Geminitraveler

Hi, we have the same surgeon.

Thank you so much for the blow by blow of the whole hospital stay. Your great spirit probably helped the quick recovery.

Hi, we have the same Dr!

hope to hear more from you about your experience.

I am still doing pre op testing and consultations.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for an early September surgery date.

How is it going for you?

I am from Mt. Kisco, NY and having my surgery done at Westchester Medical Center by Surgical Intensivist group phyician Dr. Kaul

http://www.nygetfit.com/about/

I am still getting my clearance appointments out of the way and waiting for insurance approval and a surgery date.

I live in Fort lauderdale and I have Best Choice Plus Insurance. I have finished 3 of my 6 Nutritionist/Primary Care appointments. I am do not know what to expect when I submit for approval. Has anyone out there had Best Choice Plus for a gastric sleeve?

I don't have best choice but I looked it up. Most insurances recognize that they save money in the long run and now that medicare/medicaid covers and the NIH recommends it they do also.

this is what I found and the web site:

Other Covered Services (This isn’t a complete list. Check your policy or plan document for other covered services and your costs for these

services.)

 Bariatric surgery

 Chiropractic care

 Routine Eye Care

 Hearing aids

http://www.browardhealth.org/upload/docs/oe/SBCBestChoicePlus2013.pdf

Looks like we have a lot in common. Keep me up-to-date and I will do the same. Good luck!

Where is everybody having their surgery?

I am having it done at the Westchester Medical Center. It's affiliated and on the same grounds as NY Medical College.

They are supposed to be leaders in Gastric sleeve and do almost 500 a year.

http://www.nygetfit.com/

I'm lucky that my PCP/internist referred me.

Good points!

I am going to be extra cautious. The whole idea of this surgery blows my mind.

The vision in the back of my mind is going to be of a teeny tiny raw swollen stomach pouch red being held together by frail staples. I'm going to be almost afraid of swalloging anything for a while.

No way I am going to risk trouble. As long as I can walk around I think I will be fine. I have been on so many cruises and tender fish is always available and they usually will oblige any request.

How long did it end up taking from your last medical consult visit to the date of surgery approval?

Thanks so much!!!!!

I am just finishing my pre operative testing.

My fingers are crossed for an early September or late August surgery date.

I have a cruise planned November 1 with no way out. It is paid for and my mom's 70th birthday

Could you imagine a cruise 6 weeks after your surgery?

I looked at the post opt diet and think I can do it on a cruise.

What do you think?

I have of such visit Saturday.

The on 7/25 I go for a pulmonary consult since I have sleep apnea,

A cardiologist consult,

Ultrasound of my gall bladder,

45 minute initial nutritionist appt,

Attendance at a support group

I still have to view an on line education video but did already complete a live seminar that is required

I did my surgery consult and my internist is writing a letter of necessity as my PCP.

Still have follow up nutritionist appt and support group attendance 8/8

I just can not wait for my surgery date.

Looking to find others going through or having gone through VSG and who:

1) are gay

2) who live in my area

3) who want to support each other in this journey with socialization and friendship

It is just going to be so weird not going out to dinner as a form of social fun or drink when I go out to a club.

Between my weight and severe sleep apnea this surgery is a matter of life and death but the adjustment is going to be tough .

I feel like I may be in a new world with new friends

I am just behind you doing my pre opt stuff. Therapist appt is Saturday. Pulmonologist, cardiologist, gallbladder ultrasound, first nutritionist visit and first support group appointments are all on 7/25/13.

Second nutritionist visit and support group meeting are 8/8/13.

Then I wait fir insurance approval.

Luckily it is less than a year since an endoscopy. I have a hiatus hernia also that will be repaired. Depending on the ultrasound my gallbladder may go to.

Looks like we have a bit in common. Good luck!!!!