Re: newbie question

[Guest guest]

Hello:

I'm just in the beginning process of getting approval from my

insurance company (wish me luck!) and have a few questions that I'm hoping

someone on this message board can help me out with.

First of all, I'm really glad to read all your positive comments on

this board. I do get a little overwhelmed when I see what paperwork lies

ahead of me, tho.

My personal physician has written a letter to my insurance company-

they have replied back that they need additional information. Also, I have

seen the psychologist and he is writing his letter to my personal physician.

What should be my next step? I live in the S.F. Bay area if that is any

help.

When the insurance company wrote back to my physician, I didn't

understand how to comply with one of the paragraphs - " Evidence that the

patient is currently enrolled in a structured program that addresses the

psychological, behavioral, nutritional and exercise needs of the patient with

evidence of compliance. This program must continue postsurgery. "

Neither the psychologist or my physician understand just what they

are asking for. Have any of you experienced this question?

Is my physician correct in referring to the DS as " Gastric Bypass

Surgery " or should I correct her?

I want this surgery so badly, only the rest of you can empathize with

me and understand how I feel. It is all I think about.

Thanks for any help you can offer; I hope this is the proper forum to

ask these questions.

[Guest guest]

,

I live right outside of the city...so if you would like to talk on

the phone, I would be happy to share whatever information that I can

with you. Just drop me note at timarie@... and we can gab on

the phone. Also, there are two great docs in San Franicsco, Dr.

Jossart and Dr. Rabkin. I would like to invite you to join their

message boards and you will meet some fantastic local folks who will

answer all your questions and help you locally.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Jossart

and Dr. Rabkin's board:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_PacificLaparoscopy

We can answer some specific bay area questions, as well as a lot of

us who are on this big board too!

Oh, Dr. K is down in Delano and an exceptional surgeon also. His

board is at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DS_Keshishian

Congratulations on starting your exploration and I hope to welcome

you to the " switched " side! Oh, and you might want to let folks know

what type of insurance you have and your IPA!

Hugs,

Theresa

DS 11-19-01

Dr. Jossart

-13#s

> Hello:

> I'm just in the beginning process of getting approval from

my

> insurance company (wish me luck!) and have a few questions that I'm

hoping

> someone on this message board can help me out with.

> First of all, I'm really glad to read all your positive

comments on

> this board. I do get a little overwhelmed when I see what

paperwork lies

> ahead of me, tho.

> My personal physician has written a letter to my insurance

company-

> they have replied back that they need additional information.

Also, I have

> seen the psychologist and he is writing his letter to my personal

physician.

> What should be my next step? I live in the S.F. Bay area if that

is any

> help.

> When the insurance company wrote back to my physician, I

didn't

> understand how to comply with one of the paragraphs - " Evidence

that the

> patient is currently enrolled in a structured program that

addresses the

> psychological, behavioral, nutritional and exercise needs of the

patient with

> evidence of compliance. This program must continue postsurgery. "

> Neither the psychologist or my physician understand just

what they

> are asking for. Have any of you experienced this question?

> Is my physician correct in referring to the DS as " Gastric

Bypass

> Surgery " or should I correct her?

> I want this surgery so badly, only the rest of you can

empathize with

> me and understand how I feel. It is all I think about.

> Thanks for any help you can offer; I hope this is the proper

forum to

> ask these questions.

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

First, " Gastric bypass surgery " is misleading. It could be used with either the

DS or the RNY, although it's more of a RNY term than a DS term when you think

about it. I would have the physician spell out " BPD/DS " specifically to avoid

the insurance company approving the RNY and not the DS.

Second, the paragraph that you don't understand seems to be indicating that the

insurance wants to see evidence of attendance of some sort of support group.

They want to make sure that the patient isn't looking at the surgery as just

" slice and dice " and that's IT. Are you a member of a group like OA or TOPS, or

do you see a psychologist periodically? I think that attendance of a local DS

surgeon's support groups might count as well. Then again, who can tell what's

going on in the insurance " mind. "

Third, the SF Bay Area is probably the 2nd best place to be in the country when

it comes to DS surgeons because your choices are the greatest with Drs. R and J

in the City, Dr. K down in Delano, and Dr. A in LA. (NYC would be the best

place to be if you're looking for choice.) Since you're just starting out, I

would recommend joining the Yahoogroups for all 4 CA surgeons because that will

give you an appropriate forum for asking specific questions about specific

doctors. Then again, I'd be happy to be your reference for Dr. K (since I'm

having surgery with him in <gulp> 3 weeks), and I'm sure TheresaMarieDarling can

tell you all about Dr. Jossart, Hull can fill you in on Dr. A, and there

are several who will speak on Dr. R's behalf.

Like you, I'm in the SF Bay Area (Pacifica, to be exact), and like

TheresaMarieDarling , I'm willing to chat on the phone if that would help.

Email me directly if I can be of service: alyssaj@... .

Good luck -- you've come to the right place for help!!

~alyssa

surgery date: 12/20/01

surgeon: dr. keshishian

duodenalswitch wrote:

> Hello:

I'm just in the beginning process of getting approval from my

insurance company (wish me luck!) and have a few questions that I'm hoping

someone on this message board can help me out with.

First of all, I'm really glad to read all your positive comments on

this board. I do get a little overwhelmed when I see what paperwork lies

ahead of me, tho.

My personal physician has written a letter to my insurance company-

they have replied back that they need additional information. Also, I have

seen the psychologist and he is writing his letter to my personal physician.

What should be my next step? I live in the S.F. Bay area if that is any

help.

When the insurance company wrote back to my physician, I didn't

understand how to comply with one of the paragraphs - " Evidence that the

patient is currently enrolled in a structured program that addresses the

psychological, behavioral, nutritional and exercise needs of the patient with

evidence of compliance. This program must continue postsurgery. "

Neither the psychologist or my physician understand just what they

are asking for. Have any of you experienced this question?

Is my physician correct in referring to the DS as " Gastric Bypass

Surgery " or should I correct her?

I want this surgery so badly, only the rest of you can empathize with

me and understand how I feel. It is all I think about.

Thanks for any help you can offer; I hope this is the proper forum to

ask these questions.

[Guest guest]

That's an easy one, .. www.duodenalswitch.com

Our very own runs the site and it is invaluable!!

Oh and welcome. :-)

Cheers.

Liz N.

[Guest guest]

--- lnielsen@... wrote:

> That's an easy one, .. www.duodenalswitch.com

>

> Our very own runs the site and it is

> invaluable!!

>

> Oh and welcome. :-)

>

> Cheers.

> Liz N.

>

>thanks Liz!!! :::smiling:::

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>and off I go, into the wild blue

yonder?? :::grinning:::

>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

,

Congratulations!!! My favorite sites are the following which

Magruder put together:

http://www.duodenalswitch.com/

http://www.pacificsurgery.com/

Hugs,

Theresa

Surgery date: DS Nov. 19, 2001

Highest weight: 293

Surgery weight: 251

Current weight: 232

Height: 5' 7.5 "

> Hi, everyone...I've been lurking for a couple of

> weeks, and have now definitely decided (with Theresa's

> help, :::smiling::: Thanks, kiddo!), to have BPD/DS

> with Dr. Gagner at Mt. Sinai...if he'll have me!

>

> My first ever question to the group (and I imagine

> there'll be many more), is what is the best DS site to

> research? I've found a few, but does anyone have any

> favorites?

>

> Any info would be much appreciated!

>

> Thanks!

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Dear I used to work for an internal medicine doctor, and he said

that if it lasts longer than 10-14days, or is sputum(what you cough up is

any color but clear or light yellow, or if you are running a fever or short

of breath or have any pain in the chest or back with a deep breath or all

the time you need to be seen. Dark yellow, brown, grey, or green secretions

etc, can be indicative of a bacterial infection. Usually viral infections

get progressively better and by 10-14days should be much improved and

practically gone if not totally gone. Alot of times if you are on meds that

supress your immune system you can develop a secondary bacterial infection.

If it's not contraindicated because of the meds your on you can pick up

Vitamin C sustained release(the regular vitaminC leaves your body within an

hour of taking it. Also Vit E is helpful as well as zinc throat lozenges,

for a cold. I had concerns since they stimulate your immune system, But

never had a problem taking them for a cold to get rid of it quicker.

newbie question

> Ok, here's a basic question. I have my first cold since getting RP

> so badly. What do I need to watch for? What symptoms should I call

> my doctor about?

> Thanks for any guidance, as I don't want to overreact to a simple

> cold, but I don't want it to go into my lungs.

> Thanks!

>

>

>

> DISCLAIMER!!

> WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, THEREFORE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS

RECEIVED HERE IS FROM EXPERIENCE ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING THAT IS SUGGESTED. WE ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR

PHYSICIAN AND ARE NOT TRYING TO BE. REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND

TREATMENT MAYBE DIFFERENT FOR MANY OF US. THANK YOU

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I'm so sorry that you are sick. That is no fun. I think Sue

covered all the stuff you need to know. Thanks Sue, I needed the refresher

too. This group is so great. Someone always knows the right answers. Gosh

we are all so lucky.

I hope you start to feel better soon and rest, drink plenty of water and

don't wait too long if you suspect you are getting worse. Remember, better

safe than sorry.

sending lots of get well hugs

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Sue!

> Dear I used to work for an internal medicine doctor, and

he said

> that if it lasts longer than 10-14days, or is sputum(what you cough

up is

> any color but clear or light yellow, or if you are running a fever

or short

> of breath or have any pain in the chest or back with a deep breath

or all

> the time you need to be seen. Dark yellow, brown, grey, or green

secretions

> etc, can be indicative of a bacterial infection. Usually viral

infections

> get progressively better and by 10-14days should be much improved

and

> practically gone if not totally gone. Alot of times if you are on

meds that

> supress your immune system you can develop a secondary bacterial

infection.

> If it's not contraindicated because of the meds your on you can

pick up

> Vitamin C sustained release(the regular vitaminC leaves your body

within an

> hour of taking it. Also Vit E is helpful as well as zinc throat

lozenges,

> for a cold. I had concerns since they stimulate your immune system,

But

> never had a problem taking them for a cold to get rid of it quicker.

> newbie question

>

>

> > Ok, here's a basic question. I have my first cold since getting

RP

> > so badly. What do I need to watch for? What symptoms should I

call

> > my doctor about?

> > Thanks for any guidance, as I don't want to overreact to a simple

> > cold, but I don't want it to go into my lungs.

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> > DISCLAIMER!!

> > WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, THEREFORE ANY INFORMATION THAT

IS

> RECEIVED HERE IS FROM EXPERIENCE ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR

DOCTOR

> BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING THAT IS SUGGESTED. WE ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE

FOR YOUR

> PHYSICIAN AND ARE NOT TRYING TO BE. REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT

AND

> TREATMENT MAYBE DIFFERENT FOR MANY OF US. THANK YOU

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Sue!

> Dear I used to work for an internal medicine doctor, and

he said

> that if it lasts longer than 10-14days, or is sputum(what you cough

up is

> any color but clear or light yellow, or if you are running a fever

or short

> of breath or have any pain in the chest or back with a deep breath

or all

> the time you need to be seen. Dark yellow, brown, grey, or green

secretions

> etc, can be indicative of a bacterial infection. Usually viral

infections

> get progressively better and by 10-14days should be much improved

and

> practically gone if not totally gone. Alot of times if you are on

meds that

> supress your immune system you can develop a secondary bacterial

infection.

> If it's not contraindicated because of the meds your on you can

pick up

> Vitamin C sustained release(the regular vitaminC leaves your body

within an

> hour of taking it. Also Vit E is helpful as well as zinc throat

lozenges,

> for a cold. I had concerns since they stimulate your immune system,

But

> never had a problem taking them for a cold to get rid of it quicker.

> newbie question

>

>

> > Ok, here's a basic question. I have my first cold since getting

RP

> > so badly. What do I need to watch for? What symptoms should I

call

> > my doctor about?

> > Thanks for any guidance, as I don't want to overreact to a simple

> > cold, but I don't want it to go into my lungs.

> > Thanks!

> >

> >

> >

> > DISCLAIMER!!

> > WE ARE NOT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, THEREFORE ANY INFORMATION THAT

IS

> RECEIVED HERE IS FROM EXPERIENCE ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR

DOCTOR

> BEFORE TRYING ANYTHING THAT IS SUGGESTED. WE ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE

FOR YOUR

> PHYSICIAN AND ARE NOT TRYING TO BE. REMEMBER EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT

AND

> TREATMENT MAYBE DIFFERENT FOR MANY OF US. THANK YOU

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Deb,

I think that turkey soup should be fine. Welcome to our list.

Mimi

> Hi,

>

> Tomorrow will my official day 1 of the SCD diet. Is there any reason why I

> can't substitute homemade Turkey broth for the Chicken broth? I just made a

> turkey yesterday and saved the carcass and juices.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Deb in MA

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

It depends on if you stuffed the turkey with bread stuffing or if it

was one of the Prebasted turkey that have SCD illegals injected into

the meat. If there are no illegals then the turkey broth should be

fine. Follow the directions in " Breaking the vicious cycle " (BTVC) for

making the chicken soup but substitue the turkey for chicken.

Sheila, SCD Feb. 2001, UC 23 yrs

mom of emily and

<< Tomorrow will my official day 1 of the SCD diet. Is there any

reason why I can't substitute homemade Turkey broth for the Chicken

broth? I just made a turkey yesterday and saved the carcass and juices.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Deb in MA >>

[Guest guest]

Uh oh.....I've already eaten it. So...is Butterball SCD legal? I hope I don't

have to start day one again! I didn't stuff it or use anything illegal on it.

Thanks,

Deb in MA

" Sheila Trenholm " wrote:

It depends on if you stuffed the turkey with bread stuffing or if it

was one of the Prebasted turkey that have SCD illegals injected into

the meat. If there are no illegals then the turkey broth should be

fine. Follow the directions in " Breaking the vicious cycle " (BTVC) for

making the chicken soup but substitue the turkey for chicken.

[Guest guest]

Butterball turkeys are injection-basted with a solution that tenderizes and

seasons the meat.... and it does have illegals. It's not something that could

be washed off... or cooked away. It's pretty much throughout the entire bird.

Sorry. I think you'd have to buy an all-natural turkey.... sometimes only

available in health food markets. Read your labels closely.

Patti

Re: Newbie question

Uh oh.....I've already eaten it. So...is Butterball SCD legal? I hope I don't

have to start day one again! I didn't stuff it or use anything illegal on it.

Thanks,

Deb in MA

Recent Activity

a.. 16New Members

Visit Your Group

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. So...this is going to be much more difficult

than I thought! Is there a list of SCD safe brand name meats? I

have Perdue chicken in the fridge that I planned on making. Can I

eat that? What about beef? I've got some Rib Eye for Sunday night.

What exactly is in the meat that makes it illegal? I just want to

know what I'm supposed to be looking for.

Thanks,

Deb in MA <bummed that I still haven't started day one>

>

> Butterball turkeys are injection-basted with a solution that

tenderizes and seasons the meat.... and it does have illegals. It's

not something that could be washed off... or cooked away. It's pretty

much throughout the entire bird. Sorry. I think you'd have to buy an

all-natural turkey.... sometimes only available in health food

markets. Read your labels closely.

>

> Patti

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

<< Thanks for the info. So...this is going to be much more difficult

> than I thought! Is there a list of SCD safe brand name meats? >>

No there isn't a list since this list is for those around the world

and there are hundreds of different brands. But you can ask about

certain ones and see if anyone has checked them out.

<< I have Perdue chicken in the fridge that I planned on making.

Can I > eat that? >>

I could not find out if the Perdue chicken has anything added to it.

Check for an ingredient label or check with a butcher *that you find

knowledgable and trust*.

<< What about beef? I've got some Rib Eye for Sunday night.

> What exactly is in the meat that makes it illegal? I just want to

> know what I'm supposed to be looking for. >>

Esentially all meats should be pure meat with no additives. A redflag

should go up with descriptors like " Juicy, Injected, Seasoned etc.. "

This words can indicate that SCD illegals have been added to the

meats.

Sheila, SCD Feb., 2001, UC 23 yrs

mom of and

[Guest guest]

Just make sure that it doesn't say that it contains anything else. Look on the

front and back of your steak package. It should say 100% beef. It shouldn't

list anything else. When you buy a whole chicken or turkey, just make sure that

it doesn't say anything about having a broth or solution. The frozen boneless,

skinless breasts in the bag are illegal. They're all in a solution.

Meleah

Re: Newbie question

Thanks for the info. So...this is going to be much more difficult

than I thought! Is there a list of SCD safe brand name meats? I

have Perdue chicken in the fridge that I planned on making. Can I

eat that? What about beef? I've got some Rib Eye for Sunday night.

What exactly is in the meat that makes it illegal? I just want to

know what I'm supposed to be looking for.

Thanks,

Deb in MA <bummed that I still haven't started day one>

>

> Butterball turkeys are injection-basted with a solution that

tenderizes and seasons the meat.... and it does have illegals. It's

not something that could be washed off... or cooked away. It's pretty

much throughout the entire bird. Sorry. I think you'd have to buy an

all-natural turkey.... sometimes only available in health food

markets. Read your labels closely.

>

> Patti

>