In Riverton....

Hi Frankie, Dr. Lewis didn't quote a price when I met him and Donna at the support group meeting.  I can tell you that my surgery in Billings, MT was quoted at $28,000-$30,000.  I don't know a final cost as everything is billed separately.  The hospital, anesthesiologist, surgeon, etc...it's all separate and I didn't keep track when the statements arrived.  Our insurance paid most of the cost, thank goodness.  I know I wasn't much help :-(.  I hope you're able to get the financing and have your surgery.  Please keep in touch ok?  I'd be glad to be part of your cheerleading squad! Hugsssss Brenda

Hi again Frankie,  I forgot to answer your question.. "What is malabsorption?" Malabsorption is when our bodies don't absorb things like they used to.  When they do RNY they not only make our stomach into a tiny pouch, they re-route our whole intestinal system.  The lower intestine is detached from the bottom of the stomach, then they cut a portion of it out and reattach it to the bottom of our little pouch.  In doing so, and in bypassing the stomach, part of the ability to absorb things is taken away.  We don't absorb nutrients of sorts like we used to before surgery.  This causes malabsorption.  Therefore we have to supplement our eating with vitamins and minerals for the rest of our lives.  I take OptiSource chewable vitamins that are made for post-bariatric surgery recipients.  If you want to check them out go here:  http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=301120&navA ction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod403359 They are available through Walgreens.  I buy them online because the closest Walgreens at this point is in Billings, MT.  But Cody is getting a Walgreens in October...I CAN'T WAIT!  The vitamins are orange flavored and very tolerable.  You'll be amazed after surgery how many things taste crappy.  You'll have to sift through what tastes good to you and what doesn't.  Protein drinks are a big thing.  You'll have to shop until you find protein drinks that taste good to you.  And, trust me, it may take awhile to find one, but don't give up.  You also might be blessed like I was and find the right ones right off the bat.  I buy mine from the Weight Management Clinic in Billings, MT and have since before my surgery.  Theirs are the best I've found.  If you'd like to try theirs I can mail you some to try.  I'll send you a private message with my information.   I hope this helps you :-) Always glad to help, Brenda

Wow!! You are answering questions quite thoroughly, and you have Noooo Idea how much that means to me lol. You can also email me @ [email protected] I would like to know more about the OptiSource and the drinks.  Just fire away lol, I am so thirsty for knowledge right now it's unreal. Was it super hard to adjust to everything the first week? I have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure etc... do you feel light headed at all? How long do you take your meds after getting this done? Or do you even take meds? I also take Effexor XR and I wonder if I'll be able to quit taking those as well... Just some Questions lol Thanks again, Frankie

I have the feeling this next communication will be LONGGG so I'm emailing LOL.

Congratulations and best of luck on the losing side.  Sharon

Hi, I  was banded the end of Sept by Dr. Lewis. It sounds like the Dr in Jackson is like the one I saw in Ft Collins...arogant. Dr. Lewis, Judy and Donna are sweethearts. It has been a slow journey since I have only recently reached restriction, but everyone is different. Best of luck to you.

I am over two years out from rny surgery and have had no issues. I take my vitamins, eat properly, and exercise.   I did not feel that the band would work for me because there is still hunger.  There are also a lot of complications and concerns with the band cutting through the stomach etc.  I felt safer with a surgery that is well established and with documented results. Everyone's decisions are personal and you should educate yourself about all of the choices.  I've had my lbl, bl/ba, & face lift already.  I'm hoping to get an inner thigh lift this summer. :-)  Regards, Sharon

Hi Jamie, just wondering how you are bouncing back. Hope everything went well for you, not to much pain I hope. Just wanted to let You all know that I picked a doc in South Denver, mainly for the cost, and that I am scheduled for the 28th of this month for surgery!! Yahoo!!

Frankie...I had my gastric bypass RNY done by Dr. Lewis on 7/31/06...at that time the surgery alone was $35,000, there was also the preop appts w/Dr. Reckling (I had heart check, echo etc...) and you have to pay the shrink that cks you out too.  It's been almost 2 years but I think it was total about 35 - 45 thousand total.  My insurance covered 80% so I ended up paying about $6000 on my own. Good luck with you out there...we love Dr. Lewis!  He and Donna started a support group in Cody and not everyone is his patient, but as Brenda said, he will answer any questions or concerns you have.  Donna is a great resource too! Jamie!  Hope you are feeling great!~  You looked great at support meeting!  Email me will do liquid lunch!  I'll chew in front of you! HA!