Kellbell 16
Nearly there!
Apr 12, 2017
So, I must admit that the process this time was much easier than when I tried 7 years ago. I have completed the required 6 monthly PCP visits, bloodwork, ekg & chest x-ray, nutritional class, and psych elevation. I received a phone call yesterday from my surgeon’s office that they are submitting my papers to insurance and it may take up to 4 weeks to receive a response. Now I wait!
Here I go again.....
Oct 12, 2016
So here I am 6 years later attempting to try this WLS process again. 
I was denied approval for VSG 6 years ago and had run into some medical issues (low iron and elevated parathyroid) that prevented RNY surgery. I did have some success and lost 80 lbs over a year by changing my diet and long daily workouts. I felt amazing and looked great but over time almost all the weight (70lbs) has came back and I still struggle with my weight. I just turned 40 and I am so tired of being overweight, sometimes I hurt so bad I feel as if I'm much older.
Good news is, My insurance now covers VSG and I meet all their required criteria. Now I'm just waiting to receieve my packet in the mail, get my paper work filled out and attend my first seminar on 10/20/16.
Current weight: 254.5
I'm lost
Sep 14, 2010
The problem is I'm getting lost in my own research...
All the info and everyone's opinions has me torn about my surgery options.
I really wanted the VSG but just my luck my insurance wont pay for it. Lapband is a NO and RNY seems like to much to me. I don't want the re-routing, serious vitamin deficiencies, or dumping! I'm hearing horror stories from friends about people they know who had it, wishing the hadn't but then I read real success stories... I'm sooo confused!
My main concern is the effects years out.
I'm sooo ready to get this weight off. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.
Is this a sign??
Aug 06, 2010
So I'm beginning to wonder if all the things going wrong are a sign not to have surgery. After realizing I couldn't get the VSG I started to research RNY.
I had blood work done at the surgeon visit and the results were not good. It turns out I have anemia, my calcium levels are low and my Parathyroid hormone levels were high. Is this a sign??
The nurse said RNY may not be an option anymore because of this.
I wonder if anyone else has had issues like this and still had the bypass??
I still have 4 months left, so I'm hoping I get these levels under control and the surgeon approves it. 
Other than that... I got my nutritional class done and PCP visit 2 down!
Seminar.....
Jul 13, 2010
Dr. Nease himself said he preferred the sleeve over the rest, and that it will be the norm in WLS in the near future but for now, not many insurance companies are on board.
I got a chance to speak with the insurance coordinator afterwards and she shot me down right away. When I mentioned appeal, she still said no. "Then your playing with the big boys" she commented. I would at least like to try for the sleeve, but I dont see it happening and dont think I'm going to get much support from his office with it.
So, now I guess I choose between LB, RNY, or wait and see if BC/BS ever comes around. I just dont know how much longer I can wait.
This is so hard and frustrating. The decision is stressing me out. My family keeps saying its up to me, but I gave myself a headache thinking about it.
I guess I keep reading...
PCP visit 1 down!
Jul 08, 2010
She was so nice and very understanding. She took her time and went over everything. Because of my insurance, I must lose 10% of my body weight (27 lbs) within 6 months. So she put me on a diabetic diet, she thought that type of meal plan would be best for me, she took some blood for some routine tests and I was on my way. I'm so glad my surgeon's office recommended her. It's nice to know I finally have a physician who will support my decision.
Not so happy anymore...
Jul 07, 2010
Sleeve gastrectomy on its own, or in combination with malabsorptive procedures, for the treatment of morbid obesity is considered investigational. WTF! What does that mean??
So give them a call and the rep said it is investigational and would be denied! When I ask why she said it was not FDA approved.
I did a little more research and came across an article that states that GS may be covered on a case by case determination.
Im sooo disappointed and confused.
