New here....

Hi everyone, I am new here to OH and to Grand Island, I am exploring the surgery also, well actually I have since 91' and have funally decided that this is the time to do it, just had my first appointment today and got my referral, now I just have to hurry up and wait!! Well I was wondering if anyone had dealt with Mutual of Omaha as their insurance, I have Mutually Preferred, I know they cover it but was wondering how hard they make it on you to get an approval. any help is appreciated. Stephanie

Hey Stephanie, welcome to our humble abode! I had my surgery in Grand Island with Dr. Goering. He and his staff are wonderful. Can't help with your ins. but can answer any other questions you may have. Again... Welcome! Rhonda 312/196.5/155??

Hi Stephanie, Welcome to the group. I can't help you with the insurance part. I know that some insurances take their time in giving approval. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Keep after them and don't give up. Congratulations on your decision to have surgery. Good luck in your journey. Mona

Hi Stephanie! Welcome to Nebraska!! You came at a good time the colors at least on the east side of the state are georgeous. Be sure to look into the Duodenal Switch as well as the Lap Band and RNY. Elaine

What is a duodenal switch? I havent had that one explained to me yet. I went in and dropped off my packet to the Dr's office today, my history and 2 week food log, got my referral from my pcp on the 18th of the month so I guess so far so good. Hopefully the ins. won't try to hold me back, I had heard they were pretty easy to deal with, we will see. Talk to you all soon. thanks for the warm welcomes!!! Stephanie

Hi Stephanie, The duodenal switch is . . . . well I can never quite explain it as well as I'd like to. I have a couple of links below that will explain what I never can do adequately. These are from the Duodenal switch forum here on OH from others like yourself that hadn't heard of the DS and you'll find some other links within those threads. I hope this will help you with figuring out what the DS is. Try this link first at DS forum: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/postdetail/53185.html?vc=0 Then this one: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/DS/postdetail/53400.html?vc=0 Where it has "home" "Compact" "post reply" click on home and start reading current posts and put a post on and ask the questions you would like answered. The important thing is that you be fully informed about all the WLS options. Have a Great Day and look forward to seeing you on the DS Forum. Elaine

Hi Stephanie, I live in Calif, but frequent the NE board because I had my weight loss surgery in Omaha last November. I had the Duodenal Switch or DS. Two surgeons in Omaha are DS surgeons. (Sudan and Anthone). With the DS, instead of a pouch with the remainder of your stomach left inside of you and inaccessible to scope, with the DS, they remove the greater curvature of the stomach and leave an approx 4 oz. stomach shaped like a hot dog or banana. They also leave the Pyloric valve intact, which regulates the flow of food from stomach into intestine, meaning NO dumping. The intestines are re-routed in a slightly different manner than the RNY and because part of the duodenum is still in the food stream, DSers have less problems with iron levels and no problems with vit B12. There is slightly more malabsorption, which is what helps DSers have virtually no chance of late regain. Studies have shown that the DS cures TypeII Diabetes in 98% of patients! There are normal weight people who have had the intestinal re-arrangement part only in order to cure their Diabetes. My surgeon, Gary Anthone was previously a professor of surgery for over 12 years at USC and helped to develop the DS. This surgery is technically more difficult to perform, requiring the surgeon to train for many months with an experienced DS surgeon. This is why there are only about 50 DS surgeons nationwide (DS is also done in Europe) and you have literally the BEST surgeon in your backyard, who trained many of these surgeons! Dr Anthone did several of my friends surgeries while in CA and I ended up flying to Omaha since he had moved back to his hometown in 2003. Please check out www.duodenalswitch.com. This is one of the most up to date and comprehensive sites about the DS. There is also a message board where you can talk to other DS patients around the world. By the way... You probably have not had the DS explained to you because your surgeon is not trained in the DS. I liken it to a car salesman who will do his best to get you to buy what he is selling and is NOT going to tell you about another brand of car, lest he lose a customer. Best of luck and whatever you decide... but do your homework thoroughly and that includes researching the 3 major wls... DS, RNY and Lapband. Laurie in So Calif.

Stephanie, are you from north platte? I know a Stephanie Perez, she went to school with my daughter...Beth

I am actually new to Nebraska, I moved here in July after living in Anchorage Alaska for the last 28 years. I got a call from Dr. G's office today, I have my first appointment with him on Tuesday at 1:30 p. I am so excited to get things going!!! I just hope that they move quick!! wish me luck. Stephanie

Stephanie, I do wish you good luck and I'm sure you will be a "big" loser Beth