In Need of some Tips!!!

I am 21 years old and am wanting to do whatever i can to tone and exercise so i don't have that much saggy skin. Any exercise tips that anyones tried that they feel worked the best?? Also, I want to go out and get some protein shakes to find the one i like. Any suggestions on good ones and where to find them??? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, one more question, My insur. told me to have my PCP submit a letter to them. Normally from what i have read the Surgeon submits to get approval. Anyone elseh ave to have their PCP do it and did they get approval from just that or was that kind of like a first step?

Hi Jessica, as far as toning and exercise, walking is always good, but swimming, water aerobics and light weights are also very effective. I like to work out with the inflatable exercise ball. There are more exercises than just doing situps on it! For protein, I use GNC's 50 Gram Slam twice a week just to give myself a boost. The chocolate is the best for me. It is super thick and I need to dilute it a bit. It really fills me up fast and takes about 2-3 hours for me to drink it all. Your PCP does have to write a letter to submit it to insurance. This is to show that other measures have been taken to try to lose weight and the doctor who supposedly has been treating you for years (PCP), thinks surgery is your best option. Also, this is a referral to Dr. Chua as a surgeon. Dr. Chua also submits his stuff, but his approval is to agree to do surgery on you. He ultimately decides if you are right for surgery. It is a grueling process, but just keep following the steps and it will all come together in the end. Good Luck! Lois

Jessica, I have just finished the process myself and have finally been scheduled. As far as toneing goes, we're in the same boat sister.. however you do have your age to your advantage, we still have great elasticity. Also simple skin firming lotions have been effective for myself I have noticed at least a minimal difference when used consistantly, obviously not for DRAMATIC results but every little bit helps right! (I use coco butter which helps firm and streatch marks!) And I would have to agree, weight lifting and the ball is going to work best! I see you have Wausau Insurance, as do I, I was wondering if you knew how much out of pocket to expect??

hi Jessica. I actually have S.C.Johnson insurance just monitored by wasau benefits. With our plan individual out of pocket is a grand and family out of pocket is 2K. I am hoping to have surgery in Jan or Feb. The end of december will be the end of my weight loss with my PCP so hopefully they can get me in fairly quick. I go back sept 15 to get the papers needed from my dr. She said she was going to call when they were done but she hasn't. So then i can make my appointments up in MIlwaukee with the dietician and pshchologist. Are you located down in kenosha or racine?

Hey Jessica, Nope I am actually in Milwaukee. I am having my surgery done by one of the best surgeons at Froedtert. If you have that option, I would highly reccommend him!

With my Insurance I have to go to a center of excellence and Aurora Sinai is what they have under our insurance. I actually started my research with Froedtert, but the research I have done with dr. Chua he is also excellent. We shall see how it goes. Hopefully fast. When is your surgery scheduled for?

Hey Jessica, I am scheduled for September 13th. Once the rollercoster is over and you are finally aprroved everything moves so fast! Your given the date then all of the pre-op appointments- and before you know it your on the table! I had alot of obstacles because I was originally going for the band, so thank goodness my insurance did not recquire the supervised diet? Are things looking up for you in regards to being approved?

Well, I am mailing in my packet of information today. I get to schedule my psyhc and nuti. appointments then my diet is up in December. From there I get to send information in for approval. After that its surgery time. It is getting closer. But i am willing to wait.