|
Post by klondikejimbo on Mar 21, 2016 12:39:29 GMT -5
I am new here, been guest browsing for a week or so, and wanted to introduce myself and ask for some advice.
I have yo yo dieted my entire life. As active duty military, I constantly cycled, binge diet to make weigh ins, to gaining, for 23 years. Finally I failed a couple weigh ins, and was forced to retire. Since retirement, my weight is higher than I have ever been. My medical issues have compounded, and I am just fed up.
I started researching weightloss surgery a year back. Working with my PCM, he had me try ALI, what a failure that was, and of course I have tried multiple methods myself. Finally he refers me to a bariatric surgery doc, well, long story short, my insurance was difficult. I had to research myself to find one they cover, and then the first DOC they referred, only did lap band.
Finally I found someone that did the regular bypass, and went to the weighloss seminar last weekend. During it, they describe all the weight loss surgery, as well as non surgery approaches including DS, which I had not heard of. I decided that's for me.
Now the cincher. They have done multiple of the Y type, and said by the time my approval would be ready, they will be doing DS. I was thinking, what, I would be your first, patient? or maybe 5th, regardless its new to them. I am sure they being surgeons don't just jump in without being competent, but scary to think I am not getting someone very familiar with the procedure. Should I run?
I need this surgery. I now know, hindsight, that my insurance, Tricare will likely require me to do 6 month monitored non medical weight loss, at my expense, prior to approving me. I thought that was what my PCM was doing, but it specifically says it has to be monthly weigh in with counseling, not just medication. That is my other concern. IF I follow the non medical to a t, I know I can lose the weight. I also know I will put it back on. I have done every diet in existence over the years, each time weigh loss is harder and harder to maintain. Do I fib the diet, so as not to lose weight, so I can get the surgery? At the cost of possibly getting heavier over the 6 or more months I now have to wait (gained 20 lbs in in the last 6 months, waiting for this referral...)
I may be putting cart before horse, waiting on the first consult with the DR since I turned in my paperwork and attended the seminar. I am sure they will be calling my insurance, finding out their particulars, etc.. then scheduling to meet with me.
|
|
|
Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Mar 21, 2016 20:26:27 GMT -5
Welcome, Jim!
It's amazing how much ch information we have to sift through and research to come up with the right answer for us, as an individual. We are all so different but I truly believe there is something for all of us. Your story is typical for all of us; years of trying to diet and lose weight to meet certain goals and events.
I actually tried the lapband first. Unfortunately, I lost very little weight and vomited after every meal. It ruined my quality of life. I didn't think anything would work for me after feeling as if I failed the band. Low and behold, I researched and researched, and discovered something which sounded wonderful, the DS. I was lucky (or unlucky if you look at it correctly) but there was no wait period for me since the band was ruining my life. Now, here's the clincher, I scheduled and canceled twice. I was just so darn scared. My weight kept increasing, however, and I knew what I needed to do. I scheduled the DS for the third time. ...and this time, I actually did it.
It's amazing how one's life can change. I've lost every ounce of excess weight (175 pounds) no longer have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, sleep apnea, trouble getting on a plane or in small places and feel very healthy. The icing on the cake is people at work have nicknamed me supermodel! That's just a bonus as the health aspects and advantages are what is amazing.
My surgeon was highly experienced and has done many, many surgeries. One still runs the risk of complications, though. Unfortunately, I've had them: hernias, muscle issues, and a small bowel blockage. I wouldn't trade what I've done for anything. I have a new lease on life and, though faced some challenges, life is great. My big concern for you is get someone experienced. You see, even with my surgeon's extensive experience, there were still things I would want my surgeon to be experienced with. I'm in Nj. What state are you in? I'm sure others will chime in and give you surgeons near to you based on their experiences. Several people on here have the right idea, do the right surgery from the beginning, in my case that was the DS.
If I can answer any questions for you, just let me know!
Good luck with your decision and research, Kelly
|
|
|
Post by klondikejimbo on Mar 22, 2016 1:24:02 GMT -5
Appreciate the response. I am in St Louis. My Dr, though i havent met, i gahered that he has a very successful practice. Claimed thousands of bypass surguries that him and his partner have done at the seminar. I would guess that the DS is close to the standard Y type bypass, but having zero cases verified to date does make me nurvous. We all instinctivly seem to yrust doctors, because they are doctors. I quedtioned at the seminar, so you are going to start DS?you have done none yet? He said we will have by yhe tome your approved.
|
|
|
Post by caprice on Mar 22, 2016 6:18:47 GMT -5
Self-pay in Mexico is another option. Dr. Gilberto Ungson, in Hermosillo, is a very experienced DS surgeon. In 2007, the cost for an "open" DS was $13,000 (or 13,500, sorry, can't remember which). No hoops to jump through with insurance, no question of his ability, great care while I was there. I borrowed money to do it, but it was worth it for me. There are other DS surgeons in Mexico to choose from, but I think he's trained the good ones (options closer to the border).
As far as aftercare with that option, you don't need your surgeon for the bloodwork and adjusting of your supplements, you need a local doctor who understands, or is willing to learn, what your unique nutritional requirements are with your new guts.
Have you found plenty to read yet about the difference between a DS diet and an RNY one? The difference in supplementation needs? It's important.
Wishing you well in your quest.
|
|
ncmijs
New Member
Posts: 1
Surgery Type: Pre-Op
Surgery Date: FALL 2016
Surgeon: Chan Woo Park, MD/ DUKE MEDICAL
|
Post by ncmijs on Mar 22, 2016 18:14:57 GMT -5
Hello, Jim, I am on the path for DS as we speak. First, if they say they do not do it now but will be doing the DS by the time you are ready I would question them if they are hiring a doctor that is experienced with that surgery. DS is a very complicated surgery and not just any doctor can perform them. I understand that a doctor learning the process needs a first sometime but I would make sure that doctor will be working under the direction of a Vetted doctor in this procedure. You stated that your insurance wants a none medical weight loss program. Did you attend weight watchers or anything like weight watchers? DS is a total change in lifestyle. Also, find out how much of your lower intestine will the surgeon use for you absorption. Why did I choose the DS surgery over the Rue RNY. I have been on an insulin pump for years and I want off the insulin which causes weight gain. This surgery will give me that at a 99% chance. 11 years ago I went through all the tests to have gastric and my insurance would not cover it. But, now my company switched the plan with the same company and it is covered.
|
|
|
Post by jpcello on Mar 23, 2016 12:35:42 GMT -5
Appreciate the response. I am in St Louis. My Dr, though i havent met, i gahered that he has a very successful practice. Claimed thousands of bypass surguries that him and his partner have done at the seminar. I would guess that the DS is close to the standard Y type bypass, but having zero cases verified to date does make me nurvous. We all instinctivly seem to yrust doctors, because they are doctors. I quedtioned at the seminar, so you are going to start DS?you have done none yet? He said we will have by yhe tome your approved. Welcome - the DS is not close to the standard Y type bypass. It is a completely different surgery and if the surgeon you're seeing is telling you "they don't do it now, but they will be by the time you get approved", personally I would run the other way. When you start the WLS journey, you learn not to trust doctors I have learned to question everything a doctor tells me (not just the WLS docs). You've actually already started your "six-month weight loss program. Your PCM has documented the attempt and failure of Ali, which counts. Don't let the doctor dictate what type of WLS you should have. That's a decision only you can make. If you truly want/need the DS, then you need to find a doctor who will perform it. Good luck with your journey and continue to ask questions.
|
|
|
Post by klondikejimbo on Mar 23, 2016 12:49:08 GMT -5
I certainly hope that is the case, and the Ali counts, but i know for Tricare policy states physician supervised programs made up of only weightliss mefication management does not meet this requirement. Must include monthly clinical visits recorded by your doctor (not covered by tricare, of course). I hope to find out soon in any case. Crossing fingers your correct.
|
|
|
Post by OnMyWay2Thin on Mar 23, 2016 17:46:25 GMT -5
I agree with jpcello, there's just too much to the DS to trust a non-experienced surgeon for that procedure. Don't be someone's beginning tries at a surgery. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend the DS if you will be compliant with vitamins and supplements. I can't believe how well it works and I had tried everything!
Good luck!
|
|
|
Post by klondikejimbo on Mar 29, 2016 6:59:22 GMT -5
Well, looks like irreguardless of surgeons, Tricare will only allow DS for over 50 BMI, of which i would need gain 25 lbs to meet. I have a series of appointments april 19th, to discuss, i may ask if they can appeal, but looks like i may have to get normal rny bypass. In addition may have to wait 6 months of non surgical weightliss program. I did drop a form at my PCM in hopes that my appointments discussing weightloss, and using Ali will count, but not sure.
|
|