Greetings

I'll check that out next. 

I'm doing pretty good.  I'm still fighting this diet thing even though I know if I don't lose the weight, they won't do the surgery.

I have to go for medical clearance at HF next Wednesday, 9/15.  Hopefully, I 've already had most of the tests.

Sandi

Hi Sandi and thanks.

I know that its going to be a struggle especially with football season, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  But in a year, I don't want to still weigh 450 and think about how I wished that I would have stuck with it like I have been doing for years.

I am excited and aprehensive to say the least.

Alan

 

Hi Sandi,
     I've moved up to Interlochen now, so I won't be making the cider mill on the 10th.  I'll be coming down on the 15th to go to Chicago to watch my DIL graduate with her Doctorate.  I'm so proud of her.
     I know for a fact that HFH downtown only does RNY and Lap Band.  They prefer RNY.
Jan

There are 5 or 6 HFH centers that have the Working on Weight program, and the exercise centers
But I think the only place in HFH for WLS is at the Bariactric center on West Grand.

There are other WLS centers but they are not part of HFH.

I misunderstood...

There are 5 or 6 locations where you can do the VLCD program.  From my understanding, there are two HF locations where the WLS can happen.

They also do it at the old Bi-County hospital, depending on your HF family.

Welcome to the forums!  We're a pretty friendly group of folks.  Hope you can make it to the meet up on October 10th.

Taking that first step is the biggest and often the hardest thing to do - so congratulations on that decision.  Even though your doctor and others here have told you what HAP's requirements are, I'd highly recommend calling and getting that information in writing for yourself.  Even though HAP might have some universal requirements, your specific employer's contract might have other things to consider too. 

So call the number on the back of your card, ask about bariatric surgery and get those requirements mailed to you --- having that stuff in your hot little hands is essential!  Trust me, I learned the hard way and had a 12 month delay.  Use that list as your checklist to get things done -- you need to take the wheel and drive this bus because nobody cares about it as much as you do.  Don't take anyone's word for it, get that info in writing and run with it and follow it to the letter.

And dont' worry too much about the crazy liquid diet.  The frist few days are brutal, but you'll be amazed at how satisfying it is once your body adjusts.

You'll be on your way before you know it! 

Pam

Hi Pam
HFH has a program that is called working on weight. It is a liquid protein diet sort of .......
It is kind of like nutrisystems, LA weight loss centers and that kind of thing.
HAP will only pay for it one time in a patients life.  It is different than the Bariatric center

The liquid diet for  bariatric surgery is different. but they may use the same website for protein supplements for pre surgery diet. 

And you are right The first thing I did was to contact my  insurance company (HAP) and got the criteria for weight loss surgery.  And went from there.

It would be a good idea to contact the Bariatric center too. and have them send you information about the program. I found in my journey that some of the PCP's were not knowledgeable about how the program works and what is required by insurance and the beriatric center.
One thing I can tell you is the beriatric center at HFH Knows what is required and will inform you.

henryfordhospital.com/body_hfh.cfm

Thanks for the info Mary.

I will give them a call as well.

Good stuff people! Good stuff.

Much appreciated.

Alan

Hi Pam,

Thanks for that advice.  I am going to call HAP this evening and get the ball rolling. I am glad you were able to succeed...that gives me hope. 

Everyone here has been a great aupport and offers useful advice and for that I am thankful.

Alan