Finally made my decision

Hi everyone :) 

It's been a while since I posted, mainly because really nothing new to report.  I'm still doing my 3-month supervised diet, which my last appointment with Dr. Gornichec will be the 13th, but because of some date changes, my last 3-month supervised with the dietician and exercise person at Pacer won't be until April.  But, I am actually sort of glad I had to go through it. 

Anyway, the last time I went to the doctor he prescribed Pristiq for me to try to see if that helped with curbing my appetite.  I have lost about 8 pounds depending if I have all of my clothes and shoes etc on.  Or 5 pounds fully clothed :) So it must be doing something.  I think I have finally made my decision on which surgery.  In the beginning I was so against RNY and so for the lap band, but the more I'm researching and watching people on Youtube, I have decided to go with the RNY.  Mainly because I have a lot of weight to lose--over 120 pounds.  I just don't feel I would lose most if not all of my excess weight with the band.  I do admit I'm terrified of some of the complications that "could" happen.  But on the other hand I know if I don't do it, then I will end up with other things that could shorten my life anyway.  But, I do feel sort of liberated that I finally have decided. 

Now, I just have to let Dr. G know.  He never wrote a surgery down anyway, because at the first consult with him I hadn't gone to a support group, but I have now.  So, maybe I will bring it up to him when I see him next Friday. 

I hope you all are doing well and I can't wait to join you guys on the losing side of things :o)

Hugs and love,
Paulette

Hi Paulette,
Congratulations on taking a step to become healthy again. I know it is a hard decision to make.
I was just curious about something in your post. Was there a reason you didn't consider the Sleeve in your decision for your WLS?

Sherry

Hi Sherry,

You know it's funny you ask that.  Because when I first started researching after my interest in the band, the sleeve was the number 2 surgery I had thought about.  But, my insurance doesn't cover it, and then when I went to see my doctor, he told me that since I have acid reflux that sometimes the sleeve could make it worse.   But, I really was interested in that one ahead of the RNY. 

Paulette

It is so sad that the insurance companies have such control over our lives. I picked the sleeve because I DON"T have insurance, but am so happy with it so far. I am just happy for you that you are able to get this done and make a start to a new you once again. I think any of the surgeries can become right for you no matter which someone chooses. I can't wait to move down on this bench and welcome you. We seem to be moving quick lately so get ready!

Sherry

Yes, it is true Sherry.  The insurance companies really do have  A LOT over on us all.  I wish I could have the sleeve.  I think I would probably like it better than any of them.  If I had the money in the bank, I would probably just opt for that one.  :) How are you doing with it? 

Hi again, Paulette
I was blessed to get an early inheritance from my mother to do the surgery, or I would be still on the post op side of this thing IF at all. I am doing wonderful. Thank you for asking. I have had only two days of nausea and no gas or other pain at all. I still can't believe I have had anything done until I try to eat...Your head says you like what you are eating and you want to eat it, but after a few bites, your tummy says "no more". I always put to much on my plate no matter how little it really is. The most important thing is that my blood sugar levels have dropped so much already that I am down to one pill and one shot a day. That is wonderful from 6 to 7 shots a day! Of course I am still not eating anything but mushies but for me this is a miracle! I see hope now, where I only was seeing only fear of my future.  I swear if I were a millionaire, I would be paying for surgeries for so many people so that they too could see hope again.
Sher

Sherry,

That is so fantastic!! I am extremely happy and excited for you! Before you know it, you will probably be off all meds totally!! I just can't wait until my time comes! :o)

I have Aetna insurance and I looked and it mentions something about the sleeve, but I will have to look again.  It would be something if they actually did approve those.  I just switched insurances back in January after starting the whole process with my old insurance.  I would have probably already had my surgery by now.  But, still I guess things happen for a reason and maybe this supervised thing is helping out.  I have already cut out my carbonated beverages and caffeine.  The withdrawals from the caffeine were something else.   Terrible headaches.  So, at least those are 2 things I won't have to worry about.  :) 

Thank you for responding :o)

HUGS,
Paulette

Hi Again Sherry,

I just had Aetna send me the Weight loss surgeries that they will approve for certain criteria.   I wondering if the sleeve wouldn't be covered?  Take a look and see what you think.  Below was taken from the Aetna memo he sent. 


Policy

Note: Most Aetna HMO and QPOS plans exclude coverage of surgical operations, procedures or treatment of obesity unless approved by Aetna. Some Aetna plans entirely exclude coverage of surgical treatment of obesity. Please check benefit plan descriptions for details.

1. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Laparoscopic Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding (LASGB), Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) and Duodenal Switch (DS) Procedures:

   Aetna considers open or laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), open or laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) with or without duodenal switch (DS), or laparoscopic adjustable silicone gastric banding (LASGB) medically necessary when the selection criteria listed below are met.

   Selection criteria:

You know, it does sound like they possibly could cover it. I would fax that over to your doctor's office and have them call them. I have also heard that some doctors list it as a DS and just only do the first part which is the sleeve. It always leaves the option of going ahead with the total DS later if you don't lose what you want. From what I am reading on here though, most lose about the same as the RNY's. I am counting on that for me! I would just check to be sure before I ruled the sleeve totally out. I do know either surgery would be great. I am sure the doctor's office can check on it for you to make totally sure. Good luck!
Sherry

Congratulations on making the decision that's right for you, Paulette. It's a relief to have done so, I know. You're moving forward, and that's a good thing. :)
Blessings,
Mary