DanaInNewOrleans

Are you through Why Weight? I wanted an appt with Dr. Lavin in Metairie. They recommend a 6 months registered dietician for insurance approval.

Yes, I'm seeing Dr. Lavin with Surgical Specialists( the office on the Northshore) for the first time this week. I'd really to see if see if there is any way the 4 month waiting period can be waived or reduced.

I'm sure there is a good reason that 80% - 90% of the stomach is removed but would it be possible to decide ok, maybe this person would do better long term with only 60-70% removed? It just seems like there would still be great results without be sooo restrictive for a lifetime. Anyone know if this is possible? Can you ask that more stomach be left?

Thanks!

Dana

Even if it is not quid pro quo I would surely be happy to donate my skin. It sure would be nice to know that at least something good came out of all my years of misery!

Hi Everyone,

Just wondering if any of you have heard of an insurance waiving the pre-surgery 4 month supervised diet?

I've been doing Weight Watchers online for months and was wondering if insurance would possibly count that as a valid attempt. I had also lost 160lbs 10 years ago ( no surgery -- just low carb) but I have gained 60lbs back and I'm just devastated. My first appointment with my surgeon ( Dr. Lavin) is next week. The office has already verified my insurance and I am covered at a 100%. Thanks for any insight!

Dana

Hi Dana

Dr Lavin did my sleeve in Slidell 4 weeks ago.....glad to help any way I can!

Hi,

Thanks so much for getting back to me! Hope you don't mind some rapid fire questions!

1) How was Dr. Lavin? I was thinking I may want a female surgeon because I'm so self conscious. And Dr. Lavin is relatively young AND cute! LOL which just makes it worse!

2) How are you doing? Any regrets? What are you eating at this point? Do you miss eating a normal meal? One of my main worries (it is actually probably my primary concern other than surgery complications) is never being able to eat a normal meal with my husband/friends/family. No crawfish boils, no Thanksgiving Dinners, no friends over for a BBQ.

3) I'm not a big fan of "drinking" a meal. I'd rather skip it, which of course I know is not an option with WLS. I just cannot imagine doing only liquids and mushy food. It sounds gross to me. I mean, I could do mushy red Beans or white Beans (New Orleans style of course) or creamy Soups but I just cannot fathom the thought of pureeing food and trying to get it down my throat. Any thoughts on this?

4) How long were you in the hospital? Did you have to have a catheter? Did you have any complications?

I have a ton more questions but don't want to wear you out!

Thanks again!

Dana

Hi Everyone!

I'm Dana from New Orleans (Mandeville). I've been lurking around trying to get a handle on whether I have the courage to do this WLS. It just seems sooo drastic. I lost 160lbs 10 years ago by doing low carb and kept it off (although I was still overweight but relatively happy at a size 16 compared to a 32). I kept most of the 160lbs off until about 4 years ago when I slowly started gaining. Then freaking out and losing, then gaining ....it became a horrible struggle. I have now gained 60lbs back and I am devastated. Nothing I try now works. I've tried doing what I did when I was successful and that did not work anymore. I tried Weight Watchers thinking maybe the low carb success had run it's course and my body needed a change. I GAINED on Weight Watchers. Then tried LC again, then WW again. With each defeat I became more and more depressed and devastated and my self esteem was completely destroyed. About 2 weeks ago I had sort of an epiphany --- I decided that WLS might be my only option and hope. I started doing research online of course. The Lap Band just doesn't seem like a good choice other than it is reversible if there are complications. That is a big plus though. Gastric Bypass to me is just asking for trouble...lol.... I basically came to the conclusion that the sleeve looked like my best option. Surgical Specialists/Dr. Lavin is one of my clients (I'm a sales rep) so I called to start the investigative process. I have two insurances - Aetna and Federal Blue Cross and they verified my coverage -- I would have zero out of pocket. I have to do the nutritionist/diet thing for 4 months ( we disappointed me). I was excited to see a Louisiana thread but surprised there wasn't more people from Southeast La or New Orleans. My first visit with Dr. Lavin is next week to discuss options and what would be best for my situation (I have Multiple Sclerosis ). I have so many questions, some seem so trivial and some seem very important! But they are the kind of questions that I need from actual sleeve people -- not the docs. Would you guys mind answering some questions? Stupid questions included?

This seems like an awesome invaluable support site!

Dana