Need encouragement

I have been researching weight loss surgery from some time now. I have decided that gastric bypass is right for me. I just need to hear from others who have started or been through the process. I have so many worries right now and in my research I have heard horror stories about insurance companies, complications, etc. Yet, I know that I want this surgery to live. Just need some support. Robyn

Hi Robyn..there are definately some horror stories out there, but if you do your home work. research different hospitals, centers and surgeons you should do just fine..you want to find a doc who will be upfront with you about complications. This surgery is not the easy way out..there are many things you need to do to make the "tool" work for you. If you are not ready and willing to make those changes and take the giant leap, then it won't work... However, if you have been researching and want this surgery..are willing to make changes in your life and seek out the best program and surgeon for you...then get ready for an incredible ride. It's true insurance can be a pain..fortunately my surgery was 3 yrs. ago..but it still took me 6 months to get approval. Again if you make a good choice most centers will have an experienced insurance person to work with you... I have been a patient advocate for about 2 yrs. now..I have met many of the surgeons from Dayton, Ohio to Lexington, Ky...if I can answer any of your questions please do not hesitate to contact me direct. I can promise you I will be very open and honest about the surgery, complications I have seen and witnessed as well as give you my own opinion of some of the docs and centers. My first obligation is to the patient..not the hospital or the doc. email me anytime. Brenda [email protected]

I had my bypass done in March & as of now I've lost 60lbs. I also had trouble with my insurance. They kept "losing" my paperwork & this went on for a year before I got approved. I don't mean to scare you or discourage you. I think my case was an exception not the rule. I found this website & did posting & research & decided on Georgetown. I can't say enough about them. Because of all of my insurance issues I was always calling them but they have an insurance coordinator that really took charge & kept me informed & she got back with me either by phone or email. This was my 1st surgery ever so I was pretty scared but everything went fine. My advice to you is make copies of all your insurance paperwork & note who you talked to & when. Go to a support group meeting. Pre-ops are welcomed & hear what people are talking about. Read & post on this website. It's a great source of information. I would have it done again. It's so worth it not to be ruled by food! I too am a native of Somerset & feel free to email me. I wish you the best in all of your choices Robyn.

Hello Robyn and welcome to OH!! I too am new and I notice that we have the same insurance! (UK PPO HIGH--It's handled by Humana) I have the same fears you do, I've been reading a lot of members profiles and in my reading, see that the surgery has affected a lot of patients differently; some positive some not. I have weighed the potential risks against my current *life* and realize that my *life* far outweight the risks. Meaning: I am going to pursue this surgery, because I want to live not exist. I am fortunate that my husband and my parents fully support my decision to have this surgery. It is indeed a blessing that I can not overlook and am thankful everyday. As far as insurance goes, that one keeps playing over and over in my mind too. I am hoping there won't be too many problems with them and that I'll be approved immediately upon proof of medical necessity. I know that my Dr. does approve it for medical necessities, because he is the one that suggested it to me that this would be a great tool to help me achieve a large amount of weight loss and keep it off. I have been researching this surgery over five-years, it's only be now that I realize I am ready to handle the repsonsibilities of such a major change to my body. My brother lives in Monticello, so hello from there and Lexington!! I am going to St. Joes East on the 12th of June for a seminar. I am really excited about it and will be taking all their information in as a lost travelor coming out of a desert. I went to thier website, (located on the front page of OH under find a surgeon) and called thier bariatric office and made the appointment. So far, they've been very nice and I even got a formal invitation in the mail. How cool is that? My name is Dee and please feel free to email me if you'd like to say hello or if you just need to *talk*. Take care and I hope my .05-cents helps-- Dee

Robyn: Congratulations on your decision to have surgery! I am a gastric bypass patient from 3 1/2 years ago and it is the best thing I ever did for myself. I'm healthy, feel good, and tons of energy after losing 130 lbs. You will hear all kind of horror stories about complications but remember that stories do have a way of getting magnified, so keep that in mind. Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a technically challenging surgery and there will always be complications. Most of these are small and easily fixed. The more serious complication such as a leak, requires early identification and early treatment (surgery) to overcome. Whatever program you go to, ask questions. You should be given answers without hesitation. Some questions you may want to ask are: 1. What is the death rate and over what time frame? 2. What percentage of bypasses are performed open versus laparoscopic? 3. What is the conversion rate? Meaning, how many procedures were started as laparoscopic and the surgeon had to open to complete the procedure? 4. How many procedures has the surgeon you have selected performed? You don't want someone practicing on you! 5. What are the program expectations of you as a patient? A good resource I tell our prospective patients to use is this OH site. You can view a surgeon and see what the patients have to say about the surgeon. You can also view their hospital stay to see how their care was during their stay. You can review as many facilities and surgeons as you choose and it can be an eye-opening experience. Go to support meetings at the program you are interested in and talk to the patients to get their perspective. It's always a scary thing to go for surgery, but to me it was more scary waiting for something else to affect my health/life. Good luck with your decision. Cathi Roskind, RN WLS Patient The Bariatric Center at Georgetown