MissMellyMell

Please help! I am going nuts trying to find a therapist who is familiar or experienced with bariatric surgery patients. I have Molina insurance and I am really having a hard time finding someone. I have started seeing a therapist and she has no game plan. She is no help and I feel really let down when I see her. There has to be someone in or around Vancouver Washington who is knowledgeable and accepts my insurance. Anyone out there know of someone? I would appreciate any refferals as Molina has not proven to be helpful either. I was on the phone all day calling various offices and Molina. I'll be back at it tomorrow! I should be having surgery in December if all works in my favor! I'm on my 3rd round of appointments. Approved for stage 2 in June! Thank you!

2 weeks of a modified diet, which is 3 or 4 protein shakes and one low cal low carb meal, then they want me to do a all liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

It is a very long process, but well worth it. I'm surprised that UW is no longer accepting patients from Clark County, interesting. If you're willing to road trip all the way to Spokane every few months, Rockwood would probably be happy to see you there! I have kept from gaining by completely changing my eating habits, eliminated sweets and focused on having a healthy carb and protein with every meal. I also have been swapping lunch and dinner with a protein shake and light snack instead of having a big dinner in the evening. I don't really count calories anymore, rather I'm just trying to listen to my body and be in tune with my needs. Seeing the nutritionist is your best bet to get a sense of your body's own needs! I really have enjoyed learning along the way. If you need any help finding providers who accept Molina for any of your required visits, feel free to message me. I haven't had surgery yet, but I'm scheduled for October 2nd and have already completed all of Molinas requirements. 🙂 Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Good morning, If you have Molina insurance, Molina will require you to go to a Certified Center of Excellence in Washington, even if your doctor reffered you elsewhere. I also live in Vancouver and Molina sent me to Seattle, but when I had a bad experience there I ended up switching over to Rockwood Bariatric Clinic in Spokane. I also live in Vancouver, I was really hoping to go somewhere closer, but those were my only 2 options given to me. Molina only contracts with Centers of Excellence. I'm sure that they'll tell you the same thing once you speak with your case manager. Good luck to you! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Good to know, I need some of that!!! Awesome, thanks [emoji108][emoji4] Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

HI there, there are some protein shakes out there with close to 30 grams of protein, if you could manage 3x day, you'd hit that goal! I know that there are also unflavored protein mixes available that you're able to add to soups and anything else you'd be consuming. Makes it easier! Good luck 🙂[emoji169] Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello WLS Buddies and Pals, Just got scheduled (November 1st) for my surgical assessment. I've heard a little bit about the process, but I'd love to hear from others who have gone through the process for WLS at this hospital. Just wondering what I should expect over the next few months. I will be finished with all of my insurance requirements in December, but the hospital says they have their own set of requirements and expectations that I need to complete. Thanks! ☺ Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

**Update, so I ended up having a very piss poor experience at UW. I found not one, but a few of the staff to have very poor attitudes and I felt I was NOT treated respectfully or with professionalism there. In January I made the decision to switch hospitals, to Rockwood Bariatric Clinic in Spokane. Wow, what a difference! The folks over at Deaconess actually seem to care about the patient! The only downside is that Molina made me start the whole process over again (and it took another 6 months.) I just got my surgery date for RNY.. October 2nd! I'm glad that I made the decision to switch hospitals, always trust your intuition. Bad vibes and surgery don't mix well. My surgon at Rockwood is one of the best in the state of Washington! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

HI Morgan, Unfortunately the answer is yes, you'll have to do all of the requirements, it needs to be specifically aimed toward surgery once you are approved for stage 2 with Molina. There is really no way around the requirements set by Molinas Bariatric program. Good luck with your journey! -Melissa in Vancouver, WA Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I love sweet tea too, I've found that going to Starbucks and ordering a Trenta iced tea with no classic syrup, no water and 5 splenda is an amazing alternative! It's just as sweet without all the sugar and calories! I believe your story, some will hate, ignore them. Good luck on the rest of your journey! Mine is just beginning! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow, that is some amazing progress! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Amazing transformation, you are stunning! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Gosh after reading this, I'm kind of saddened that there is such a stigma about weight loss surgery. It's just like any other surgery, it is to benefit a person's health and quality of life. Family and friends aside, no one should even bring up weight in conversation. It's your body, your business. I'm sure people will notice the change in my appearance, I'm not afraid to say I had WLS. It's going to probably be the best thing that will ever happen in my life. I'm so ready to endure the changes and let people see what a positive impact weight loss surgery can have on a person's life. Embrace this and celebrate it girl, don't be shy, embrassed or worried. Enjoy the ride! Let people know how great the procedure is! We need to end the stigma!!! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

You look amazing! Nice work! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow, you look like a whole new person! Amazing! Good work, and it looks like your surgon knew exactly what they were doing, absolutely cool, how exciting. I can't wait to get a date for my RNY, you are inspiring! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Good luck! You have to be strong! Sounds like you have gone through so much, but keep pushing. The consultation had me so nervous, but I felt so good walking out the surgons door knowing that this decision is going to change my whole life! You are so gorgeous, keep fighting the good fight girl! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

You look amazing! Keep pushing! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm counting the days for you and wish you the best! Can't wait to hear all about your surgery experience at Rockwood! I'll be at the hospital on the 2nd for my nutrition consultation with Dan! I'm excited for you! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

So I just completed all of Molinas requirements and then I was scheduled for the (4/19/17) Seminar at Rockwood, the next day I met with Dr. Bright, the surgeon. They also have some requirements such as EKG, labs, and the psych Evaluation and any other tests that will seem relevant to you specifically. You'll also need to have a nutrition consult with the nutritionist at the hospital. Once those things are all completed and they have all of the results, your file is given to the Surgeon who will then decide if you are a candidate for WLS. If he agrees to proceed then you will go on to the next step, which is Rockwood obtaining pre-authorization from insurance. Once they have the okay from insurance they will call you to schedule and youll finally have a date!! I only know all of this because I am in the middle of it all. My nutrition consult is June 2nd. I scheduled far out, so I can work on all the presurgical testing and have everything done by that date, so that I can move on to the next step faster! Good luck, it's quite the journey and takes a toll on ones patience at times! But it will all be worth it in the end! Rockwood is great and they move you along as fast as possible! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

You're doing an amazing job, look at you! You look amazing, but what's more important is the story of your journey and all of the wonderful changes that are coming along the way! I'm so excited for you! I cannot wait to be on the losers bench along with you! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow, so inspiring! You look great sir! Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Did you have surgery in Spokane? I'm going through the same process and was pretty proactive. I'm completing all Molinas requirements next week and going to the seminar and meeting my surgon, Dr. Bright on the 20th. I'm just curious how long it takes to get a date from them. I am also curious about further requirements from the Surgon. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Do you have a date yet? Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

No regrets! Just remember all of the reasons you wanted the surgery! And quiting drinking can be rough due to the way our friends react, but there is so much more to life. I hope you start feeling better! Real friends will understand. [emoji169][emoji169][emoji169] Sending you positive vibes girl!

You look gorgeous, happy, and best of all healthy! Thank you for the inspiration and for all of your advice. I'm preop and I've been struggling lately. I love all of the information and support I've found here. Thank you and keep up the hard work! Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App