Question:
Diet pills? Skin removed with Medicare only? Average loss? Do you look different?

Okay I have so many questions I'm not sure where to begin... Has any one ever taken those diet pills that block fat and carbs along with the surgery? Do you think it will hurt or help the weight come off faster? Well first let me tell you a little about myself, I'm 33 and just about 6 months post op from an open RnY. I started out at 412lbs. and to date have lost 135lbs. Now that is great and I'm happy but I still need to lose about 135lbs. more, and at the rate I'm losing now (3lbs a week VS. 6lbs. a week in the begining) I won't be at my goal weight by the time my year is up, so I was thinking about trying one of those diet pills to maybe help it along, what do ya think? Question #2 Has anybody had the skin removal surgery with Medicare as their only insurance? If so please tell me how begin all the paper work. Question #3 What is the average weight loss from this type of surgery? Has anyone lost around 300lbs in a years time? From what I have seen online most people only lose about 150lbs - 175lbs, but most people only need to lose that amount to reach their idea weight. Is their anybody out there, like me, that needs to lose around 275lbs to reach their idea weight? Question #4 Okay if your still reading this you must be pretty bored :-) When I look in the mirror I still see the old me, and I'm not just saying that. Mentally I know I must look different because I do notice things like my steering wheel not rubbing my stomach any more and my seat belt fitting around me, and I can fit in booths now, and I have dropped four sizes in my clothes. I just don't see it when I look at myself, other people say they can see it but I think they are just being nice. Is this normal? Well I guess that's all thanks for listening! Joy    — Joy S. (posted on September 7, 2001)

September 6, 2001
Joy - your weight loss is fine! Your body can only deal with so much loss at a time. Amongst my friends who have had WLS, many continue to lose past the 12 month mark (myself included). Continue the prescribed eating and exercise plan, and let the surgery work. I know I have considered diet pills, and happily came to my senses. I don't ever want to have to deal with that crud again - but I know how seductive the ads are. Personally, I opted not to muck up my body with them. No answers for your other questions, as they don't apply to me, except for the body image. I absolutely see myself the way I used to be. Just yesterday I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror at my building and thought - who the heck is that?? And I'm 14 months post-op. Now, I won't claim to be normal in any way, but unless I see side by side comparison photos, I experience the same thing you do. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

September 7, 2001
I've lost about 92lbs in my six months since surgery. I absolutely could not see it until I finally found a picture of me taken last Christmas. Oh lord was I big. I didn't remember being THAT big. Find an old photo and you'll most definately be able to see it. I showed it to everyone and they didn't remember me being THAT big either. I'm so happy.
   — Meredith A.

February 21, 2002
I work for a insurance company that processes Medicare claims. Medicare does not pre-approve or pre-cert any services. If it is medical necessary that you have the tummy tuck after the surgery then it is a covered services. Ususally this is done on an outpatient bases and you would be responsible for any copayments or deductibles. There is no way unfortunately before hand to determine how much money you be responsible for. Be sure the doctors document everything and take pictures this will help if the claim is denied and you have to file an appeal. Good Luck!
   — tslove