Ky.hen

I finally got a call today for my pre-op appt. and visit with the surgeon. July 10th They said I would be there all day. It took 5 weeks to hear from anyone after the seminar and paper work. My insurance will only pay for the band or bypass. NO exceptions. I told the coordinator that I wanted the sleeve. She said the insurance will pay for all my pre testing and lab work. I wouldn't have to pay for the program fee if I was self pay. That helps alot. I would cost me about the same as going to see Dr. Aceves. My husband was told he would be layed off from his job this winter. I am trying not to put us in too much debt. Here is an idea that I have. I wonder if the insurance will cover the mini bypass. Then while the surgeon was doing the mini-by-pass he could make me a sleeve instead of just closing off that part of the stomach. I could pay him his fee for the sleeve. Does that make sence? What is your opinion on this? Does the mini bypass work for people? Thanks, Judy:svengo:

Carol, That sounds so good. I will try that this weekend at the 4th cook out. I've got plenty of fresh vegs in the garden. Thanks, Judy

Congrats. on your date. I'm really excited for you. You sound so romantic saying "my love",

I have Humana PPO and the deductible is $250. The insurance dosen't cover the consult or program fee. Judy

Thanks for the support everyone. I was told at first that the sleeve was covered and now this. I have decided to talk to the Surgeon (Dr Oldham) first. Then I will decide what to do. No I really don't want the band. On top of all that, I had to see the RA specialist today. He gave me a steriod shot in my shoulder and put me on steroids for 12 days. He then said they will make you very hungry. LOL Like that is going to matter right now. Thanks, Beard, I will think about Dr. A if all else fails. Hugs Everybody, Judy

I called back for more info. and was told it wouldn"t do any good for an appeal. They have been down this road before with this ins. company and other patients. Total cost would be Central Baptist in Lexington, KY -$16750. Georgetown, KY - $14850 :tongue_smilie:Judy

My insurance cord. just called me and said my insurance would only pay for a lapband or bypass. They said if I wanted the sleeve I would have to be self pay. I am so sad and disappointed I could cry. She wants me to talk to the surgeon about it when I go for a visit before I decide what to do. I will have to pay alot of money at the visit. $250 consult $500 program fee $295 for Phych Eval. :tongue_smilie: Judy

Thank you for the info Ladie. I hope to start my preop diet soon. I will be careful to follow the Dr. orders. I'm sorry this happened to you. Are you ok now? Did your liver heal? Judy

Wow! I am impressed. Most people post that they have a little weight gain from the IV fluids. You are doing great.:laugh0: Judy

OHHH! I'm doing the happy dance for you. Congrats. I picked up some protien shakes at Wal-Mart called Eas. The chocolate ones were good. I tried the Slimfast and didn't like them as much. I'm sure there will be others on here that can help you out better than I can. I'm still waiting for a date. I just wanted to see what they tasted like. Hugs, Judy

Sorry Wasa, I hardly ever use a recipe or measure. I just put in what I think it needs and keep an eye on things until its done. I would say about 15-30 minutes. You can tell when they are tender and ready to eat. HTH, Judy PS, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. I loved my grandmother dearly and still think of her often.

I will be praying for you. I know how you feel about leaving you little ones, but you know in your heart that you are doing the right thing. Just try to put your worries in God's hands and he will take care of you and them. Just keeping thinking of all the extra activies that that you will be able to do with them. Try to imagine how much better you are going to feel and look. Plus the good example that you will be setting. Hey wait, I think I talking to myself too. LOL, Hugs, Judy

Thanks Ruthi, I'm going to town tomorrow and I will get some. I'm 35 min. from the grocery. LOL Judy

I too had decided to get the lapband until I found this board. I changed my mind to the sleeve after that. Just waiting on the insurance co.. They approved the band but I'm not sure about the sleeve. If they don't approve the sleeve I will borrow the money and go to Dr Aceves. I would rather do that than have the worry of the lapband. I think it would pay off in the long run. Mentally, physcially and money wise. I'm trying to save a little extra money just in case. No vacation this year Eat out only once a week. Eating alot of fresh veggies out of the garden. Selling the extra big brown eggs from my chickens. Not buying any new FAT clothes. It don't cost any money to spend the extra time walking more, visiting older friends from church, or playing with the grandchildren. I might even burn a few extra calories.LOL, Judy

Welcome Carol, You are an inspiration to the rest of us. Keep on posting and let us know how you are doing. Judy

Serious, I never thought about cooking them with turkey wings. That sounds delicious. I think I will try that. Judy

Hi Wasa, I'm so glad that my recipe gave you good memories. You can find ham hocks in the meat dept of most grocery stores. A ham hock is a chunk of pork meat that is above a pigs' foot. (ankle) It taste a little like country ham. Ham hocks are used to season dried Beans too. (Pinto, Nothern, Navy ect..) Collard greens are really good seasoned with ham hocks. If I were using ham hocks to season greens, I would put the ham hocks in a large pan of Water and let them boil until tender. It will take awhile. Skim off the white foamy film that might come to the top of your water. It's fat. Add your fresh, canned or frozen greens in the pot with your ham hocks and water. Put on the lid and simmer. It dosen't take very long for the greens to cook. You can find fresh greens in the produce dept. of most grocery stores or farmers markets. I always strip the large stem from the fresh greens before cooking. I hope this helps. They are so good served with cornbread. I know that is a no-no now. LOL Judy

Jaffa Steve, I'm so glad that they are doing so well. I feel for your wife with the gas pain. I had it for several days when I had a hysterectomy a few years ago. I walked with a hot water bottle held against my stomach. Give her a big hug. That will help alot. Judy

I picked some fresh greens from my garden today. Collard, mustard, spinish, turnip and some wild poke greens. This is how I cooked them. Of course you can use any kind that you like. In a gallon sized pot brown 3 or 4 pieces of bacon with 1 heaping T. of minced garlic. Add your fresh washed greens. I put in about 1 gallon or more. Push them down in the pan. Add 2 cans of fat free chicken broth, put on lid and cook until tender. They will cook way down and wont make as much as you think. I have enough to last me for a few days. They are very good warmed up. I like a little vinegar with mine.:confused1: Enjoy, Judy

Mommatobe, Congrats. on getting your sleeve. I'm still waiting to get mine. I am so glad that you met up with Jaffa Steve and wife. Keep us posted on how you are doing. I will keep you in my prayers to have an easy, pain free journey. Jaffa Steve will watch out for you. We know that you are in good hands. :thumbup: Hugs, Judy

I woke up this morning with a terrible headache. I think it is from caffine withdrawal. I only had one glass of tea yesterday instead of 4 or 5. I just took some tylenol and drank some tea. I hope I can get rid of this headache. I don't want to end up in the ER having to get an IV again because of the severe pain and non stop voimiting. I'm praying for relief soon.:001_rolleyes:

Welcome Dano, You are going to love this board. Everyone is so kind and helpful. It sounds like you are doing great. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures. Judy

Jaffa Steve, That is so nice of you to take care of both ladies. Tell ya what, when the rest of us that are waiting get our sleeve dates we will let you know. Then since you will be so experienced you can come and take care of us. Maybe your wife could rent you out on this board. LOL No kidding, it is nice of you to care for them both. Keep on posting with the updates. Judy

I'm very excited for you both. Have a little fun while you are there. I can't wait to hear all about it. :lol0: Judy

:biggrin0:Thank you everyone for your kind words. Thanks also Elizabethsew for the info about RA. My appt. is 6/30. I will let you know what I find out. Judy