thisislou

Hi I was never told to stop drinking coffee and never did.It has been 5 months and I still drink about 5 cups a day while at work and allregular.

It will be 5 months on the 14th of December and all is wonderful. I just now am at a stall and actually gained ½ pound last week… but I can eat more and am hungry more often. Something I need to work hard on. It was too hard to get to this point and I do not want failure.. But anyway – I’m asking if anyone else experiences the same thing when they eat a bit too much? When I do, my noise gets stuffed up and I need to blow it and I get cold chills. I also seem to be a bit colder then I was. My wife said it is because I do not have all the extra body fat. Might be. Lou

Hi I don?t understand what the ?don't have the adequate weight history? is. If you meet all of Aetna's requirements then their should be just a 3/6 month "supervised weight loss program" with your PCP. Saying that - it is simple. I have BCBS and I imagine they are close. It is stated (in BCBS) your beginning BMI is what is used - so even if you lose weight during that time - you are ok. My advice is to meet all other requirements and have your doctor submit for you. If all else is ok then they should come back with the 3/6 month request. I just went to my doctor 3 consecutive months and documented it - what he said and what I weighed. I also submitted paper work that I was on WW for a year - but don't really think that helped. It also helped my case by calling BCBS every week or so to find out what was happening. Remember - it is you they are approving - not your doctor and if you wait for them to get back to your doctor - then he to get back to you - time is wasted. Life is good for me after my VSG. 2 months today and down ~ 58 lbs... Lou

Hi fellow July sleevers... Tomorrow marks my 8 weeks from sleeve day and everything is great. I'm still waiting for the shoe to drop since I have not had any bad experience so far. I have lost a total of 54 lbs as the scale reads this morning - and pretty consistent of 2 lbs per week. I am eating more often then last month and seem to be picking up my appetite a bit. I am eating almost everything and not had any problems. I always know when I hit "the point" and stop. One small observation I've made within the last week - I am "belching" again - which is great. I eat and get to a point that I feel full - wait a few minutes - belch and can eat a bit more. No hair loss so far. Never had food come back up... I was only out of work 1 week, started exercise after 1 month (start @ 4:25 am - 20 push-ups, 20 min on elliptical and 15 minutes tread mill) Not bad for a 61 year old... We went out this weekend and bought a bunch of new clothes - I now need large shirts/tee's not xxl, and went from a size 40 (betled below the stomach) to a 36. Enough boasting - how about you? Lou

Hi JCJC This is what I had to do for BCBS IL. They require a 3 month supervised weight loss program with your PCP. I had to go to him 3 consecutive months and document in his letter the dates of the visit, his recommendations, and my weight. My doctor was very supportive of the whole process. I actually wrote the letter since I understood what BCBS needed and he signed it after the third visit. It does state in their policy that your starting BMI is what is used for the determination ? so any weight loss during that time does not count?. Hope this helps.. Lou

Great news?. I check BCBSIL procedure web site every few days to see if it has been updated for the sleeve ? and it has been updated today. I could not find the words "investigational" with "sleeve" - If I'm reading it correctly - VSG is now accepted.... I was a few weeks too early - I was denied and approved after I did the appeal...

My doctor told me a bit of a different story. He also said it is like a sink - but a sink that is full and "clogged" after eating. By drinking it just adds to the stomach where nowhere to go but up... and I have had that feeling. Lou

Hi I live in central Florida and was sleeved 2 months ago Saturday. I used Dr. Radulescu ? office downtown Orlando and ORMC. Both were great. Dr R is fantastic. I have been reading this board for some time now and had an idea what to expect after surgery like gas and ?feel like a kick in the stomach? I had neither. My only pain was when I came to in recovery and that only lasted a bit. The rest of my hospital stay was just uncomfortable. I went in on a Wednesday and was slated to go home on Friday ? but had a minor set back when I walked around the floor 3 times and my heart beat went up ? so I was released on Saturday. Dr R. is great. He is over precautious which is good. He put me through many test/labs to make sure all was ok and I had to have a sleep study?. I definitely would recommend him and his office staff? Lou

I have BCBSIL and was denied - appealed and was accepted. Come to find out 2 weeks later on July 1 - they changed their policy and now accept VSG - it's not "investigational" anymore. I read on this board someone else that was denied by BCBS - called them up and read their policy to them and was accepted. I had my doctor submit my paperwork but did all the calling myself. A few times they were waiting for something I was able to supply on the phone. Remember - they are approving you and the procedure - not your doctor. My suggestion is to find their policy on line and read it. Lou

Hi I had my sleeve 3 weeks ago in Orlando - ORMC - where are you having yours done? My experience was very good - the only pain was when I came to in recovery and that only lasted a few minutes. No gas experience as many others have had, no feeling of being kicked in the stomach. My surgeon is the best and the hospital had their stuff together. I would be glade to answer any questions you might have... Lou

My doctor/insurance company wanted a 3 month suprvised diet. Which needed documented info of every visit -- so I had to start over -took me 2 months longer. I did have 3 visits during the previous 4 months but since one month was skipped - i needed 2 more appointments. The process is long but worth it... hang in there. Lou

home page : BCBSIL/Provider Medical Policies on Fyiblue then i search for "sleeve" then "Bariatric Surgery " Lou

Cheri Last month, my normal day, I took one Metformin 1000mg twice a day, Glipizide 10MG once, Lantus 58 units a day - and Novolog when needed - ~ 6 units 3 times a day (when level went over 170). When I started my liquid diet, I stopped taking Glipizide and lowered my Lantus to 18 units and no more Novolog. Today is 8 days out of surgery and the only thing I take is 7 units of Lantus. Granted I'm back on liquid with very little intake. I assume that when I start eating a bit more my Lantus will go up some but do not expect to have to take any more pills for my type II diabetes. Lou

I failed my sleep test and will have to go back tomorrow (Monday) to be fitted with a breathing machine. I?m told that once that is done ? they will send paperwork to my doctor and hospital so they will know what to use on me when I have surgery on Wednesday. So, as of now ? I?m still on for the 14th ? lets see what my doctor has to say about this tomorrow Lou

Just got back from my doctors office ? and hit with a problem. I was suppose to have a sleep apnea test and it fell through the holes. He insist that I have one prior to my operation which is scheduled for July 14th ? 6 days from now. I was able to get the test setup for tomorrow night ? which works out great ? get there @ 7:30 and out my 6 the next morning ? no loose of work. My doctor said that sometimes it takes awhile to get the results back so my date might be put on hold ?. And after 9 days of my diet. The good news is everything else is fine and I lost 15 pounds in 9 days. Lets hope that its negative and they tell me/him by Monday.... Lou

I ask for "43775" and my approval letter has "43842"

I know what you mean.. I started last Wednesday so I'm now starting my 6th day. I hate the 3 different protein shakes EAS Advant Edge French Vanilla chocolate and Atkins Advantage Dark Royale Shake. I switched to GNC's AMP wheyblocic extrem 60 - I put 1 scoop in a cup of cold water 3 times a day - each time is 20 gr. My died also consist of Greek Yogurt with honey, Emerial beef and chicken broth, some sugar free popsicles. I'm averaging ~ 500 calories and 60 grams of protein. I know that is low but seems to be working for me. I refuse to get on the scale until my last doctor's visit before surgery on 7/8. It's been tough since I'm at the end of a 2 day weekend, but I keep thinking it is worth it. I'm also thinking what I can eat when I'm back to real food.... We can do it.... We have all come too far to "cheat" Lou

wow 6 month - The BCBSIL requires a 3 month supervised diet and your BMI number they consider is your initial one: "Documentation of active participation in a comprehensive, non-surgical program of weight reduction for at least three (3) months, occurring within the twenty-four (24) months prior to the proposed surgery. (NOTE: The initial BMI at the beginning of a weight reduction program will be used to meet the BMI criteria for the definition of morbid obesity used in this policy.) " Lou

My appeal letter was about me. Why I think I should be approved. I stated that my diabetes was getting out of control and the next step was a pump (backed up with a letter from by PCP. I am 61 and in the process of raising my 2 grandsons (4 & 6) and would like to be healthy to enjoy them growing up and have the energy needed to keep up with them. My though is that BCBS just read 43775 and denied. The appeal board reads what is submitted and looks at you case by case. I did have some references but I don't think that helped much. I also searched the sites for some examples - but wound up just being myself and stating my case. It is important that you meet the requirements stated in their policy and just need the extra push because VSG is still "investigational" Lou

I also started with the intention of getting the Lap-Band. It was faith to me that first the doctor I had turned out to be not so good - but part of the process was to send me to a nutritionist. She was great and worked in the office that my new doctor works out off. Then, out of nowhere, a old friend was in town and invited me to lunch. I noticed he was not eating must but we were talking so much, I let it slip. Then the talk led to a mutual friend's weight loss - that is when he told me he had the sleeve done 2 weeks back. Now he was in Orlando doing the parks and eating regular food. After talking it over and asking many questions - I decided that was the way for me. Also in the don't do column was: The nutritionist said with in the last month - 2 of her patients with the band got food caught and had to have the doctor take fluid out - I ask what else they could have done - she said nothing - if they went to the emergency room - they would not know what to do.. The idea that you need constant doctor visits to fill/unfilled I was told that if I were to fly - I needed to come in and have some of the fluids taken out... I also have a very weak stomach (mind) just thinking about vomiting can make me vomit... I go in 17 for my sleeve and am not looking back Hope this helps Lou

Donna My diet seems strict, but I understand the reason behind it. It's a 1000 cal a day with 4 protein shakes as the basis. I can have all the black coffee, sugar free jello, clear broth, sf popsicles, Crystal Light ... I'm diabetic so it should be interesting, and on insulin. I'll have to test many times a day to make sure my reading are not too low, and if they are adjust. It's not going to be easy. We have my daughter and her 2 son's living with us ( 4 and almost 7) - I'll just have to stay in my den when they eat ... I'm getting ready to go out and get my last "5 Guy's" hamburger.... What is your diet like? Lou

Hi Donna I'm also on the 14th and start liquid diet on the 30th. We bought a few different protein drinks to try before I get started - Atkins advantage, EAS advantage and Muscle milk. All were about $1.50 each. I tried the EAD choclate t bit ago and it was ok. I think the trick wll be to mix it up so they don't get too boring. I did all my pre test this past week since I took a use or loss vaction... many many test.. Next I meet with my doctor on the 8th - pre op on the 12th --- I'm ready. I started the process last December, but at that time it was for the Lap-band. Lou

I have the 14th.... in ORMC Orlando Florida with Dr. Marin Dan Radulescu start my liquid diet Wednesday the 30th.. Lou

Hi I live in central Florida and have a 7/14/2010 surgery date with Dr. Marin Dan Radulescu 77 West Underwood Street 4th Floor, Suite A Orlando, FL 32806 web site: Bariatric Surgery Orlando he and his office staff seem very professional and efficent. I can report back when it is all over if you like. Lou

I was denied from BCBS IL - I sent in my appeal and withing 2 weeks - the exteranl board of doctors approved it : "Reason: Approval is based upon recommendations by an external peer review, after consideration of the member's individual clinical circumstances." I called the phone number on the lettter I received that said it was sent to the revies board - and was told a week before I received the letter that it was ok. Lou