Newbie Here - Long Introduction

Hi Everyone, 

I have been reading this forum for a while, but thought I'd finally "speak up." I am strongly considering WLS, the DS specifically. I have my first appointment with a surgeon this week. 

A little bit of background on me: I'm 30 years old, and I've been Type 2 diabetic for 16 years. I have severe insulin resistance and oral meds and the new injectables (Byetta, Victoza, etc.) do not work for me for various reasons, so I'm essentially insulin-dependent. I use an insulin pump with U-500 insulin. This is a pretty heavy insulin regimen, since U-500 is 5x stronger than "normal" insulin. I also take medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

It's been about 2 years since I had to switch to straight insulin, and I've gained 65 pounds (50 of that in the first year). I've always been overweight, even as a child, but used to hover right around 215. This extra weight from the insulin is unbearable to me. I'm in a size 26/28. I travel for work, and not needed an extender yet, but plane seats are getting uncomfortable. I know there are people here who understand these feelings. 

After the rapid gain of the first 50 pounds, I joined Weigh****chers with some friends from work. I'd had some success with WW in the past, and I think it's a solid plan for many people, but the insulin just inhibits weight loss for me. The friend I joined with lost 50 pounds since we joined. I've gained 15 (slowly, gaining and losing many of the same pounds over again). I am sure I would be at a much higher weight right now if I hadn't done WW this past year, but it's a constant struggle even to maintain this weight, and I don't want to be at this weight. 

On top of that, last January they found a serious diabetes complication: proliferative retinopathy. Unchecked, this will lead to blindness. It's required several rounds of treatment over the last year, and seems to be an aggressive, unforgiving problem. Though my HgA1C results have been good since I've been on insulin (under 7, always) and my doctors are pleased, my eyes just don't "think" that's good enough. I watch my diet closely and check my blood sugars 5x a day--I don't think I can get better control with the way things are now. So the possibility of resolving the diabetes is my number one reason for pursuing this surgery. 

I am married, but don't have any children yet, and I would like to in a few years if my diabetes and complications are resolved enough. I know I'd need to wait a couple of years or so after the DS, but I couldn't really get pregnant in good conscience on my current path, so I'm okay with being patient here. 

I am familiar with the DS surgery and long term compliance required. My mom had the DS done in 2004 with Dr. Alverdy at University of Chicago. She was much heavier than I am now, but lost nearly 200 pounds. She hovers around 180-185, but a at least some of that is skin that she prefers not to pursue surgery for, and she is comfortable where is is. Her Type II diabetes and high blood pressure resolved completely. She feels that this surgery is the best thing she ever did. 

I am meeting with the same surgeon because it's close to home and my mom's results were good. I haven't found any negatives about Dr. Alverdy on this site, but if anyone has anything to share specific to this practice, I'd be happy to hear it. 

I do have several questions I'd like to post, about insurance coverage, the pre-op stage, and others, but I think I've rambled enough for now. I mostly just wanted to say hello to everyone! 

Hello! :) 

-Teri 

Hello, Teri!

Welcome to OH!  We are glad you have joined our community.  Here is some information that may help you as you navigate our site:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/sitehelp.html

http://www.obesityhelp.com/content/terms-of-service.html

If you need assistance or have questions you can contact us at: [email protected]

Best Wishes,

Hi, Teri, welcome aboard.    I don't remember hearing anything negative about Dr Alverdy and I've been here a little over 6 years. I do seem to remember that the hospital there will only allow surgeons to do the DS for folks at or over 50 BMI. That might be the thing to double check if it's an issue. Wishing you good luck. Please keep us posted and ask any questions that pop up.

--gina

 

My insurance (BCBS) seems to want a BMI of 50 or higher as well. At my height, I'm only about 12 pounds away from that mark, sadly. So even if this is an issue, I think it's doable. I can gain 10 pounds with the right pair of shoes!

It does seem crazy that I might have to gain weight to qualify for a WLS, but I guess that's the world we live in.

There you go, you can do this!

 

Which BCBS cause I had BCBSTN Medicare and was able to get the DS with a BMI of 35.2.

Are you SURE it's the insurance and not the surgeon or his office? The first surgeon (Dr. Williams) I saw ONLY did the DS on those with a 50+ BMI. I went elsewhere, still ended up at the same office eventually but with the other surgeon in the group (Dr. Boyce).

Btw, I was also an insulin pump dependent type 2. Surgery was the 24th of Jan 2011, took my pump off for the last time on the 1st of Feb and last insulin was the 11th of Feb 2011. I was also on metformin and that ended in April of that year.

Liz

 

I have BCBS Of Illinois, and according to the paperwork they sent they will cover other types of WLS at 35+comorbiditites or 40 without, but the DS only at a BMI of 50 or higher. I haven't heard from the surgeon yet, though I know that was their policy years ago when my mom had her surgery. My current BMI is 48, so not that far off if it comes to that. 

That's great about your diabetes, congrats! 

THAT is mind-blowing!

Bad news ma'am. You are going to have to add more cheesecake to your diet before you can lose weight. Oh the wonders of insurance. I think the cheesecake should as least be deductible as a medical expense.