Question:
I am considering wls as an option.....

I live in Syracuse New York and strongly considering wls surgery as an option. We have a Bariatric Surgery Center that is still new. I'm trying to gather as much information as possible. I am scheduled for my first consultation on March 12th @ 9:30 am @ Upstate University Hospital here in Syr, NY. I'm very nervous and I want to go in with as much info as possible. Anything that you can provide, would be greatly apprciated.    — Jennifer M. (posted on January 9, 2004)

January 9, 2004
Hi! My suggestion would be to call your insurance company and find out if they cover the WLS. If they do, find out what their criteria for coverage is. For example: My insurance required physician supervised weight loss attempts for the last two consecutive years, a sleep study to check for sleep apnea, a psychiatric evaluation, a nutrition evaluation, a referral from my PCP to the surgeon (mine is an HMO), a letter of medical necessity from my PCP to the insurance company, a BMI of 40+ with no co-morbidities or a BMI of 35+ with co-morbidities, etc. Once you know what your insurance requires, call your surgeon's office and find out what they require. For example: Your insurance company may not require a sleep study, but your surgeon may. I am pre-op, but feel free to e-mail me if you like. I'll help in any way that I can. Blessed Be! :)
   — SherryWeber

January 10, 2004
I just had my surgery on 12/8/03. I would say everything she said, plus, make sure you are ready for the restrictions that come with the surgery. No high sugar foods - no candy bars, no high fat foods - no Big Mac's, etc. And it is all about protein. The doctor can tell you what your protein requirements will be. Mine are 57 g. a day. Others are up to 90 or so - my nutritionist said it was based on my height. That is hard to do sometimes. You will most likely need to supplement with protein shakes that can be found online or at GNC. It is a big, lifetime commitment. I think it is worth it, even though these first weeks are hard. I would also recommend you get a good exercise program going. Walking is pushed by all the bariatric doctors. In the hospital, post surgery, I had to walk 5-10 minutes, every hour. It would be good to get your body and lungs as healthy as possible before surgery. If you can find one, it's a good idea to visit a support group and talk to people who have had the surgery. The doctor could probably recommend a group or may have one of his own. Good luck with whatever you decide.
   — Dragonfly2B2

January 10, 2004
Jennifer - I'm from Syracuse, also. I had surgery with Dr. Cunningham at University. They have a support group you can attend once you're a patient. I also go to another support group that is held the first Tuesday of every month at the Hazard Library on West Genesee Street at 6:30. Pre-ops and post-ops attend. The support group is not attached to any particular bariatric center or surgeon. Most of the group have had or are looking to have surgery in either Syracuse, Rochester or Auburn. If you are interested in attending, you're very welcome. If you want more info, e-mail. Good luck!
   — JoSyrNY

January 10, 2004
Jennifer, I had WLS in July and for me one of the most important things to arrange is aftercare. Get definitive explanation as to what the follow up and support group will consist of. I feel that is imperative.
   — DIANNA W.

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