It's becoming a loooong winter, isn't it!?

I just returned from the South (where I'm relocating) and it's green as can be, flowers blooming, got a sunburn!  I was almost scared to come back to Wisconsin... thought it might have turned into a big ice block.   I hope the snow's melted up by you by now. Sooner or later, right?

You're welcome! I hope you found the information you needed.

(I see you're from Lakewood. My grandparents had a cottage in Lakewood and I grew up going to Lakewood and Townsend... right on Wheeler Flowage. One of my favorite areas.)

Thank You Nic!

Date:  Saturday, May 31st, 2008
Place: Detroit Airport Crowne Plaza
Time:  8am - 5pm
Cost:   FREEEE!!!!

Hi Folks!  We've got an incredible day planned on  Saturday, May 31st . . .  Don't miss out!!  Be sure to get your tickets to this free OH event now!

TOP TEN REASONS TO COME TO OH'S DETROIT EVENT:

10.  Meet Dr. Ayoub Sayeg, Plastic Surgeon, while he introduces his plastic surgery practice to you.
  9.  Meet  and learn from Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Mark Pleatman who has performing laparoscopic surgery for over 19 years! 
  8. Win some fantastic door prizes and have fun while learning about WLS!  
  7. Hear from motivational speaker and WLS post-op Laura Preston and learn her keys to long-term success
  6.  Get a FREE makeup consultation from our friends at Astute Artistry
  5.  Learn style secrets for any size with Indigo Zuri of Detroit's P2Styles
  4.  Discover the complex nature of Food Addiction through Addition Expert Jason Wilkinson
  3.  Meet and connect with local support groups and you obesityhelp peers!
  2.  It's FREE!
  1.  Get inspired by Detroit's very own William "Big Will" Elijah -Author.Entertainer/Singer/Producer  and Motivational Speaker featured on OH Magazine's July 2005 Cover.   Visit Big Will's OH Profile here:  http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/bigwill/ 

Remember, space is limited - please register today at our events page (click on the events tab) and we'll see you there!  Or click on the link below:

http://www.obesityhelp.com/events/

All the best, Tammy Colter,  Director of PR/on behalf of Joanna Fee and the Events team at OH

I personally have been hurt by my RNY in regards to diabetes.  I have higher blood sugars (500s) and lower reactive blood sugars (30s) since my RNY.  I found this article in the NY Times informative and I agree with it.  I think the VSG is a much better choice.  Sparing the pyloric valve is essential.  The shorter intestine from the RNY adapts itself to absorb carbs and calories and still causes long term vitamin deficiencies.  I look at VSG patients losing as much weight almost as fast without the problems caused by the RNY.  Long term the RNY personally has hurt me not helped me (and many others).  It hurts to watch people choose this surgery, lose weight, run into problems, regain weight and disappear off this forum...time and time again.  Tri

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/11/28/weight-loss-surgery -may-not-combat-diabetes-long-term/

Hi Tami,

I'm glad that things are moving along for you. I'm also glad to hear that the surgeons are honest about the bleak outcomes with the band. For a while, they were really pushing the gastric bands ( I went to a seminar in the Milwaukee area when I was thinking of undergoing WLS again. Everyone was gung ho about the band... until I talked about what I went through... and what my support board members went through... and then I felt like a huge downer! Sorrrrry, folks!)

I hope it all goes well for you and you have no speed bumps at all.  It's a good thing to have an insurance coordinator who knows the ropes. That can be tricky to navigate.

Things are okay for me, other than the permanent damage I have from the botched lap band surgery performed by kemmerling. I probably would have incurred less damage if I had sought out a new surgeon immediately rather than trusting that he wouldn't just leave me in abject misery. But I was wrong about that. Live and learn!  I'm much more proactive about my health now than I was back then.  I find it telling that a surgeon has to do so many (really bad) commercials to get business, too, honestly.

I'm really relieved for you that you decided on Theda Clark. Good luck to you.

Thanks Joy,

I am in the process right now of working to get my pre-approval done.  My insurance is known to be very difficult ,per the clinic, so I have a feeling I,m in for a ride.  So far Dr. Wasco/Georgens staff have been great.  They have answered all of my questions and have been very quick with the replies.  Congratulations on your awesome weight loss!  That much be such a wonderful feeling.  

Thanks again for the support,

Tami

I had my surgery many years ago.  I can go on line to my insurance co. web site to follow the process.  I had to call them and my surgeon's office several times because the information was sort of lost.  My insurance would not give a pre approval because it wasn't necessary if I was BMI 35 and co-morbidities.  So the doctor would send the info and the insurance would throw it out.  Fortunately, I had a BMI of 35 the morning of surgery because I weighed in with heavy clothes and shoes.  I would have had to pay the bill if I weighed 34.9 BMI.  I also think the insurance company can take 30 days to make a decision.  Good luck to you.  I hope everything goes well for you.  Tri   

I started the pre-certification process last April and my bariatric team (from Marshfield Clinic) met last Thursday.  Typically, how long does it take to hear back whether you have approval for surgery and do you get a letter?  Does a nurse call and schedule to meet with a surgeon?  Any information anyone has is greatly appreciated!!!

Please consider the VSG.  Tri