Post Date: 7/4/09 4:07 pm
Topic: RE: Orlando?
Hi,

Well, you'd have to talk to the office, but I think so.  I paid $600 at the time I visited Dr. Ferguson and then had to pay the rest of the amount at my first appointment with Dr. Kim.  I didn't have to have my appt with Dr. Ferguson first - I chose to do it that way.  Now, I would imagine that every person's amount etc is different based on their insurance.  If I remember correctly I think the band is about $16000 so if you had to pay 30% of that it would be $4800 - is your deductible covered in that amount too or additional?  I really would just ask them - they'll contact your insurance and generally within a week will get back to you with all of the information.  I'm not sure what other options are in the area.  I met someone who had surgery with Dr. Kim and I liked what I learned about him and his practice - including that it was a center of excellence.  I have to say I thought there would be more support than there has been thus far, but I'm hoping as I get more into it I'll see more.  The support groups are difficult for me to attend - I live 45 minutes away.  I wish they would have them on the days he's actually in office so I could couple an office visit with the meetings...  I've attended one lap band meeting so far and that's about it...  I'll be going this month - and may attend the general meeting as well.  The general meeting is on my birthday though - so may not be there for that one...   Regardless it's not magic...  I have a friend who is losing circles around me and didn't have the band, but she's eating better than I am right now and she's working out.  I'm eating well - she's just better.  ;)  I have some physical issues that are preventing me from working out right now and have had a lot of stress the past couple of weeks so I'm just down 2lbs in 2 weeks - she's down 6.  She also weighs less than me right now and is 5 years older.  She is doing the 6 Week Body Makeover - www.provida.com
It's a great program IF you do it...  go check out their site.  I basically am going to follow that plan and will lose better - I wanted the band to simply help me feel satiated on less and it's doing that I think even without any restriction thus far.  What I can't do right now is eat as much salad and fruit as I'd like - I'm still trying to figure it all out.  This is the first week I've been on basically all foods - I have no problems at all eating anything...  Never felt that anything was stuck etc...  So, either I'm doing something right or maybe it's not working as well as it should yet...  I'm not sure - will ask Dr. Kim when I see him on Monday.  I wish I had some great news for you.  I hope this helps a bit!! :)

Post Date: 7/4/09 2:59 pm
Topic: RE: Orlando?
Are you in OH or FL?  Different surgeons have different requirements.   I'm sure not all require just one therapist do the eval.  I have to admit I wasn't happy with that at all - it seems utterly ridiculous since I could have just gone to another therapist and paid the co-pay.  She's quite nice though and has been through a bypass herself - so that's a bonus.  Dr. Kim is an excellent surgeon.  I don't know your situation, but you could probably put  it on a card and then submit to your insurance.  I guess you could call and see if she participates with anyone.  I know a patient was in one of my classes who had the surgery with another Dr a couple years ago.  She wanted Dr. Kim to give her fills - even she had to go through the psych eval...  So, I don't think he'd make an exception.   I would still go to the info session - it's well worth attending.  Also, your insurance may require you to do a pre-op diet -if so you could save for the eval during that time as well as any copays you may have.  My surgery cost me about $1300 and that was a lot for us, but well worth it.  It would have been $1100 (hospital and surgery copays as well as the psych eval), but I had to have a cardiology clearance - long story short I ended up with a bunch of testing and the copays on that cost me about $200 - bulk of it was for the heart cath - which was perfect BTW.  Dr. Kim had nothing to do with my selection of cardiologist - I picked him...    You can also attend the monthly meeting - it's a good place to meet people who have had diffrerent surgeries.  If you go let me know - I'd love to say hi.  :)

Post Date: 7/4/09 11:38 am
Topic: WHERE and WHEN are the FL support group meetings?
If you know of ANY support group in the state of Florida, please post information on when and where they meet!!
Thanks,
Lea

Post Date: 7/4/09 11:08 am
Topic: RE: Orlando?
"You will be required to have a psych consult with Dr. Kerry Ferguson - must be with her.  It's $600 payable up front - she will give you paperwork to submit to your insurance"

Well oh no.  :(  I was going to head to one of the informational sessions and start the process since my insurance (Disney Cigna through my husband) just kicked in, but honestly this is something I just cannot afford.  I don't have 600 dollars to just plop down up front.  :(  I have been dreaming of this surgery for about 7 years now, and I finally had the insurance to do it and now I'm feeling kind of crushed that it's likely never going to happen just because I can't afford the psych consult.  I'm really sick of being over 400 pounds.

Post Date: 7/2/09 6:05 am
Topic: RE: Dr. Marema?
Marema did my bypass in November of last year.

I can not say enough good things about not only him, but his staff as well...

The nurses on the bariatric wing of the hospital are also awesome!

Fell free to hit me up with any questions you may have.

I have my 6 month follow up with Marema next week in fact... Now if i could only get them to take out that "non-comlpliant" sticker out of my file...

Post Date: 7/1/09 10:17 pm
Topic: RE: BCBSFL State Employee -Psych Eval
Hi Michael

I am considering Dr Rehnke. for Lap Band. My concern is the $1,000.000 Admin. fees I am requird to pay . inaddition to my co Pays. I have BCBS Fed. Can you offer  any suggestions.

Good Luck and
Thank You

Deb

Post Date: 7/1/09 9:26 pm
Topic: Dr. Marema?
 Hi all,

I was just wondering if anyone here has had Dr. Marema in St. Augustine perform a vertical sleeve gastrectomy.  Please PM if so!! 

I would love to hear general opinions about him as well.  Thanks!

Post Date: 7/1/09 4:10 pm
Topic: July-Space Coast Support Group Mtg, Brevard Co.
 The next SG mtg. will be on Tuesday, July 21, 2009, 7-8 p.m. The mtg. will be held at The Golden Hanger (Ladies Consignment Store), 629 S. Apollo Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901. This is located on the corner of Apollo and Bab**** Street, next to the Sonic Drive-In.

If you plan on attending, please send me a message so I know how many people to expect. Hope to see you there!  

Thanks!  C-There

Post Date: 7/1/09 5:49 am
Topic: RE: BCBS FLORIDA
My company has BCBS and they would not cover my surgery.
When the company looked at purchasing the waiver it was going to cost $40,000.
They told me they classed the surgery as cosmetic. I was stunned.

I am paying for it myself. But I told them how disgusted I was with them to class life saving surgery as cosmetic.

Good luck if they are coving it for you.

Post Date: 6/30/09 8:19 pm
Topic: RE: Did you have plastic surgery in Florida? Who did you use?
Thanks for all the info Michael!!!
Just curious have you used any of these surgeons or know of anyone who did??

Thanks again!!
Ruth

Post Date: 6/30/09 6:03 pm
Topic: RE: MEDICAID AND MEDICARE SURGEONS LIST!
I just wanted to say thank you so much for this post!

Post Date: 6/30/09 4:36 pm
Topic: RE: Hello from NY
North of Clearwater in Dunedin is Honey Moon Island - Voted one of the best beaches in the wotld.
In Tarpon Springs (the sponge docks) is Fred Howard Park Beach.
Then further North is Hudson Beach , if you keep going there's Hernando Beach.
Then Cooglers Beach just West of Weeki Wachee Springs, where the Mermaids live!

Post Date: 6/30/09 1:39 pm
Topic: RE: Need new person to plan monthly Sanford/Orlando dinners...
I am very interested in finding some support system here, I live in pretty close to Sanford-but I'm not sure where/when you have meetings? I'm scheduled for VSG on July 21st, and could really use some moral support !
Thanks :)

Post Date: 6/30/09 12:02 pm
Topic: RE: United Healthcare Insured...
I t really depends on what your employer subscibes to. I have United and they based the pay out on your BMI. I was covered at 90%. They gave me no hassle and I was approved with in a day of my surgeon submitting the request.
Best of luck
Mike

Post Date: 6/30/09 8:10 am
Topic: RE: Need new person to plan monthly Sanford/Orlando dinners...
whoever does it, let me know so I can send you my Email addy. I'd still like to come out.

Post Date: 6/29/09 7:34 pm
Topic: RE: Did you have plastic surgery in Florida? Who did you use?
Just the Local ones I know of and will use one of when it's time for myself.


http://www.drbaddoura.com/ - Dr.Baddoura will fight the Insurance companies to pay for the removal of skin if it's medically necasary

http://www.preferredplasticsurgery.com/ - Dr. Eberbach is in Hudson Is condsidered one of the best.

http://www.rehnkemd.com/ - Dr.Robert Rehnke is in St.Pete, his brother is Ernest Rehnke the Bariatric Surgeron. The both use the Palms of Pasadena Hospital

http://www.surgeryloans.com/  - A Loan Company who deals with Plastic Surgeries

Post Date: 6/29/09 4:23 pm
Topic: Did you have plastic surgery in Florida? Who did you use?
Hi!
I'm trying to gather a list of plastic surgeons in Florida who work with patients who lost a lot of weight.  Especially those you do the Lower Body Lift, Inner Thigh Lift and even a butt lift.

If you used one please let me know.

THANKS in advance for your input!

Ruth

Post Date: 6/29/09 9:52 am
Topic: Know any Eatting Disorder Therapist in Miami??
Do you know of any good doctors or therapist who deal with eatting disorders in Miami, Fl??

I really want to get the surgury but everytime they hear I have NHP Hmo Insurance the door is slammed in my face. I need to find another option for me. Please help.

Post Date: 6/29/09 8:40 am
Topic: RE: ? for anyone in Miami
There are great places all over Miami but all depends on where you are staying and if you have your own transportation...would love to help so give a little more info...

Post Date: 6/28/09 2:43 pm
Topic: Catch that Pie!

During one of our ER visits, when I was sick with the fish blockage, Lilith started telling us that she was hungry. I asked the Emergency Room Triage nurse if she thought we had time to go to the cafeteria before they called me back and she assured me that we did so off to the cafeteria we went.
One of the things that I have noticed, (even pre surgery this was always something that bothered me), at almost EVERY hospital that I have ever worked at, (except Porter Adventist in Littleton, Colorado because back in the day it served a vegan menu), is how UNHEALTHY the menu is at their cafeterias! My current hospital is no exception. Granted they have a wonderful salad bar but they also have a freezer with ice cream novelties and a huge rack of candy and snacks right next to the registers. They also have the revolving, lighted tower of deserts! Oh, yes, this thing is as tall as me and as big around as I probably once was (and could easily be again if I ever dared to start opening the tower door and started partaking of the calorie laden goodies inside!). Lilith had never seen anything like it. She was entranced. Especially entranced by a huge meringue (I am sure she thought it was whipped cream which she loves)covered piece of lemon pie. She watched it with wide eyed wonder as it circled round and round on the shelf that was just at her eye level. Then she turns excitedly to me and says, "Momma get it get it!", as it was coming around again. In my dehydrated and drug filled state I didn't know what she was talking about at first. "Catch it Mama! Catch it! There Mama!" She exclaimed pointing and jumping up and down! I started trying to think of a way to tell he that she probably wouldn't like it because she has never had lemon pie or meringue and how it was not appropriate to have pie for dinner, etc etc, when she saw the handle on the case and opened it and tried to "catch" the slice of pie herself.
read more atluvsexytrstno1.blogspot.com/

Post Date: 6/28/09 9:26 am
Topic: The Biggest Loser Unorganized Casting Call
It was an experience I hope I never have to go through again. It was so unorganized. I got there at 6 AM. Others had been there from the night before. A lady took it upon herself to hand out numbers. I got #44. The was even one lady who had been there for 2 days waiting. At 7 AM the Tampa Bay Performing Center staff opened a door to allow access to the Restrooms.
Still no organization. I'd thought at least ropes would've been set-up to control cutting in line of those showing up after the early birds. But nothing. At. 9 AM, the centers staff started getting everyone up on their feet to organize a single file line. But this was a couples/partner Casting Call. At 930 AM Someone from The Biggest Loser staff on a mega horn came out saying to form a line or all would be sent home. Also if anyone was caught shoving or pushing, both parties would be sent home.   

Well those who showed up after 7-8 AM did end up in front and on the now short entry form they handed out I was #95.
Remember we are all standing in one spot not moving. At 10:00 AM they let the first 100 into the lobby of the center. And even though excited we're ALL getting very tired of it. We were formed into a snake line and divided into ten persons groups which were then lead to tables for group interviews. The was only one table, but eventually they opened a second table.

When my partner and I, with the other 8 got to our Interview we had been standing for 2 1/2 hours. The interviewer which we could barely hear first stated "that we had been standing for 2 1/2 hours. That if we did this every day for a year we'd lose 50-100 pounds, all be itself." whoopie. We then had 30 seconds each to tell who we were. He asked (not Ian Young, the shows Casting Director) about the last seasons show "was it fair of the mother to send the daughter home and was the final out come of the mother beating the son, right?" this was an open question which of course was total who could shout the loudest. Then we were each asked why we wanted to lose weight? That was it. The group interview was over.

The interview was over in 20 minutes. And we were told if they wanted us we'd get a call either Saturday evening or Sunday. But they did pull to the side, two cousins who were dressed alike expressing they coached Youth Football together. The rest were shown to the door to go home, walking passed the still long line around the building outside.

I had taken the time to print out the 9 page long application it said to do on the Biggest Loser website for these Open Callings. But they refused to accept them as many people had them. I WILL take some photos and make the short 15/20 minute DVD and send it in. I wonder how long they keep them on file for future shows or just toss them?

I asked if they knew Lauralyn Bellamy, who originally posted about the Open Call in Atlanta and they didn't know of her or the VIP treatment.
I pray for all of those who show up in Atlanta have a much better experience!
Mike

Post Date: 6/28/09 3:13 am
Topic: RE: birth control and WLS
I am going to the doc next week and plan on going back on depo provera. I had great success with it for many years. The best part....no periods! When i wanted to get pregnant, it only took a month for fertility to return. You can get a script for the injections and do them yourself every three months instead of going to the doc's office. Best of luck!

Post Date: 6/27/09 6:06 pm
Topic: RE: I got approved!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! GOOD LUCK. KEEP IN TOUCH. JACKAY

Post Date: 6/27/09 1:42 pm
Topic: RE: Insurance question for gastric bypass patients
I was covered with AvMed.  I work for the State, though, so I don't know if that was specific to the state's plan or not. 

I know that the standard BCBSFL plans do NOT cover WLS, but he would be able to purchase a rider for the WLS exclusion that would allow for coverage.

Post Date: 6/26/09 8:17 pm
Topic: RE: I just moved to the orlando area... I need help
i had my surgery through my husband's insurance.. He works for Brighthouse..all I had to pay was $100 deductible.  My doctor was Dr. Jawad in Ocala..