Overwhelmed!!!
This is my first post ever over here on OH...whoohoo!!!
Anyways, as the subject reads I'm a little overwhelmed this afternoon. I had my first consult with the surgeon this am and my head is spinning. I adore the Dr..met and spoke with him at info seminar, talked to lots of ppl in person and in forums who know him. I think the main thing for me is that he wouldn't ever tell me what he thought of my choice of procedures (I started thinking about Band but now leaning towards Sleeve). He would only say he felt that I was the only person who could decide which was right for me. --Yes, Doc, I know that but am I at too much of a risk for this one compared to that one over there??-- He did seem happy with me as far as health goes, though. I am mostly overwhelmed bc of my to-do list I have to get completed before my appointment next month. Liquid Diet, Sleep Studie, Psych Eval, Labs, Upper Endo, etc. I have no problem going to have these done..none at all, but what I'm owrried about is what my insurance will pay for. It has been a nightmare trying to get a straight answer out of anyone. The insurance lady at the Dr's office told me that shes talked to two people today, one gave one set of answers and the other gave opposite answers to everything so shes confused as well. I'm going to be paying at least 10% of everything and will pay more if insurance won't okay. If I do in fact have to have 6months with a nutritionist thats $60 a month out of pocket bc its not covered or like the Psych Eval..thats $275 bc my insurance won't cover and the only Psychologists listed do not accept my insurance.
I'm so overwhelmed right now!! Trying to not complain alot bc I am blessed to have gotten this far. I just hate to dish out all this money (just got hospital bills paid off from my sons 6week stay) for nothing.
Has anyone been in a similar situation?
What you need to do is look at your insurance handbook for coverage AND also call the number on the back of your card to see what is/isn't covered. Write down times, dates and names that you speak with when you get the info. You need to be your own advocate for going through this journey.
I do not feel that you are complaining as the starting process is just as you have described "overwhelming". You will get through it. Just take tiny steps to get through it. Keep good notes as you go.
Open RNY May 7
260/155/140
Welcome to the head turning, mind spinning world of weight loss surgery! It is decisions, decisions, decisions and testing, testing, testing. We have all been there and all of us have had our heads spinning with all the masses of information and tests that are thrown at us!
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My first suggestion is to stop and take a deep breath. Then make a call to your insurance company and ask for a copy of their coverage and policy for bariatric surgery be sent to you by mail or fax. You really need your own copy so that you can see EXACTLY what it states. Most insurance companies go by the policy that was in force when you started the procedure. Also, if your company covers bariatric surgery, they most likely will cover all of the required tests for it. Except maybe the psychiatric evaluation and the nutritionist. Those are common exceptions. All other tests are standard medical tests which should be covered because your doctor ordered them.
I would strongly advise you to do some research on the various surgery types and learn the pros and cons of each type. The band and RNY and sleeve are common, but are you aware of the DS procedure? I wish I had pushed to have that. It was not covered by my insurance at the time. I have a high BMI and I really should have had a DS. A lot of the choice depends on how much weight you want to lose and whether you can put up with the lifestyle and/or restrictions of each procedure. For example, a lot of the banders have vomiting issues. RNY'ers and DS'ers all must take vitamins. They both are limited in certain types of foods. Can you live with that? Banders have to go in for fills periodically. Are you always going to be close to your doctor to get your fills? All require follow up and testing at least yearly.
One resource I found helpful is WLS Surgery: A lighter look at a Heavier Subject. It was written by a bariatric surgeon and explains each of the procedures and lifestyles. Also talk to our members here on the Illinois Board and the main forum. Here on the Illinois board we have people from all surgery types. We are a friendly group who love to answer questions.
Come join us for the daily roll call. We offer support in all areas of life, both surgery related and personal. We love to make new friends!
Cat Lady
It was comprehensive and spelled out exacting when my policy would make an exception and cover the surgery (what exact criteria I had to meet, etc.). That stuff was no in my general HR med insurance summary of benfits.
I'm heading into surgery on Monday (RNY). :)
It sounds as if we are both in the same boat. After reading over all that material and going over every test that's required it's certainly overwhelming especially if the insurance company does not cover the cost. But hey, look at the bright side, we would definately want each and every last test, that's required to make sure that the surgery will be successful without other issues occurring due to unawareness of a pre-exisitng condition. Just be mindful, to the fact we have the man above to talk and turn our situations around. Just have faith and remain positive and before you know it, the "new you" will be staring at you in the mirror
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I agree with Nancy. Research, research and do a lot of research on all the types of weight loss surgery. You will have to decide which one is the best for YOU.
I had all 3 - first the RNY, was initially successful but then my eating habits resulted in weight regain. My surgeon recommended the band over the bypass. I had the realize band inserted. That was the worst mistake I made in my life. I don't know how the bandsters do it. I couldn't tolerate proteins very well but all the slider foods, snacky food and of course sweets went down fine. I landed up gaining with the band, I was still throwing up my food at 2 years post-op. I've had fills and unfills. That is one of the downfalls of the band.
I had revision surgery with Dr. Rabkin in San Francisco a month ago. He reversed the RNY and removed the band. Then he did the DS. I am so happy with my DS. No more vomiting. I can take NSAIDS and drink with my meals. He found scarring on my stomach from the band.
My initial weight was over 380 pounds and if I knew what I knew now, I would have had the DS to begin with.
In the end, you will need to make the decision on which procedure is best for you. Don't let any surgeon sway you one way or the other.
Best wishes on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. Keep us posted.
Lucy
OH January Sleevers: http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Jansleeves/
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