On my way!

Its been a while since an update. Time for one now. I went Monday to a seminar given by  Dr Hoehn at Shawnee Mission Medical Center. The second place I have gone to for research. The first place I went to for the Lap-Band was such a joke compared to here. Well it was so informative. I have since decided to do the RNY instead of the Lap-Band.  Me being so large I believe this is a better overall decision. The overall Excess Weight Loss associated with the Lap-Band is ~45-50% which at 50% I would get down to 288 but I dont believe that would satisfy my needs for success. plus I learned of other complications associated with the Lap-Band that I had not known about previously. Also since I have 2 insurances that both cover WLS its been a little complex. Aetna is my primary and they cover it if deemed medically necessary along with a 6 month diet eval and psych eval. My secondary insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia through my wifes work which is self funded. So all I have to do is show medical necessity and psych eval no 6 month study. But wait theres more... The surgeon I have chosen accepts Aetna but the hospital he work at does not. But they do accept BCBS.  So since I will be denied from Aetna for not completing my 6 month diet eval, BCBS will have to cover the RNY. Fingers crossed of course. But just in case I will continue to go to my PCP for diet eval every 2 weeks as normal. With that said I went to my PCP today for my 2 week get together with her. and I am down another 4 lbs so to date I have lost ...hmmm... let me see... oh yeah  9 lbs. We discussed things and so I had to ask her which surgery she thought would be best for me. I take her opinion serious since I have been seeing her every two weeks now and she knows my demeanor. She has tole me she believes the RNY would be a better decision than the Lap-Band for me. Until next time... Take care and good luck with your pursuit of a better life!

Hey Guy, Glad to have you posting...Sometimes it gets lonely being the only guy most of the time on here...Hey 9lbs is great...keep up the good work....I'll be praying for you.. got any questions just come and ask ....God Bless...Craig Lee

I understand where your coming from.  I went to Dr. Hohen's seminar and was very excited had planned on having RNY and filled out all the paper work and submitted it only to hear back from them that even though the hospital accepts my insurance the dr's didn't so that being said (which I thought was stupid) started looking else where.  I was determined to find someone that would do it for me and I did.  My surgery is Monday and I had done the 6 mo. dr. supervised diet as well so after jumping through all the hoops it has taken me 10 months to get to this point.   I wish you the best of luck in your journey.  Hang in there and don't give up. Bev~

Sounds like you have a good plan in place and insurance coverage to boot!  You're definitely on your way!  

sounds like you are on your way, it is a wonderful journey, I had WLS a a year ago and have lost 128 pds. from my heaviest weight and I feel so much better...you will be in my prayers and we are here for you....vesta

Sandra and I both choose Dr. Hoehn at SMMC as our surgeon.  Sandra had RNY January 2006 and I had lap-band July 2007.  We are both pleased with our results and the care we have received.  Having attended the seminar, you are aware of the support groups available through SMMC, so let me encourage you to attend as often as you can.  We have found them to be very helpful and an exciting place to me others who are on the journey with you. The 9 lbs. is great news and it only gets more exciting along the way.

Congrats on this step.  Who is your primary care physician?   I had signed up for the Shawnee Mission seminar, but I chickened out and didn't want to drive from downtown to Shawnee Mission Medical Center, and then back to Kansas City North.   I have only attended one seminar and that was one with St. Luke's Hospital / Dr. John Price.  I liked him and he was extremely personable.  I'm reading a lot of great things about Dr. Hoehn.   Keep us all posted on how things are going.

I use Dr Caren Beasly at Parkville Family Practices on 64th street by I-29. She is a great PCP helping out with recommendations. She is very supportive and does do aftercare as well. As for the Shawnee seminar I highly recommend at least attending this to gather all information possible. They have people come in who have had the surgery and you can discuss with them about it. Also Nola was very helpful with and insurance/financing.