- Username: Terrib
- Location: North Canton, OH, USA
- Member Since: 3/17/2007
- BMI: 49.1
- Surgery date scheduled
- Surgery Type: RNY (10/15/07)
- Surgeon: Aviv Ben-Meir, M.D.
Photos
I'm Not In Any Photos Yet.
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Surgeon TestimonialAviv Ben-Meir, M.D.My first meeting with Dr. Ben-Meir was in February, 2007. My first impression was that he was a kind, self-confident surgeon. He answered my questions, did not rush me and when leaving the office, stated to me that he would take good care of me. After surgery, I saw him twice before leaving the hospital. Every precaution was taken to ensure an uneventful surgery..to reduce complications which could occur. He emphasized aftercare, made certain I understood everything and was ALWAYS VERY PLEASANT! A+ for surgical competence and bedside manner. I would recommend him to anyone contemplating RNY or lapband surgery.
Over all, I felt they have a very good structured program, however since I wound up having to go self pay, I think was a bit of a wrench in the "normal works". There were times that I felt my case specialist took too long in addressing my calls, following up on my appeal, and at times almost seemed like she had no clue who I was. I understand there are hundreds of people that come and go through their doors, but let's face it, we want and need to feel that they know about "my case and my medical history".
The PAT went flawlessly as did the group meeting with the dietician. They provided detailed printed materials needed for Pre and Post-op, addressed risks of the surgery and even though you left overwhelmed, you left with a confidence.
When I asked the cost of the total package to have this surgery, I was told $4,000 for the surgeon, $15,450 for the hospital which was all inclusive, and a bill for anesthesia approx. $2,000-$4,000 and would be discounted if paid immediately. If any problems were to happen, of course there would be additional charges. 6 weeks after my surgery, bills started rolling in above and beyond those quoted to me, bills for various doctors, and then the mother load of a bill came in for $9,850 ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT I ALREADY PAID! I feel I was grossly misinformed! Now I have to figure out how to come up with $10,000! I am very upset about all of this!
UPDATE 12-12-07
GREAT NEWS! They screwed up in sending the request for coverage to my insurance. This was for the charges I paid for PRIOR TO SURGERY. Thank goodness.......I now can get on with my life and the holidays without the worry of how I was going to cough up another $10,000.
Member Interests
- Computers & Internet - Just love my computer- searching the web for everything I need or want
- Crafts - Love making things, however my hands do not let me anymore
- Games & Entertainment - Cards, computer games & board games
- Health - Diabetes, 2 heart attacks, HBP, the list goes on......
- Hobbies - Swimming, wildlife, taking pictures, ebay addict & my pets
- Pets - 3 loving cats, Sabrina, Sasha & Isis
- Fish - Have a pond and just had babies, 5th generation native to pond -15 Total
- Movies - Love them all!
- Music - Country, rock, pop, hip-hop & alternative
- Married - My wonderful loving husband for almost 32 years-best thing ever!
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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Congrats, Teresa, on
your surgery.
I was reading some
of your blog & see
that you have a good
handle on that
"bullet"!!!
I wish you all the
best as you make new
milestones & healthy
milestones.
Regards,
Annie
-
Ah, I wanted to post
on your surgery
page, and I see you
already have some
great comments! I
am glad you are now
on the Loser's
Bench. You save a
spot for me, because
I will be there
before you know it.
I am THRILLED you
are doing well. I
am praying for your
continued recovery
and hope all
continues to go as
well for you. God
bless. . .and lotsa
hugs! Beth
-
Congratulations on
becoming a
LOSER...Sending you
the Best of Wishes
for your upcoming
surgery....I'll be
Thinking of you and
Praying for you.
Click here for the surgery support page
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FINALLY JOINED THE CENTURY CLUB!!! 7 days ago
When I first began this WLS journey I wondered, would I ever reach the point of losing 100 pounds? I read everyone's posts about joining the Century Club.....Now I can say I MADE IT!!!! It is hard for me to realize that I have lost 103 pounds so far. I look in the mirror and I hear what others say, but my eyes and mind still have not caught up to the fact yet. I can honestly say that if I had it to do all over again...I WOULD HAVE DONE IT SOONER! I wish success to all who decide to have WLS and make the choice for a second chance in life....... 
Upcoming WLS Group Meetings on May 2, 2008 5:37 am
I have been researching, and making contacts in order to line up guest speakers for future WLS group meetings. I handed out to all members a questionnaire asking them if and which guest speakers they may be interested in.
So............for the April meeting, I had Peter, the dietitian from CCBS, which was a splendid presentation. I have scheduled for June, a highly accredited plastic surgeon to discuss plastics after bariatric surgery. I am really looking forward to his lecture. I spoke with a psychologist and she agreed to speak with our group in August. Topic will be the emotional relationship with food, pre and post-op. I am so excited and hope that the members will be excited as well.
I also have planned in between speakers to furnish samples of the various snacks and foods that were generously sent by the vendors listed on the group leader board.
My life has been so full since I have had my WLS and want to share my happiness and enthusiasm with everyone. If I can help just one person along the way....life is good!
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April Support Group Meeting on April 22, 2008 5:06 am
The April Support Group Meeting I think was a success! Considering it was the first real nice "Spring" evening, temperatures in the 60's and with daylight savings......still have 12 members that attended. Check out the pictures of our meeting, what a good looking group! http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/CWLSSG/
I had several people notify me that they were attending, however...you know how it goes. Anyway, our guest speaker was Peter Valencic, dietitian from Cleveland Center of Bariatric Surgery (St. Vincent Charity Hospital). He lectured on the importancy of nutrition and how to read labels. He also introduced SmartForme protein products, offering samples and had them available to purchase. I must say some were very tasty!
We had 4 new members who attended, Stacy, Lyn, Judy and Terry, whom will be having his surgery in the near future! Congrats Terry.
I look forward to seeing my members every month to marvel at their weight loss, talk about what we have experienced and they are like family.......well to me anyway!
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6 MONTHS CHECK UP! on April 22, 2008 4:38 am
Hard to believe that as of April 15th, 6 months has passed since my surgery.
I had my follow-up appointment, and while I do not know what my lab results are as of yet, overall the doctor seemed to be pleased with my progress. At first I was upset when he told me I only lost 43% of my excess weight to date and should be around 50% at 6 months out. So of course my first question is WHY? I had been following all the directions to the letter, eating my protein, watching the carbs, fats, eating my veggies and fruits....then he finally said, Oh, you are diabetic, right? HELLO, yes!........and still on insulin injections, He then stated insulin hinders weight loss, which is the reason why for the slower weight loss.
He suggested that I check with my local doctor about changing to oral meds for the diabetes.....which would be great, providing they do not interfere with my heart (I have had 2 heart attacks and have 2 stints in place) and that they do not interfere with my kidneys. So I have an appointment on the 25th to see my doctor and check on changing my meds.
I was thrilled with the 72 pound loss even though not 50% of my excess weight! I feel SO MUCH BETTER, look a bit better, (I'd have to undergo a complete makeover to achieve looking good..lol), and so thankful for this wonderful tool....gaining a second chance at life!
I feel very fortunate and thank GOD every day that he saw me through the surgery and have had no complications to date. When I read the stories of others who have had problems, some quite serious, my heart goes out to them. We all know how they felt, the reasons for the surgery, then to have to experience complications....well I cannot imagine. My prayers go out to all those who need them.
Bye for now!
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Archive
My Story I am a 50 year old woman who has been overweight all my life! I have tried every diet there is, both on my own and physician supervised. Oh I would loose some of the weight, but then the weight would bounce back on.... plus more! 
I have diabetes, coronary artery disease (have had 2 heart attacks), asthma, HPB, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, peripheral vascular disease and arthritic. All of my doctors were in agreement that bariatric surgery was the best solution for my health. 
I finally decided to research gastric bypass surgery. After a long drawn out process, I was denied coverage by the company my husband retired from due to an "exclusion".  My husband and I agreed I was worth it, so moving full steam ahead as a self pay patient. It will be difficult financially, but where there is a will, there is a way!
My loving husband who is my best friend for 32 years  is behind me 100% along with my three wonderful "fur babies" (all rescued kitties), Sabrina, Sasha & Isis. With that, God's help, and hopefully a top notch surgeon, what more can anyone ask for???
I believe!
  
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