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Post by tillie on Jan 4, 2012 20:09:27 GMT -5
Hi Gang,
I have the DS. My brother who is older (50 today) and diabetic was told by his doc yesterday that he should consider lap band. He isn't keen on it and is disgusted with all the meds he takes and the potential side effects. He is aware of my surgery almost 5years ago and I am doing well.
I nixed the lab band, referred him to the dsfacts links and gave him some of my personal info, like how quickly I stopped all meds etc. My concern is that he is a single parent of two children and money is tight (no support from ex-wife or I should say she doesn't pay).
I think the DS is best surgery option but with the supplementation (vitamin costs etc) I wonder if he could do well enough with getting the VSG? He might even be considered an almost lightweight. (I was a LW)
Thanks,
Tillie aka dottales on OH
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Post by Sandra C. on Jan 4, 2012 20:21:50 GMT -5
I was going to have the VSG, when I found out about the D.S. Now I'm 5 months out with a D.S. and lovin it!!
My doc doesn't recommend the band to any one he told me.
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Post by Joanne on Jan 4, 2012 20:27:34 GMT -5
Hmmm
If he really wants to resolve his diabetes, he needs the DS. He should change surgeons, any surgeon that would recommend the LapBand to a diabetic patient cannot be a true DS surgeon.
I understand your concern about his finances. The DS is not for everyone, and I know that you understand the supplements are non negotiable. Has he thought out a budget? What I found after my DS is that even though I do spend about $60 a month on supplements, I no longer take other meds I had for my co-morbidities, like high blood pressure. I also spend less overall on food since I'm eating less. Add in the cost of WW and Curves memberships, multiple doctors visit copays, and every tried and failed weight loss attempts over the years, and I'd say I'm still way ahead.
Only he can figure that out, but it's worth some thought.
As a LW, I would say that the VSG should be considered, it's the only other procedure I would consider other than the DS - but his diabetes, IMHO, puts the DS to the forefront, as long as long as he's able to meet the financial commitment.
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Post by tillie on Jan 4, 2012 21:06:58 GMT -5
Thanks for your thoughts Joanne.
The lap band was recommended to him by his regular doc. He hasn't been to any surgeons. There is a cost component to DS that why I thought he might do well enough for the VSG. I don't if his insurance will even cover DS. Self-pay is not an option for him.
Dot
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Post by jillybean720 on Jan 4, 2012 21:23:44 GMT -5
Even with the VSG, he would be taking supplements at least 3-4 times a day (thanks to calcium!). Multivitamins and calcium would be about the same as the DS, and he would likely still need more than just those with the VSG, just in different amounts. I see many VSGers also taking B12, vit D, and iron, and some folks take more beyond that as well. I don't think the cost difference in supplements between the two would be very much in the long run.
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Post by Joanne on Jan 4, 2012 21:31:35 GMT -5
Even with the VSG, he would be taking supplements at least 3-4 times a day (thanks to calcium!). Multivitamins and calcium would be about the same as the DS, and he would likely still need more than just those with the VSG, just in different amounts. I see many VSGers also taking B12, vit D, and iron, and some folks take more beyond that as well. I don't think the cost difference in supplements between the two would be very much in the long run. A really good point. He'd have to supplement with any surgery. |
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rena
New Member
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Post by rena on Jan 4, 2012 21:57:55 GMT -5
Doesn't matter which surgery he chooses. Supplements and aftercare are always expensive. But then again being obese and caring for all my related issues was super expensive too.
Also he should run from someone who wants to put a band in him. (just my personal opinion.)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2012 22:13:39 GMT -5
He'd still need supplements with the sleeve and he would not get the diabetes cure. He'd be crazy to get a band.
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Psyche
Full Member
DS ♦ 08/06/2009
Posts: 118
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Post by Psyche on Jan 4, 2012 22:34:26 GMT -5
If I could not have DS, which surgery would I have? None.
Being diabetic pre-op, the only surgery I would agree to was the DS because of the success with diabetes.
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huskerchad
Full Member
Gentleman. Scholar. DS'er.
Posts: 194
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Post by huskerchad on Jan 5, 2012 0:07:24 GMT -5
If diabetes were not a factor, I would consider the sleeve.
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Post by ynona74 on Jan 5, 2012 1:02:26 GMT -5
Because I am NOT diabetic and the only comorbidity I might have is sleep apnea I would consider just consider the VSG. I am so hooked on the DS that I think all other surgeries are incompareable. All the research I have been doing on this...it just seems to me that the DS is the best choice, and should be the forefront of all WLS. But that's just me.
I hope your brother chooses well for him. I know that you have already told him to do some research and that is the best thing for him to do. Wish him luck for me.
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Post by lovy19 on Jan 5, 2012 3:36:27 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past.
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paige
New Member
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Post by paige on Jan 5, 2012 9:24:46 GMT -5
I have VSG and I take: multi calcium b12 iron just to have the facts on our supplementation. I do the b12 on my own though, no doctors orders  |
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paige
New Member
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Post by paige on Jan 5, 2012 9:27:06 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. I have pretty decent insurance and it does not cover supplements, in fact I have yet to hear of an insurance that does. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 5, 2012 12:23:53 GMT -5
I seriously considered the sleeve, but decided against it because of the amount of weight I had to lose. As a lightweight, the sleeve might be enough for him, weight wise. HOWEVER, the fact that he has diabetes precludes anything else.
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huskerchad
Full Member
Gentleman. Scholar. DS'er.
Posts: 194
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Post by huskerchad on Jan 5, 2012 12:26:48 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. Some insurance will cover some supplements. One problem is that often prescription versions are not appropriate for us (D2). But, there are B12 shots, prenatal multis, and a few forms of iron and other things that may be covered for some. |
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Justa-Puter-Name
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You are the result of billions of years of evolutionary success. Act like it!
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Post by Justa-Puter-Name on Jan 5, 2012 12:41:30 GMT -5
TILLIE - Im not much help on which surgery would be better, my 'research' is about 11 years old now. I can share my stats with you, however.
I started off just barely over 400lbs with a BMI low 60's, I had over 230 lbs to lose and my surgeon and I both agreed MY best option was a DISTAL-RNY, with a new pouch the size of an ice-cube. The first six months was very hard to adjust to, the last 8 1/2 years has been AMAZING!!! No problems with my surgery, no dumping, no food issues, no obstructions, no malnourishment, 4 DexaScans later NO loss in bone structure/strength. No complaints here, healthy, happy and living life.
Positive thoughts to your brother and his decision.
LOVY19 - I have TriCarePrime, my RNY surgery was 9 years ago. I have the following vitamins under scripts that I am able to get filled thru TriCare at no cost.
Prenatal, B12, Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin D, C's, B-complex and Vitamin K's - might be something im missing but that's the gist of it.
Its worth the extra effort to find out what if anything your insurance carrier might cover.
Edit: because I have a horrible habit of proof reading AFTER I hit send.
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Post by bb212 on Jan 5, 2012 12:51:27 GMT -5
I'd be curious about why the DS wouldn't be a choice? I don't give 2 shits about what ignorant doctors think, and insurance companies can go screw themselves if they won't cover it.
I'd say screw em all and go self-pay so that the DS is an option (which I did). Especially in the case of diabetes.
IF hypothetically I had some kind of strange medical condition or complication that made the DS dangerous for me (I have no idea what that would be) I would get the VSG.
But the DS not being an option because of doctors opinions and insurance coverage I do not agree with as being valid and I REJECT that.
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Post by callmeEJ on Jan 5, 2012 17:19:03 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. As Chad mentioned, there are some supplements that can be prescribed and paid for by insurance (iron, iron infusions, multis, b12, etc). One advantage to having your doc "prescribe" non-prescription supplements is that if you have a Health Saving Account or FSA from your employer, it will allow you to use those funds for sups. |
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Post by karenflorida on Jan 5, 2012 19:19:14 GMT -5
If I couldn't have had the DS, VSG would have been my choice. For diabetics, though, DS is really the only one to consider. Definitely not the band.
Karen
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Post by bugirll on Jan 5, 2012 19:46:13 GMT -5
After researching all the options, I dont think I would do it at all if the DS did not exist. I was on track to have the RNY but thinking about in now, I dont know if I would be successful long term. My big reason for doing WLS is to prevent the inevitable diabetes since my family has it bad. My best bet is the DS.
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Post by clpeltz on Jan 5, 2012 19:56:53 GMT -5
You need the intestinal configuration of the DS to cure Diabetes. If that were not a factor, then the VSG would be my second choice.
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Post by lovy19 on Jan 5, 2012 20:05:24 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. I have pretty decent insurance and it does not cover supplements, in fact I have yet to hear of an insurance that does. thanks for responding, I need to start researching the cost of the supplements, I know this is a high maintenance surgery but I hope the costs of supplements , protein shakes and whatever else is needed are not ridiculously priced. I want to make sure I am able to pay for my aftercare. |
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Post by lovy19 on Jan 5, 2012 20:08:07 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. Some insurance will cover some supplements. One problem is that often prescription versions are not appropriate for us (D2). But, there are B12 shots, prenatal multis, and a few forms of iron and other things that may be covered for some. thanks Huskerchad , I'm doing research now to see what is covered and what is not just In case by some miracle I am approved for revision. |
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Post by lovy19 on Jan 5, 2012 20:09:47 GMT -5
TILLIE - Im not much help on which surgery would be better, my 'research' is about 11 years old now. I can share my stats with you, however. I started off just barely over 400lbs with a BMI low 60's, I had over 230 lbs to lose and my surgeon and I both agreed MY best option was a DISTAL-RNY, with a new pouch the size of an ice-cube. The first six months was very hard to adjust to, the last 8 1/2 years has been AMAZING!!! No problems with my surgery, no dumping, no food issues, no obstructions, no malnourishment, 4 DexaScans later NO loss in bone structure/strength. No complaints here, healthy, happy and living life. Positive thoughts to your brother and his decision. LOVY19 - I have TriCarePrime, my RNY surgery was 9 years ago. I have the following vitamins under scripts that I am able to get filled thru TriCare at no cost. Prenatal, B12, Biotin, Niacin, Vitamin D, C's, B-complex and Vitamin K's - might be something im missing but that's the gist of it. Its worth the extra effort to find out what if anything your insurance carrier might cover. Edit: because I have a horrible habit of proof reading AFTER I hit send. wow this is great to know, are there any supplements that you have to pay out of pocket? |
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Post by lovy19 on Jan 5, 2012 20:15:53 GMT -5
I'm still a noob but don't insurance pay for the supplements? I never thought to ask the question before I thought automatically that they did because my insurance( hip meicaid) paid for my fills in the past. As Chad mentioned, there are some supplements that can be prescribed and paid for by insurance (iron, iron infusions, multis, b12, etc). One advantage to having your doc "prescribe" non-prescription supplements is that if you have a Health Saving Account or FSA from your employer, it will allow you to use those funds for sups. Thank you for responding, I have hip Medicaid therefore; tomorrow I'm going to find out exactly what they will pay for I just need to know what supplements I will need, I know I saw a post about it on the forum im going to search for it and jot it down. |
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Post by tillie on Jan 5, 2012 20:37:31 GMT -5
Thanks to everyone that responded. Dot |
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supershae
Full Member
"You have come this far, Don't give up now." -The Notebook
Posts: 154
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Post by supershae on Jan 5, 2012 21:32:02 GMT -5
I would have had the VSG had I not been able to have the DS
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Post by happycatbert on Jan 6, 2012 13:49:48 GMT -5
Only a VSG, I did not have diabetes. As to supplements, my insurance covers NOTHING. Not even iron back when I was wildly anemic and trying to deal with it. Stupid insurance.
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Post by ModestoK on Jan 6, 2012 14:59:56 GMT -5
If I were him, I'd call bullshit.
If his doctor won't consider the DS, which should cure or at least greatly improve his diabetes, then he should seek out a referral with an experienced DS surgeon.
Also, although many insurances won't cover supplements, you can set up a Health Savings Account or a Medical Flex account to get some tax savings for these required supplements. You may need a doctor's note, but I think most surgeons would be happy to provide a RX for vitamins & protein supplements since we need them for continued health.
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