taylor2021

8 hours ago, baribetty said:

I have PCOS, and after either bleeding non stop, or not bleeding for a while, I finally had my first normal period in a really long time last week. I am 3 months post op tomorrow. I can feel my body working in a way I haven’t felt in a long time

Hi I am currently EXACTLY in that (bleeding nonstop or not bleeding at all stage in my life lol) its been like this for me about 7 years now. I'm happy to hear that you've made progress and I'm also very happy to see that you're in California just like me! I just turned 25 and I've made the concrete decision to now have the gastric sleeve. If you don't mind me asking, what was your starting stats and where did you get your operation done? Also did you self pay and if you don't mind me asking how much did your operation cost all together. Thank you (:

On 1/19/2018 at 9:45 AM, McKenna Colster said:

Hello all!

I am looking to hear your stories on how your PCOS changed after weight loss surgery. I tried to conceive my first child for 2 years and was never successful. I decided that it was time to take my health more seriously. I opted for the gastric sleeve and I am looking at a surgery date for the end of March or beginning of April. So far I have been able to loose 30 pounds 4 months into the 6 month diet and exercise program. I had what I think could have been a period last week. It was extremely light for me but it did last for a good 8 days or so. I don't even remember the last time that I had a period without it being induced so I am hopeful that my cycles and fertility will restore itself after surgery. I want to hear what surgery has done for you, your PCOS, your fertility, and overall experience with pregnancy after weight loss surgery! Thank you all and I cant wait to read what you have to say!

Hello! I have PCOS just like you and am now in search for a place of operation myself for the sleeve. I also never get my period and don't ovulate. Feeling down, I started doing research and found tons of extremely helpful youtube videos on this very topic. Women like us going through this same exact thing. I've heard the same things over and again, Post Op a lot of the girls become incredibly fertile. I will tell you what one of those girls told me. Don't worry, Your baby is coming (: Congrats on the progress you've made so far thats incredible! I wanted to know an update of how you're doing now Post OP? Are you pregnant yet? how are you feeling? Also, if you don't mind my asking where did you get your operation done? I'm happy to know there are women out there who can relate to where I am in my current state. Thank you for posting this.

Hello everyone!

I have yet to find my surgeon and place of operation, I'm starting with a lower BMI at 33 and will be self-paying. I wanted to know if anyone had to self pay in California or Mexico. Please share your journey with me (cost, recovery time, location, overall experience etc..) so hopefully I can start my journey with a little more confidence going in. Thanks!

Hello. I also have PCOS and I don't ovulate therefore I'm hoping wls will help me in that area so i may eventually become pregnant. If you don't mind me asking, what surgery are you getting and where are you getting it done? Thanks!

8 hours ago, RickM said:

I'm in the valley, but I went with Dr. Rabkin in SF because at the time, Dr, K wasn't working in So Cal (he was up in the Central Valley) and no one else down here had that much experience with doing sleeves, and my wife had a DS performed by the Rabkins several years before so we were already familiar with them and their program. They also had a local-ish support group and office in Ventura where they used to work before moving north and there are several of Dr. K's patients in that group. Dr. K now sponsors that group and often shows up with his family when his schedule permits (it's a dinner group held at a restaurant.)

IIRC, at the time, the Rabkins self pay rate for the sleeve as about $17k complete; I don't know what it is now, or what Dr. K's self pay rate is, but I would expect it to be in the same ballpark.

Good luck in getting this done!

Thank you for all the info! I'm gonna definitely look into this!

4 hours ago, Jd101 said:

Www.endobariatric.com Dr. Alvarez specializes in the sleeve. He has many books and YouTube specials as well as an insta and sc account that he gives information on.

Thank you!

32 minutes ago, BajanSleeve said:

I had a fantastic experience with Mexicali Bariatric Centre . They were so excellent in their service and the hospital was top notch. I wrote about it if you want to review you can view my activity log or look in the Mexico forum

Will do! Thank you so much for your response!

Thanks!

Mexico! Mexico! Mexico!

Howdy everyone! .....Or should I say HOLA

So, I'm new to this whole thing, and I'm currently in the process of looking for places to have my desired gastric sleeve performed and people keep mentioning MEXICO to me! One because of the attractive price tag and two some say their surgeons are more advanced in bariatric surgery then we are here in America. I'd like to know what your take on this topic is? If you've had your operation done in Mexico PLEASE! tell me about your experience and PLEASE! don't leave out any of the juicy details.

1. Who was you surgeon?

2. What Facility were you in? City and state

3. What was your recovery like?

4. How many post OP appointments did you have to go back for?

5. Did you feel safe? (out of the country medical procedures can be nerve racking! Not just Mexico)

6. What type of WLS did you go with?

7. and the golden question we ALL want to know..... How much did you fork over? also did insurance cover anything for you?

I'm doing a bit of research myself and idk maybe Mexico might end up being an option for me, so I'd really appreciate your guy's input.

Bonus question: I've heard AMAZING things about Dr. Ariel Ortiz from the Obesity Control Center do you guys know anything about him or that hospital?

Thanks guys!...... or should I say...

ADIOS AMIGOS! (i hate myself)

21 hours ago, RickM said:

For the sleeve, I like to look for surgeons who also do the duodenal switch, both from the perspective that the DS is a fairly complex procedure in the bariatric world, so it tends to attract the better surgeons to it, and as it uses the sleeve as its basis (and adds a malabsorptive intestinal rerouting) most of the DS surgeons have been doing sleeves longer than most other bariatric surgeons (the sleeve has routinely been done for about the past 5-8 years, while the DS has been performed for around 25 years.)

Here in CA, Dr Ara Keshishian in Glendale is well worth looking into if you are in So Cal, and in the Bay area there is Dr. John Rabkin (I traveled up to SF for my sleeve as Dr. K wasn't working in SoCal at the time) and there is also Drs. Greg Jossart and Paul Cirangle who are also well regarded.

Certainly go to whatever support group or introductory meetings that they have to get a feel for the practice and personalities involved, Ask questions learn what you can ahead of time so you aren't surprised later. As a bonus for most of these DS oriented surgeons, they generally don't impose any significant pre-op diets that many struggle with - they know their way around in there well enough that they don't need whatever extra help those are supposed to provide (personally, I would avoid any of those guys the impose multi-week liquid only pre-op diets.) They also usually have fairly rapid post-op progressions (as tolerated) so you tend to get back to normal-ish sooner.

Hi!

Thank you so much that's incredibly helpful especially because I'm fairly close to Glendale so that helps a lot when looking into doctors. If you don't mind me asking Who and where did you get your operation done? and how much did you pay if you paid out of pocket?

Thanks again I really appreciate it

Hi guys (:

I'm setting up consultations to inquire about the gastric sleeve and I want to make sure I ask all the right questions and I thought "who better to ask then these guys!"

I'll admit, I'm super nervous and a little scared. I kind of feel like I'm just diving in to the deep end and I want to make sure I'm at least semi-prepared.

So if theres any questions you wish you would've asked or any questions you're glad you asked please share if you can.

Also, if any of you had your WLS done in California and could pass the info of where you got that done and your experience that would be super helpful as well.

I appreciate you<3

-Taylor

24 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. We mothers can't help ourselves. We have a compulsion to (s)mother anyone young enough to be our own.

I'm glad my info helped in some small way.

Now... go to your room, young lady! It's getting late, and you need your sleep.

lol (salutes) Yes Ma'am!

Sweet dreams and hope to see you in the forums! (:

3 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Has your thyroid been tested? I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. They'll only find it if they do an antibody test. When your aunt hooks you up with a new endo, have him/her check out your thyroid, too. A sluggish thyroid can make losing weight harder, too. It's in your best interest to make a strong case for yourself. I hope you find a good endo.

I adore my endo. He's kind, patient, and very knowledgeable. Not your typical "doorknob doctor" --doctors that have one hand around the doorknob, ready to bolt.

It has not. I will definitely have them check it out hopefully that will help my case. Again, you've been great, thank you so much for all of your knowledge and kindness. I hope to get as lucky as you with a great Endo because the lord KNOWS I've had it up to here with the doorknob Docs!

11 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Two of my sons are medical doctors, so, yes, it helps. You can imagine all the medical support I get from my kids.

That's amazing. I'm sure they love to help, It sounds like you've done an awesome job as their mother

47 minutes ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

@taylor. Don't give up easily if your insurance tries to put up a roadblock for you. Also, not all co-morbidities are created equally. Some have life-long consequences while others may fade away after surgery.

Don't rely on your insurance company's website. Talk to a real-live someone (on the phone) and have them explain your benefits to you. Ask questions. Have them email or send you your benefits so you can see them in print. If you don't get satisfactory answers after you call, call back. And keep calling. Ask for a supervisor. Be a squeaky wheel if you have to. Involve your primary doctor. Have him/her be an advocate for why this surgery is necessary for you. Your big gun, of course, is your endocrinologist. S/he is the one who's a specialist in PCOS and diabetes. If Kaiser turns you down, appeal it. Have your endo intervene on your behalf. It's in your insurance company's best interest to frustrate you; they want you to give up and go away. It saves them thousands of dollars.

Do your parents have an H.M.O. or a PPO?

My daughter is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and understands her PCOS from a medical viewpoint. Because I also have a medical background and because she was diagnosed as a teenager, it's a disease known to us for years. My daughter is in her 30s now.

You guys come from a medical background, thats awesome. Thank you for all of your help, I really appreciate it. My parents insurance is an PPO. My aunt is actually a director of nursing at one of the Kaisers out here and I worked at one of the locations as a med-tech for a couple of years. My aunt is trying to set me up with a good endocrinologist as we speak. Yeah, kaiser can be VERY frustrating so I'm not expecting this to be easy. Before I was diagnosed with PCOS I was desperately trying to find answers and didn't get a proper diagnosis until a couple years after I started complaining to my doctor about what was going on with me. So I know first hand how dismissive they can be but I'm going to try as hard as I can because I REALLY want the WLS. Everyone on here is saying not to dismiss WLS in Mexico but I'd be more comfortable if I got it done at Kaiser as I've always had them as my healthcare provider but again they are very STRICT. I'm not going to give up. Thank you for the encouragement:)

4 hours ago, Screwballski said:

I too just had my lap band removed and now have a sleeve. That was over a decade of Band Hell I could have done without.
I would never recommend a Band. Many Doctors will no longer do them, mine included.

Thank you for your input! I've been hearing a lot of the same thing when it comes to the band, I'm definitely more interested in the sleeve now and believe thats the route ill be taking. How do you like your sleeve? What was your recovery time and how much success have you had?

Thank you (:

12 minutes ago, Golfgal51 said:

Taylor....an old weight loss warrior here. I am 67 with a BMI of 33. I am getting a sleeve on Thursday, July 5 th. I have been diabetic for 10 years .... never weighted over 130 until menopause and diabetes. According to a seminar put on by Kaiser Permanente 85% of people who diet gain their weight back. Much higher rate of success with a sleeve and bypass. Remember....it is a “tool”. The one thing i would strongly suggest is to see a Bariactric Nutritionist .... I met with mine for 6 months prior to surgery. I feel I am totally ready, educated and prepared. Good Luck....and open your mind about Mexico...much success with their programs.

Hey GolfGal

Firstly thank you for sharing your story with me and congrats on your Sleeve surgery coming up! I also have Kaiser and would LOVE to attend that seminar. If you don't mind me asking what state are you in and is Kaiser covering your WLS or did you use an outside source? Also will you be receiving your sleeve in Mexico? I've been getting a lot of good feedback on getting WLS there. Thank you!

1 hour ago, KCgirl061 said:

I can relate to you, Taylor. Five years ago my weight was around yours and I’m a similar height (so similar BMI). I remember chatting with a friend about her sleeve surgery and being rather jealous. At that BMI I didn’t qualify for surgery - not with insurance covering it at any rate. I had tried all the diets from Portion Control ones to eliminating carbs to addressing my food addiction. I remember thinking (like so many responses you’ve gotten): I’ll just do better with diet and exercise.

Fast forward 5 years and I haven’t had anymore success with diet and exercise. My BMI climbed up to 40 and I remember how my friend told me getting sleeved was one of the best decisions she’s made. In fact most people will tell you they don’t regret the decision at all. In fact when I see the question posted “what’s your biggest regret getting WLS?” the response I see most is “I regret not getting it done sooner”

So when people tell me I’m not big enough at my BMI of now 38, I tell them I don’t want to wait until my BMI is 48. I don’t want to gain another 50 pounds before I get this under control. And if I could go back 5 years and get it done at a 30 BMI I would have.

If you have PCOS, that weight isn’t just going to come off with diet and exercise. And I believe you already said you had a good diet and was active in your original post so you know that. I think you are being proactive by looking into WLS. You don’t see the point in gaining another 40 pounds before that becomes an option.

I agree with everyone saying don’t get the band. I think your only real option is going to have to be paying out of pocket either in Mexico for $4-5k or in the states for $10-11k. You’d just have to shop around but there are places you can get it for that.

Good luck! See ya around the forums! 👋🏻

Girl you get me. thank you for your response it's like you took the words right out of my mouth. I just keep seeing the weight pack on and its making me miserable. If I can fix it now, I want to. I don't want to wait and then not be able to have kids when I want them because the PCOS is making me infertile. Trust me, I've been doing my research watching tons of women cry tears of joy! because since their WLS thy have been able to cycle and now get pregnant. I'm 25 and I want things to fall in to place without error. I'm going to start going to consultations soon and I'm really nervous I just hope to find a good place that won't make me go bankrupt or give me a botched job lol. I'm hoping to find someone with similar stats to mine who have gotten their WLS in California. I want to stay close to home but I will be exploring ALL options. Thank you for your support and understanding.<3

-Taylor

8 minutes ago, Lala70 said:

Well, I was sleeved in Mexico on thursday. Came home Saturday afternoon. After having great after care by my surgeon, and even having the leak test. I got a copy of my xxrays, and video.

I went that route after years of eating healthy, and exercise but still being overweight. My doctor basically told me, you’re just big boned. 😒

It’s something to look into. My doctor has given me his contact info, a diet plan, meds, and expects me back in 2 weeks.

Just do your research, and don’t let others tell you otherwise! For the US they want you to be 40 BMI, but other countries say otherwise. (Not just Mexico)

Good luck

Thank you so much!

1 hour ago, Missouri-Lee's Summit said:

My daughter has PCOS (pee-kōhs).

The tendency to gain weight is real, as is the likelihood of becoming infertile. According to my daughter, the hirsutism is the part of the disease she hates the most.

It's good that you are asking questions. Do you live in the US? If you do and since you aren't 26 yet, are you still getting your insurance through your parents? Do you know what weigh-loss benefits they have?

It's true that different insurance companies have different requirements. My insurance requires at least 1 co-morbidity with a BMI between 35-39. Over 40 requires no co-morbidity. You have to be at least 21 years old. The other requirements have to do with getting psychologist and dietician evaluations and 6 months of a supervised dieting attempt through a primary doctor.

Yes, the lap band is out. No reputable bariatric surgeon would recommend one today. Check out some videos about weight-loss surgery. Consider making an appointment with a bariatric surgeon to discuss your case with him or her.

It's nice to see that you are forward thinking and realize how much access weight can affect your life.

Keep us updated, please.

Hello (:

Yes, PCOS is incredibly tough! I'm sure your daughter has told you how hard it is, cause it's not easy. I am thinking of my future and its just getting tougher and tougher as I get older so I'm seeking all the options I can. Yes, I live in California and still am under my parents insurance we have Kaiser. I know from looking online, kaiser seems really strict. What I read was in order to be covered for weight loss surgery you need to have a BMI of 35-40 but if you're in the 30's you just need to have a weight threatening problem like sleep apnea or diabetes. I'm hoping because they know about my history and weight gain with PCOS they will cover me even though my BMI is only in the early 30's not to mention diabetes run HEAVY in my family. My mother, a few cousins and aunts have it and my grandmother actually died from diabetic shock. So I'm trying to do what I can. I will definitely keep you guys updated and will watch some of those videos you told me about! thanks for being so supportive. I appreciate your kindness

-Taylor

8 minutes ago, Buonnatale said:

What state are you from? I have PCOS and am self pay. I found an amazing surgical group that is reasonably priced for self pay

Hey! Oh my gosh thats awesome! I'm in California (: what about yourself?

10 hours ago, Matt Z said:

Dude... I can see why you have a negative reputation rating now. You know what's wrong, getting mad at someone that's not doing exactly what you say, good intentions or not, you are not only being rude and aggressive, you are being childish and unsupportive. What's worse is that you can't even see how negative you really are. I feel bad for you actually. So delusioned that you think someone else is wrong because you are being controlling. You need some help bro.

Thanks Matt you're awesome

3 hours ago, Rainbows&Unicorns said:

Thanks for the early birthday wishes, Taylor😄. I live in Alabama and my doctor is Jay Long at http://www.bmisurgery.com/jay-c-long.html. He is a phenomenal doctor who listens to my concerns. He has been absolutely wonderful.

I’m 5’4 and weighed 178 prior to surgery. Dr. Long has me on 5 prescriptions right now for nausea, acid reflux, ulcers, blood clots and pain. I should finish all meds within the next 2 weeks. I am quite lucky and never had major surgery. I have not been nauseated and have no issues with the clear liquid diet (water, Crystal Light, broth and jello). I start the liquid diet tomorrow. The pain hasn’t been too bad either. I have my Fitbit and make sure I’m walking a little bit every hour and I think that has helped. When I start my liquid diet tomorrow and can go back to the Protein Shakes I plan on getting back on the tradmill and walk for 30 minutes a day. I have strictly followed all pre-op and post-op diets. Fingers crossed alll continues to go well. My first follow-up appointment is 7/12. If you have any other questions please feel free to reach out. I will be happy to help.

The main reason I chose the lap band was because it was less invasive and not as permanent as the other surgeries. However, I think I would have chosen the other surgeries if my BMI was much higher. I did my research but was unaware of the new reversible sleeve at John Hopkins. That definitely sounds like another option you can research.

So far so good here😄

That's awesome! I'm glad your recovery is coming along well. That makes me so happy to hear, I'm hoping I can find a good surgeon out here in Los Angeles so lets hope for the best! Good luck on starting your liquid diet! I will be definitely be asking you more questions if I can think of any lol Thanks again!

2 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

Bottom line: Very few (if any) insurance companies will cover you.

The place to start is pretty simple....call your insurance company, give them your rider number and ask what they require to cover bariatric surgery. They'll send you a list in writing if you ask. You probably can access the specifics on their website if you look. I would start there.

You might be able to get someone to do it if you self pay. Even then, few doctors will go below a bmi of 35 unless you're throwing at least pre-diabetic A1C numbers. PCOD with no other comorbidities won't cut it.

Best wishes.

PS, my gastric sleeve (with an unexpected haital hernia repair) cost over 60 thousand dollars in the US.

PSS.... here's a chart of what lap band costs in different states: https://www.obesitycoverage.com/insurance-and-costs/how-much/average-lap-band-prices

Wow! you're awesome thank you for this(: Well, it's gonna be an adventure and I'm sure i'll encounter some bumps along the road but all I can do is keep researching and hope for the best. Thank you for all the insight, I really appreciate it

3 hours ago, Gundy said:

Hi Taylor,

You mentioned that diabetes runs in you family. Being pre-diabetic or glucose intolerant are considered a comorbidity by some insurance companies. Issues such as sleep apnea, heart disease, high cholesterol, etc are also comorbidities. Unfortunately, even with two comorbidities most insurance companies will only approve WLS with BMI of 35 or more. My comordities were described as mild on the insurance papers and my BMI was just over 35 at the start of the process.

In my limited opinion, it would be difficult for insurance to cover WLS with a starting BMI of just 31.

Yeah, I can definitely see that happening, all I can do is hope for the best! I'll find some sort of solution