Guest guest Posted May 27, 1999 Report Share Posted May 27, 1999 , I can't speak for everyone, but I'm an Olympic-level dieter. I can lose weight but I can't keep it off - and that's the key: keeping it off. Also, knowing that I have a goal and that once I reach it I will be able to have the surgery and have the weight loss remain permanent is great motivator! I don't feel as if I'm set up to fail before I even start. The bypass works better than diets or bands because the top part of the intestines, which is where most of the fat and nutrition is absorbed into the body, is bypassed - food doesn't go through so there's not much chance of weight gain. Sincerely, Delisa Mulkey Assistant Director of Member Services - Data Processing dmulkey@... " Sanity's just a one-trick pony - all you get is reason. But when you're good and crazy, the sky's the limit! " ~The Tick Question about WLS From: MoShel30@... I hate to sound dumb but in laymen terms, what exactly is it that will keep us from gaining back the weight following surgery just like diet and exercise programs. What is it that makes the difference? I told my husband about how some people ( above 350 lbs.) have to lose weight in order to be able to have the surgery. In his obesity innocence (he has no weight problem) he asked, " if a person can lose down enough to have the surgery then why can't they just continue to lose weight and not have the surgery? " Would someone help me to explain this in a way that I can make him understand? Thanks in advance! Still praying for approval.... ------------------------------------------------------------------------ What do lizards and rock music have in common? http://www.onelist.com They both have communities at ONElist. Find yours today! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 1999 Report Share Posted May 27, 1999 1. This is not a dumb question. 2. The vast majority of wls patients keep off the weight they lose because they can no longer physically consume the quantity of food necessary to regain the weight. Furthermore, post-WLS patients absorb far lower percentage of the potential caloric content of any given quantity of food. People have been known to regain. I suppose you could do it by spending all day sipping malteds, but short of that I think it would be very difficult. Also, remember that it takes roughly 10 calories per pound per day to maintain weight. When your actual weight begins to approach a healthy weight, it will be easier to screw up because relatively fewer calories would add up to more than the calories needed to maintain or lose. Dave from Michigan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 1999 Report Share Posted May 27, 1999 Hey Katy, Good morning you early bird, you!I was glad to hear that Rick did well and was on the mend. I wish my hubby would reconsider the choice of us not doing what you and Rick have done. I think Marc is a bit scared of hospitals but I cannot blame him, his father went in for tests and 72 hours later was dead from leukemia and Marc was just three then. Just for an update on the BCBS issue I am in ND and they told me that it is not covered. However, HERE COME 'DA JUDGE, because Dr R's web site says it is illegal for them to say it is uninsured because of the disability act.Anyway,I hope you guys are well and you must have a laptop or something to be typing away so early. Is Rick still in the hospital??? I think that it is great that he did so well with his heart and all. Well, here is wishing you sunshine and rainbows. Paige >From: KMusolino@... >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >Subject: Re: Question about WLS >Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 05:43:46 EDT > >From: KMusolino@... > >Sylvia-- > >Rick and I were covered by AETNA/US Healthcare. They do seem to insist on >evidence of a doctor-supervised weight loss program, and you do have to be >persistent, but WLS is a covered benefit. > >Blue Cross, as I understand it, states that WLS is a benefit in many of >their >policies. > >Good luck >Katy Musolino > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >It's finally here! What's your opinion? >http://www.onelist.com >Create a Star Wars discussion group at ONElist. >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 1999 Report Share Posted May 27, 1999 Can we all put what insurance we have and whether you were approved or not? I'm looking for another insurance company right now and need to know which one's are the most favorable to weight loss surgery. It would be a great help! DON'T GET FORTIS!!! Sylvia/Fortis denied, denied, denied, rude customer service reps looking into self pay also MoShel30@... wrote: > From: MoShel30@... > > Katy, > > Thanks! You have explained it in a way that really helps. I am printing off > your response so that my husband can read it when he gets in from work! > > > Still waiting for approval..... > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > With more than 17 million e-mails exchanged daily... > http://www.onelist.com > ...ONElist is THE place where the world talks! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 27, 1999 Report Share Posted May 27, 1999 Sylvia-- Rick and I were covered by AETNA/US Healthcare. They do seem to insist on evidence of a doctor-supervised weight loss program, and you do have to be persistent, but WLS is a covered benefit. Blue Cross, as I understand it, states that WLS is a benefit in many of their policies. Good luck Katy Musolino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia, my insurance is with United HealthCare. I didn't have to do a thing. Dr. Rutledge sent a letter and that was it. I was approved!!! Good luck with finding a new insurance company... Trish in Cary MGB 5/14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia, da Cigna Healthcare of North Carolina Approved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 I descibe the procedure like antibuse for alchoholics you just can t cheat. >From: KMusolino@... >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >Subject: Re: Question about WLS >Date: Thu, 27 May 1999 20:43:20 EDT > >From: KMusolino@... > >-- > >Being an expert on losing and gaining, I can tell your dh that the losing >is >never the problem, it's the keeping it off. On standard weight loss diets, >you struggle to get there, then you struggle even harder to stay there, >then >it begins to come back on, and you end up higher than you were before. It >is >never ending deprivation, which no human being can maintain for the long >run. > >With surgery, however, two things happen. First of all, the stomach gets >made smaller, so smaller amounts of food go in, and you feel full and >satisfied quicker. This never changes, because the stomach stays small. >Secondly, 6 feet of intestine is bypassed. Most food absorption takes >place >in that 6 feet, so much of the food passes through without being absorbed, >therefore your body takes on fewer calories. This never changes either. >So >for the rest of your life, you get full quicker, and actually absorb much >fewer calories than your actually pass through. You don't feel deprived, >you >are getting enough to eat. It's a physical change in your body that is >virtually impossible to defeat. It's not a matter of willpower or anything >like that. It is freedom from dieting and freedom from overweight all at >the >same time. > >So much for my treatise. Hope it helps. > >Katy Musolino >No longer dieting in Durham >3/15/99--344 >5/27/99--286 >Now a 2-MGB family. > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >ONElist: where real people with real interests get connected. >http://www.onelist.com >Join a new list today! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 I called an independant ins. agent and told him exactly what I wanted he said he gets paid either way so he would help me find one that would pay > >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >To: MiniGastricBypassonelist >Subject: Re: Question about WLS >Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 00:36:44 -0400 > > > >Can we all put what insurance we have and whether you were approved or not? >I'm >looking for another insurance company right now and need to know which >one's are >the most favorable to weight loss surgery. It would be a great help! DON'T >GET >FORTIS!!! >Sylvia/Fortis >denied, denied, denied, rude customer service reps >looking into self pay also > >MoShel30@... wrote: > > > From: MoShel30@... > > > > Katy, > > > > Thanks! You have explained it in a way that really helps. I am >printing off > > your response so that my husband can read it when he gets in from work! > > > > > > Still waiting for approval..... > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > With more than 17 million e-mails exchanged daily... > > http://www.onelist.com > > ...ONElist is THE place where the world talks! > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >With more than 17 million e-mails exchanged daily... >http://www.onelist.com >....ONElist is THE place where the world talks! >------------------------------------------------------------------------ >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia, I have Aetna and I was approved with no problem. Didn't even have to turn in any extra info about weight loss programs that I've tried in the past. It was almost too easy! Good Luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia: I have WellPath & as long as you've never had any other type of WLS before, they approve pretty quickly. (through state of NC). I know BC/BS of NC (state plan & regular) also are pretty good about approval. Can you get a job with the state? ;o) Good luck! Beth S. >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >- >Having difficulty getting " in synch " with list members? >http://www.onelist.com >Try ONElist's Shared Calendar to organize events, meetings and more! >----------------------------------------------------------------------- >- >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia- I have BCBS of land. I was denied and then approved on an appeal letter. It took 3 months for the whole process. My BCBS policy is a PPN (Preferred Provider Network). A BCBS rep had to deem the surgery medically necessary in order to approve. They required a diagnoses from my physician and proof of at least a 5 year failed diet attempt history (mine was 14 years). Good luck. A friend from land, Janet age: 35 bmi: 50 status: approved; surgery date 7/19/99 family: married 15 years with 4 children (2 girls & 2 boys) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 28, 1999 Report Share Posted May 28, 1999 Sylvia DON'T GET KAISER PERMANENTE!!!! Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Sylvia, I have Kaiser insurance but it took me seven months of going through the appeal process before they would approve me. Kathy is not going through what I had to .... another friend of mine with Kaiser is starting the process so, time will tell. My sister is from Pennsylvania with BCBS and was approved the first go round... good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 I meant to say that Kathy is now going through what I had to ... talk about a typo. Sorry Kathy, it has been hell and yes, the world should know about it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Thank you so much, Katy! I will check out both of those companies. I will NOT give up. I've been keeping up with you and Rick, I'm so glad that everything went wonderfully. Take care. Sylvia KMusolino@... wrote: > From: KMusolino@... > > Sylvia-- > > Rick and I were covered by AETNA/US Healthcare. They do seem to insist on > evidence of a doctor-supervised weight loss program, and you do have to be > persistent, but WLS is a covered benefit. > > Blue Cross, as I understand it, states that WLS is a benefit in many of their > policies. > > Good luck > Katy Musolino > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > It's finally here! What's your opinion? > http://www.onelist.com > Create a Star Wars discussion group at ONElist. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Trish, thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for the information. Sylvia/NC Fortis denied Tc123333@... wrote: > From: Tc123333@... > > Sylvia, my insurance is with United HealthCare. I didn't have to do a thing. > Dr. Rutledge sent a letter and that was it. I was approved!!! Good luck > with finding a new insurance company... > > Trish in Cary > MGB 5/14 > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > How many communities do you think join ONElist each day? > http://www.onelist.com > More than 1,000! Create yours now! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 da, Thank you for replying to my request. It helps so much to have some options. Sylvia/NC Fortis denied X98TAKEN@... wrote: > From: X98TAKEN@... > > Sylvia, > > da Cigna Healthcare of North Carolina Approved > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ONElist: the best source for group communications. > http://www.onelist.com > Join a new list today! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com X98TAKEN@... wrote: > From: X98TAKEN@... > > Sylvia, > > da Cigna Healthcare of North Carolina Approved > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ONElist: the best source for group communications. > http://www.onelist.com > Join a new list today! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 : Thank you and all the other people that have responded to my request for insurance approvals. So far, people have said that they were approved by: Cigna Healthcare of North Carolina United Healthcare Blue Cross/Blue Shield Aetna Hope this will also help others that are in the same boat that I am in. Sylvia/NC Fortis/denied CmacyM@... wrote: > From: CmacyM@... > > Sylvia, > > I have Aetna and I was approved with no problem. Didn't even have to turn in > any extra info about weight loss programs that I've tried in the past. It > was almost too easy! Good Luck! > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Having difficulty getting " in synch " with list members? > http://www.onelist.com > Try ONElist's Shared Calendar to organize events, meetings and more! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Beth: I work full time for - get this - an insurance company! I am a licensed North Carolina insurance agent, but I work for Colonial Life and Accident Insurnace Company of Columbia, SC. We do short term disability, accident, cancer policies, etc. and pre-tax benefits, so I couldn't change jobs but thank you for the advise. Hope everything is well wtih you. I hesitated to say I was an insurance agent and wanted to clarify what I do, because I definitely wouldn't want to be confused with ANYONE OF THOSE RUDE PEOPLE THAT WORK AT FORTIS! They must all be at their ideal weight with no health problems. Sylvia/NC Fortis denied bethls@... wrote: > From: bethls@... > > Sylvia: I have WellPath & as long as you've never had any other type of > WLS before, > they approve pretty quickly. (through state of NC). I know BC/BS of NC > (state plan > & regular) also are pretty good about approval. Can you get a job with > the state? ;o) > Good luck! Beth S. > > >----------------------------------------------------------------------- > >- > >Having difficulty getting " in synch " with list members? > >http://www.onelist.com > >Try ONElist's Shared Calendar to organize events, meetings and more! > >----------------------------------------------------------------------- > >- > >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Looking for a new hobby? Want to make a new friend? > http://www.onelist.com > Come join one of over 150,000 e-mail communities at ONElist! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Janet: All of you people on this list are the greatest. Thanks for responding. Sylvia/NC Fortis denied Janet Sferrella wrote: > > > Sylvia- I have BCBS of land. I was denied and then approved on an appeal > letter. It took 3 months for the whole process. My BCBS policy is a PPN > (Preferred Provider Network). A BCBS rep had to deem the surgery medically > necessary in order to approve. They required a diagnoses from my physician > and proof of at least a 5 year failed diet attempt history (mine was 14 > years). Good luck. > > A friend from land, > Janet > age: 35 > bmi: 50 > status: approved; surgery date 7/19/99 > family: married 15 years with 4 children (2 girls & 2 boys) > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > How many communities do you think join ONElist each day? > http://www.onelist.com > More than 1,000! Create yours now! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Thanks Carolyn. I have also contacted an insurnace broker and I was up front with him about what I wanted and DIDN'T want in the contract. Sylvia/NC fortis/Denied carolyn otoole wrote: > > > I called an independant ins. agent and told him exactly what I wanted he > said he gets paid either way so he would help me find one that would pay > > > > >Reply-To: MiniGastricBypassonelist > >To: MiniGastricBypassonelist > >Subject: Re: Question about WLS > >Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 00:36:44 -0400 > > > > > > > >Can we all put what insurance we have and whether you were approved or not? > >I'm > >looking for another insurance company right now and need to know which > >one's are > >the most favorable to weight loss surgery. It would be a great help! DON'T > >GET > >FORTIS!!! > >Sylvia/Fortis > >denied, denied, denied, rude customer service reps > >looking into self pay also > > > >MoShel30@... wrote: > > > > > From: MoShel30@... > > > > > > Katy, > > > > > > Thanks! You have explained it in a way that really helps. I am > >printing off > > > your response so that my husband can read it when he gets in from work! > > > > > > > > > Still waiting for approval..... > > > > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > With more than 17 million e-mails exchanged daily... > > > http://www.onelist.com > > > ...ONElist is THE place where the world talks! > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > > > > > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >With more than 17 million e-mails exchanged daily... > >http://www.onelist.com > >....ONElist is THE place where the world talks! > >------------------------------------------------------------------------ > >This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com > > > > _______________________________________________________________ > Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ONElist: bringing the world together. > http://www.onelist.com > Join a new list today! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Kathy, I know that you have had just as bad a time with Kaiser as I have with Fortis. Do you think they're joined at the hip or something? I have a surgery date (June 18th), don't know how I'm going to pay for it yet, just believing that God would not have opened up all of you great people to me, given me approval and support letters from my Ob-Gyn and my family physician, gotten me a psych evaluation scheduled for June 8th and the secretary said that they always get their reports out to whoever needed them within 48 hours, found me the most FANTASTIC surgeon in the world (Dr. R) of course! and gave me support from my parents, brothers, sisters, and my husband and children and I have such a peace about the whole thing that I know that I am doing the right thing. Reading your posts and the things you have gone through made me keep fighting the " good fight " . I will have this surgery and I will do everything in my power to get this discrimination into the public view so that others with not have to go through what you and I have gone through to save our lives. You really are an inspiration, so don't get discouraged, so many people have you in their prayers that I know things will work out. Sylvia/NC Fortis denied Kathy wrote: > From: thestewarts@... (Kathy ) > > Sylvia > DON'T GET KAISER PERMANENTE!!!! > Kathy > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > What do lizards and rock music have in common? > http://www.onelist.com > They both have communities at ONElist. Find yours today! > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 1999 Report Share Posted May 29, 1999 Thank you! Sylvia/NC Fortis denied APEXKAS@... wrote: > From: APEXKAS@... > > Sylvia, I have Kaiser insurance but it took me seven months of going through > the appeal process before they would approve me. Kathy is not going > through what I had to .... another friend of mine with Kaiser is starting > the process so, time will tell. My sister is from Pennsylvania with BCBS and > was approved the first go round... good luck. > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > ONElist members are using Shared Files in great ways! > http://www.onelist.com > Are you? If not, see our homepage for details. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass List at Onelist.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 1999 Report Share Posted May 30, 1999 if you go to WWW.obesityhelp.com they have a state-by-state list of insurers and what peoples experience has been with them. Rhonda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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