Recent Posts
Topic: RE: Need Help With Insurance!
Im no expert on health coverage and insurance so please take my advice with that in mind. To my knowledge, currently the following companies in the area offer weight loss. Many offer the lap band and RNY. Few extend their weight loss surgery options to include the Verticle Sleeve which is the surgery procedure I'm set on. I would start investigating with the three companies I have listed below as to my understanding, they offer the most choices in terms of procdures available to you.
United Health Care
Health Partners
Aetna
I would encourage you to browse through the Wisconsin sub forum here and read up on people's feedback on their insurance approval.
United Health Care
Health Partners
Aetna
I would encourage you to browse through the Wisconsin sub forum here and read up on people's feedback on their insurance approval.
Topic: RE: MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!
Gundersen Lutheran in La Crosse WI is a Bariatric Center of Excellence. It accepts Medicare, Medicade, and Medical Assistance.
www.gundluth.org
Address:
1910 South Avenue
La Crosse, Wi 54601-5467
800-362-9567
It has recently expanded it's surgery choice options to include...
Bariatric Surgery
RNY
Verticle Sleeve
Lapband
Surgeons:
Matthew T Baker (MD)
Shanu N Kothari (MD)
Ayman B. Al Harakeh (MD)
www.gundluth.org
Address:
1910 South Avenue
La Crosse, Wi 54601-5467
800-362-9567
It has recently expanded it's surgery choice options to include...
Bariatric Surgery
RNY
Verticle Sleeve
Lapband
Surgeons:
Matthew T Baker (MD)
Shanu N Kothari (MD)
Ayman B. Al Harakeh (MD)
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
My decision for the LapBand is for more of the medical side, not necessarily preferance. Again, I can't take the risk at this time in my life when my husband has uncurable Luekemia. My husband's leukemia will NEVER be gone no matter what treatment is given. If my husband was heathly, I would definitely do a more invasive surgery (which I was planning until his recent diagnosis). Maybe someday in the future I will be revising to a more invasive surgery.?
Dr Chua was the first to put the LapBand in WI. He has done 1000's of them. I asked specifically about the complications and he was able to answer my questions to a degree where I was satisfied with the answer. I wish I could do something more invasive but I can't at this time in my life and I don't want to wait. I have gone this far in the process and I don't want to back out now. Dr Chua is going to get acceptance for the Lap, RNY and Sleeve through my insurance and I'll chose from those. Who knows, if insurance doesn't approve the LapBand, then I'll have to make the decision for another surgery!?
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Thanks Stacy,
I will look into Dr. Engstrand if things don't go as planned with Dr. Chua. I really like Dr. Chua, and I have watched a successful Lapband patient of his for 10 years. A friend of mine had her surgery in MX and then he became her followup surgeon because this was about a month before Lapbands became legal in the states, so in reality she was his 'first' lapband altho he didn't do the surgery. I am comfortable with that process, but for me I don't think it's the best fit.
I look forward to my visits in Milw, but living 2+ hours away, I just don't want to have to make a day of it dealing with fills etc. RNY is just too invasive for my tastes. I also know of one of Dr. Chua's VBG patients, so I am hoping that he suggests the VSG for me. I too believe the sleeve will become the gold standard soon. The stats for it need to be looked at realistically. It's a procedure that has been around longer than even RNY, just for other reasons. My F-I-L had it done about 40+ years ago for stomach ulcers/cancer (?...not sure which), he lost weight, and looked great when he passed away 30+ years after he had the surgery. And now, my S-I-L just had it done before Thanksgiving....we are keeping it in the family I guess! LOL
Sorry to ramble, thanks for the input. I have heard of Dr. Engstrand several time now, and will definately look into his practice if needed.
Best wishes, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzi, and Happy New Years....hope that covers whatever you celebrate! :-)
I will look into Dr. Engstrand if things don't go as planned with Dr. Chua. I really like Dr. Chua, and I have watched a successful Lapband patient of his for 10 years. A friend of mine had her surgery in MX and then he became her followup surgeon because this was about a month before Lapbands became legal in the states, so in reality she was his 'first' lapband altho he didn't do the surgery. I am comfortable with that process, but for me I don't think it's the best fit.
I look forward to my visits in Milw, but living 2+ hours away, I just don't want to have to make a day of it dealing with fills etc. RNY is just too invasive for my tastes. I also know of one of Dr. Chua's VBG patients, so I am hoping that he suggests the VSG for me. I too believe the sleeve will become the gold standard soon. The stats for it need to be looked at realistically. It's a procedure that has been around longer than even RNY, just for other reasons. My F-I-L had it done about 40+ years ago for stomach ulcers/cancer (?...not sure which), he lost weight, and looked great when he passed away 30+ years after he had the surgery. And now, my S-I-L just had it done before Thanksgiving....we are keeping it in the family I guess! LOL
Sorry to ramble, thanks for the input. I have heard of Dr. Engstrand several time now, and will definately look into his practice if needed.
Best wishes, and Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzi, and Happy New Years....hope that covers whatever you celebrate! :-)
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
I am glad to hear again that he is definately a surgeon who looks out for the best of his patients. I am happy for you to have a chance to get healthier for your children and husband's sake. I am sorry to hear of your husband's illness, and will pray for you all. With everything considered, it does seem the Lapband would be a good choice for you. Take care, and Best wishes, please keep us posted on all things.....Anne
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
Anne, if you are set on the VSG, which I would definitely recommend over the lapband for sure, you might want to consider BIW, bariatric institute of Wi, also in the Milwaukee area. Their best surgeon, Dr Engstrand is pushing the sleeves for the right patients (and doing lots of them, which is key for safety, success, etc), as he truly believes in them and that they will soon be the gold standard for WLS.
Julie, I really encourage you to look further into the realize and ask more questions from people who have had it done. Lots and lots of long term complications, safety issues and revisions done from the bands, not to mention the frequent follow up for fills, etc. Visit the VSG board and ask a quick qeustion and you will hear from many bandsters that have had to revise their surgery. I wish you all the best on your journey. I am a mom of three little ones and the sleeve has been incredible journey. Started at 243, now 135 in less than a year with little to no follow up needed and I am confident in the long term success of my surgery due to my great restriction. So wonderful to play on the floor with my kids and have boundless energy and so much more self confidence to take them out and about. Take care!
Julie, I really encourage you to look further into the realize and ask more questions from people who have had it done. Lots and lots of long term complications, safety issues and revisions done from the bands, not to mention the frequent follow up for fills, etc. Visit the VSG board and ask a quick qeustion and you will hear from many bandsters that have had to revise their surgery. I wish you all the best on your journey. I am a mom of three little ones and the sleeve has been incredible journey. Started at 243, now 135 in less than a year with little to no follow up needed and I am confident in the long term success of my surgery due to my great restriction. So wonderful to play on the floor with my kids and have boundless energy and so much more self confidence to take them out and about. Take care!
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
No, I was not convinced at all. I originally thought I'd do the LapBand. Then changed my mind after reading the RNY forum and decided RNY. THEN, my husband was diagnosed with Leukemia and we have 2 young children. I know LapBand is less risky in the surgery room. Dr Chua agreed that with my age and cir****tances LapBand would be a good fit. When I asked him which surgery he would want his daughter to have, he said LapBand without skipping a beat. More conservative surgery and due to the Leukemia, I can't take any risks! :(
Topic: RE: Looking for support!
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Hi Art,
I'm Anne. I live a couple of hours from Milw, but I'm planning on my surgery with Dr.Chua in Milw. Have my consult with him on
12/27. I hope to have the VSG (sleeve) surgery.
What type of surgery are you looking at? What types of problems are you having with your insurance? And what insurance company do you have??
So far I've had no issues, but I started with a BMI of 43. I seriously got into the clinic's program in Sept, and I have had my 3 nutritionist visits, pysch, and I'm pre-approved so far.
Hopefully it will all work out for you too. Ask away with the questions. Maybe one of us will have some suggestions.
Best wishes.
I'm Anne. I live a couple of hours from Milw, but I'm planning on my surgery with Dr.Chua in Milw. Have my consult with him on
12/27. I hope to have the VSG (sleeve) surgery.
What type of surgery are you looking at? What types of problems are you having with your insurance? And what insurance company do you have??
So far I've had no issues, but I started with a BMI of 43. I seriously got into the clinic's program in Sept, and I have had my 3 nutritionist visits, pysch, and I'm pre-approved so far.
Hopefully it will all work out for you too. Ask away with the questions. Maybe one of us will have some suggestions.
Best wishes.
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Topic: RE: Does anyone even come here?
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Hi Jilli,
I too am sad this board doesn't get used much, perhaps it will now?? I check in every couple of weeks, but missed your original post somehow until now.
I'm Anne, from the Wautoma area. I'm having my surgeon consultation on Dec 27th with Dr. Chua in Milw. I hope that means I'll have a January date.
I originally started my search with Dr. Georgen's associate Dr. Wasco. I didn't care for his seminar, and when I went to Dr. Chua's I immediately fell in love with him. It was so evident that he cares for each and every one of his clients that were there. He has a group of clients give testimonials and answer questions about their experiences because as he says it, "I've never had the surgery, so i'll let the experts tell you what it was like for them."
If you have any misgivings, I'd so highly suggest Dr. Chua. I haven't found anything negative about him or his surgeries no matter how hard I dig. Can't say the same about other surgeons.
Best wishes....I get through Omro quite often on the way to the 'big city' shopping. Maybe we can have coffee somewhere and start a support group??
I too am sad this board doesn't get used much, perhaps it will now?? I check in every couple of weeks, but missed your original post somehow until now.
I'm Anne, from the Wautoma area. I'm having my surgeon consultation on Dec 27th with Dr. Chua in Milw. I hope that means I'll have a January date.
I originally started my search with Dr. Georgen's associate Dr. Wasco. I didn't care for his seminar, and when I went to Dr. Chua's I immediately fell in love with him. It was so evident that he cares for each and every one of his clients that were there. He has a group of clients give testimonials and answer questions about their experiences because as he says it, "I've never had the surgery, so i'll let the experts tell you what it was like for them."
If you have any misgivings, I'd so highly suggest Dr. Chua. I haven't found anything negative about him or his surgeries no matter how hard I dig. Can't say the same about other surgeons.
Best wishes....I get through Omro quite often on the way to the 'big city' shopping. Maybe we can have coffee somewhere and start a support group??
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Topic: RE: Any Dr Chua pts here?
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
Congrads on your date! Can I ask why the change of mind? You can personal message me if you want.
Just wondering basically because I've gotten the impression VSG isn't pushed at that clinic, mainly the RNY and Bands. I really like Dr. Chua, and hope he agrees that the VSG is the right surgery for me. Did you decide the change or talked into it? (I don't mean that disrespectfully at all.) I'll listen to his opinion as he is the professional, but I really want the VSG.
I have my consultation scheduled for 12/27....can't wait!
Keep us posted on how your progress goes!
Just wondering basically because I've gotten the impression VSG isn't pushed at that clinic, mainly the RNY and Bands. I really like Dr. Chua, and hope he agrees that the VSG is the right surgery for me. Did you decide the change or talked into it? (I don't mean that disrespectfully at all.) I'll listen to his opinion as he is the professional, but I really want the VSG.
I have my consultation scheduled for 12/27....can't wait!
Keep us posted on how your progress goes!
Let me help you with bariatric friendly cooking. www.pamperedchef.biz/gawnecooking
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