LiLSqrt75
06-19-2005, 09:43 PM
Hello,
I just started the process of qualifying for gastric bypass surgery. i talked to my Dr. and he said that i am a great candidate for the surgery and he would start the process.
my 1st of 3 question is.....approximately how long does it take to get the finally approval and actually have the surgery? approximately of course, i know its different for all.
my 2nd question is..... for those of you who had the surgery and lost a great amount of weight, how are you dealing with the loose skin and have you done anything that has worked/not worked to get rid of it?
I am 30yrs old @ 305lbs. i have 3 children 6, 4, 15 mos. all c-section births. i had a partial hysterectomy 6 months ago due to endometriosis. i already have a belly that hangs over a bit and know that my skin is not going to go back the way is used to be.
my last question is.....does anyone know of anyone who has had their Dr. say they would do well with the surgery and then somewhere between jumping hoops for everyone else get denied?
thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions,
I just started the process of qualifying for gastric bypass surgery. i talked to my Dr. and he said that i am a great candidate for the surgery and he would start the process.
my 1st of 3 question is.....approximately how long does it take to get the finally approval and actually have the surgery? approximately of course, i know its different for all.
my 2nd question is..... for those of you who had the surgery and lost a great amount of weight, how are you dealing with the loose skin and have you done anything that has worked/not worked to get rid of it?
I am 30yrs old @ 305lbs. i have 3 children 6, 4, 15 mos. all c-section births. i had a partial hysterectomy 6 months ago due to endometriosis. i already have a belly that hangs over a bit and know that my skin is not going to go back the way is used to be.
my last question is.....does anyone know of anyone who has had their Dr. say they would do well with the surgery and then somewhere between jumping hoops for everyone else get denied?
thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions,
Sponsor
whackedback
06-20-2005, 09:36 AM
I've been watching the Discovery Health Channel lately, and they do shows on plastic surgery, for just about everything. So if you happen to have a weekend open, you can probably catch one of the shows, where they will most likely show someone who has lost a lot of weight from GB and will undergo a full body lift from a plastic surgeon.
So, they go in, remove the excess skin (I've heard sometimes up to 15 pounds of skin) and reconnect. Belly, breasts, arms, and thighs. I think that it may be done in more than one session.
Hope this helps.
wb
So, they go in, remove the excess skin (I've heard sometimes up to 15 pounds of skin) and reconnect. Belly, breasts, arms, and thighs. I think that it may be done in more than one session.
Hope this helps.
wb
LiLSqrt75
06-24-2005, 06:30 PM
thank you for your response :bouncing:
LiLSqrt75
06-24-2005, 08:04 PM
thank you so much for your story. the info helps a great deal. :D
milfanatrix
06-26-2005, 10:03 PM
you're welcome :) i'm thrilled to be able to help! best of luck to you!
thinatheart
07-08-2005, 06:29 PM
I too have just started the application (for lack of a better word) process, hoping bc/bs of TN will cover. I have kids 6,8, & 13. I am 5'5 and 260. I have many other health problems that make me a good candidate according to my doctor. But I still have not been approved yet. I started process in Jan 2005. I keep jumping hoops, no denial yet. Praying daily for approval. Best Wishes!
kdolphin
07-17-2005, 01:40 PM
When i hear about this surgury i know it has helped many but there are also other options that are not so drastic and safer.i recently heard of the lap band.this is like a rubber band around the stomach and after you lose weight it can be removed...it seems to be safer than cutting up your intestines and having diarhea or gas.same results but not permanent...
dws1119
07-30-2005, 09:14 PM
:wave:
I began my journey a year before I finally had the surgery. Yes there are plenty of hoops to jump through. All are necessary. Depending on your type of insurance as to the time frame. Just make sure the insurance person for the surgeon is ready to go to bat for you.
Yes it is a risky surgery. Yes there are other ways to lose weight. But like most who take this option it is a last resort. You have the final say about your decision. Do not take it lightly. This is a life altering way of life. To be successful you CAN NOT RETURN TO YOUR PREVIOUS WAY OF EATING.
My surgery was 5/04. The day of surgery my weight was 375. Now just 15 short months later I am 225lbs lighter. You will hear from plenty of others about what works for them. Listen, but what will work for them may not work for you. Listen to your own body. Believe me when I tell you that when you put something in it does not want it will really let you know.
I am now at the stage to begin researching plastic surgery. First, NO---burn units do not pay for the plastics to get the skin. They use cadavers for that. Most insurance will only cover the removal of the skin on the stomach because it leads to futher health problems--back aches, lesions(from rubbing), mega yeast.
The lap band is a good procedure BUT many who have it regain when the band is removed. And contrary to popular belief you can even regain after ANY weight loss surgery. Like I said before you MUST change everything about the way you deal with food. All those issues you had prior to surgery do not magically disappear post-op.
It is NOT THE EASY WAY OUT. :nono: It is a long hard journey but in my opinion well worth the work.
Good luck on YOUR JOURNEY!!!! :D
Diane
I began my journey a year before I finally had the surgery. Yes there are plenty of hoops to jump through. All are necessary. Depending on your type of insurance as to the time frame. Just make sure the insurance person for the surgeon is ready to go to bat for you.
Yes it is a risky surgery. Yes there are other ways to lose weight. But like most who take this option it is a last resort. You have the final say about your decision. Do not take it lightly. This is a life altering way of life. To be successful you CAN NOT RETURN TO YOUR PREVIOUS WAY OF EATING.
My surgery was 5/04. The day of surgery my weight was 375. Now just 15 short months later I am 225lbs lighter. You will hear from plenty of others about what works for them. Listen, but what will work for them may not work for you. Listen to your own body. Believe me when I tell you that when you put something in it does not want it will really let you know.
I am now at the stage to begin researching plastic surgery. First, NO---burn units do not pay for the plastics to get the skin. They use cadavers for that. Most insurance will only cover the removal of the skin on the stomach because it leads to futher health problems--back aches, lesions(from rubbing), mega yeast.
The lap band is a good procedure BUT many who have it regain when the band is removed. And contrary to popular belief you can even regain after ANY weight loss surgery. Like I said before you MUST change everything about the way you deal with food. All those issues you had prior to surgery do not magically disappear post-op.
It is NOT THE EASY WAY OUT. :nono: It is a long hard journey but in my opinion well worth the work.
Good luck on YOUR JOURNEY!!!! :D
Diane
SusanGene
08-02-2005, 10:02 AM
My daughter's MIL had the surgery and lost over 100 lb. She is 50 but now her face and neck look 75. I was shocked. She is going to have her excess
skin removed with surgery as soon as she gets the nerve (and a facelift)!
She Has enjoyed buying all those size 8 clothes :)
skin removed with surgery as soon as she gets the nerve (and a facelift)!
She Has enjoyed buying all those size 8 clothes :)
thomaslb95
08-02-2005, 02:17 PM
I don't want to sound like a jerk, but I was wondering if it takes a year or so to get approved for the surgery, wouldn't you be able to lose 100lbs or so with diet and exercise? Just wondering. I am starting a life style change and am trying to lose my weight. Personally I am to scared to have surgery, and couldn't afford to have the skin removed. By the way why is the skin all lose? Is it from losing the weight to fast or what? I was under the impretion that to maintain a heathly looking figure and keep the skin tight you were supposed to strength and toning exercises. I could be wrong or maybe its from lossing the weight so quick which I am sure is the bigger reason. I have met a few people that have lost weight both naturally and surgically but non have ever had the lose skin issue. I deffinetly can't see myself having surgery if lose skin is a side affect and that would make more surgery a side effect. Guess fear is a great motivator. :bouncing: I am pretty heavy but I calculated it would take 2-3 years to get off the weight if i lose 1-2 lbs a week. we all know that you can lose more then that when you first start and stuff like that. I just know time flies, I just have to do it. By time the paper work is filled out I would have lost half my weight. And I am sure since I am under 30 that I wouldn't be concidered as high as a priority as a 40+ year old with the same weight.
I wish you luck and happyness and hope it works out well.
I wish you luck and happyness and hope it works out well.
dws1119
08-04-2005, 10:54 PM
1. I was wondering if it takes a year or so to get approved for the surgery, wouldn't you be able to lose 100lbs or so with diet and exercise? ---- 2. By the way why is the skin all lose? Is it from losing the weight to fast or what? I was under the impretion that to maintain a heathly looking figure and keep the skin tight you were supposed to strength and toning exercises. ----- 3. I am pretty heavy but I calculated it would take 2-3 years to get off the weight if i lose 1-2 lbs a week. we all know that you can lose more then that when you first start and stuff like that. ---- 4. By time the paper work is filled out I would have lost half my weight. ---- 5. And I am sure since I am under 30 that I wouldn't be concidered as high as a priority as a 40+ year old with the same weight.
1. It took me a year to do all of the research to find the best MD. Once I made my decision, the time was only a few months before I had a date.
2. Being morbidly obese, your skin loses elasticity. No amount of exercise or toning will make it shrink. The skin is just a part of the whole process.
3. If it were possible to be able to lose that weight, those of us who undergo surgery would have lost it. Most of us have lost the same pounds over and over again.
4. If you are able to do that, then I wish you well. But the decision to have surgery is not one to be taken lightly. Your entire life changes. It is not the easy way out that some try to portray it to be. It takes alot of work. It has made a drastic change in my entir life. In 15 mths I have lost an entire person, a big one at that (225lbs). With multiple medical problems, I had to either do this or die. My health is greatly improved.
5. Obesity does not descriminate on age. People as young as 17 and as old as 70 have had this surgery. If obesity did attack just us 40+ people then we would not have teenagers being diagnoised with type 2 diabetes.
The decision to have any type of surgery is a personal decision. My suggestion to anyone is to do your research and take the option that is best for you. Your opionion is the only one that matters.
1. It took me a year to do all of the research to find the best MD. Once I made my decision, the time was only a few months before I had a date.
2. Being morbidly obese, your skin loses elasticity. No amount of exercise or toning will make it shrink. The skin is just a part of the whole process.
3. If it were possible to be able to lose that weight, those of us who undergo surgery would have lost it. Most of us have lost the same pounds over and over again.
4. If you are able to do that, then I wish you well. But the decision to have surgery is not one to be taken lightly. Your entire life changes. It is not the easy way out that some try to portray it to be. It takes alot of work. It has made a drastic change in my entir life. In 15 mths I have lost an entire person, a big one at that (225lbs). With multiple medical problems, I had to either do this or die. My health is greatly improved.
5. Obesity does not descriminate on age. People as young as 17 and as old as 70 have had this surgery. If obesity did attack just us 40+ people then we would not have teenagers being diagnoised with type 2 diabetes.
The decision to have any type of surgery is a personal decision. My suggestion to anyone is to do your research and take the option that is best for you. Your opionion is the only one that matters.
thinatheart
08-07-2005, 12:11 AM
I agree, this surgery will be an answer to my prayers. I have lost & gained the same weight over and over for 20 years, plus added some. If God gives me the desire of my heart-I will have this surgery before the year is out. I know 20+ people who have had this done locally (I attend a WLS support group), and everyone looks better, feels better, and most have reduced if not come off all of their meds. This reduces the ins companies expenses for all those meds and other health related expenes. No one I know regrets having it done, and most highly recommend it to people who medically need it. Of course it is not for people who need to only lose less than 100 lbs, that is why it is only for the morbidly obese patients. Insurance will not cover it if you do not meet strict guidelines. This is not for vanity, it is for medical reasons. Best Wishes to all considering this procedure. You know if you need this, or if this is not for for you.
giddyup715
08-07-2005, 01:14 AM
Can someone tell me the requirements (hoops) that the Dr.'s want you to jump thru? I heard that you must be 100# overweight, sleep apnea, joint probs and some DR.'s require you to lose at least 50# before even operating.
Is this true?
Is this true?
thinatheart
08-07-2005, 09:14 PM
Here's the steps in the order I had to do them: Be under a physician supervised weight loss plan for a specified length of time (determined by your ins carrier), be referred to a surgeon by this dr, attend a WLS support group at least a few times (very informative & well worth your time), See a psychologist, see a dietician, and meet criteria of 100 lbs overweight or a BMI of 35 or more with other health issues worsened by your weight such as HBP, asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes, etc. Then all this is sent in to the ins carrier for approval. Hope this answers your question. Take care.
Kaye Bailey
08-08-2005, 03:45 PM
I don't want to sound like a jerk, but I was wondering if it takes a year or so to get approved for the surgery, wouldn't you be able to lose 100lbs or so with diet and exercise? Just wondering. I am starting a life style change and am trying to lose my weight. Personally I am to scared to have surgery, and couldn't afford to have the skin removed. By the way why is the skin all lose? Is it from losing the weight to fast or what? I was under the impretion that to maintain a heathly looking figure and keep the skin tight you were supposed to strength and toning exercises. I could be wrong or maybe its from lossing the weight so quick which I am sure is the bigger reason. I have met a few people that have lost weight both naturally and surgically but non have ever had the lose skin issue. I deffinetly can't see myself having surgery if lose skin is a side affect and that would make more surgery a side effect. Guess fear is a great motivator. :bouncing: I am pretty heavy but I calculated it would take 2-3 years to get off the weight if i lose 1-2 lbs a week. we all know that you can lose more then that when you first start and stuff like that. I just know time flies, I just have to do it. By time the paper work is filled out I would have lost half my weight. And I am sure since I am under 30 that I wouldn't be concidered as high as a priority as a 40+ year old with the same weight.
I wish you luck and happyness and hope it works out well.
Thomaslb95: It is admirable that you want to lose massive weight on your own without surgery - I wish you the best of success. More and more people are enjoying success from losing weight naturally, slowly without surgery.
That said, please, may I ask your compassion for people who opt for surgical intervention. Weight Loss Surgery is not for the light hearted - it is an agonizing decision. The patients who take a year to research their options and study the lifestyle that will be required of them after surgery are the most successful. This is not a quick-stop at the convenience store option - it is a life or death last ditch effort for most patients.
Patients do exercise following surgery - in fact - many patients become exercise fanatics. Loose skin results from many factors: genetics, age, loss of elasticity due to frequent weight fluctuations, the amount of weight lost and finally, the speed with which weight is lost. Some patients require surgical skin removal, some do not. Some need it but either by economics or choice elect not to have it.
I suppose the most alarming thing I read in your post is an arrogance and judgement of others you are in the same boat on Obesity Bay. Shouldn't we who suffer together show compassion for one another regardless the method we chose to gain control of our health?
I wish you luck and happyness and hope it works out well.
Thomaslb95: It is admirable that you want to lose massive weight on your own without surgery - I wish you the best of success. More and more people are enjoying success from losing weight naturally, slowly without surgery.
That said, please, may I ask your compassion for people who opt for surgical intervention. Weight Loss Surgery is not for the light hearted - it is an agonizing decision. The patients who take a year to research their options and study the lifestyle that will be required of them after surgery are the most successful. This is not a quick-stop at the convenience store option - it is a life or death last ditch effort for most patients.
Patients do exercise following surgery - in fact - many patients become exercise fanatics. Loose skin results from many factors: genetics, age, loss of elasticity due to frequent weight fluctuations, the amount of weight lost and finally, the speed with which weight is lost. Some patients require surgical skin removal, some do not. Some need it but either by economics or choice elect not to have it.
I suppose the most alarming thing I read in your post is an arrogance and judgement of others you are in the same boat on Obesity Bay. Shouldn't we who suffer together show compassion for one another regardless the method we chose to gain control of our health?
thinatheart
08-10-2005, 02:07 AM
I agree completely. I have researched this and been a member of a Weight Loss Surgery Support Group for 3 years. I know MANY people who have had this done successfully, I have heard all the stories of their surgeries, recoveries, etc. Losing weight on your own is perfect IF IT WORKS for you. Please don't judge others, this is a big decision, it is not taken lightly, it is hard to get approved - it must be medically needed, unless you are independently wealthy. I appreciate all the support everyone has given me, & I intend to encourage & support anyone that needs it.