Weight-Loss Surgery

 Do lots of research to know what to expect, and make sure you are ready for the changes you will need to make.

Hello and welcome to the board. I'm Melissa the CL of the board and I apologize for not responding to you sooner.

My first suggestion is to contact a Bariatric Practice and make an appointment (if necessary) to attend a seminar about WLS. They should discuss the various forms of surgery that they offer (there are MANY to choose from). During the seminar you will also learn what their expectations and requirements are for you before they will submit authorization to your insurance company (unless you are a self pay).

My practice required 5% weight loss, nutritional counseling with their nutritionist, mandatory attendance at a minimum of 3 support groups, a psych evaluation and I think that is it. I went through this 2 years ago and I feel like I left something out but I can't remember it. Each practice and insurance company is different though. Some insurance companies require a 6 month supervised weight loss program before they'll approve the surgery in addition to any requirements that the Doctor has.

If you have any questions please ask them. We have a very small board here but the people who are around are more than happy to help you out.

Good luck and I hope to hear from you again!

Melissa

  

Missing my Hubby and Best Friend, Mark!

 

Pre-Op 299/Surgery 284/Current 169

Dr's Goal 170/My Goal 140

  

I went to see my primary care MD today for my annual physical and to see what she thought about me and bariatric surgery.  She was supportive of it and gave me the name of 3 physicians she recommends.  I called and found 1 in my insurance plan.  I called and have an apt for 11/24.  Their office does lap band, realize band and laproscopic gastric bypass.  I have spent the evening filling out their 16 page new patient questionarre and have a 2 week eating journal to keep before my apt. 

I have read all their info on their web page http://www.njbariatriccenter.com/index.html

I can't figure out what the difference is between lap and realize bands other than brand name- they look the same to me. 

My question is how did you decide to do bypass and not lap band?  My regular MD suggested lap band since it's adjustable and less invasive.  But I am not sure that it would work for me since all the sweets still go down well as long as you eat them slowly. 

I am 279 lbs today, my highest weight was 283 and the lowest I have been in adult life is 205.

Alice

I originally wasn't sure which surgery I wanted to have but I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and I had seen articles how the band is less successful for women with PCOS so I immediately decided to go with the Roux-en-Y (Gastric Bypass). I was never worried about the surgery even though it is more invasive. I had a very easy recovery without the pain and gas that some people talk about. The only "symptom" I experienced was that I was tired for a good 2-3 weeks and needed to nap in the afternoon each day.

Yay for your first appointment coming up soon! Good luck and keep us posted about your progress!

Melissa

  

Missing my Hubby and Best Friend, Mark!

 

Pre-Op 299/Surgery 284/Current 169

Dr's Goal 170/My Goal 140