debby01

Who did your surgery at the Barix Clinics in Ypsilanti, MI?

Has anyone been able to look up online to find out what the benefits are for your health insurance concerning bariatric surgery? If so, how do you do it? I have BCBSMI PPO ford retiree and when I talked to the ins rep the other day, she went so fast through everything and now I'm confused on some parts. The rep said she would send the written part on my insurance for bariatric surgery through the mail. Said it would take 7-10 days to receive. Help!

I'd love to hear from anyone that has BCBS of MI PPO. My insurance is under my husband, and he is a Ford retiree. I talked to a benefits rep the other day from BCBS and she said that the sleeve is an approved surgery as stage 1in a 2 part surgery for duodenal switch. Approved for age 18-60. I am 60 and will be 61 in December. Also, was told that I needed a 6 month documented diet with in the last 4 years. So my question is at age 60 already and without a 6 month documented diet, am I just out of luck for insurance to ever be approved?

I just talked to a BCBS benefits rep today and was told 2 specific things that would affect me. 1) Insurance pays for the VSG for age 18-60 (I'm 60 and will be 61 in Dec) 2) They require a 6 month pre-surgery diet. Am I out of luck on insruance paying for the surgery because I will be 61 in 3 months? Any one out there that has experience with Ford retiree BCBS of MI PPO? Help! Also, they said that they pay for the VSG under a 2 step process, meaning that they expect a second part to the surgery at a later date for the duodenal switch.

I use to get awful muscle spasms (charlie horses) in my feet, calves, and yes the leg muscle attached that goes all the way up to the buttocks because of woking long hours setting at a desk without getting up and stretching for long periods of time. I now take an OTC supplement with calcium, maganesium, and zinc in it nightly. I seldom have any muscle spasms now. But I do get them when I forget to take my supplement. And make sure you are drinking enough water. Hope that helps!

How did you like Dr. Pleatman? Would you recommend him for VSG surgery? I'm from Michigan.

How did you like Dr. Pleatman? Would you recommend him to others for a VSG?

Greg - What was your BMI and did you have any comorbidities? I also have Ford hourly retireee BCBS PPO. Who was your surgeon? Thanks for any info you can provide!

Do you have BCBS of MI PPO? I thought bcbs of MI had a 6 month supervised diet requirement? Obviously, I have the PPO. Thanks!

No, I have not met with any doctors yet. I had contacted Barixs last fall and they seemed not to really be doing many VSG's. Who was your doctor and do you know how many VSG's he's done? Were you self-pay? If so, do you recall the total cost?

What is skin brushing? Never heard of it.

Did you have VSG surgery? I thought Barix Clinic in Ypsi didn't do many VSGs.

I live in MIchigan and have been researching MI VSG surgeons and would like to know which surgeon you would refer me to because of your past experience with them. I assume I would be a self-pay because I am approx 100 lbs over weight and have really only 1 comorbidity (arthritis in my knees) and a BMI of 35.6. Although if I truely looked at what is a comorbidity maybe I might have more. I have BCBS PPO. Any comments on Dr Pleatman out of Bloomfield Hills? Dr Zeni out of Livonia? Should I only look for Doctors that have or are associated with certain credentials? Help! I really don't want to go out of state.

As a newbie to this site, I do understand that your food must be chewed up quite thoroughly but will there come a time when you can chew your food slowly but a little bit more normal?

Can you ever drink diet pop again once you are completely healed? Or should it be off limits for ever?

I am new to the site and am very interested in the sleeve plication surgery. I am interested in the recovery time and when you can return to work in an office environment. I would greatly appreciate any info from anyone who has had the surgery.