Guest guest Posted May 30, 2001 Report Share Posted May 30, 2001 If I understand the reasoning for doing the procedure in 2 stages, is that some doctors feel that it is safer if you have a high BMI. I know that I am new to the " switched world " but, my BMI was between 68 and 69 and my doctor never once suggested that I have it done in two parts. I did have an open procedure but everything went great. I am eating, drinking fluids and walking. I feel great execpt being tired after doing anything and from what I understand that is normal for the operation. I think if you have some doubts or questions about having it done in 2 steps you should check with another surgeon. I know that is a hassle, but not as big of a hassle as having a procedure you really do not want and may not be happy with. Ellen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2001 Report Share Posted May 30, 2001 Kathy, I hope your surgeon is right, but the research so far says the odds are against you Let me say that I want the entire DS to set the record straight for me personally. However we do not have health insurance and haven't for over 10 years now. My dh is a full time pastor and I have been a stay at home mom to 8 children for 12 years. When I first looked into WLS I found that the Dept. of Rehabilitative Services will pay for surgery when medically necessary. I began a 5 1/2month process to have this surgery approved through DRS and have come to find out they will not pay the amount that the entire DS costs. At 317 pounds and caring for 8 children under 14 on a day to day basis I made the choice ( as difficult as it was to make ) to have the VG done with hopes to find a way to complete the surgery real soon. My decision was based on the fact that I cannot live like this any more. Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful. I am starting nursing school in August and cannot even fit into the desks so for me, I need whatever assistance I can get at this point. Do I want the entire DS????? Most definitely, do I realize the odds are against me??? Most definitely I do. I have battled this weight for 30 years now so I know all about weight gain and loss etc. I only pray that I will be able to find a job while I attend school that will have health benefits and maybe I can get approval for the second part of the DS right away. This battle and journey for me has not been an easy one by any stretch of the imagination and I am also using as much as I can with behaviour modification along the way. I started a vigorous exercise program at a gym which I never did before in my life and I will be attending counseling after surgery for 10 weeks to help get to some of the root problems of my eating compulsively. Maybe I will not be one of the people who are blessed with a good insurance company that will pay $25,000 for the entire DS, but since God has provided a way for me to at least have the VG done, I will be eternally grateful to Him and trust that He has not brought me this far to leave me. Kathy B Dr Elariny June 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2001 Report Share Posted May 30, 2001 Maybe I will not be one of the people who are blessed with a good insurance company that will pay $25,000 for the entire DS, but since God has provided a way for me to at least have the VG done, I will be eternally grateful to Him and trust that He has not brought me this far to leave me. Kathy B Have you thought about the dr in Spain? I've heard its about $11,000 plus your airfare. Still alot...but better than $25000.00 plus! Mexico has a dr my neighbor went to for $5000.00. He is very known for the VG I think. I know how you feel...once you've made up your mind and know its available you want to get moving and move on with it. Good luck! ~~* AJ *~~ BMI 58 NW Washington Medical DR Heap, Richland WA Working on 1st appeal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2001 Report Share Posted May 30, 2001 Good luck to you. I have a friend who regained her weight after the VBG. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. in Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: kathysyear2001@... Kathy, I hope your surgeon is right, but the research so far says the odds are against youLet me say that I want the entire DS to set the record straight for me personally. However we do not have health insurance and haven't for over 10 years now. My dh is a full time pastor and I have been a stay at home mom to 8 children for 12 years. When I first looked into WLS I found that the Dept. of Rehabilitative Services will pay for surgery when medically necessary. I began a 5 1/2month process to have this surgery approved through DRS and have come to find out they will not pay the amount that the entire DS costs. At 317 pounds and caring for 8 children under 14 on a day to day basis I made the choice ( as difficult as it was to make ) to have the VG done with hopes to find a way to complete the surgery real soon. My decision was based on the fact that I cannot live like this any more. Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful. I am starting nursing school in August and cannot even fit into the desks so for me, I need whatever assistance I can get at this point. Do I want the entire DS????? Most definitely, do I realize the odds are against me??? Most definitely I do. I have battled this weight for 30 years now so I know all about weight gain and loss etc. I only pray that I will be able to find a job while I attend school that will have health benefits and maybe I can get approval for the second part of the DS right away. This battle and journey for me has not been an easy one by any stretch of the imagination and I am also using as much as I can with behaviour modification along the way. I started a vigorous exercise program at a gym which I never did before in my life and I will be attending counseling after surgery for 10 weeks to help get to some of the root problems of my eating compulsively. Maybe I will not be one of the people who are blessed with a good insurance company that will pay $25,000 for the entire DS, but since God has provided a way for me to at least have the VG done, I will be eternally grateful to Him and trust that He has not brought me this far to leave me. Kathy B Dr Elariny June 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2001 Report Share Posted May 31, 2001 Praise God Kathy B. I feel the same way that you do. Thank God for His Mercy and Grace. I will have the VGB July 10 with Dr. Elariny. Being a mother of 5 girls, at age 40, and weighing 413 I will be grateful to get of 100 lbs. I have struggled with this weight issue all my life and now the Lord has blessed me to get rid of it forever. I say THANK YOU JESUS and look forward to the second part. Re: 2 stages, twice the risk Good luck to you. I have a friend who regained her weight after the VBG. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. in Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: kathysyear2001@... Kathy, I hope your surgeon is right, but the research so far says the odds are against youLet me say that I want the entire DS to set the record straight for me personally. However we do not have health insurance and haven't for over 10 years now. My dh is a full time pastor and I have been a stay at home mom to 8 children for 12 years. When I first looked into WLS I found that the Dept. of Rehabilitative Services will pay for surgery when medically necessary. I began a 5 1/2month process to have this surgery approved through DRS and have come to find out they will not pay the amount that the entire DS costs. At 317 pounds and caring for 8 children under 14 on a day to day basis I made the choice ( as difficult as it was to make ) to have the VG done with hopes to find a way to complete the surgery real soon. My decision was based on the fact that I cannot live like this any more. Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful. I am starting nursing school in August and cannot even fit into the desks so for me, I need whatever assistance I can get at this point. Do I want the entire DS????? Most definitely, do I realize the odds are against me??? Most definitely I do. I have battled this weight for 30 years now so I know all about weight gain and loss etc. I only pray that I will be able to find a job while I attend school that will have health benefits and maybe I can get approval for the second part of the DS right away. This battle and journey for me has not been an easy one by any stretch of the imagination and I am also using as much as I can with behaviour modification along the way. I started a vigorous exercise program at a gym which I never did before in my life and I will be attending counseling after surgery for 10 weeks to help get to some of the root problems of my eating compulsively. Maybe I will not be one of the people who are blessed with a good insurance company that will pay $25,000 for the entire DS, but since God has provided a way for me to at least have the VG done, I will be eternally grateful to Him and trust that He has not brought me this far to leave me. Kathy B Dr Elariny June 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2001 Report Share Posted May 31, 2001 Forward To Kathy B Re: 2 stages, twice the risk Good luck to you. I have a friend who regained her weight after the VBG. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. in Seattle ----- Original Message ----- From: kathysyear2001@... Kathy, I hope your surgeon is right, but the research so far says the odds are against youLet me say that I want the entire DS to set the record straight for me personally. However we do not have health insurance and haven't for over 10 years now. My dh is a full time pastor and I have been a stay at home mom to 8 children for 12 years. When I first looked into WLS I found that the Dept. of Rehabilitative Services will pay for surgery when medically necessary. I began a 5 1/2month process to have this surgery approved through DRS and have come to find out they will not pay the amount that the entire DS costs. At 317 pounds and caring for 8 children under 14 on a day to day basis I made the choice ( as difficult as it was to make ) to have the VG done with hopes to find a way to complete the surgery real soon. My decision was based on the fact that I cannot live like this any more. Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful. I am starting nursing school in August and cannot even fit into the desks so for me, I need whatever assistance I can get at this point. Do I want the entire DS????? Most definitely, do I realize the odds are against me??? Most definitely I do. I have battled this weight for 30 years now so I know all about weight gain and loss etc. I only pray that I will be able to find a job while I attend school that will have health benefits and maybe I can get approval for the second part of the DS right away. This battle and journey for me has not been an easy one by any stretch of the imagination and I am also using as much as I can with behaviour modification along the way. I started a vigorous exercise program at a gym which I never did before in my life and I will be attending counseling after surgery for 10 weeks to help get to some of the root problems of my eating compulsively. Maybe I will not be one of the people who are blessed with a good insurance company that will pay $25,000 for the entire DS, but since God has provided a way for me to at least have the VG done, I will be eternally grateful to Him and trust that He has not brought me this far to leave me. Kathy B Dr Elariny June 18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2001 Report Share Posted May 31, 2001 " Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful. " I hear ya... best of luck Kathy. Who knows, your school might offer student medical coverage, mine did. I like to think Drs could be compassionate and do pro bono work when situations like yours arose where someone didnt have medical insurance... I am sure some must exist..but I have never run across one... more often than not Drs are dropping negotiated fees with ins co's as they arent high enough and making patients suffer by having them paying in full instead! ... as long as the Drs get their money, and at top fees with such a demand. mary bmi 68 corona, ca pre op 6/27/01 cigna ppo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2001 Report Share Posted May 31, 2001 "Everything in my life is suffering and even if I only am able to get off 100 lbs right now I will be grateful." I hear ya... best of luck Kathy. Who knows, your school might offer student medical coverage, mine did. Thanks very much . Kathy B Dr. Elariny June 18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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