresh apples although healthy have something in them that makes you more hungry. I have the Whole Foods Market smoothies recipe. A few frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana, and cover with apple juice. Blend in a blender add unflavored protein (I like Whey). No need for ice cause the frozen fruit makes it thick, cold and delicious.

I am trying to decided between the LB and the VSG. After the seminar last night, I'm leaning toward the VSG. It just looks more natural or something. No foreign object in your body but not as extreme as the regular gastric bypass or Roux en Y. It just seems as you are shrinking your stomach to be the size it should have been all along. Am I wrong? Does it give you any nutrition issues? What about leaks or long term complications after surgery etc?

I also went to my first seminar yesterday. I am rethinking the LB too. I was in the LB chat this morning and two LB haters (Lab Band Bashers) had me in tears over making the wrong decision. They had the band removed to get the sleeve. Its not about being permanent for me. Its the better health choice and NOT having a foreign object in my body. I see all the fills and unfills, slips, struggles with eating and keeping it down or just getting it down blah blah blah. I'm so confused. What to do?????? How do I decide and will it be the right choice?

I think that I would find a new doc even if my fills were already paid for. Its not worth the frustration staying with this one. Hang in there, we are behind you. Try the chat room for more support and advice when you need instant fix to your aggravation. There may be someone in your area on the chat that could recommend a better doctor.

Have you tried the Chat Room? They are very supportive and can answer all kinds of questions. I highly recommend it.