Need-a-Sleeve

I actually work for BCBSTX & know the "fast-track" approval number is 40, but I do meet the co-morbidities criteria: hypertension (on 3 meds), CPAP, GERD, asthma among others. I guess it will come on the letter of medical necessity from the surgeon. Will post once I find out, thanks.

My weight at my annual PCP appointment last week put me at 40 BMI, but it normally hovers closer to 38-39.5. I am making the appointment to see the surgeon but didn't know if that weight would be the determining weight or one at the PCP?

The reason some surgeons do the pre-op diet is because most obese patients have enlarged & fatty livers. When they use a laparoscopic approach there is a greater risk of liver puncture when they place the scopes in. The 2 week high Protein diet with low carbs shrinks the liver and reduces your risk. But you would need to heed your own surgeon's advice.

Go to his website: http://nicholsonclinic.com And his all inclusive cost is $12,200 for VSG.

I also bought a body bug thru Costco & paid $249, which included a Year's subscription to their site & you can download reports. Here are the things I like: -long battery life - great readout on your sleep cycle Things I don't like: -Customer service is sporadic -You have to use their food database & it is horrible! -The armband is bulky & shows under your clothes -Monthly fee after your free subscription is up is $6.99 a month I also used an Omron pedometer that was better, cheaper & interfaces with their b/p cuff. The reports from those two are both free & I could take them to my doctor. He loved seeing that. Unfortunately, I really like the sleep monitoring feature so may have to buy a FitBit because I am a huge fan of My Fitness Pal.

I went to a weight loss surgery seminar on Tuesday night & asked a question I don't think most would ask. Because I am an RN & have an extensive family history of colon & breast cancer, wanted to know which procedure would fare best with chemotherapeutic drugs. Part of the reason to have the procedure done is to reduce your cancer risk but in case it happens, a sleeve would be preferable. So chalk up one more reason for why the sleeve wins!