Recent Posts

lovesbear_1
on 7/12/07 5:22 am - Juneau, AK
Topic: I've GOT a Surgery Date!!
After 6 LONG months of testing, poking, prodding I've got a surgery date of Aug. 7th!!  I CAN'T wait.  I'm a diabetic (insulin dependent) with high blood pressure and high cholestrol.  The only thing that scares me is OF COURSE the maintaining afterwards.   OK, I'm a DORK, how do I post my countdown from Ticker Factory?  
lovesbear_1
on 7/12/07 5:16 am - Juneau, AK
Topic: RE: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska (Plus)
I have Premera BC BS and it will cover 25,000 for the surgery.  However, I'm a diabetic (almost 10 years on 40-50 units of insulin a day), high blood pressure, and high cholestrol.  I visited my doctor and Nutritionist once a month for 6 LONG months.  PLUS, my surgeon had me do a chest x-ray, ultrasound of my liver, (they looked at my kidneys and pancreas while they were lookin') and an upper GI barium swallow test as well.  I also visited a Psych and did a sleep study.  I have sleep apnea and just the CPAP machine is GREAT, I can get a good night's sleep in only 5-6 hours rather than 10 hours plus now. I was approved rather quickly when all the testing was done.   I'm scheduled for surgery Aug 7th and can't WAIT!!  GOOD LUCK!!
alitria
on 7/11/07 4:41 pm - AK
Topic: RE: Rural living after surgery

Hey, great information!  I'm not going to be on solids before I go back, so I'm going to have to guess on some stuff and plan to do some big shopping when I head to town for blood work in October. I'd don't live in a hub, I'm actually in a village about an hour north of Bethel, so we're pretty remote.  I've lived there for two years, so I have the basics down by now and I'm good at stocking up but this is a whooooole new ballgame!   I've heard differing opinions on beans, and I'm hoping I handle them because I ate lots of beans before.  I also have a yogurt maker that will hopefully still be useful.  Strips are obviously available in town, as is moose most of the time.  I don't really eat too much pasta, but was eating rice pretty often which sounds like it's going to be a no-no.  I was thinking a shopping list heavy on frozen chicken, canned chicken and fish, soup makings, jerky, eggs, lower fat cheeses, etc. 

If you think of any other tips, by all means send them my way!

Thanks for answering, it's great to hear from other people who know what I mean when i say "bush living."

camaib
on 7/11/07 4:24 pm - AK
Topic: RE: Rural living after surgery
Are you living in the village or in a hub?  I have done some bush time and know that you are going to have to do some creative shopping to make this work for you out there. Unless you are living in Bethel, Nome or Kotz you should stock up on stuff that you will be able to eat. I cannot eat any pasta but do fine with potatoes. I can eat beef jerky, fish strips, salmon and halibut but not with beef. Beans are ok and most home made soups. Tomato products don't stay down (spaghetti sauce, lazagna, etc..are not good) Yogurt is great if you're not lactose intolerant. I wasn't prior to surgery but am now.  So, if I was going to a hub village, I wouldn't worry about finding groceries. But if you're heading to a village think about shopping ahead of time for soup stuff. Buqua Camai

 

Hamida D.
on 7/7/07 1:42 pm - jacksonville, FL
Topic: RE: Not an ACTIVE board, huh??
yes, I would go to the lapband forum.  You can get lots of information there.

 

luvsexytrstno1
on 7/7/07 1:25 pm - Anchorage, AK
Topic: Who blogs regularly?
I am looking more blogs to read to motivate myself and to see others progress/ struggles so I don't feel so alone.  I blog regularly and post bariatric recipes (just search my blog for "recipe" or "cooking" for older posts from "before and after", "Cookin for Weight  Loss Surgery Patients",  "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies", and others.  I also have done a few book reviews.  You may have to look at quite a few photos of my daughter and read an unfortunate post or two about an internet stalker but there honestly is a lot of useful information there too.
luvsexytrstno1
on 7/7/07 12:00 pm - Anchorage, AK
(deactivated member)
on 7/6/07 7:43 pm - Yakima, WA
jeaneem
on 7/6/07 6:56 am - Anchorage, AK
Topic: RE: Questions .... Anyone?
Camai,   Will do.    I have Blue Cross AND Medicaid  .....  I have been advised to go ahead and go to the surgeon like you  said.    I have to many physical problems from the over weight ..... hopefully, it will get approved!   Going to take that advice!   Thank you. Jeanee
camaib
on 7/6/07 6:49 am - AK
Topic: RE: Questions .... Anyone?
It all depends on your insurance. Go see the surgeon and let them fight it out with your insurance company. My insurance didn't pay for the surgery...and I work in the health care field..go figure but the State of alaska insurance did pay and I cannot thank them enough. No hoops...no gimmicks...no strange denials. Thank you State of Alaska. Camai

 

Most Active
×