maxcat

My insurance company still considers it expermental, but if your BMI is over 50 then it can be the first part of a 2 step process. I am going to do all the tests for it and then appeal the decision and go from there. If it is still a no then I am researching surgeons in Mexico and I will have all the medical info I will need and my insurance paid for it. I don't want a band and I don't want my insides rearranged. Every time I think about getting the RNY I have a mini panic attack and when I think about the sleeve I just know it the right thing for me. I know I just have to be patient but when I want something I wanted it yesterday. So I think we both need luck on our side. Good Luck

what did your surgeon say about flying and blood clots after surgery. If I go to the Doc that I want to go to it will be a 2 leg flight one is 3 hrs the other about 4 hrs Thanks

I am positively going for the sleeve. I am going for the informational seminar at Temple on this Sat then one at U of Penn Mon night and already have an appt set at U of Penn for Feb 3. Went to Bryn Mawr he was terrible, didn't like him(just my opinion). I'm looking mainly at U of Penn because its closer than Temple but time will tell. I don't know who my Dr will be yet, but I'm hoping they help me fight for the sleeve instead of RNY with the insurance company. If not, I will be going to Mexico. I WILL NOT have anything but VSG. How about you have you checked with the ins again and what have you decided?

I also want to add that I also felt the same way. I have about 120lbs to lose. At first I was considering the gastric by pass but when I really sat down and thought about it, I broke out in a sweat and started second guessing myself. I am sure that bypass is good for some people but I could not come to terms with the malabsorbtion issues, or the fact that they were rearranging my insides, or they chance for complications for the next 5 yrs. THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION. I am not here to offend anyone.The band is out for me too. Too many people have problems with it and others don't, thats great. But I dont want anything foreign in my body either. Any way, I started seeing people talking about the verticle sleeve on the OH boards and TT. I have heard nothing bad about any complications and everyone seems to be very happy with it. No malabsorbtion, less post operative complications and more food choices. The best part is when I sit down and really think about it I don't break out in a sweat or have a mini panic attack. I really think that this is the answer for ME. My insurance covers bypass and band, but I'm not interested. I'm going through all the ropes here to get the sleeve done and I know my insurance will deny me the first time but I'm prepared to fight it so they can substitute sleeve for bypass because of certain medical conditions. They will do the sleeve if BMI is over 50, I am 42. If not, I am prepared to go to Mexico and have started my research for a Dr there. Sorry this is so long but you are not the only one who feels this way. Good Luck in your decision. I hope this helps you

From what I understand about this procedure. Someone correct me if I am wrong. That you still need to follow a strict diet with protiens first because the new tummy is so small you want to use it for maximum effeciency to make sure your body is getting enough nutrients. After you can start solid foods and your stomach has fully healed you can have some of these things in small quantities once in a while. I am also starting my journey as well and this is what I have learned so far. Also every Dr has their own procedures they want you to follow when it comes to food. Again I'm sure someone will help out if my info is not correct. I can't wait to be called a Loser!! Good Luck on your journey

I have a question about the "spinal". I thought they only did that when you were having kids. Can you ask not to get, it I really don't like the idea of someone messing with my spine. Did you have stitches that had to be removed or do they disolve? Did they have you do a flourscope(spelling) and what did you drink while they were doing it was it barium? and how many times did they do that? Did you have to be catherized? Thank you so much I am seriously considering this doctor if my insurance company does not come through for me. I will not settle for anything lass than a VSG.

I dont remember where I saw it (I think it was here) but it said that Hospital Almater where, Dr Aceves is, was in the progress of being accredited by the Joint Commision. Did the accrediation ever go thru. I couldn't find anything about it on their website. Thanks for the info

thanks for the hospital info, I'm signed up for the Jan 30 seminar at Temple.

I have the same insurance and on their web site under policy it is not covered because it is expermental or your BMI has to be 50 or more and it is done as the first part of a 2 step plan. The code is 43775. Just letting you know what I found.

As you can see I'm right around the corner from you. What surgeon are you looking at using. My insurance only covers VSG if MI is 50 or over mine is only 42 but certain problems don't allow me to have bypass so I'm hoping that the insurance will make an exception and allow me to get VSG. So I'm sort of looking at all the surgeons in our area. Thanks

How wonderful for you!!! I am also seriously considering this surgeon as well so I can't wait to hear how everything goes for you. I wish it was me on Friday I can't wait to be a loser!!! Let us know your progress and good luck!!