boosh10

Yes, I'm definitely going to discuss all options with my Rheumy. Surgeon said for about a month after. Hopefully, my RA will take it easy on me for that month. lol

Has anyone with RA been told that they need an approval letter from their Rheumatologist stating that it's ok to come off of your RA meds (IF NEEDED) during the time of surgery. If yes, Were you taken off of your RA meds? What RA meds are you taking? I was told that the RA meds would slow down the healing process (because of immunosuppressants) and can cause a leak if taken during that time. And on the other side, im soooooo not looking forward to a RA flare. Just asking if anyone was on Enbrel and plaquanil and was still able to take em.

I only had to do a chest xray, ekg and blood work. And if anything was wrong with them, then I do followup testing. Thankfully, they were all normal. I wonder why all doctors Dont do all the same testing.

Thanks Isereno. Docbree.....Im terrified to go off my RA meds. I KNOW that i'll be in pain. But surgeon also said I can be put out of work for a month if I wanted to. I figured, since being off RA meds,that may be the way to go. I hear ya about the plaquenil and sulfasalazine. not as helpful without the Enbrel, humira, etc. Keep me posted how things are going for you.

My last visit in Sept at the surgeons office, they told me next visit in October that they will be scheduling the date. I emailed the insurance coordinator to ask her if that means it's already approved. She said no, that I sill have to finish up my 4 visits/3 months. I just don't know why they would schedule the date without having the approval. Sounds odd, no? And besides weight gain...what would be a reason for denial? I lost 3 lbs from my first weigh in, but would I be denied if I gained anything over my first weigh in...or if I gain any of those 3 lbs back,is that considered grounds for denial as well?

Hey all, Im in month 1 of my pre op program because my insurance requires 4 visits/2 months. I had my first visit and met the dietician and surgeon. I wasn't technically told to lose weight yet, but I already started to try and diet because I knew that is going to be asked of me at some point. But...somehow, with my luck, I gained like 3-4 lbs. Has anyone else gained after the 1st visit. I go on Tuesday back for my 2nd appt and im somewhat embarrassed that I actually gained weight. Do they weigh you with every visit and report it to the insurance company, or do I have time to save myself and be more strict with dieting over the next two months. Do they actually try to get approval from the insurance right away, or you go thru the 3 months first then they try and get approval. I just don't know if im gonna be denied right away because I already gained a few pounds. Anyone go thru this?

Hi Heav85, What was your outcome on this one? Im in the same boat, my first month in and put on about 3 lbs. So, I kinda am wondering the same thing.

I don't know if this is an inappropriate question or not and maybe a little embarrassing , but who can I ask if not you sleevers? Being a heavy woman, there is no denying it that our private below areas have a little "chubbiness" to it. What Im concerned with,is what it will look like after the surgery. Does that skin hang as well? There is no way of tightening that up, correct? Im guessing the only option for that area is plastic surgery? Or can the skin shrink ? I have not had the surgery yet, but I am just starting the process. and I dont' know why, but this seems to be on my mind.

Hello, What pre op testing can a 35 year old expect to do before surgery or does it depend on my insurance? Is the same testing done on everyone?

Since I am new to this, I must ask. I see everyone has their goal weight. I have not had my first appt yet with doctor. (next month) Is this goal weight what you have discussed with the surgeon? or is this your own personal decision. AND.... has anyone not wanted to go as low as the weight the surgeon decided? Im currently 6 foot tall and weight 315 , and im assuming my doc is going to go less than 200. I don't really wanna go less than 200. I felt my best and sexiest at 200-220. I like being thick. I understand that he'll want me to get to a healthy weight, but even at 315 im overall healthy except for the extra pounds. Lots of em. Is there a way to get to your happy weight and stop? Or is that not advisable ? Or is the weight loss not controllable? Of course I will discuss with my doctor, but just wanted to hear from experiences!

I just went to a seminar last week and asked that question and dr. said if you MUST take it..take it with a prevacid or pepcid!

I figured there would be lots of paperwork, but my Dr.s office is emailing them to me to have already filled out. Are they usually aware of the insurance requirements before the first visit? Because they have all my ins info, just wondering if they check before I get there.

Hello All, I have my very first appt on Aug 21 with the NJ Bariatric center. I already attended the seminar last week. But what should I expect the first appt? Is it going to be like a physical or pretty much a consultation?

Hello, I just took my first step and registered to go to a seminar. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the NJ bariatric center. If so, do tell!