Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hi! This is Debbie from Raleigh. I actually have my surgery scheduled and

have yet to submit my package or attend my clinic with Dr. R. i plan to

submit my package next week so it can be reviewed before my clinic to make

sure everything is in order. My clinic is Aug. 1 and my surgery is Aug. 4.

Good Luck.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/16/2000 7:56:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Heftygurll@... writes:

>

> Im new to the group and have been lurking for the past week or so. My

> name is and Im 29 years old from Michigan. I was going to have

> the open RNY done here, but when it was put through for insurance

> authorization they requested a letter from my PCP and asked if I would

> consider having the MGB performed instead and provided me with all the

> information. They will even cover travel expenses if I opted for that

> procedure. Anything cost saving that insurance suggests I am somewheat

>

WOW! The insurance company suggested MGB?? Hey guys..the world may finally

be catching on! What insurance company do you have??

Holly in Illinois

a scared wannabe

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/16/2000 7:55:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Heftygurll@... writes:

<< Thanks for all the info provided!!

5'11'' 336

BMI 46 >>

Wow , you're lucky to have an insurance company like that, I live in

NC and haven't been able to get mine to agree to it yet. Welcome to the group

and IMHO your Ins. Co. has done you a huge favor by recommending the MGB.

Cathy in Lenoir, NC

Pre-op

BMI 42

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[Guest guest]

Thanks Bernadine. Ive enjoyed reading everyones posts and have learned

alot. I know my insurance company has payed for several open RNY

procedures and know the expense so theyre more than happy to pay travel

expenses for us. One question I do have is why do some bariatric

surgeons still prefer the open RNY or any open procedure for that matter

when they can be done by lap? I sure wish our surgeons here did the

MGB, I know Id feel better being closer to home. Even so. Im very eager

to get things going and it seems like everything takes forever!! Oh

well... my time will come..

[Guest guest]

,

Your time will come quicker than you think, since the very hard part

is done already, the insurance approval! The rest is relatively easy

although some of the paperwork, especially the on-line form, can be a

pain in the you-know-what. Somehow we've all managed to get through

it, though. When you do the on-line form make sure to finish it all

at once, I don't think you can save it and come back to it. It helps

to review it first, gather all the information and complete it at one

time. I'd be glad to give you an example of my family letter, if

that would help. E-mail me at: beachwalkers@....

Good question why other Doctors would prefer to do the procedure open

vs. lap. I'll be far from home, too, but can't imagine having WLS

done here in Dallas. There are fine surgeons here, but they only do

the RNY or VBG and it's their choice if it's lap or open. And, they

do other general surgeries, too.

Keep your chin up and keep asking questions. You'll be glad the

insurance company sent you information on the MGB.

Best of luck,

Sincerely,

Bernardine

MGB 7/24/00

> Thanks Bernadine. Ive enjoyed reading everyones posts and have

learned

> alot. I know my insurance company has payed for several open RNY

> procedures and know the expense so theyre more than happy to pay

travel

> expenses for us. One question I do have is why do some bariatric

> surgeons still prefer the open RNY or any open procedure for that

matter

> when they can be done by lap? I sure wish our surgeons here did the

> MGB, I know Id feel better being closer to home. Even so. Im very

eager

> to get things going and it seems like everything takes forever!! Oh

> well... my time will come..

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Bernadine

I sure hope the time flies. I already filled out my on line form and my

PCP has his letter written and my family is working on theirs. I have

my physical scheduled for friday so I hope to have everything mailed out

soon. And then wait for approval. How long did it take you once you

submitted all your paperwork and had everythiing approved before your

surgery was scheduled?

[Guest guest]

It was scheduled immediately after everything was approved. The

approval of my packet was quick also.

Bern

> Bernadine

>

> I sure hope the time flies. I already filled out my on line form

and my

> PCP has his letter written and my family is working on theirs. I

have

> my physical scheduled for friday so I hope to have everything

mailed out

> soon. And then wait for approval. How long did it take you once

you

> submitted all your paperwork and had everythiing approved before

your

> surgery was scheduled?

>

>

[Guest guest]

Laparoscopic procedures require additional skill and training and some

of the docs simply haven't taken the time and effort to get trained.

Some of them also simply can't get the hang of doing surgery by watching

through a camera, rather than working hands-on.

Since *all* the current weight loss procedures are available

laparoscopically, I don't see why *anyone* would consider having an open

procedure (other than if they have scar tissue or some other problem

that causes them not to be able to have a laparoscopic procedure.)

I also suspect that this is yet another reason Dr. Rutledge gets

attacked by his NON-LAPAROSCOPIC-PERFORMING peers. They don't want to

be exposed for not doing the procedure that is best for the patient.

Heftygurll@... wrote:

>

> Thanks Bernadine. Ive enjoyed reading everyones posts and have

> learned

> alot. I know my insurance company has payed for several open RNY

> procedures and know the expense so theyre more than happy to pay

> travel

> expenses for us. One question I do have is why do some bariatric

> surgeons still prefer the open RNY or any open procedure for that

> matter

> when they can be done by lap? I sure wish our surgeons here did the

> MGB, I know Id feel better being closer to home. Even so. Im very

> eager

> to get things going and it seems like everything takes forever!! Oh

> well... my time will come..

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Actually our human resource dept suggested it. They had all the patient

info printed out as well as the sections printed out and numbered for

each step i would need... such as family letter, patient letter etc. all

put together in a nice folder for me. They gave me all the info I

needed to get started. As I said.... I tend to be very reserved when

they suggest anything cost saving... lol. But in this case I think its a

win-win situation. I work as a paramedic for a hospital / healthcare

corp that is self insured. Normally we have to stay within our

healthcare group but being we dont have anyone that performs any kind of

WLS they will cover the surgery and travel expenses 100%. I havent

been officially approved yet because they are waiting for my PCP's

letter but I dont think it will be a problem....especially since I opted

to go with the MGB. I know I have renewed faith in our healthcare

system!! I hope more insurance companies follow suit and get with the

program!!

[Guest guest]

Bernadine

Thats great to hear!! I hope your surgery goes well and maybe I wont be

far behind you!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 07/16/2000 10:51:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

fivebugsonaleaf@... writes:

<< i! This is Debbie from Raleigh. I actually have my surgery scheduled and

have yet to submit my package or attend my clinic with Dr. R. i plan to

submit my package next week so it can be reviewed before my clinic to make

sure everything is in order. My clinic is Aug. 1 and my surgery is Aug. 4.

Good Luck.

Debbie >>

Hi Debbie! Geesh that was fast!!! Glad to see you got a date! Hope all goes

well with ya! Ohhhh How did you get a date before your packet?? hmmmmmm Just

wondering?? xoxoxo Good Luck hun!! Margie Sc JULY 26th!!!!!!!!! :0)

[Guest guest]

I too am from Michigan and had the MGB Anyway, what is your insurance?

I'm wondering because I had 2 different insurance companies and sure did try

giving my 2cents in this matter with the MGB.

Deena

Heftygurll@... wrote:

> Thanks Bernadine. Ive enjoyed reading everyones posts and have learned

> alot. I know my insurance company has payed for several open RNY

> procedures and know the expense so theyre more than happy to pay travel

> expenses for us. One question I do have is why do some bariatric

> surgeons still prefer the open RNY or any open procedure for that matter

> when they can be done by lap? I sure wish our surgeons here did the

> MGB, I know Id feel better being closer to home. Even so. Im very eager

> to get things going and it seems like everything takes forever!! Oh

> well... my time will come..

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi my name is , I don't understand: I thought you had to submit your

packet before you got your surgery date. I have been waiting for my surgery

date for ages and my packet has been ready except for my mammogram results.

I received those and sent it FedEx last Thursday. Good luck to you on the

4th of Aug. My prayers are with you.

(waiting to start a new life)

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/17/00 12:03:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time,

lindat@... writes:

<< The Doc's office is closed on Friday so they won't have your packet

until today. Call Debbie or Barbara and ask for your surgery date.

Kind regards,

>>

Hey,

Every Friday? I spoke to Debbie and Barbara last Friday as I had just gotten

back from my trip and wanted to check on the status of my initial letter to

insurance That is when I found out there was a glitch and it hadn't been

sent. Debbie said she would resend it that day.

Regards,

Debbie in IL

Daughter MGB 8/9 Cigna (3rd appeal)--BMI 45

Counting on Cigna for Debbie (BMI 40) ins letter sent 7/14

[Guest guest]

The Doc's office is closed on Friday so they won't have your packet

until today. Call Debbie or Barbara and ask for your surgery date.

Kind regards,

Beamon@... wrote:

>

> Hi my name is , I don't understand: I thought you had to submit

> your

> packet before you got your surgery date. I have been waiting for my

> surgery

> date for ages and my packet has been ready except for my mammogram

> results.

> I received those and sent it FedEx last Thursday. Good luck to you on

> the

> 4th of Aug. My prayers are with you.

>

> (waiting to start a new life)

> MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

[Guest guest]

Dear Debbie from Raleigh,

My name is Laurel and I'll be in your group on the 1st. I have not yet

submitted all of my stuff. I am still awaiting medical records from prior

minor surgeries. I'l look for you on Tuesday! I'll be the fat one near the

back who seems shy at first but becomes sassier as the day goes on!

Laurel

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Most surgeons don't do the laparoscopic procedure because they aren't trained

to do it. Bariatric surgery is not necessarily included in their residency

training, much less laparoscopic bariatric surgery. I consider myself lucky

to be going to a doc who is well-trained and experienced ain the MGB. I am a

physician myself and know how important experience is to outcome. My surgery

is coming up in early August, when is yours?

Laurel

[Guest guest]

HELLO,

MY NAME IS JOYCE AND I'M RESEARCHING THIS MGB. I WEIGH

324 LBS. AND I'M ON A LIST TO GET A GASTRIC BYPASS DONE HERE

CLOSE TO ME. BUT IT WILL TAKE 3HRS. AND I'VE SEEN ALL THE THINGS

ON THIS SITE AND I'M THINKING OF CHANGING DOCTORS AND GETTING

THIS PROCEDURE DONE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE WRITE ME AND LET ME

KNOW WHERE TO START. I LIVE IN INDIANA, ACROSS THE RIVER FROM

LOUISVILLE, KY.

SINCERELY,

JOYCE

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/17/00 7:14:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Jjtoan@...

writes:

<< HELLO,

MY NAME IS JOYCE AND I'M RESEARCHING THIS MGB. I WEIGH

324 LBS. AND I'M ON A LIST TO GET A GASTRIC BYPASS DONE HERE

CLOSE TO ME. BUT IT WILL TAKE 3HRS. AND I'VE SEEN ALL THE THINGS

ON THIS SITE AND I'M THINKING OF CHANGING DOCTORS AND GETTING

THIS PROCEDURE DONE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE WRITE ME AND LET ME

KNOW WHERE TO START. I LIVE IN INDIANA, ACROSS THE RIVER FROM

LOUISVILLE, KY.

SINCERELY,

JOYCE

>>

Hi Joyce, and welcome. You wouldn't by any chance live in good old

Jeffersonville, would you? My husband is from there. IMO you should learn

all you can from the MGB website and then submit the online form. You are

having doubts and second thoughts for a reason. That little voice in your

head is leading you to a safer, better surgery-- listen to it!!! Good luck,

sweetie!

Regards,

Debbie in IL

Daughter MGB 8/9 Cigna (3rd appeal)--BMI 45

Counting on Cigna for Debbie (BMI 40) ins letter sent 7/14

[Guest guest]

DebLaMan@... wrote:

> Hey, Every Friday? I spoke to Debbie and Barbara last Friday as I had just

> gotten back from my trip and wanted to check on the status of my initial

> letter to insurance That is when I found out there was a glitch and it hadn't

> been sent. Debbie said she would resend it that day.

Well, now that's news to me! I guess it would be best to just ask them.

Maybe they aren't closed on Fridays now that they don't have to do the

Saturday clinics?

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

Welcome! I feel quite sure you will be thanking God you found this site. I

would say the very first thing you need to do is go to Dr.R's site clos.net

and read till you run out of breath! The first thing is to fill out the

patient information form on his site and send that in. Then there are about

12 steps to follow. In the meantime if you become active on this list and ask

any questions you want, we will help you in any way we can. This is a One of

a Kind support group that is loving, caring, and we voice our opinions as we

see fit!! So feel free to join in and begin a whole new journey to a

wonderful life!! Need anything please e-mail me at Mcypher31@.... I will

be glad to help in any way! Good Luck and Keep us posted! xoxoxo Margie Sc

July 26th MGB!!! :0)

[Guest guest]

Yippee! Another Barbie Wannabe!

Welcome aboard!

Kind regards,

" the Barbie Wannabe "

wippmd@... wrote:

>

> Hi! My name is Laurel and I am having MGB surgery in August. My 1st

> meeting with Dr R is Aug 1st; surgery soon after. I have already

> corresponded with many of you online. A quick synopsis of my journey

> is... I'm 33 years old and have been fat most of my life. I have

> tried every diet and exercise known to mankind with varying success.

> However, for the the past 4 1/2 years I have weighed over 200#. As I

> professed to be " accepting myself the way I am " I watched my weight

> creep up and up and became less and less happy with myself. I am

> agood person, I am a loving daughter/sister/auntie & friend. I am a

> compassionate and competetent physician (Family Medicine). I am fat.

> I don't want to wake up thinking about that and go to sleep thinking

> about that and spend much of my day feeling self-conscious about that

> anymore. I don't want to avoid mirrors and cameras. I want to go on

> hiking or scuba diving vacations with my loved ones and not avoid

> them because of my weight. I want a fresh start. I know MGB surgery

> is not a panacea. It is, however, a tool for me to rediscover myself

> and start fully experiencing life again. I look forward to talking

> with y'all in the future!

> Laurel

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------

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>

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[Guest guest]

Thanks a lot!!!!!! i had no idea they were not open on Friday's. I have been

on pins and needles for nothing. How long does it usually take once they

receive your information? Will they call me or what? How are you doing?

Please let me know. Thanks again for that info. I have been checking my

mail all day. I have been a pitiful mess. You see what time it is. I just

can't even think of sleep. You take care of yourself and may God bless you

is my prayer.

(waiting to start a new life)

[Guest guest]

Beamon@... wrote:

>

> Thanks a lot!!!!!! i had no idea they were not open on Friday's. I

> have been

> on pins and needles for nothing. How long does it usually take once

> they

> receive your information? Will they call me or what? How are you

> doing?

> Please let me know. Thanks again for that info. I have been checking

> my

> mail all day. I have been a pitiful mess. You see what time it is.

> I just

> can't even think of sleep. You take care of yourself and may God

> bless you

> is my prayer.

>

>

> (waiting to start a new life)

Somebody else said they *are* open on Fridays now. I'm guessing they

used to be closed on Fridays when they were doing clinic on Saturdays,

but now they do clinic on Tuesdays.

Best bet is to just call, which is what you should do to get your date

anyway!

Best wishes!

[Guest guest]

Jjtoan@... wrote:

>

> HELLO,

> MY NAME IS JOYCE AND I'M RESEARCHING THIS MGB. I WEIGH

> 324 LBS. AND I'M ON A LIST TO GET A GASTRIC BYPASS DONE HERE

> CLOSE TO ME. BUT IT WILL TAKE 3HRS. AND I'VE SEEN ALL THE THINGS

> ON THIS SITE AND I'M THINKING OF CHANGING DOCTORS AND GETTING

> THIS PROCEDURE DONE. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE WRITE ME AND LET ME

> KNOW WHERE TO START. I LIVE IN INDIANA, ACROSS THE RIVER FROM

> LOUISVILLE, KY.

>

> SINCERELY,

> JOYCE

>

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> Please visit our web site at http://clos.net

> Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm

>

> To Unsubscribe Send and Email to: MiniGastricBypass-unsubscribe (AT) egroups (DOT) com

Hi Joyce,

Welcome to the beginning of a new life. My name is Dena Lawton. I had

the MGB on July 12th and am doing fine. I am 52 and weighed 350. My

surgery took 40 minutes.

If you want to check this procedure out, go to the web sight,

" clos.net. " Click on start here on the left hand side and start your

journey. The web sight is quite extensive. You will have a good time

exploring it. Good luck and let me know what you think.

Dena Lawton