Recent Posts
Topic: RE: NEW!!! Lots of Questions
Welcome. I did have a tummy tuck--it was really needed as I lost 240 lbs. Insurance paid for the skin removal and muscle tightening but not the belly button--so I'm buttonless! I wasn't going to pay the extra for it. Insurance also paid for a breast reduction but not the arm lift. They were all worth it, and I hope to one day be able to afford a butt and thigh lift. Even without plastics, life is so much better with the weight off.
I have never used a protein drink--simply couldn't stand them. Other people like them. The best protein is the protein you can tolerate. It is not that difficult to get in your protein with real food once you are past the early stages. There are a lot of online sources for protein counts.
Good luck and keep up with the research.
I have never used a protein drink--simply couldn't stand them. Other people like them. The best protein is the protein you can tolerate. It is not that difficult to get in your protein with real food once you are past the early stages. There are a lot of online sources for protein counts.
Good luck and keep up with the research.
Topic: RE: UI grad student with Wellmark BCBS, want DS
I am so glad to read that you have done the necessary research to make an informed choice as to which surgery seems to work best for you. But the next step is to hear from a surgeon his/her informed opinion as well. There may be information they can provide you.
I don't know where you are in your studies, but I would suggest you try to find a surgeon where you can fully participate in the supporting program. If you select a surgeon outside your area, will you be able to fully benefit from their program? The surgery is just one piece of the puzzle. The best programs also have nutritional, behavioral, and physical support elements. Participation in support groups is also very helpful for long term maintenance and success.
I didn't do much research on DS but have read many posts about its high success. I had the RNY and lost 240 lbs.
Good luck with your research and finding the right surgeon/program.
I don't know where you are in your studies, but I would suggest you try to find a surgeon where you can fully participate in the supporting program. If you select a surgeon outside your area, will you be able to fully benefit from their program? The surgery is just one piece of the puzzle. The best programs also have nutritional, behavioral, and physical support elements. Participation in support groups is also very helpful for long term maintenance and success.
I didn't do much research on DS but have read many posts about its high success. I had the RNY and lost 240 lbs.
Good luck with your research and finding the right surgeon/program.
Topic: RE: UI grad student with Wellmark BCBS, want DS
Cool, congrats on your success. =)
I know that the band won't work for me, my BMI is over 50 and the DS has the best success rate for that. The lifestyle and side-effects of the DS are the most agreeable to me, too. Hopefully Wellmark will see it that way.
I know that the band won't work for me, my BMI is over 50 and the DS has the best success rate for that. The lifestyle and side-effects of the DS are the most agreeable to me, too. Hopefully Wellmark will see it that way.
Topic: RE: UI grad student with Wellmark BCBS, want DS
I also have the same insurance. I went through Mercy Center for Weight Reduction in Des Moines. My doctor was Steve Cahalan. He and Mercy were GREAT! I got my lap band last May. I lose about 1 pound a week. Its a slow process but healthy. I feel great! I like the band because I know its for life! I have seen so many people get the gastric bybass and 5 years later they start to gain it back. And some it works great for them. I still watch what I eat and I have changed my entire eating habits and how I work out. But surgery is not a cure all as it is a tool.
A lot of luck to you! What ever you decide to do; you will not regret it. Its the best gift you could give your self and your family. The gift of a healthy prolonged life.
God Bless
Amanda
A lot of luck to you! What ever you decide to do; you will not regret it. Its the best gift you could give your self and your family. The gift of a healthy prolonged life.
God Bless
Amanda
Topic: RE: NEW!!! Lots of Questions
I lost 130# and I absolutely need plastics done. I need a tummy tuck and breast aug/implants. It really depends on the amount of weight you have to lose, the more you have to lose the more skin you will have.
Topic: RE: Cincinnati OH Event in August
I've already signed up and got the 50% off deal. I'm looking forward to it!
Topic: UI grad student with Wellmark BCBS, want DS
Hey folks,
I'm a UI Grad student and I've been researching WLS forever. Sometimes I think I research WLS more than my actual studies.
I've settled on the DS after all of my research. I have Wellmark BCBS and it says "weight loss surgery" is covered, but it doesn't specify the type. I am bracing for a denial, though. I plan to fight it, if so.
I haven't found anyone in Iowa that does the DS, though I heard someone in Des Moines now does a VSG. I have been looking at surgeons outside of Iowa that do a lap DS, and so far I have contacted a few.
I am really excited to get going on this new chapter in my life. I've been overweight since I was a kid, so just the thought of being "normal" sized is frightening and totally amazing. I have been on Weigh****chers for years, and despite my efforts, I never go below a 40 BMI even at my healthiest. Right now I'm at a 50.6 BMI so it's really wearing me down.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I'm new to the OH boards, but I hope to post here often.
I'm a UI Grad student and I've been researching WLS forever. Sometimes I think I research WLS more than my actual studies.
I've settled on the DS after all of my research. I have Wellmark BCBS and it says "weight loss surgery" is covered, but it doesn't specify the type. I am bracing for a denial, though. I plan to fight it, if so.I haven't found anyone in Iowa that does the DS, though I heard someone in Des Moines now does a VSG. I have been looking at surgeons outside of Iowa that do a lap DS, and so far I have contacted a few.
I am really excited to get going on this new chapter in my life. I've been overweight since I was a kid, so just the thought of being "normal" sized is frightening and totally amazing. I have been on Weigh****chers for years, and despite my efforts, I never go below a 40 BMI even at my healthiest. Right now I'm at a 50.6 BMI so it's really wearing me down.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I'm new to the OH boards, but I hope to post here often.
Topic: Cincinnati OH Event in August
If you are interested in attending the Cincinnati OH Event, please PM me as I have a promo code that will get your ticket for only 25.00 instead of the sixty that is on the events page. What a great savings. I look forward to meeting you all.
Leigh Ann (Momof3ds) OH Support Group Leader
Pre-op: 346/Current: 144/ My Goal: 165/ Dr. Goal 160/ My New Goal: 145, Surgery Date: March 12,2008
Panni Removal May 28, 2010, Revision to Panni Removal December 23, 2010 with Dr. Thomas Southern, Indianapolis, Indiana
GOAL REACHED 11/29/2009
New GOAL set @ 146 pounds!!!! Reached second goal, now at 144, it's all a number game now!!!
The beauty of a woman is not seen through what she wears. It is seen through how she carries herself and the way she doesn’t allow herself to settle. Don’t ever let anyone take for granted the beauty that is within you. Stand firm and know that you’re a wonderful person. Always remember your value and respect yourself. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how special we really are!
Pre-op: 346/Current: 144/ My Goal: 165/ Dr. Goal 160/ My New Goal: 145, Surgery Date: March 12,2008
Panni Removal May 28, 2010, Revision to Panni Removal December 23, 2010 with Dr. Thomas Southern, Indianapolis, Indiana
GOAL REACHED 11/29/2009
New GOAL set @ 146 pounds!!!! Reached second goal, now at 144, it's all a number game now!!!
The beauty of a woman is not seen through what she wears. It is seen through how she carries herself and the way she doesn’t allow herself to settle. Don’t ever let anyone take for granted the beauty that is within you. Stand firm and know that you’re a wonderful person. Always remember your value and respect yourself. I’m so blessed to have you in my life. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how special we really are!
Topic: RE: UIHC Support Group
My GP recommended that I go to Genesis in Davenport and I attempted to have the surgery twice there and I cancelled both times. I am so scared of dying on the table. I developed PTSD due to a medical procedure. I almost died giving birth and all those memories come floding back to me when I get on the bed to go to the OR. It's crazy, I am 28 I should be over it by now but I guess I am not. So I am going in for some extra help on my PTSD. More than you wanted to know eh?
I go the meetings and just listen I don't particpate much. I don't feel like I belong bc I haven't had it yet. But I still go so that must count for something?
Where you do live in IA? I am in North Liberty, near Iowa City. How much have you lost? My aunt had it and she lost 134 pounds I was in total AWE of how much she's lost. It's crazy...
Anyway, thanks for writing back...hopefully I'll see you at a meeting. :D
Becca
I go the meetings and just listen I don't particpate much. I don't feel like I belong bc I haven't had it yet. But I still go so that must count for something?
Where you do live in IA? I am in North Liberty, near Iowa City. How much have you lost? My aunt had it and she lost 134 pounds I was in total AWE of how much she's lost. It's crazy...
Anyway, thanks for writing back...hopefully I'll see you at a meeting. :D
Becca
Topic: RE: UIHC Support Group
Hi!
I had the most awesome experience at UIHC and with Dr. Jamal and the bariatric team there. The hospital was the best...........the nurses and aides (or whatever they are called now) were so nice and helpful. I never had to wait for help when I called them and each one of them was happy to help no matter what I needed. Dr. Jamal was so nice and very patient with me, taking all the time he needed to answer my questions. The whole team there is awesome!! I cannot say enough positive about Debi, Amy and Lynn, and all the nurses at the clinic. They have been nothing but helpful!
I just hit my one year post op date (2-11-09 was my surgery) and had my appointment on Friday with great success. I am so pleased with them and can't say enough about them. I did research other places...................Davenport and Cedar Falls, attending seminars at both places, talked to the surgeons at both places and the bariatric team at the other two places, but UIHC just felt the best to me and my gut told me that was the right choice for me. I know that there are others who may feel differently than I do, but I just felt comfortable going to the place where bariatric surgery began in Iowa and to the place that is known for it's stellar care in many other areas besides bariatric surgery.
I think you'll be happy with the care you recieve there and know you are in the best possible hands for your surgery. Dr. Jamal is awesome and so are the others.
Keep posting on how things go because I'd love to know! Hopefully I'll see you at support group some time.
Carol
I had the most awesome experience at UIHC and with Dr. Jamal and the bariatric team there. The hospital was the best...........the nurses and aides (or whatever they are called now) were so nice and helpful. I never had to wait for help when I called them and each one of them was happy to help no matter what I needed. Dr. Jamal was so nice and very patient with me, taking all the time he needed to answer my questions. The whole team there is awesome!! I cannot say enough positive about Debi, Amy and Lynn, and all the nurses at the clinic. They have been nothing but helpful!
I just hit my one year post op date (2-11-09 was my surgery) and had my appointment on Friday with great success. I am so pleased with them and can't say enough about them. I did research other places...................Davenport and Cedar Falls, attending seminars at both places, talked to the surgeons at both places and the bariatric team at the other two places, but UIHC just felt the best to me and my gut told me that was the right choice for me. I know that there are others who may feel differently than I do, but I just felt comfortable going to the place where bariatric surgery began in Iowa and to the place that is known for it's stellar care in many other areas besides bariatric surgery.
I think you'll be happy with the care you recieve there and know you are in the best possible hands for your surgery. Dr. Jamal is awesome and so are the others.
Keep posting on how things go because I'd love to know! Hopefully I'll see you at support group some time.
Carol
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