KabinKitty

BC/BS of Ohio did not change their policy yet. I just checked the website and they are still considering the sleeve investigational and therefore are not covering it........yet. :mad0:

Good morning America just had a report on celebs who have lost alot of weight recently and one was John Goodman. They said John quit drinking recently and that's what helped him. Drew Carey lost 80 lbs by exchanging junk food for good food. Jennifer Hudson of course is doing WWatchers, and another gal signed on with Jenny Craig. I agree with the folks who want to slap Jillian. Extremely hard exercise like she and Bob require on the Biggest Loser Show does not look safe or healthy for someone who's morbidly obese. For those of you who would like her for "your" trainer....would you have wanted to go through that kind of training "before" your weight loss began? Hmmmm? I am looking forward to exercising, but not until I get some of this weight off! :thumbup1:

Tiffykins, Girl, you are so adorable! I'm so happy that you have such a healthy body to enjoy for the rest of your life. Don't forget about us! :thumbup1:

Yolanda, Welcome to VSTalk! I'm a fellow Buckeye currently jumping through all the hoops for ins approval. Can I ask where you've having surgery and who your surgeon is? I hope to have surgery in Bowling Green Ohio with Dr. Lalor. Hope you get a date real soon. I have to wait for about a month and a half to complete all my pre-op appointments. Your surgeon's coordinator sounds like a prude...she/he should be happy for you. She/he must have a control problem :crying:. Best wishes for you!

First I want to say how much I love this site! Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. This heel pain can be excrutiating at times and it hurts to the point that I get a headache from it. I will print out all the suggestions and try them. I too hope that if I get to have surgery and lose weight it will go away! I'm suppose to have some of this weight off when I see the nutritionist on the 20th. This has not helped me to get out and walk some of it off. Hope that doesn't work against me getting approved, as I'm suppose to lose 5% of my weight with in the 3 month supervised diet. I did do a little internet research on plantar fascaitis and some doctors suggest that (like the tennis ball suggestion) massage can really help. Let's see if hubby will give me some foot massages to help! :confused1: I've got my heel in some ice Water as I type this...seems to be helping also. Thanks again for all the help!

I read somewhere about someone who had plantar fascaitis. I can't find the post now. I've been having ALOT of pain in my left heel. It keeps me at home when it get really bad. It feels better if I leave my shoes on any time I walk, even around the house. If anyone has had this, can you tell me what is the treatment. Is this something I should tell my surgeon before he submits my paperwork to the ins co?

That's great news! Sleevejeani and Tiffykins are such inspirations to me too! :thumbup: Way to go girls! I am waiting till Sept to have my paper work submitted to BC/BS of Ohio. I hope they've "seen the light" by that time and that I have a smooth approval...we'll see!

I had been wondering if it would be a good idea to get a good juicer. You know how they show on TV (ie Jack LaLane) that you can put beets (I LOVE THEM), spinach, carrots, etc. in with some fruit and make a vitamin and mineral packed juice drink? I suppose it wouldn't curb your hunger for very long, but it sure would be a great way to supplement your limited food intake, especially early on. What do you experts think?

My surgeon has not submitted my paperwork yet. I have to do the 3 month supervised diet and that won't be complete till the middle of Sept. Do you have BC/BS of Ohio too? My surgeon said he has had a gal get approved for the sleeve and I don't think he even had to appeal. I think it's how he requests the sleeve when the paperwork is submitted. He does alot of explaining as to why the sleeve is the best choice for a particular patient. He's already told me that he does not want to do a GBP on me. If he was forced to, it would have to be open not laproscopic due to adhesions. YUCK! He going to explain that my previous surgeries make the sleeve a safer surgery with better outlook for weight loss. Also, at age 58 the malabsorbtion is alot bigger issue!

Two days ago it was my birthday. I recieved a beautiful flower arrangement from our youngest son in NC. I also got a phone call from our oldest son, who's on TDY in Qatar. We got to chat for about an hour...so cool! Three days ago hubby and I went to my second support meeting at Wood County Hospital. This meeting was alot more interesting than the one in May. Any of the post-op patients who wanted to, were invited to go to the front of the room and share their story. Some also answered questions. I met a gal who had the VSG less than 1 year ago and has lost 150 lbs so far. Her mother, who was there, had a VSG one week before this meeting. Neither of them went to the front of the room. These meetings are almost exclusively discussions for the GBP patients. This is a little disappointing for me, as I want to learn as much as I can about VSG.

The things I'm looking forward to: 1 Getting off all my medications 2 Retiring my Bipap machine 3 Living with out foot and back pain 4 Not avoiding social situations/being confident in public 5 Being skinny for my youngest son's wedding pixs 6 Having a bigger lap for grandkids to sit on 7 Being beautiful for hubby so he'll be proud to be seen with me 8 Having ALOT more energy 9 Not freaking out that I won't pass my work physical yearly 10 Of course buying the really cute clothes I want to wear, like cordury jeans! 11 Extending my life and living it to the FULLEST! :svengo:

This is the only information I can come up with for myself. I have Anthem bc/bs of Ohio-Blue Access PPO. I don't know if this link will work. SURG.00024 Surgery for Clinically Severe Obesity This states that the sleeve is still investigational and is not covered. I just don't know if this is the current status for Ohioians. ?

Welcome LizaJane! I'm in the wait and see mode in this WLS process. I've gone to my seminar, had my surgeon's visit, all my testing, psych visit, 2 nutritionist visits and one support meeting. I have a visit with an internal med doc, 1 more nut. visit and 1 more support meeting before my paperwork can be submitted in Sept. I've been working on all this since early April of this year. I have BC/BS and so I have to have a medically supervised "diet" for 3 months. Don't get discouraged along the way! It's so good to have you a part of this forum!

April 8, 2010 Today I had a visit with my pcp. We were on vacation in Gatlinburg the week before. I felt terrible the whole trip...headache, nausea, shortness of breath. I made an appointment the day after returning home. I had already decided I would ask his opinion about weight loss surgery as an option for me. He was not against it, but he did not offer much encouragement. April 15, 2010 Today I had the test done that were ordered by my pcp. First was an intensive stress test. He said no surgeon would operate without it. I doubted this and should of let the surgeon decide if it was necessary. This was the second time I've gone through all these tests. I had to have a cardolite IV. It involved walking on a treadmill and pics taken by a machine that gives images of the arteries in the heart. The images take 20 minutes (two sessions) of laying completely still. Then it was on to the echo cardiogram. Basically it was an ultrasound of my heart. It's interesting to watch the screen and see the valves in my heart working! Next it was on the lab to have blood drawn. The tech was a newbie and since my "good" vein in the right arm already had an IV in it (for the stress test) she called a veteran tech to poke me in the left. It hurt like heck...she said she must have hit a nerve...I'LL SAY! My loving hubby came into town and took me to breakfast, then I went back for the second injection of cardiolite and the second set of images. It all went really well. The tests results showed no problems. Later in the day I called a nearby hospital in Bowling Green Ohio that has a well known weight loss program to register for one of their seminars. They were totally booked for the two seminars in April. I am registered to attend the one on May 15th. I'm hoping my hubby can go with me. They are a Center of Excellence hospital so I feel confident with them. Also, I know of at least 3 people who had bariatric surgery done there. April 21, 2010 Wednesday morning I got my test results. All the heart and stress tests looked good. The stress test tech noted that I tired easily on the treadmill. (I would of liked to put her on there with her smokers breath to see how she would of done ) My blood test came back alright, but my BP was up a little more. He had suggested in Jan. that I add a 3rd BP med and I had resisted. Now, I'm ready...bring it on! Add another co-morbidity link to the list. I called Anthem yesterday and grilled them to see if they covered the Sleeve Gastrectomy. The rep said it is included along with all the other WLS as long as the diagnosis is morbid obesity and I meet all the criteria. Looks like I may be on the way! I registered and got the ball rolling with the surgeon by going to the seminar at Wood County Hospital. May 15, 2010 Today dh and I went to the seminar in Bowling Green Ohio. It was held in a meeting room at Wood County Hospital. The surgeon, Dr. Lalor, was the first speaker. He explained all the different surgeries he preforms, sharing all the good and bad. After the seminar we got to talk to him one on one. It seemed to me that he really is sold on the sleeve gastrectomy. He likes the fact there isn't any malabsorbtion involved. He even mentioned that BC/BS is not approving many sleeves, but since I've had 4 open abdominal surgeries and already had surgery on my colon that they might consider the sleeve for me! Then the dietition spoke and lastly the ins rep for Dr. Lalor's office. Doc answered every single question he was asked through his whole presentation, which impressed me! He stayed and answered questions till the last person finally left. I have my surgeon's consultation on June 17th. I feel really good about him, his staff and the facility!! May 24, 2010 I decided to attend one of the support meetings at Wood County Hospital Mon. May 24th. I was waiting outside with some supper when hubby got off work and I kidnaped him and took him along. Bless his heart! He just finished a 12 hour shift, was tired and dirty, but he seemed anxious to go. The meeting was okay, it was sort of disorganized. They sometimes have guest speakers. Two women took control of this, meeting talking about all their personal problems. [Note to me: Remember to talk with the appropriate person at the appropriate times about personal problems.] Nothing to do but wait and worry till my surgical consultation June 17th! June 17, 2010 This was my first surgeon's visit. The nurse took me back and had me step on the scales. Then she had me take my shoes off to measure my height. So, I got to weigh with my shoes on, but measured with them off, making me weigh heavier and measure shorter! YEA!! I was worried about my BMI not being high enough so this was important to me! She asked me a ton of medical questions and we talked a little about which surgery I was leaning toward. I said the sleeve I thought was the best choice for me and that I would not have gastric bypass, due to the malabsorbtion issues. Next the doc came in and he asked me some more medical questions and questioned me alot about my previous surgeries. Then we discussed the sleeve and he said he would fight BC/BS if necessary to get me the sleeve. He said if they tried to push gastric bypass he would tell them that he felt it would be alot more risky for me. My impression of him is that he is very careful and very honest. He took all the time I needed to answer all my questions, which were numerous! He took me to the front desk and went over all the paperwork that included the tests I needed to schedule, the visits with the nutritionist and the visit with another doctor, who interprets the tests results and does a more thorough medical workup and physical. Next I went down the hall to have my first visit with the nutritionist. I will have a total of 3 visits, to satisfy BC/BS for a 3 month surprised "diet" to satisfy their requirements. I was really impressed with Beth. She gave me alot of information, answered all my questions and we worked on goals. They like patients to lose 5% of their weight before surgery, which is 10lbs for me. Doesn't sound like much, but I have so much pain in my hips and my feet that it will be a struggle. July 13, 2010 Today I met with the shrink. He basically had me go through my whole life history starting with when and where I was born. We discussed my weight issues along with family and even school issues. Then I had to do a personality test with over 100 questions...it took forever! Oh well it's done and over with and I think I did well. Next I went down to Dr. Lalor's office (same building) and met with Beth for my second nutritionist visit. That went really well again! I find myself becoming obcessed with WLS websites (this one and Obesityhelp.com). I am reading stories and looking at before and after pictures. I think it helps keep me going until I am approved and get a surgery date. Looks like the end of September or October would be the earliest I could have surgery.

It's kind of like your sleeve is your lifeline when you go off the deep end. Maybe in the past you would have drowned, but now you've got something stable to hang onto. Nice to know that you came out of your "bad" day with a good frame of mind! Keep up the good work gal!

The comorbidities that my surgeon lists are: Hypertension Sleep Apnea Type II Diabeties GERD High Triglycerides Low Back Pain Degenerative Joint Disease Depression Peripheral Edema I don't think all insurance companies will accept all these as comorbidities. You'll have to call you ins. co. and check.

Moni Luv, Your story is the same as mine to a tee (except the rocky marriage part). I'm am totally obcessed with having this surgery! BC/BS requires a 3 month supervised diet, so I'm doing that with the nutritionist. Two more agonizing months (middle of September) until my packet will even be submitted, and BC/BS is just now approving "some" sleeve sugeries. So, I don't even know if I will be rejected and have to appeal, which could mean how much more waiting?? Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!! I've been at this since March, when I tried to get into a seminar (went in June) which is what my surgeon requires before you have to wait one month for a consult. I've learned to tone it down, while talking with my husband. I can tell he tires of hearing about it, but I don't have one other person to share it with. That's one reason I feel I have to jump on this site and Obesity Help (I waste so much time looking through their before and after pictures and reading stories) it's like I have a thirst that I can't quench! I'm working on this obcession....in fact, I'm going out to work in the garden right now...byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

I personally cannot exsist on too much protein in my diet. I lose weight like crazy, but then I start having problems feeling weak and very shakey. I've been told it's because I'm going into ketosis. I was told that if I would drink more water that the effects of ketosis would not be so bad. Well, I just have to say that I've tried eating a very high protein diet a few times and if I continue with it for over a month, I experience dibilitating pain in my kidneys, like someone is squeezing and twisting them. I also become nauseaous. It lasts for about an hour, then I am exhaused and will sleep for hours. I feel this type of diet damages my kidneys and I won't do it again.

Congratulations Jenn! I agree you look SO much younger in your "after" pictures. You are gorgeous!! Lucky for your hubby!!!!!:thumbup1:

Welcome! Sounds like you have done alot of homework already on the sleeve surgery. I was also considering the band until I read about all the complications and revision surgeries to the sleeve. Now it's just a matter of choosing a surgeon that you trust, who's within your network and jumping through all the hoops for the insurance company.:thumbup1: That's what I'm doing at this time. Maybe you'll get your sleeve before me! :w00t:

Nikkey, I'm so glad you're not getting a gastric bypass. There are a number of my co-workers who have had it done, and some of them have had to have IV infusions of Iron. There are a few who have had the DS surgery and they've had really major problems with low iron and other issues. One told me that she almost died due to her iron being so low. The other one had to take time off from work and to get infusions. Her doctor said she was not safe to drive, due to the fact that she could pass out at any moment. Malabsorbsion is SO dangerous! (PS, if you are always cold, crave ice Water (or ice) or if the palms of your hands are very pale, that's an indication you might be anemic.

Sorry this is so long! Just had to share my bad experience with a paralydic drug, but it was AFTER surgery. I had 2 herniated discs repaired. The surgery lasted a little over 1/2 an hour. I woke up in the recovery room and saw the lady who was in the pre-op area with me and a nurse. I was going in and out of consciousness, and I believe what was waking me was the fact that my breathing would stop. I would then wake up enough to gasp out the words "I can't breathe" to the nurse. She kept asking if I was in pain. I would say, "no, I can't breath". She then put a cold wash cloth on my forehead and asked if I was in pain. I continued to gasp out the words, "I can't breathe". I heard her tell someone after what seemed to be an eternity to go get the anestheologist (who by the way was Russian and didn't speak English very well). I remember him asking me "are you in pain?". I told him AGAIN, "I can't breathe". The next thing I remember is waking up and vomiting. (I got the recovery room notes and they put me under with Morphine) I kept vomiting, even when I was being wheeled to my room. (I have NEVER remembered the trip to my room after surgery before) and I remember apologizing to the guy transporting me when I would vomit. I NEVER had nausea after surgery before, ever or since that time. Finally after vomiting for an hour or so after waking up, the nurse gave me something for nausea. It was the type of Morphine they gave me after surgery that caused the nausea. That night (or the next?) the anesthologist came into my room and explained to me what happened. He misunderstood the doctor when he was told how long the surgery would last and he gave me to much of the paralylic meds. He tried to counteract it with another drug, but that drug obviously woke me up before I was able to breathe well enough on my own. I say all that to say that, before my next 4 surgeries (except the 1st one that was an emergency surgery) I was able to talk with the anesthologist and explained what happened to me. I never ask for something to calm my nerves, I guess cause I know once I hit the table I'm in lala land in about 2 to 3 minutes. :svengo: Presurgery is a scary, scary time and I'm no braver than anyone else. Maybe being a Christian and knowing where I'll be if something goes wrong helps. God bless and I hope only the best for you!

74 pounds gone in a little over 5 months ?! I think that's GREAT!! I think sometimes our bodys hit a point where it has to adjust. Glad the stall is over and you're continuing your way down the scales!

Oh my gosh girl, what a drastic change! You are gorgeous! Keep up the good work and thanks for giving us some inspiration! Hugs to you!

I think my first procedure would be the tummy. I watched an episode of the Doctors on TV last week and they discussed a newTT procedure. The doc who is a plastic surgeon demonstrated how that after pregnacy the abdominal muscles are pulled apart and never go back together. They are doing a double surgery now, where they first stitch the abdominal muscles together like the laces on your shoes. The second part of it is removing excess skin, and basically is doing a normal TT. The gal on the program that had it done had a nice flat tummy after having twins.