new

[Guest guest]

Hi Nitwit - what a screen name!! Welcome to the group. You live in the

right state for this cuz there are some really awesome surgeons in your own

backyard. What kind of research have you done? our Web site,

WWW.duodenalswitch.com has a wealth of information. Spend some time there,

there's a list of doctors, awesome patient profiles, nd much more.

www.mywls.com is another terrific site - its Heidi's and she's part of our

group. After that do what you just did - ask questions. Heidi has a list of

cooperative insurance companies on her site, and the AMOS site,

www.obesityhelp.com has a huge directory of insurance companies divided by

state. Most of us do manage to get approved, but its usually not easy.

There are also some docs who work with self pay - If you see any references

to Spain, there's wonderful doctor there who does the DS for about $11,000.

Hope this helps...

W

Pre -op Dr.

waiting for ins approval - Prudential POS

5'5'' 301 - BMI 51

[Guest guest]

Hi. Welcome to the DS list. I just ran your height and weight on a

BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator and it comes up 39.5. Typically

surgeons (and insurance companies) consider " morbid obesity " to be a

BMI of 40 or higher. So by a couple of pounds you don't qualify. A

mitigating circumstance is what are called co-morbidities. I hate

all this language but if it helps get my insurance to pay I'm all for

it. Your co-morbidities which you mentioned are your joint

problems. If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure those are

two more. And your family history of diabetes and heart problems

qualify as well.

Most insurance companies have exclusions for weight loss

surgery " except for morbid obesity. " That's the hooker. As are your

co-morbidities. So some sort of WLS is probably covered. Certainly

if you gain another 5 pounds or so it would be. But whether you can

swing DS rather than RNY, the other excellent WLS, depends on your

insurance company, your needs, and your perseverence. An excellent

site to research the RNY surgery is AMOS, at www.obesityhelp.com.

The site is not specific to RNY but most of the emphasis is toward

that surgery. The best site for DS surgery is

www.duodenalswitch.com.

First do your research and decide if WLS is for you. Then study both

the RNY and DS and decide what surgery you want if indeed that is

your decision. Then talk to a surgeon. Get them to apply to your

insurance company for pre-authorization. Hope that helps.

Regards.

Joe Frost, old gentleman, not old fart

Pre-op, San , TX

60 years old, BMI 48

Dr. Welker, Surgery Scheduled 11/29/00

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Joe/joe.html

> I am new to this chat room and am considering this surgery. I have

> several diabetic (Type II) aunts and dad, two massive coronary

deaths

> in early fifties relatives (dad, uncle)and am sick of my life as it

> is. I exercise and do not overeat but keep gaining weight year

after

> year. I am now 5'8 and weigh 260 (female). My knees are shot and

I

> feel like crap. Is this insured surgery? Anything you can tell me

> will help. I live in San Francisco. Thanks

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am just going to add my 2 cents to what Joe said. My BMI is 37

and my comorbs seem similar to yours. Like you my knees are shot and I have

a family history of bad hearts, but that did not help my case. I was told

by a surgeon in New York that he could not do the surgery unless my BMI was

40--though he thinks I would be a great candidate--the U. S. is to

litigious for him to take the risk. He said my comorbs would have to be so

severe that I was taking medication for them for years. He also said I

would not get insurance to pay for it at my weight. Are you taking

medication for your comorb?

I would have to gain about 30 pounds to have a BMI of 40 so

instead I am going to Spain. If you are close to BMI 40 and just need to

gain a few pounds and know you want the surgery--gain the weight before you

consult.

Deborah

At 12:34 AM 10/24/00 +0000, you wrote:

>Hi. Welcome to the DS list. I just ran your height and weight on a

>BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator and it comes up 39.5. Typically

>surgeons (and insurance companies) consider " morbid obesity " to be a

>BMI of 40 or higher. So by a couple of pounds you don't qualify. A

>mitigating circumstance is what are called co-morbidities. I hate

>all this language but if it helps get my insurance to pay I'm all for

>it. Your co-morbidities which you mentioned are your joint

>problems. If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure those are

>two more. And your family history of diabetes and heart problems

>qualify as well.

[Guest guest]

--- nitwit78@... wrote:

> I am new to this chat room and am considering this surgery

Welcome to the group. I think you will find this to be a wonderful

group of people with amazing hearts. I have only been here a few months

myself, but this group has helped me iron out the problems and

questions I have had regarding this surgery.

As for insurance. Yes, it is mostly covered. Often takes a bit of

creativity and perserverence though. What insurance do you have? Dr.

Rabkin is in San Francisco and is one of the best surgeons doing this

procedure. You can call his office and inquire about your insurance. If

he doesn't work out, there are other equally skilled doctors you can

visit.

Good luck....and what should I call you? Nitwit seems a little, um,

rude

=====

H

Dr. Keshishian/surgery in November???

San Francisco Bay Area

mailto: hillsmith2000@...

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

NW (for NitWit)

If you are actually 5' 7.5 " instead of 5' 8 " your BMI is 40.1

If you are 5' 8 " and weigh 263.5 your BMI is 40.06

You can calculate it yourself at numerous websites. Here is one:

http://www.obesity-surgeon.com/

Re: new

> Hi. Welcome to the DS list. I just ran your height and weight on a

> BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator and it comes up 39.5. Typically

> surgeons (and insurance companies) consider " morbid obesity " to be a

> BMI of 40 or higher. So by a couple of pounds you don't qualify. A

> mitigating circumstance is what are called co-morbidities. I hate

> all this language but if it helps get my insurance to pay I'm all for

> it. Your co-morbidities which you mentioned are your joint

> problems. If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure those are

> two more. And your family history of diabetes and heart problems

> qualify as well.

>

> Most insurance companies have exclusions for weight loss

> surgery " except for morbid obesity. " That's the hooker. As are your

> co-morbidities. So some sort of WLS is probably covered. Certainly

> if you gain another 5 pounds or so it would be. But whether you can

> swing DS rather than RNY, the other excellent WLS, depends on your

> insurance company, your needs, and your perseverence. An excellent

> site to research the RNY surgery is AMOS, at www.obesityhelp.com.

> The site is not specific to RNY but most of the emphasis is toward

> that surgery. The best site for DS surgery is

> www.duodenalswitch.com.

>

> First do your research and decide if WLS is for you. Then study both

> the RNY and DS and decide what surgery you want if indeed that is

> your decision. Then talk to a surgeon. Get them to apply to your

> insurance company for pre-authorization. Hope that helps.

>

> Regards.

>

> Joe Frost, old gentleman, not old fart

> Pre-op, San , TX

> 60 years old, BMI 48

> Dr. Welker, Surgery Scheduled 11/29/00

> http://www.duodenalswitch.com/Patients/Joe/joe.html

>

>

> > I am new to this chat room and am considering this surgery. I have

> > several diabetic (Type II) aunts and dad, two massive coronary

> deaths

> > in early fifties relatives (dad, uncle)and am sick of my life as it

> > is. I exercise and do not overeat but keep gaining weight year

> after

> > year. I am now 5'8 and weigh 260 (female). My knees are shot and

> I

> > feel like crap. Is this insured surgery? Anything you can tell me

> > will help. I live in San Francisco. Thanks

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi !

Welcome to our group!

|--------+----------------------->

| | " scoroneos " |

| | <scoroneos@ic|

| | nt.net> |

| | |

| | 02/14/2002 |

| | 01:12 PM |

| | Please |

| | respond to |

| | wwliterside |

| | |

|--------+----------------------->

>-----------------------------------------------------------|

| |

| To: wwliterside |

| cc: (bcc: -C /BRE/AGFA/US/BAYER) |

| Subject: new |

>-----------------------------------------------------------|

Hi everyone! I'm a lurker. I love this group, but don't have much

time to respond to everyone so I've just stayed in the backround.

I have six children 14 yrs. - 22 yrs. 5 boy's one girl. combined

marriage but we are raising all six. Talk of stress! Anyway, I just

had to reply to Zephyr and Bunkie,

Zephyr, when my first born rolled off of the couch I was devestated!

Thought I was the worst mother in the world until I called my friend

and she told me about the time she ran over her son in a stroller!

LOL, she was serious! Anyway, I can relate and from what I have read

you are a WONDERFUL, LOVING MOTHER! Just keep loving him always.

Bunkie, My prayers are with you and your husband. I have also been

saying prayers for your friends daughter. I have not allowed by kids

to go to burger king since you first wrote. Feel better soon.

[Guest guest]

Welcome ,

Thank you for the response, I have heard from a lot of people of the

times they dropped their kids etc,.... Thanks for helping. Glad to have you

as part of the group.

Zephyr

new

> Hi everyone! I'm a lurker. I love this group, but don't have much

> time to respond to everyone so I've just stayed in the backround.

>

> I have six children 14 yrs. - 22 yrs. 5 boy's one girl. combined

> marriage but we are raising all six. Talk of stress! Anyway, I just

> had to reply to Zephyr and Bunkie,

>

> Zephyr, when my first born rolled off of the couch I was devestated!

> Thought I was the worst mother in the world until I called my friend

> and she told me about the time she ran over her son in a stroller!

> LOL, she was serious! Anyway, I can relate and from what I have read

> you are a WONDERFUL, LOVING MOTHER! Just keep loving him always.

>

> Bunkie, My prayers are with you and your husband. I have also been

> saying prayers for your friends daughter. I have not allowed by kids

> to go to burger king since you first wrote. Feel better soon.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi and welcome to the group!!! You will LOVE it here! There are a lot of wonderful people with tons of support, encouragement, and advice!!

Maureen

new

Hi everyone! I'm a lurker. I love this group, but don't have much time to respond to everyone so I've just stayed in the backround. I have six children 14 yrs. - 22 yrs. 5 boy's one girl. combined marriage but we are raising all six. Talk of stress! Anyway, I just had to reply to Zephyr and Bunkie, Zephyr, when my first born rolled off of the couch I was devestated! Thought I was the worst mother in the world until I called my friend and she told me about the time she ran over her son in a stroller! LOL, she was serious! Anyway, I can relate and from what I have read you are a WONDERFUL, LOVING MOTHER! Just keep loving him always. Bunkie, My prayers are with you and your husband. I have also been saying prayers for your friends daughter. I have not allowed by kids to go to burger king since you first wrote. Feel better soon.

[Guest guest]

I fell out of the cab of our parked pick up truck. My mother still feels guilty about it nearly 26 years later. No percent damage! LOL

Lindsy.

I have heard from a lot of people of thetimes they dropped their kids etc Zephyr

[Guest guest]

thank you.

Zephyr

Re: new

I fell out of the cab of our parked pick up truck. My mother still feels guilty about it nearly 26 years later. No percent damage! LOL

Lindsy.

I have heard from a lot of people of thetimes they dropped their kids etc Zephyr

[Guest guest]

Charlie-

Hi and welcome to the group! I have been diagnosed as didelphic uterus (double

womb or UD) for over 10 years and I am going in a few weeks to have an MRI to

confirm my diagnosis. Yes, there are many septums out there (septate uterus is

the most common form of a mullerian anomaly), but you may well be UD. The

important thing is find out for sure. UD does quite well in pregnancy and does

not require surgical intervention, while septums should most often be resected

if possible.

If you have 2 cervices, rather than 1 cervix with a septum through it...think 00

versus (|) and a vaginal septum (both of which are thought to be indicative of

UD- but not decisive) you might want to have an MRI done. If done correctely

(on the true conronal plane of the uterus) and read by an experienced

radiologist/RE, MRI is thought to be a very useful tool in differentiating

between uterine tissue (UD or BU) and avascular fiborous tisse (septum). If the

MRI is inconclusive, you could then move on to a lap/hyst (considered the gold

standard in mullerian anomaly diagnosis)

As far as your vaginal septum - that is really up to you unless it is blocking

one your cervices or causing you any discomfort. If so, go ahead and have it

removed, if not, I wouldn't worry about it. Mine partially blocks my left

cervix, but doesn't prevent access (just makes it difficult) and I plan to leave

it in place for now.

Please, let me encourage you to seek out and OB/GYN or RE (reproductive

endocrinologist) with knowledge or experience of MA's. The information on MA's

can be sketchy and opinionated and when trying to differentiate between a UD and

complete SU bicollis, you can run into more obstacles than most.....for example,

, who was found to be SU bicollis and then resected was told she was 'the

only one " but we have since discoved a few other cases and a few potential

cases... is awaiting a lap on the 15th and I will have an MRI as soon as

I can get it scheduled. ( had an MRI but it was found to be

inconclusive)

I hope I have helped some and if you have any other questions...just ask. I am

glad you found us..this board has been an amazing source of information and

support for me!

D

28, UD ?, 1 m/c

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone

My name is Carol and I just joined yesterday. I live in NY with my 3

daughters and my husband anda small zoo of companion animals. I used

to own a vegan bakery but had to close thanks to this wonderful

economy. Now I am selling Avon. I have ad a weight problem most of

my life. The first time my mother took me to a diet and exercise

place I was 11. When I look back at pictures of myself at that age I

realize I wasn't really fat, slightly chubby but not fat. My oldest

was a real chunky monkey at that age and then she grew. Now she is

tall and slim and athletic. Maybe if my mother would have left me be

I wouldn't still be struggling. Many years ago, I guess about 12-14,

I joined OA and was very committed to it. I met a great friend and

we encouraged each other. That was when I first read " Breaking Free

From Compulsive Eating " and loved it. Here I am years later

rereading it and feeling able to begin to follow it's principles. So

far, I been able to eat what I want when I'm hungry for 2 days. That

is the best I've done for myself in a long time. I also went back to

OA a few weeks ago. I guess that's all about me in a nutshell. I

look forward to getting to know you all.

I do have one question for you though. I was reading the thread

hungry all the time and a couple of posts said eat until you are

full. I have been checking my hunger against a 1 (starving) to 10

(ready to explode) scale, 5 being neither hungry nor not hungry. I

eat when I feel around 2-3 and try to stop between 5 and 6, 7 at the

very most. I definately don't feel full but I also no longer feel

hungry at that point. Am I supposed to eat until I'm full or just

until I'm not hungry anymore. I realize I need to do what I feel

comfortable with but I would like to know what the actual guidelines

are.

Thanks and nice to meet you all.

Carol

[Guest guest]

Well the hunger scales are different depending on which IE book you read but I eat until I am satisfied which to me means not full just not hungry anymore. You have to test things out for a while to see what feels best for you. Some people eat until they are comfortably full which I think means full but not stuffed until you feel pain or feel that bloated feeling. Eva

Hi EveryoneMy name is Carol and I just joined yesterday. I live in NY with my 3 daughters and my husband anda small zoo of companion animals. I used to own a vegan bakery but had to close thanks to this wonderful economy. Now I am selling Avon. I have ad a weight problem most of my life. The first time my mother took me to a diet and exercise place I was 11. When I look back at pictures of myself at that age I realize I wasn't really fat, slightly chubby but not fat. My oldest was a real chunky monkey at that age and then she grew. Now she is tall and slim and athletic. Maybe if my mother would have left me be I wouldn't still be struggling. Many years ago, I guess about 12-14, I joined OA and was very committed to it. I met a great friend and we encouraged each other. That was when I first read "Breaking Free From Compulsive Eating" and loved it. Here I am years later rereading it and feeling able to begin to follow it's principles. So far, I been able to eat what I want when I'm hungry for 2 days. That is the best I've done for myself in a long time. I also went back to OA a few weeks ago. I guess that's all about me in a nutshell. I look forward to getting to know you all.I do have one question for you though. I was reading the thread hungry all the time and a couple of posts said eat until you are full. I have been checking my hunger against a 1 (starving) to 10 (ready to explode) scale, 5 being neither hungry nor not hungry. I eat when I feel around 2-3 and try to stop between 5 and 6, 7 at the very most. I definately don't feel full but I also no longer feel hungry at that point. Am I supposed to eat until I'm full or just until I'm not hungry anymore. I realize I need to do what I feel comfortable with but I would like to know what the actual guidelines are.Thanks and nice to meet you all.Carol------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol and welcome. Life sure does have its challenges and IE is one

that I have come to appreciate. I can very much relate to how family's

remarks offered as 'help' DON'T. Keep on trying and observing how IE

'fits' and works for you. We love to hear about that process as it

reminds and helps us too.

Best to you - Katcha

IEing since March 2007

>

> Hi Everyone

> My name is Carol and I just joined yesterday. I live in NY with my 3

> daughters and my husband anda small zoo of companion animals. I used

> to own a vegan bakery but had to close thanks to this wonderful

> economy. Now I am selling Avon. I have ad a weight problem most of

> my life. The first time my mother took me to a diet and exercise

> place I was 11. When I look back at pictures of myself at that age I

> realize I wasn't really fat, slightly chubby but not fat. My oldest

> was a real chunky monkey at that age and then she grew. Now she is

> tall and slim and athletic. Maybe if my mother would have left me be

> I wouldn't still be struggling. Many years ago, I guess about 12-14,

> I joined OA and was very committed to it. I met a great friend and

> we encouraged each other. That was when I first read " Breaking Free

> From Compulsive Eating " and loved it. Here I am years later

> rereading it and feeling able to begin to follow it's principles. So

> far, I been able to eat what I want when I'm hungry for 2 days. That

> is the best I've done for myself in a long time. I also went back to

> OA a few weeks ago. I guess that's all about me in a nutshell. I

> look forward to getting to know you all.

> I do have one question for you though. I was reading the thread

> hungry all the time and a couple of posts said eat until you are

> full. I have been checking my hunger against a 1 (starving) to 10

> (ready to explode) scale, 5 being neither hungry nor not hungry. I

> eat when I feel around 2-3 and try to stop between 5 and 6, 7 at the

> very most. I definately don't feel full but I also no longer feel

> hungry at that point. Am I supposed to eat until I'm full or just

> until I'm not hungry anymore. I realize I need to do what I feel

> comfortable with but I would like to know what the actual guidelines

> are.

> Thanks and nice to meet you all.

> Carol

>