Jodi_620

Just to clarify this was not a test that I had to go out and get or pay extra for, it was done in the surgeons office just prior to sitting down with the surgeon for my pre-op visit. I guess it is just something they do to document your progress...dunno.

The first meeting was a classroom type meeting where she did a Power Point presentation explaining in detail what we should eat for Pre-op and for Post-op and details on why we should follow these diets. She gave us sample menus and information on what to buy and where to get it. She explained how we will need to re-train ourselves to eat slowly taking small bites and chew-chew-chew :rolleyes2: The second meeting was a one-on-one where we discussed my current eating habits, where/what/how I eat, when I eat, do I eat out etc. Gave advice on trigger foods, avoiding carbs and different tips to help me to lose weight after being banded. Then she gave me a pop quiz to make sure I was paying attention....I passed It certainly helps you to understand how to make the band work for you so that you can be successful with it. I think the insurance company requires it to make sure that you understand that you have to do your part to make it work or the whole thing will be a waste.

It's not that pressing to me. I was just curious; I don't recall anyone else here mentioning it but thought maybe someone could enlighten me...

They had me remove all of my clothes and jewelry and get inside what looks like one of those photo booths. A recording gave me instructions on what to do. There were two footprints on the floor showing where to place my feet (puts you in sort of a spread-eagle standing position). Then I had to grab two handlebars on either side of me. One of the handles had a button and when I was ready I pushed the button and the machine scanned up the front of me and down the back. When I got out, there was a computer screen showing a scan of the outline of my body filled in with various colors and with cirles around certain points on my body. They didn't tell me what it was for, I just thought it was interesting and was wondering what it was done for. I meant to ask but forgot and now I am just curious.

I had my pre-op visit with my surgeon yesterday. Prior to seeing him they did a body scan on me. This procedure had not been mentioned in my previous meetings with them. I meant to ask about it when I talked with the surgeon but forgot. Did anyone else have this done? Just curious what it is for.

I thought it was odd in your post yesterday that they told you that they had already approved you and scheduled the surgery...I don't know of any insurance company that does it that way. And now you find out that the surgeon hasn't even submitted it yet???:eek: Sounds like maybe the person you talked to is clueless. Have them submit all of the information, give it a week then call the insurance company for a follow-up. I'll keep my fingers crossed Good luck and keep us posted.

I can understand your concern for his health especially when you have found your solution and have seen such great sucess. But I agree with others here and think that everyone needs to make this decision for themselves. Continue with your support with him trying to eat right and exercise and lets all hope that he will be sucessful no matter which route he takes.

ksandez, Not all policies are the same. The only way you can know for sure is to call them and ask.

I haven't been banded yet but I did have another surgery a couple years ago. At that time a nurse called me a day or two before surgery, went over any medications that I am on and told me whether or not I should take them on the day of surgery and what I needed to do to prepare i.e. fasting, arranging a ride, best clothing to wear etc. , she also said no makeup, no lotion, no perfume, no deoderant, no jewlery, no contacts, no dentures or partials...

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I have UHC but they sent me a letter letting me know that I had been approved. They didn't schedule a surgery date for me, the only date in the letter is a deadline date which is several months from now...

Seminar September 2007 Consultation September 2007 Found out my insurance through Anthem would not cover surgery so I put it off for a few months preparing to be a self-pay. During that time my insurance changed to United Health Care. Went back in April to get started through the process prepared to self-pay but hoping my new insurance would cover it. Had my barium swallow, psych eval and nutrition classes in mid-April. Surgeons office submitted a letter of recommendation for surgery to United Health Care on April 30th. Recieved approval from United Health Care in the mail on May 9th. Called the surgeons office right away and they scheduled my pre-op and surgery. Had my bloodwork & EKG done on May 14th, my pre-op is tomorrow and my surgery date is May 30th.

Yes, I am on day 5 of an all liquid Protein diet. I can have Protein shakes, Jello, broth, crystal light & yogurt smothies. The first couple of days I did alright except for a bad headache which I attributed to stopping my beloved Diet Pepsi cold turkey. :thumbup: I am not diabetic but I do have Insulin Resistance. At day 5 my headaches aren't so bad but none of the allowable liquids are stopping the hunger pangs. Yesterday afternoon I went out to Lowes with hubby and had to sit down...I suddenly felt so dizzy, nauseous, clammy and my brain stayed pretty fuzzy until I went to bed. And as the day wears on I get so tired of the hunger pains that I am irritable. I have ten more days to go pre-op then I will be on about the same diet for another 14 days post-op, hopefully after surgery things will be a little easier.

Welcome MyTurn and good luck!

casagirl, It depends on who your surgeon is, but some require a pre-op diet of liquid (usually high Protein low carb), some require part liquid with one meal a day or some say specific foods prior to surgery. Some require two weeks, some less, some only require liquids for just the night before surgery and some don't have any requirements at all. Mine has me on Liquid Protein for 14 days prior to surgery. His reason is that doing so will reduce the fat around the liver making surgery safer and easier. Your liver is in front of your stomach so they will need to move it out of the way to put the band on, if it is fatty, it could get damaged or be in the way of getting the surgery done properly or even having the surgery done at all. I will then be required to do liquids for two weeks after surgery and then graduate to puree then to solids. The reason for liquids/puree after surgery is to allow time for healing.

If you are going along fine, with no problems, and then suddenly develop continual reflux or symptoms of a too-tight band (without the obvious causes of not eating properly or a recent fill) it could mean slippage. It can be verified with an x-ray and barium swallow test.

May 30th!...

I guess it depends on your doctor. For me it was not just lower calorie and high protein but very low carb. According to my doctor, the low carb high protein liquid diet is best for preparing you liver for the surgery.

I agreee anewbb, I was not told that I was required to see the "in house Psych". It was just convenient to have everything in one office which is so close-just a couple blocks from my office so I decided that it would make the whole process easier for me to use her. I would imagine that the cost also has a lot to do with where you live...nothing is cheap in my area.

I am required to do the liquid Protein I can have the EAS shakes or Adkins. Other things that I can have are. Protein powder mixed with water or hood milk (they recommend unjury or any brand containing whey protein) chicken or Beef broth (1 cup) sugar free Jello (1/2 cup) Crystal Light Carb control yogurt smoothies (no more than on per day) They also recommended Citrocel because the Fiber makes you feel full but I just don't like that stuff... Have something every 2-3 hours as needed to control hunger.

At the first meeting, we received a packet that shows the price breakdown for insurance and for self-pay (self-pay with him is $17,500). Looking at the self-pay breakdown, the only two things that I see that were not included in the price are the Upper GI done at the hospital and the bloodwork/EKG done at my doctors office.

I don't see it as unethical. $1,200 is her fee but if the insurance company doesn't cover it then she gives the patient a break. My surgeon gives a discount to self-pay patients too.

I was told that I will have five.

Welcome Soldouthippie, Different insurance companies have different guidelines but generally you need to have either a BMI above 40 or a BMI of 35-40 with co-morbidities. Your BMI is 38.3.

I agree. Here in VA it is not as low as New Orleans but you would save about $8,000 just coming up here.