Sandra Lail

I decided to go ahead and start out with the Protein Shakes and Lean Cuisine and Weight Watcher meals in the evening, and see if I could get a good head start on this. I'm going to see my primary care physician Monday, and ask him for a referral. Since I do have a metabolism problem, I'm not sure whether or not this would help me or not. I know I need to find out if the nodules on my thyroid are benign or malignant and get that taken care of first. Hopefully that will be done sometime next month. The surgeon increased my Synthroid from 50 mcg. to 100 mcg. and that seems to be helping a little bit with my not having any energy at all. I've lost 6 1/2 pounds since I started the shakes and those diet meals at night. I don't know if I'll be able to do that everyday or not. I really don't want to lose the weight this fast, either. I just started this a few days ago. I know that losing too fast will just leave me with a lot of saggy skin. I think I'll give myself one or two days a week at eating what I want to, but sensibly. Not pigging out or eating a lot of fattening food, just eating normally. I appreciate all of your comments. Thanks so much. I need all the information and help I can get!
Sandra

Hi Sandra, you say that you don't eat too much, but you don't lose weight.
The band helps people who are used to eating huge amounts of food, but if you have metabolic problems, how can a band change the situation?
Here in Italy surgeons suggest other kinds of surgery (bypass) to people who can't lose weight because of their metabolism.
Hugs!!

I agree with Joanne -- the weight loss center or hospital should be able to help you with the billing questions. Keep at it -- choose Sandra first! You deserve health and happiness and you're going to get there. So many people here have similar stories. I am so glad you found this forum. Keep us posted!

The Bariatric Center may be able to help answer your payment coverage. They have a record of how it is handled in your state. Suggest you ask for their help. Also your Primary Care Provider should write you up as a candidate for the surgery, and your coinsurance or maybe medicade will pick up the balance & future visits.
Good Luck!
Jo

I have Medicare and Medicaid and they paid for everything. I would suggest you try some Protein shakes. Greek yogurt also helps me for a snack. Please keep working on this your health is important. I have HBP, High Cholesterol, Arthritis, Insomnia. I went to the doctor last week and he took me of my acid reflux meds and took blood work to see if I can stop my cholesterol meds. I waa banded on January 27. When I went to my first doctor's appointment on September 27 I weighed 249 now I am down to 215. Please keep me posted on what happens.

Don't throw in the towel. You can do the research to find the answers to your questions. The band requires regular adjustments that can be costly so you might want to consider that when doing your research. Medicaid/Medicare will pay for the gastric sleeve too so check into that. The Protein Shakes you buy over the counter can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens and Costco/SAM's. Any of the weight loss surgeries require healthy eating and healthy foods don't come cheap so you will need to commit to that. I am also in Ms and I had my sleeve done almost 5 weeks ago. I love it. Hope your daughter is doing well with her WLS program. Good luck to you.