Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

any one in utah want to talk



Recommended Posts

Hello Banders! I'm new to this forum and just getting started on what I hope will be a wonderful journey to a new me! I have an appointment next week with the Surgical Weight Loss Center at SL Regional and looking forward to it.

Has anyone been able to get IHC to cover their banding? I've been told it is non-covered so I'm working on appealing.

So happy to have found you all!!

Jill

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Jill, I also have IHC and my band was not covered, I had to self-pay. Good luck with your appointment.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm new to this forum and have not been banded yet, but I'm hoping to be soon. I will attend first seminar next week, and I'm hoping that they'll be able to tell me how to get IHC to pay for my banding. If insurance won't pay I probably won't be able to have the surgery, can't afford to self pay.

A little about me... I'm 34, Iv'e lived in SLC all my life, went to Skyline High, live in Sugarhouse, and I'm a sleep Tech at LDS hospital. Love my job, but working nights sure doesnt do much to help my metabolism and weight!

Everyone here seems so supportive, I'm really excited to have stumbled across this site!

Jill

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there I am new here and I have ALOT of questions. My name is Dawn and I am a parttime student and stay at home mom to 3 little ones, I have been married for8 yrs and we live in utah county.

Ok so I think this is the WLS I have decided on but I am really confused with the fills I'm not quite sure I understand that. Also who are good doc's to go to here in utah and how much does it cost?? I have looked into a doctor in Monterey mexico and he does it for $10,900 I believe it is and the gastric is $14,900, It will probably be a while before I can get it done due to the whole money issue but I want to be well informed when the time comes that I can do it. SO I have ALOT to loose I am in the 300's not the lower end of them so do you think that the weight will come off fast at first and then slow up or does it start out slow and get faster or is it pretty balanced all the way? I hope this makes sense I am trying to type this with a wiggly baby all over me. OH also how long after you have it do you have to wait to get pregnant?? :help:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm new to this forum and have not been banded yet, but I'm hoping to be soon. I will attend first seminar next week, and I'm hoping that they'll be able to tell me how to get IHC to pay for my banding. If insurance won't pay I probably won't be able to have the surgery, can't afford to self pay.

A little about me... I'm 34, Iv'e lived in SLC all my life, went to Skyline High, live in Sugarhouse, and I'm a sleep Tech at LDS hospital. Love my job, but working nights sure doesnt do much to help my metabolism and weight!

Everyone here seems so supportive, I'm really excited to have stumbled across this site!

Jill

Good luck with your insurance--I had to self pay and it's tough but very worth it. We had to use our retirement but I decided that if I died early because of obesity then the retirement wouldn't be worth it anyway.

I went to Skyline, too, but graduated about 25 years before you! Did you happen to know Tiffani Strong or Kori Lambert? I think that one of them may have been in your class--one is my sister and the other my daughter. Let me know!

Yes, this is a great site. Glad you dropped by. Good luck on your approval! Karen

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there I am new here and I have ALOT of questions. My name is Dawn and I am a parttime student and stay at home mom to 3 little ones, I have been married for8 yrs and we live in utah county.

Ok so I think this is the WLS I have decided on but I am really confused with the fills I'm not quite sure I understand that. Also who are good doc's to go to here in utah and how much does it cost?? I have looked into a doctor in Monterey mexico and he does it for $10,900 I believe it is and the gastric is $14,900, It will probably be a while before I can get it done due to the whole money issue but I want to be well informed when the time comes that I can do it. SO I have ALOT to loose I am in the 300's not the lower end of them so do you think that the weight will come off fast at first and then slow up or does it start out slow and get faster or is it pretty balanced all the way? I hope this makes sense I am trying to type this with a wiggly baby all over me. OH also how long after you have it do you have to wait to get pregnant?? :help:

Welcome, Daisy! Glad you are here--I live in Utah county, too (at least for a few more days--we are moving to Midway soon).

There is a whole discussion topic on here about fills--you will get lots of info there. Basically, the band is not inflated when it is put on. Depending on the doctor, you can start having fills around six weeks. It has taken me a while to get restriction (6 fills) but finally seem to have a bit since Tuesday. It's sometimes difficult to find the right fill level--not too tight where you can't eat anything but tight enough that you have help controlling your hunger and food intake. If you are banded in Mexico you will need to go back for fills or find a place where you can get fills. I have no idea how much fills are in Utah or where you can get them.

I went to Dr. Hansen in Sandy and was very happy. I self payed and it cost around $13,000, which includes fills for a year plus seminars and consultations. I'm glad I haven't had to pay for a fill every time I've gone!

As far as weight loss--it really depends on a lot of things. I haven't lost a lot but I am older and started with a lower BMI. Others who were banded when I was in March have lost lots more--maybe 60-70 lbs! And some without fills yet. People do lose weight slower with the lapband than with other WLS but it is safer surgery and reversible. Check this out for a great comparison of surgeries: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

I don't know about pregnancy but some people on here have had lapband babies by being unfilled during their pregnancy. I'm sure there are threads on here about that.

Hope this answers some of your questions--there is a plethora of info on this site so take a few days and explore. Let me know if I can help in any way. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome, Daisy! Glad you are here--I live in Utah county, too (at least for a few more days--we are moving to Midway soon).

There is a whole discussion topic on here about fills--you will get lots of info there. Basically, the band is not inflated when it is put on. Depending on the doctor, you can start having fills around six weeks. It has taken me a while to get restriction (6 fills) but finally seem to have a bit since Tuesday. It's sometimes difficult to find the right fill level--not too tight where you can't eat anything but tight enough that you have help controlling your hunger and food intake. If you are banded in Mexico you will need to go back for fills or find a place where you can get fills. I have no idea how much fills are in Utah or where you can get them.

I went to Dr. Hansen in Sandy and was very happy. I self payed and it cost around $13,000, which includes fills for a year plus seminars and consultations. I'm glad I haven't had to pay for a fill every time I've gone!

As far as weight loss--it really depends on a lot of things. I haven't lost a lot but I am older and started with a lower BMI. Others who were banded when I was in March have lost lots more--maybe 60-70 lbs! And some without fills yet. People do lose weight slower with the lapband than with other WLS but it is safer surgery and reversible. Check this out for a great comparison of surgeries: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

I don't know about pregnancy but some people on here have had lapband babies by being unfilled during their pregnancy. I'm sure there are threads on here about that.

Hope this answers some of your questions--there is a plethora of info on this site so take a few days and explore. Let me know if I can help in any way. Good luck!

Thanks so much for answering my questions it did help me out. I will do what you said and take a couple of days to explore the site. OH and another question do you have to have 13,000 upfront if you are paying outta pocket?? or is there a payment plan??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks so much for answering my questions it did help me out. I will do what you said and take a couple of days to explore the site. OH and another question do you have to have 13,000 upfront if you are paying outta pocket?? or is there a payment plan??

Unfortunately, it all had to be paid at once. Well, almost at once. Half was due at the office visit before surgery and the other half the morning of surgery, if I remember correctly.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi all you Utahn's...I'm also from Utah...currently So. Jordan. Born and raised in SLC. Dr. Hansen is my Dr., but have really only seen him on the very first follow up visit. Nurses only from then on. Best part is...all of his nurses have all been banded, so they totally know what you're going through..they can give you personal hits etc. Kind of cool. Good to hear from my neighbors! (8 fills...30 lbs. lost but a lower BMI to begin with) About 25-30 lbs to go. So far, so good ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Unfortunately, it all had to be paid at once. Well, almost at once. Half was due at the office visit before surgery and the other half the morning of surgery, if I remember correctly.

Thats good to know thanks so much. ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

the packet that Dr. McKeen gave me for the insurance coverage said that you have to be on a Doctor supervised diet for at least a year, psych eval, etc etc etc - just making you jump through all the hoops - definately easier to self pay - they also gave me info on a payment plan - so you don't have to come up with it all at once - I'll see if I can dig it up - banded is the safest route - the way McKeen explained the difference to me was GB weight comes off faster but after you still have to do the work to maintain (portion control, excercise) and with the band the weight comes off slower but with the good habits - bottom line at the end you're still at the same point - I think LB is the healthier choice by far IMO

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi, I am 28 years old and trying to decide if I should do the lap band. My mom suggested it on Sunday, and since then I have been searching everywhere online to find the pros and cons. Can you tell me what the pros and cons are?

I am afraid. Pretty much afraid of a lifestyle change. If I do the surgery, will I be unable to go out on a date and eat normal at some time in the process? I am a very closed person, and would prefer for not even my roommates to know. Is that crazy (or impossible)?

Also, I am really concerned about the emotional eating. I know that is why I am so heavy, but haven't found a way to control it. Does anybody help you with that after the surgery?

Any insight would be great.

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I do want a lifestyle change. It would be amazing if I could get a grip on my weight (aka eating), and actually do the things that I love to do (i.e. ride rollercoasters, go four wheeling, snowmobile, swim etc). BUT . . . I am afraid of drawing attention to myself because of my eating habits. Does that make sense? I don't want to have to explain to everyone I associate with the reason why I am only eating 2 ounces of food. How are you all handling this situation?

Also, any pros and cons would be really appreciated. I analyze everything, and something as simple as buying a car stereo takes me months to decide. This is HUGE, and any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

:tea:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Good luck with your decision--it is a tough one. You ask some good questions but I only have a second here to respond to let me be quick and if you have more questions or need clarification, let me know and I'll have more time later.

I don't have any problem going out to eat with friends. I order a small meal or an appetizer or I share dinner with my husband--that works for us since we are older and people know we can't eat as much. Anyway, if anyone asks (I didn't tell anyone but my husband and children) I just tell them that I'm "cutting back" on my eating or "trying to watch what I eat." Since I've been on diets all of my life, no one wonders about this.

I'm away from home and using someone else's computer but if I can get mine working, I'll send you a link to a site that compares all the weight loss surguries. That may help you with the pros and cons. There are also lots of threads on this site about that topic.

Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is a hugh decision and you need to research alot. But most of us eat more than 2 oz. just be ready to share food with others and ask for a to go box as soon as you get your meal served. I sometimes take at least 1/2 of the meal and put it in the box first. Set the box on another chair or next to your purse. At that point it looks like you have already ate alot. Waitress will ask " is the food ok" so removing some of it helps there. Most of us have been on diets for years so just say "I am cutting way back on what I eat right now."

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×