Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 > I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. Hi Marilyn! According to the instructor of our nutrition class, Kaiser is starting to come around to the fact that WLS folks are having problems with infections from excess skin. They are beginning to recognize that it is necessary since the skin and excess has a hard time catching up to the weightloss (regardless of how much you exercise) and are approving more of the surgeries. Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Funny you should ask, Marilyn. I just saw Dr. Zorn at Pacific Bariatrics today (I'm pre-op) and asked him specifically about a tummy tuck in the future. He said Kaiser *does* pay for it under specific circumstances, but doesn't advertise that they do. He said the biggest thing I can do to get one covered is to lose weight and keep it off for awhile. Makes sense to me. Of course, the rashes, etc. would add to the justification for it! BTW, welcome, Marilyn! Laurie W. Newbie here Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Funny you should ask, Marilyn. I just saw Dr. Zorn at Pacific Bariatrics today (I'm pre-op) and asked him specifically about a tummy tuck in the future. He said Kaiser *does* pay for it under specific circumstances, but doesn't advertise that they do. He said the biggest thing I can do to get one covered is to lose weight and keep it off for awhile. Makes sense to me. Of course, the rashes, etc. would add to the justification for it! BTW, welcome, Marilyn! Laurie W. Newbie here Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Don't you guys thinkthe tummy tuck would hurt??? boy i keep hearing talk about it and i think no way do i want that!! but once i lose my weight i might lol,,the thought of being in pain again after being in it for so long sounds awful to me!! i am just now feeling reaaly good! almost normal *smile* thank god! > Funny you should ask, Marilyn. I just saw Dr. Zorn at Pacific Bariatrics today (I'm pre-op) and asked him specifically about a tummy tuck in the future. He said Kaiser *does* pay for it under specific circumstances, but doesn't advertise that they do. He said the biggest thing I can do to get one covered is to lose weight and keep it off for awhile. Makes sense to me. Of course, the rashes, etc. would add to the justification for it! > > BTW, welcome, Marilyn! > > Laurie W. > Newbie here > > > Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Don't you guys thinkthe tummy tuck would hurt??? boy i keep hearing talk about it and i think no way do i want that!! but once i lose my weight i might lol,,the thought of being in pain again after being in it for so long sounds awful to me!! i am just now feeling reaaly good! almost normal *smile* thank god! > Funny you should ask, Marilyn. I just saw Dr. Zorn at Pacific Bariatrics today (I'm pre-op) and asked him specifically about a tummy tuck in the future. He said Kaiser *does* pay for it under specific circumstances, but doesn't advertise that they do. He said the biggest thing I can do to get one covered is to lose weight and keep it off for awhile. Makes sense to me. Of course, the rashes, etc. would add to the justification for it! > > BTW, welcome, Marilyn! > > Laurie W. > Newbie here > > > Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Oh yeah - you bet it hurts! Bring on the pain meds! But they won't even consider it until you have lost the weight and kept it off, so you have a while to weigh whether it's worth it, Shell. Everyone says it's worse than the RNY, however. :-( Laurie W Newbie here> > > Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 11, 2003 Report Share Posted February 11, 2003 Oh yeah - you bet it hurts! Bring on the pain meds! But they won't even consider it until you have lost the weight and kept it off, so you have a while to weigh whether it's worth it, Shell. Everyone says it's worse than the RNY, however. :-( Laurie W Newbie here> > > Greeting, My name is Marilyn and I just found this group on yahoo. I had the RNY surgery in July 2001 with Pacific Bariatrics here in San Diego through Kaiser. I was wondering if anyone has any info on Kaiser approving or paying for plastic surgery. I have lots of extra skin and need an abdomiplasty. I had heard if you can necessitate the need with proof of rashes, back problems, that Kaiser will approve. Can anyone point me in the right direction? God Bless, Marilyn San Diego > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 20, 2003 Report Share Posted April 20, 2003 Dear Doug, Don't worry about being the only man. In fact enjoy it. I have sleep apnea and I was the only woman with 16 men at the session to train you how to use the machine. As for why there are more women than men, 2 reasons come to mind. Women are meant to be heavy. (We bear children and naturally have more fat and therefore slower metabolisms.) Also, in our society it is more acceptable for a man to be " big " than it is for a woman. Most men do not get concerned about their size unless their health becomes compromised. Good luck on your journery. Remember you have to be proactive. Keep copies of your tests. Call and make sure they have your reports and papers. Don't let them discourage you. I have been approved and will have surgery at Pacific Bariatrics. I've been working on this since August and I'm sure it will be August again before I have it done. pre-op Newbie here > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Hi Francisco, Welcome back from your trip. I hope that you had a great time. I agree with you in the area that it doesn't matter whether you are male or female the comments still hurt. On Saturday I went to my case post-op case management and then I stayed and talked a little to the pre-op case management. There were a few more women than men but everyone is there for the same reason. We all want to be healthier. I don't think that it is a major factor whether there is more of one gender there than another. We should just be there to support each other and help each other where we can. there are many people that are just starting to go down the road and there are those that had gotten to the to the end of the road and are on there way to the next leg of the journey which is after surgery. We need to be there for those that get stuck somewhere on that road and for those that stray from the road. Also we need to be there for those who have already gotten to the other side. Just because we are on the other side doesn't mean that there are no more obstacles. We are our biggest obstacle we have to overcome. So lets just be a support each other and go forward on this wonderful journey. Ramona 1/13/2003 357/269/? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Hi Francisco, Welcome back from your trip. I hope that you had a great time. I agree with you in the area that it doesn't matter whether you are male or female the comments still hurt. On Saturday I went to my case post-op case management and then I stayed and talked a little to the pre-op case management. There were a few more women than men but everyone is there for the same reason. We all want to be healthier. I don't think that it is a major factor whether there is more of one gender there than another. We should just be there to support each other and help each other where we can. there are many people that are just starting to go down the road and there are those that had gotten to the to the end of the road and are on there way to the next leg of the journey which is after surgery. We need to be there for those that get stuck somewhere on that road and for those that stray from the road. Also we need to be there for those who have already gotten to the other side. Just because we are on the other side doesn't mean that there are no more obstacles. We are our biggest obstacle we have to overcome. So lets just be a support each other and go forward on this wonderful journey. Ramona 1/13/2003 357/269/? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Great Thoughts, Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Hey Doug: Yes, it does seem that there are more women going through this process than men, but don't let that be a barrier to you. Consider yourself a trendsetter for the guys to come along. One observation: the gender ratio at the drop-in support group (Tuesdays) at Kaiser SSF seems to be more balanced, but women still seem to be in the majority there too. A question for you: Do you agree with the statement that " it is easier to be big for men " ? I would say that, for me, it has never been easy. My weight has been a life-long source of pain and humiliation, and being a man didn't make it any easier to bear. In fact, being a man meant that I had to internalize and hide that pain because, as you know, society expects us to " take it like a man. " Perhaps men are somewhat scarce in weight loss programs because all men have received society's message to us: to reach out for help is a sign of weakness. It's a healthy step to move beyond that detrimental idea. I think that being the object of derision for being fat hurts the same no matter who you are or what your gender is. And the media is full of as many perfectly sculpted men as women. But our purpose here is greater than all that. It is our commonality that brings us together and is a source of strength and unity. The support and valuable information that I've received here is priceless. And the fact that I've received almost all of that support and knowledge from women has just made me appreciated them all the more. Welcome to the group! I hope you get as much out of it as I have. Francisco pre-op (in the 10% weight loss phase) 299/295/165 Kaiser Richmond > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Hey Doug: Yes, it does seem that there are more women going through this process than men, but don't let that be a barrier to you. Consider yourself a trendsetter for the guys to come along. One observation: the gender ratio at the drop-in support group (Tuesdays) at Kaiser SSF seems to be more balanced, but women still seem to be in the majority there too. A question for you: Do you agree with the statement that " it is easier to be big for men " ? I would say that, for me, it has never been easy. My weight has been a life-long source of pain and humiliation, and being a man didn't make it any easier to bear. In fact, being a man meant that I had to internalize and hide that pain because, as you know, society expects us to " take it like a man. " Perhaps men are somewhat scarce in weight loss programs because all men have received society's message to us: to reach out for help is a sign of weakness. It's a healthy step to move beyond that detrimental idea. I think that being the object of derision for being fat hurts the same no matter who you are or what your gender is. And the media is full of as many perfectly sculpted men as women. But our purpose here is greater than all that. It is our commonality that brings us together and is a source of strength and unity. The support and valuable information that I've received here is priceless. And the fact that I've received almost all of that support and knowledge from women has just made me appreciated them all the more. Welcome to the group! I hope you get as much out of it as I have. Francisco pre-op (in the 10% weight loss phase) 299/295/165 Kaiser Richmond > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 What a touching and thought-provoking post, Francisco. Thank you for sharing. And, by the way: Welcome, Doug! Laurie W. Re: Newbie here Hey Doug:Yes, it does seem that there are more women going through this process than men, but don't let that be a barrier to you. Consider yourself a trendsetter for the guys to come along.One observation: the gender ratio at the drop-in support group (Tuesdays) at Kaiser SSF seems to be more balanced, but women still seem to be in the majority there too.A question for you: Do you agree with the statement that "it is easier to be big for men"? I would say that, for me, it has never been easy. My weight has been a life-long source of pain and humiliation, and being a man didn't make it any easier to bear. In fact, being a man meant that I had to internalize and hide that pain because, as you know, society expects us to "take it like a man."Perhaps men are somewhat scarce in weight loss programs because all men have received society's message to us: to reach out for help is a sign of weakness. It's a healthy step to move beyond that detrimental idea.I think that being the object of derision for being fat hurts the same no matter who you are or what your gender is. And the media is full of as many perfectly sculpted men as women.But our purpose here is greater than all that. It is our commonality that brings us together and is a source of strength and unity. The support and valuable information that I've received here is priceless. And the fact that I've received almost all of that support and knowledge from women has just made me appreciated them all the more.Welcome to the group! I hope you get as much out of it as I have.Franciscopre-op (in the 10% weight loss phase)299/295/165Kaiser Richmond> Hi group,> > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men?> > Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 very eloquent -----Original Message-----From: sweetgemlady656@... Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 3:42 PMTo: gastric-bypass-support-kaiser-patients Subject: Re: Re: Newbie hereHi Francisco,Welcome back from your trip. I hope that you had a great time. I agree with you in the area that it doesn't matter whether you are male or female the comments still hurt. On Saturday I went to my case post-op case management and then I stayed and talked a little to the pre-op case management. There were a few more women than men but everyone is there for the same reason. We all want to be healthier. I don't think that it is a major factor whether there is more of one gender there than another. We should just be there to support each other and help each other where we can. there are many people that are just starting to go down the road and there are those that had gotten to the to the end of the road and are on there way to the next leg of the journey which is after surgery. We need to be there for those that get stuck somewhere on that road and for those that stray from the road. Also we need to be there for those who have already gotten to the other side. Just because we are on the other side doesn't mean that there are no more obstacles. We are our biggest obstacle we have to overcome. So lets just be a support each other and go forward on this wonderful journey.Ramona1/13/2003357/269/? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Francisco, First let me clear up one thing...I don't consider the gender ratio a 'barrier' to me in any way....said the rooster in the henhouse. :-) It was really just an observation and something I've become curious about. If anything I think it shows that we're more enlightened and less in denial than other obese men who don't seem to be willing to deal with their own reality. Just look around and you'll see that there's no shortage of obese men! I do NOT think it's easier for a man to be fat than for a woman, it's incredibly difficult for men and women alike. True, women are often discounted if they're not beautiful enough to meet society's standards, but men are expected to be tough, self-disciplined and athletic, so fat doesn't fit into either ideal. Of course none of us will ever really know because we can't try on the other pair of shoes! That being said, I don't think I'd say that I feel 'derided' often if ever. It's very rare that anyone actually says anything to me about my weight, it's a much more subtle discrimination, but very far- reaching nonetheless. It affects my whole life, especially my career, my love life and my social life. Being an outstanding engineer isn't enough to get that promotion, people see me and think " he must be terribly undisciplined, that wouldn't be good in a manager " . And I think we all know there aren't enough chubby chasers to go around. :-) Doug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 21, 2003 Report Share Posted April 21, 2003 Dear Doug, You've given me some insight into being male and overweight. I guess I just assumed because all the overweight men I knew never talked about it. I can see now it is often not OK for men to express their feelings or seek help. I hope more men are as interested in their health as you are. My brother is so heavy that I worry about him. I'm not saying anything to him about the surgery, but I'm hoping my surgery goes well and he might give it some thought. Thanks, pre-op Newbie here > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 Doug, just to let you know you are not the only man doing this. My husband is going through the appointments to get approved for the surgery. I also have a male friend that has already been approved for the surgery and is awaiting the date. It's a long wait but worth it. I have several friends, all women that have had the surgery and are thrilled with the results. I do have a question for the men out there but it does seem that they are far and few between. My question is, how long does it take for a "working man" (construction) to get strong enough to resume his work load after surgery? (backhoe, jackhammer, etc) So if there are any folks out there that can answer this question please feel free. Sissy (new to this also) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 It's great hearing from the men. I totally agree with Francisco. I see life of the heavy set men thru the eyes of my husband who is going thru the process to get approved for the surgery. Talk about difficult, I can tell you that life as an obese man is as difficult as is an obese womans. My husband has gone without so much in life because of his size. He has tried more diets then I can count, including excersize with each one. He has such a slow motabalism and nothing has ever worked for any length of time. We both view this surgery as a way to claim his life back. He can be healthy and do the things he has waited all his life to do. We are so grateful that Kaiser is doing this. No matter what it takes or how long it is all going to be worth it. I say hang in there to all that are going thru the process and never give up your dream to be healthier, lighter , and regain your new way of life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 Doug, well said, and I totally agree. Sissy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 , I think that by your brother watching your success is the best way to show him how it's done. He will start to ask questions and be more interested. Example is the best way. I know this for a fact because my dearest friend just had the surgery in Nov. and she has lost over 100 lbs and looks fantastic!! I'm so happy for her and that is what started the ball rolling for my husband. He started asking questions and she even left work in the middle of the day to come to my house to answer all his questions. He is now in the process of gettting approved. So hang in there and don't give up on your bro. He will see how great you look , feel and how much energy you have and he'll be asking all the right quesions soon. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 Kelsey, Everyone is so different. I can only share what it was like for me. (this does not mean it will be this way for you or anyone else) The pain after surgry was hell. It took me a good 6 weeks to feel normal again. I went to the meetings and cried, I called Pat and cried, I posted in this club and cried ,I meet with Gity and Nadia and cried lol im telling you it felt like i was dieing. It was not so much the pain but more the constant pain for weeks on end that was driving me mad. I could not even sleep in my bed for about 2 and a half weeks. I slept in a lazyboy chair,which i had bought just for after surgry. Thank God!! It was very comfy.I stopped taking any pain meds 3 days after leaving the hospital as I felt they were to strong so i had some really bad days at first. Learning to eat all over again was hard . No matter how much I thought i knew how this would be after surgry untill you go though it you just can't explane it. I no some who had zero problems and felt great very soon after. Like I said were all so very different. I will say this ,after about 6 weeks the pain started to go away pretty fast. I had been in pain for so long that when it started to leave i was so happy. Everyday that passed the pain got less and less . Thank God! Again I was sick due to this hernia but befor that i was feeling wonderful and i am once again starting to feel great! shell > Shell and Ramona- > > congrats on the weight loss...It's great hearing and gives inspration > to those of us who are pre-op!! Just wondering what your energy is > like now? are you feeling the difference? Also was wondering about > how long did it take for you to feel good after the surgery? > > Kelsey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 22, 2003 Report Share Posted April 22, 2003 Kelsey, Everyone is so different. I can only share what it was like for me. (this does not mean it will be this way for you or anyone else) The pain after surgry was hell. It took me a good 6 weeks to feel normal again. I went to the meetings and cried, I called Pat and cried, I posted in this club and cried ,I meet with Gity and Nadia and cried lol im telling you it felt like i was dieing. It was not so much the pain but more the constant pain for weeks on end that was driving me mad. I could not even sleep in my bed for about 2 and a half weeks. I slept in a lazyboy chair,which i had bought just for after surgry. Thank God!! It was very comfy.I stopped taking any pain meds 3 days after leaving the hospital as I felt they were to strong so i had some really bad days at first. Learning to eat all over again was hard . No matter how much I thought i knew how this would be after surgry untill you go though it you just can't explane it. I no some who had zero problems and felt great very soon after. Like I said were all so very different. I will say this ,after about 6 weeks the pain started to go away pretty fast. I had been in pain for so long that when it started to leave i was so happy. Everyday that passed the pain got less and less . Thank God! Again I was sick due to this hernia but befor that i was feeling wonderful and i am once again starting to feel great! shell > Shell and Ramona- > > congrats on the weight loss...It's great hearing and gives inspration > to those of us who are pre-op!! Just wondering what your energy is > like now? are you feeling the difference? Also was wondering about > how long did it take for you to feel good after the surgery? > > Kelsey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2003 Report Share Posted April 27, 2003 > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug What Is the preparatory class? is this something new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 27, 2003 Report Share Posted April 27, 2003 > Hi group, > > I've been going to Kaiser's new 'preparatory' class for four weeks > now. I'm the only man in a group of 13! Is that a typical number? Are > THAT many more women having the procedure done than men? > > Doug What Is the preparatory class? is this something new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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