WHO IS READY? Let's start the 5 day pouch test Monday
Congratulations on your success to date and good luck with your diet plan.
For the Pre-Ops out there, no such diets needed with the duodenal switch. Any significant weight regain, even out long term is virtually unheard of. No, I can't go crazy with simple carbs, but who wants to with virtually no food restrictions and a very rich diet of fats, proteins and fruits . I eat at, or, about 3000 calories a day. In short, I eat normally like most naturally thin people with little in the way of strenuous exercise. Diets? With a Pre-Op BMI just north of 51, who needed another G.D. diet? Failed me before the DS, and I sure as hell wasn't going to risk my life having WLS to just to spend the rest of my life with more of the same. "Diet" is simply a four letter word in this gent's book!
Love to eat, love food and to drink with my meals, but rarely have to think about what I eat anymore other than what sounds good and seems reasonably healthy. I get in my protein, supplements and go about my life living normally.
But hell, Pre-Ops, don't take my word for it... Go to any OH convention and see for yourselves. Pick a procedure other than the DS, ...( damn few of us will be there cuz there are so much fewer of us represented there....) and you'll see a boatload of folks struggling out long term with significant regain or failing to get anywhere near their goals. And lets not even go to all the revisions surgeries being sought by those longer term WLS folks so afflicted .
As my fellow compadres like to say.... "Think twice, cut once."
Rock
Your response really had nothing to do with the post! Why is it necessary for you DSers to always start something! Give some facts and move on and let people make up their own minds. You don't have to put us RNYers down all the time. You are NO BETTER than us!!!! BACK OFF!!!!!
Preops and newbies, there are a group of DSers that are militant and think "their surgery" is the ONLY surgery, THEY ARE WRONG!!!! There are multiple WLS surgeries and the choice is very personal between you and your doctor. Don't be swayed by the milatant DSers. Make up your own mind!!!!
Surgery was RNY 5/21/07...I can be found on Facebook: anewbecboo or Becky Reddick
umm.. hey Beck..
Maybe you were a little hard on him..? I wasn't offended and maybe there is some good info there. I know that there have been some DS'ers who were a little aggressive... but I personally was okay with this post..
I started the 5dpt this morning and I am feeling fine.. but the true test will be tonite when I get home... :-(
xoxo
Rita Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I just hate how some of them think the DS is so superior and they are superior to us because of it!!
I started too! WOO HOO!!! lol I have a crock pot going with bean soup in it.
Saturday, Carol and I made 14 dozen protein bites, 4 savory and 2 sweet. We had so much fun and were so proud of ourselves. It felt great to hold each other accountable by making them together. We were thinking a "protein bites party" at Rita's house and nice kitchen would be fun!!! lmao
WE CAN DO THIS girlfriend!!! check in with you later!! hugs, Becky
Surgery was RNY 5/21/07...I can be found on Facebook: anewbecboo or Becky Reddick
Last night I made the "Ham & Cheese" soup.. its yummy but.. it said you can use cheddar instead of velveeta, which I did. But I should have added it with the roux.. as it was the cheese "seized" and I ended up wit a big blob of cheesey goo at the bottom...!
I totally know better, dont know why I did it. But the soup is still yummy,, so its not a waste!
I will check in with you later, mama!!
XOXO
My apologies, Becky,
I simply haven’t had the time to reply to your specious, malicious ad hominem attack.
Perhaps you have a reading comprehension problem or were just having a bad day. (Hungry, or craving the wrong food choices, perhaps?) Who knows what your issues might might have been on this particular day, but that said, I have seen similar maligning postings from you in the past. As a fairly recent post op, relegated to a lifetime of highly restrictive dieting, I CLEARLY prefaced my remarks as NOT INTENDED for you or those similarly positioned as post-ops unless they might be entertaining a revision from a failed procedure or outcome.
In reviewing my remarks I cannot find where I put down any procedure or group. PERIOD! An argument can clearly be made for putting down the concept of "needless dieting," not to be confused with those necessary dietary requirements that are needed for each procedure. I personally find it HEARTBREAKING that some people risk their very lives for having procedures only to have to suffer with such heavily restrictive diets post-op, not to mention DUMPING for some which is nothing short of medieval in this writer's opinion.
And I constantly get thanks from Pre- and even Post-Ops for imparting the information. One only needs to take a look at this thread a s example.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,5357/cat_id,4957/topic_id,3484967/
Some of us are of the opinion that having spent a lifetime of failed dieting is PUNISHMENT ENOUGH. My reasoning for posing is just what I thought I made clear. Diets don't work for more than 95 % of us and for those wanting a procedure offering the least restrictive diet, in addition, to best short and long term weight loss and long term weight loss retention, there is another option. Becky, you made your choice and seem relatively happy with it. I couldn't be more pleased for you and anyone else who is happy with theirs. Especially, for all those long term successes that really have t work their tool after the honeymoon period.
As to your point about our thinking our procedure is better. Well, I think it rather special not to have to diet and being able to eat normally. That's all I ever wanted... Well, that and not having to fear anything more than some VERY MINIMAL WEIGHT REGAIN out long-term. At nearly five years out, I haven't even had that other than some minor fluctuations either side of goal. Lost 3 lbs. today and this after a less than frequent dining experience at KFC last night. (maybe 2 or three times a month) Hardly my usual, but it was GOOD.... 4 large pieces of fried chicken ..(two breast, two thighs,) mash potatoes and gravy, cole slaw and a healthy slice of their chocolate chip cake. But, hey, this is just me talking and therfore strictly anecdotal.
Becky, perhaps you RESENT what the long standing peer reviewed data is showing and likewise the actions of the physicians at CA Department Managed Health Care when they consistently tout the advantages of the DS over the RNY and other WLS procedures. I'm sorry, Becky as I just can't help you with that, but for the benefit of those who are interested and might derive some benefit, the following cases speak for themselves.
--------------
Rehttp://tinyurl.com/5xo4tq Reference ID # Type MN05-4402 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 54 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Hypertension Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery Biliopancreatic Diversion IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 54-year-old female who is 5’3” weighing 226 pounds with a body mass index (BMI) of 41. She has comorbid conditions of hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and degenerative joint disease. She has undergone a psychological evaluation and is considered an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. She is requesting authorization for a duodenal switch procedure. The Health Plan has denied this request and in the alternative authorized Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Peer-reviewed literature demonstrates duodenal switch has superior long-term outcomes and quality of life compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In addition, the incidence of weight regain is much higher for patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass than those who undergo duodenal switch. Furthermore, there is less likelihood of complications with duodenal switch than with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Therefore, I have determined the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. MN04-3589 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 30 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Other Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery Duodenstomy IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 30-year-old female who is seeking reimbursement for duodenal switch surgery. The patient’s body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery was 56.2. In addition, the patient has a number of comorbid conditions including hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Health Plan has denied reimbursement for the duodenal switch procedure. The duodenal switch procedure has a track record greater than 15 years. The anticipated complication associated with other malabsorptive procedures (i.e., distal gastric bypass, jejunoileal bypass) has not been encountered with the duodenal switch. At the 2003 American Society of Bariatric Surgeons meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts, scientific papers were presented, which indicated there is growing evidence that protein malnutrition is a much larger problem post gastric bypass than was initially suspected. This is due to patients’ inability to consume “normal” meals after the gastric bypass procedure. Furthermore, there is sufficient data to show that duodenal switch has a far more superior long-term outcome when compared to gastric bypass. Therefore, the duodenal switch procedure was medically indicated for treatment of this patient’s super morbid obesity. Based upon the information set forth above, I have determined that the procedure at issue was medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. Therefore, the Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. Reference ID # Type MN08-7635 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 48 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Hypertension Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings A 48-year-old female enrollee has requested a duodenal switch procedure for the treatment of her obesity. Findings: The physician reviewer found that there is no question that BPD-DS is appropriate, and even more so than other popular obesity procedures, such as banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in treating this enrollee’s obesity. There are many reasons cited in the literature that may have convinced the enrollee to be so committed to undergoing BPD-DS. These include data from Hess et al that show the best long-term results for weight loss while ameliorating the highest percent of co-morbidities. Anthone also agrees with the above and states that patients ingest about 2/3 of their pre-op dietary intake without any specific food intolerance. Ninety-eight percent maintained normal albumin levels three years post-op. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies are less likely to occur and, if they do, they are much easier to treat. Patients do not show any clinical evidence of hypocalcemia or bone loss. Furthermore, Baltasar et al, along with the other authors, agree that where the pylorus is preserved dumping is almost non-existent; biliopancreatic reflux is prevented, which would improve the patient’s GERD; and vomiting is very rare. For the reasons stated above, I have determined that the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned.
N06-5854 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 50 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Musculoskeletal/ Ortho Problem Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 50-year-old female who has a history of morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 48.5. She has several comorbid conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease, low back pain, and shortness of breath. Although the patient reports she has undergone a psychological evaluation and is an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery, the findings from the evaluation have not been provided. The Health Plan has authorized Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the patient. However, she believes gastric bypass with duodenal switch is more appropriate in her case. A review of the published data shows that the duodenal switch procedure is superior to other surgical procedures, not only in terms of percentage of excess body weight loss (EBWL), but also from a quality of life perspective. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is associated with a failure rate of more than 30% in three to five years, with a reported maximum EBWL of 60% to 70%. The duodenal switch procedure has a higher success rate and its efficacy is well established. As such, the requested procedure should be authorized. Prior to surgery it should be confirmed that the patient has obtained psychological clearance for weight loss surgery. For the reasons stated above, I have determined that the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. MN06-5657 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 25 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Other Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 25-year-old female with a body mass index (BMI) of 37.3 and significant comorbid conditions. She indicates that she has researched all the surgical procedures and has selected the duodenal switch operation for treatment of her obesity. The patient has completed a psychological evaluation and was deemed an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. The Health Plan has denied coverage for the duodenal switch surgery asserting that this surgical procedure is not medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s condition. This patient clearly meets the criteria set forth by the National Institutes of Health for surgical treatment of obesity with a BMI of 37.3 and co-morbid conditions. The duodenal switch operation has been shown to be effective for patients with a BMI of less than 50. Additionally, there is no data indicating that nutritional deraignment after the duodenal switch operation is any more prevalent or more serious than what is encountered with the gastric bypass operation. In fact, the lifestyle of patients after duodenal switch is generally free of the ill effects of the gastric bypass, such as the dumping syndrome and intolerance of solid foods. As cited above, there is a large body of scientific evidence available that shows the duodenal switch operation is more durable with a better long-term success rate when compared to the gastric bypass or the Lap Band operation. Based upon the information set forth above, I have determined the requested duodenal switch bariatric surgical procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned.
Re
---------------
Wishing you continued success, Becky, in your choice and dieting plans both now and in the future.
Rock
I simply haven’t had the time to reply to your specious, malicious ad hominem attack.
Perhaps you have a reading comprehension problem or were just having a bad day. (Hungry, or craving the wrong food choices, perhaps?) Who knows what your issues might might have been on this particular day, but that said, I have seen similar maligning postings from you in the past. As a fairly recent post op, relegated to a lifetime of highly restrictive dieting, I CLEARLY prefaced my remarks as NOT INTENDED for you or those similarly positioned as post-ops unless they might be entertaining a revision from a failed procedure or outcome.
In reviewing my remarks I cannot find where I put down any procedure or group. PERIOD! An argument can clearly be made for putting down the concept of "needless dieting," not to be confused with those necessary dietary requirements that are needed for each procedure. I personally find it HEARTBREAKING that some people risk their very lives for having procedures only to have to suffer with such heavily restrictive diets post-op, not to mention DUMPING for some which is nothing short of medieval in this writer's opinion.
And I constantly get thanks from Pre- and even Post-Ops for imparting the information. One only needs to take a look at this thread a s example.
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/ds/a,messageboard/action,replies/board_id,5357/cat_id,4957/topic_id,3484967/
Some of us are of the opinion that having spent a lifetime of failed dieting is PUNISHMENT ENOUGH. My reasoning for posing is just what I thought I made clear. Diets don't work for more than 95 % of us and for those wanting a procedure offering the least restrictive diet, in addition, to best short and long term weight loss and long term weight loss retention, there is another option. Becky, you made your choice and seem relatively happy with it. I couldn't be more pleased for you and anyone else who is happy with theirs. Especially, for all those long term successes that really have t work their tool after the honeymoon period.
As to your point about our thinking our procedure is better. Well, I think it rather special not to have to diet and being able to eat normally. That's all I ever wanted... Well, that and not having to fear anything more than some VERY MINIMAL WEIGHT REGAIN out long-term. At nearly five years out, I haven't even had that other than some minor fluctuations either side of goal. Lost 3 lbs. today and this after a less than frequent dining experience at KFC last night. (maybe 2 or three times a month) Hardly my usual, but it was GOOD.... 4 large pieces of fried chicken ..(two breast, two thighs,) mash potatoes and gravy, cole slaw and a healthy slice of their chocolate chip cake. But, hey, this is just me talking and therfore strictly anecdotal.
Becky, perhaps you RESENT what the long standing peer reviewed data is showing and likewise the actions of the physicians at CA Department Managed Health Care when they consistently tout the advantages of the DS over the RNY and other WLS procedures. I'm sorry, Becky as I just can't help you with that, but for the benefit of those who are interested and might derive some benefit, the following cases speak for themselves.
--------------
Rehttp://tinyurl.com/5xo4tq Reference ID # Type MN05-4402 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 54 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Hypertension Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery Biliopancreatic Diversion IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 54-year-old female who is 5’3” weighing 226 pounds with a body mass index (BMI) of 41. She has comorbid conditions of hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and degenerative joint disease. She has undergone a psychological evaluation and is considered an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. She is requesting authorization for a duodenal switch procedure. The Health Plan has denied this request and in the alternative authorized Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Peer-reviewed literature demonstrates duodenal switch has superior long-term outcomes and quality of life compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. In addition, the incidence of weight regain is much higher for patients who undergo Roux-en-Y gastric bypass than those who undergo duodenal switch. Furthermore, there is less likelihood of complications with duodenal switch than with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Therefore, I have determined the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. MN04-3589 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 30 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Other Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery Duodenstomy IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 30-year-old female who is seeking reimbursement for duodenal switch surgery. The patient’s body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery was 56.2. In addition, the patient has a number of comorbid conditions including hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The Health Plan has denied reimbursement for the duodenal switch procedure. The duodenal switch procedure has a track record greater than 15 years. The anticipated complication associated with other malabsorptive procedures (i.e., distal gastric bypass, jejunoileal bypass) has not been encountered with the duodenal switch. At the 2003 American Society of Bariatric Surgeons meeting held in Boston, Massachusetts, scientific papers were presented, which indicated there is growing evidence that protein malnutrition is a much larger problem post gastric bypass than was initially suspected. This is due to patients’ inability to consume “normal” meals after the gastric bypass procedure. Furthermore, there is sufficient data to show that duodenal switch has a far more superior long-term outcome when compared to gastric bypass. Therefore, the duodenal switch procedure was medically indicated for treatment of this patient’s super morbid obesity. Based upon the information set forth above, I have determined that the procedure at issue was medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. Therefore, the Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. Reference ID # Type MN08-7635 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 48 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Hypertension Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings A 48-year-old female enrollee has requested a duodenal switch procedure for the treatment of her obesity. Findings: The physician reviewer found that there is no question that BPD-DS is appropriate, and even more so than other popular obesity procedures, such as banding and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, in treating this enrollee’s obesity. There are many reasons cited in the literature that may have convinced the enrollee to be so committed to undergoing BPD-DS. These include data from Hess et al that show the best long-term results for weight loss while ameliorating the highest percent of co-morbidities. Anthone also agrees with the above and states that patients ingest about 2/3 of their pre-op dietary intake without any specific food intolerance. Ninety-eight percent maintained normal albumin levels three years post-op. Vitamin B-12 deficiencies are less likely to occur and, if they do, they are much easier to treat. Patients do not show any clinical evidence of hypocalcemia or bone loss. Furthermore, Baltasar et al, along with the other authors, agree that where the pylorus is preserved dumping is almost non-existent; biliopancreatic reflux is prevented, which would improve the patient’s GERD; and vomiting is very rare. For the reasons stated above, I have determined that the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned.
N06-5854 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 50 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Musculoskeletal/ Ortho Problem Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 50-year-old female who has a history of morbid obesity with a body mass index (BMI) of 48.5. She has several comorbid conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease, low back pain, and shortness of breath. Although the patient reports she has undergone a psychological evaluation and is an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery, the findings from the evaluation have not been provided. The Health Plan has authorized Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for the patient. However, she believes gastric bypass with duodenal switch is more appropriate in her case. A review of the published data shows that the duodenal switch procedure is superior to other surgical procedures, not only in terms of percentage of excess body weight loss (EBWL), but also from a quality of life perspective. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is associated with a failure rate of more than 30% in three to five years, with a reported maximum EBWL of 60% to 70%. The duodenal switch procedure has a higher success rate and its efficacy is well established. As such, the requested procedure should be authorized. Prior to surgery it should be confirmed that the patient has obtained psychological clearance for weight loss surgery. For the reasons stated above, I have determined that the requested procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned. MN06-5657 Medical Necessity Patient Age Patient Gender 25 Female Diagnosis Category Diagnosis Subcategory Morbid Obesity Other Treatment Category Treatment Subcategory General Surgery null IMRO Determination Overturned Decision of Health Plan Reviewer's Findings The patient is a 25-year-old female with a body mass index (BMI) of 37.3 and significant comorbid conditions. She indicates that she has researched all the surgical procedures and has selected the duodenal switch operation for treatment of her obesity. The patient has completed a psychological evaluation and was deemed an appropriate candidate for weight loss surgery. The Health Plan has denied coverage for the duodenal switch surgery asserting that this surgical procedure is not medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s condition. This patient clearly meets the criteria set forth by the National Institutes of Health for surgical treatment of obesity with a BMI of 37.3 and co-morbid conditions. The duodenal switch operation has been shown to be effective for patients with a BMI of less than 50. Additionally, there is no data indicating that nutritional deraignment after the duodenal switch operation is any more prevalent or more serious than what is encountered with the gastric bypass operation. In fact, the lifestyle of patients after duodenal switch is generally free of the ill effects of the gastric bypass, such as the dumping syndrome and intolerance of solid foods. As cited above, there is a large body of scientific evidence available that shows the duodenal switch operation is more durable with a better long-term success rate when compared to the gastric bypass or the Lap Band operation. Based upon the information set forth above, I have determined the requested duodenal switch bariatric surgical procedure is medically necessary for treatment of the patient’s medical condition. The Health Plan’s denial should be overturned.
Re
---------------
Wishing you continued success, Becky, in your choice and dieting plans both now and in the future.
Rock
You beat me to the post sweetie! I'm still in too!!! I'm a bit scared and nervous too, but I HAVE to do this!!!
Yesterday one of my fellow OH friends and I baked 12 dozen of Eggy's bites, 4 savory and 2 sweet kinds and they are frozen and ready for easy to grab protein when I'm done with the 5DPT. We were so proud of ourselves and had a blast. I will be posting about it with pictures later tonight.
So, I was going to post everyday for check in, so do you want to do it, or me? I just want us to stay accountable and get as much support as possible! I don't have a goal for weight loss, but anything will be great!! I just got to get back on track!!!!
WE CAN DO THIS!!!!! big hugs, Becky
Surgery was RNY 5/21/07...I can be found on Facebook: anewbecboo or Becky Reddick
Hi Becky,
I'm so glad to have you starting with me and it looks like some other folks too. Yipee. I'm doing protein drinks only today and tomorrow. I feel great so far but the hardest for me is sleeping on an empty stomach. Also drinking all tha****er is killer for me.
As far as starting a new post strand you can do it if it's not too much trouble as the folks out there probably know you from past posts. Any way thanks so much for the original info. and for your company now. I appriciate your support.
Jane
Glad you did good today too! I'm sure we will wake up tomorrow morning starving, but hopefully it won't be too bad.
I did make a new post and I will every night just for those doing it to check in and for any support and ideas others may have. I'm glad there are several of us doing it together, it makes it easier! hugs, Becky
Surgery was RNY 5/21/07...I can be found on Facebook: anewbecboo or Becky Reddick
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