Holy crap, I don't believe how good that scar looks in just 2 weeks!

I have been approved for banding, but my doctor and I still think VSG is the way to go.  I just got my letter of denial from our Medical Review doc at BCBS of Alabama (my employer).  Please respond with the name of any payers who approved the procedure.  I need ammunition to go back at them again.

Thanks.

Congratulations.  I got approved last Thursday for surgery on 3/6.  The approval was for banding, but I'm still working to get the approval for the sleeve done.  One way or the other, I'm having surgery on March 6th.  Because of my failed staple line from 2 decades ago, he might not be able to complete the band, and have to opt for the RnY bypass instead.  So, it's kind of weird.  I'm on the schedule, but have no idea what I'm having.  Oh well, life is an adventure, huh?

Like someone posted in another thread.  After you do the math, it appears that the difference in a 32 and 36 is just over a teaspoon.

Did y'all find any (preferably unflavored) whey protein that tasted decent when blended with soups, broths, etc.?  I just have a hard time choking down the stuff by itself.

Thx

Someone posted on here before saying you couldn't absorb more than 30g at a time.  Don't know the source for that info, though.

My surgeon uses a 36.  He believes the 32 has a greater chance of stricture at the incisura angularis.  That's just one doc's opinion.  The study that I've seen with the larger bougie indicated that they originally used a larger bougie, but have since gone down to a smaller size.

Luckily, mine was covered by our insurance's mental health provisions.  He was a nice guy and actually asked some pertinent questions, but when it was over he said "I don't know why they make y'all do this.  There's no need for it if you don't have any past mental health history, or any current issues."

Since Medicare will pay for WLS, obviously 51 is not too old.  I'm 48, and although I feel like I've lost the past 10 years of my life due to MO, I plan on enjoying the remainder so I'm having surgery.

Since my insurance doesn't cover VSG, my surgeon has submitted me for approval for banding, and it was immediately approved.  I'm hoping the Medical Review folks at BCBS (my employer) approve my request to cover the sleeve, but either way, in 2 to 3 weeks I'll have some form of WLS.  I would really prefer the sleeve, but I had stomach stapling in '81 that worked really well until the staple line broke down, so I know a restriction like the band can work for me.  Of course, my metabolism was much better back then, but I can make it work.

My surgeon gave me his personal phone numbers to give to the Med Review doctor, so hopefully they'll talk and he can convince him that the sleeve is best for me.

I think the problem is that your attitude almost makes it sound like you are rooting for non-DSers to fail so that you can be proven right.  You really sound like a miserable person to me.  Hey, but that's just my opinion.

I know someone who didn't heed their warnings about the water, and had to have an impaction removed.  You don't want that.

Now, since I helped you, convince me to go have that colonoscopy done that I need. :-)

So, according to posts on here, DSers heat a high fat diet and it is malabsorbed, and you're telling me you have no bouts with diahrrea?  Ever?  Unless that fat is evaporating into the mist, that's a  lie.

BTW, I am pre-op and there's another reason I wouldn't have the DS.  From the posts in this thread, the surgery obviously turns you into an a$$hole.