Not sure about weight-loss surgery? .... Then, think Gastric Sleeve

Not sure about weight-loss surgery? .... Then, think Gastric Sleeve

If you are not sure about pursuing weight loss surgery to fight your health problems, we would like to invite you to attend our next seminar on GASTRIC SLEEVE, next Monday, August 6 at 6:00 PM at the Zamoiski Auditorium @ Sinai Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.

Unlike the gastric bypass, the gastric sleeve operation does not involve any re-routing of neither the small bowel nor the implantation of a plastic device as seen with the LAP-BAND technique.

What are the advantages of the Gastric Sleeve?:

The Gastric Sleeve is a faster, technically less complex operation than the gastric bypass.

Unlike the gastric bypass, Gastric Sleeve does NOT involve the division of the small bowel with re-communication to the stomach pouch.

Gastric Sleeve, avoids all complications related to a foreign body implant, as seen with the Lap Band.

This is safer operation, especially for patients suffering from severe heart ailment.

Please RSVP to Cheryl Graham-Williams 410 601 - 8604

Cheryl, I met you last night at the seminar (you borrowed my info packet).  i must say the presentation completely changed my resolve about wanting lap band.  i've finished my packet minus the PCP letter of rec but i have a question for you. i talked to the insurance today and they faxed me the requirements for covering the surgery...the only possible hold up for me is in regards to the 6mo weight loss plan.   wording read like this:  one structured diet program for 6 consecutive months or 2 structured diet programs for 3 consecutive months (can include commonly avaiabel diet programs such as weigh****chers or jenny craig). now, i went to my PCP last july specifically for weight loss.  she put me on phentermine.  b/c of the heart contraindications, she had me take it one month on, the off it for one month.  i had to return for checkups during the one month 'off' phentermine.  this continued until march of 2007. So, i didn't have to see the dr monthly.  but i was on a structured diet program consecutively for over 6 months.  she off course weighed me and discussed my progress during each visit.  what's your opinion on this as meeting the requirments?

The ins. companies idea of a "6 month" documentation is some documentation that you were seen by someone during the course of each month and have the documentation to show that it was related to weight loss. It could be from different healthcare providers or some services i.e. LA Weight Loss/Weigh****chers program. In our program we also provide monthly meetings with our dietitian that also helps our patients meet that requirement.  Hope this answers your question. Cheryl

Thank you for you quick response.  Here's another question.  I was seen by my PCP in 9/07 and 10/07 in reference to my weight loss.  i didn't see her in 11/07 but i did see my sleep doctor.  i remember us discussing my weight loss in reference to my sleep apnea and her wanting me to try provigil instead of the phentermine....  my appt was to discuss my sleep disorders, but if she has weight loss info in her notes, do you believe this would be sufficient?  i don't want to pay for copies of those records if its probably pointless. i am looking forward to doing my supervised weight loss w/ sinai, however, i still don't have an appointment and the longer it takes, the longer it will be before i can get the surgery.  I know everyone wants to just get the surgery ASAP.   however, as a teacher my timetable is sort-off restricted and i need to have it done after fall semester ends and BEFORE spring semester begins at the end of jan.  That's the only reason i'm trying to find ways to have at least 3months of the supervision already completed because starting all 6 months now would put me in a really big bind at school.