Obesity surgery

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had an opinion about Oprah, 20/20,
and other shows taking on the topic of WLS? On one hand, I’m glad
because it helps to keep people informed. Maybe it will change the
way people will view obesity (fat and lazy people who can’t stop
stuffing their faces), and maybe it will show the medical/insurance
community that it is a fairly safe and plausible treatment for life-
long obesity.

On the other hand, I’m not so sure…I’m afraid that WLS will become
a cosmetic thing, and the focus will be shifted from it being a life-
saving move to something fat people do because they’re too weak to do
it for themselves, and they want to fit into a size 10! Shoot, I’m
already getting backlash from my family whom thinks I’m doing this
because it’s trendy. I’m sorry, but I never thought having surgery
was the next "in thing"…
(more…)

In response to Machelle’s questions,
As someone else mentioned insurance coverage depends completely upon
your insurance co., and the terms of your policy. Some people whose
insurance really does not cover this procedure have appealed denials
and been granted coverage based on medical neccesity. Some companies
won’t approve this type of procedure for anybody for any reason. I
have heard that Aetna is one of the best companies and the easiest one
to obtain approval from.

You also asked about the emotional overeating after surgery. This
procedure of course does not change your brain although some people
say they feel so good after surgery that they have no desire to
overeat anymore. I am an emotional eater and know that I will
probably still have to deal with that carefully after surgery. My
surgeon does open RNY and places a band at the bottom of the pouch.
(more…)

Welcome to the group. I’m 42 y/o mother of 4 (ranging from 19years to
22mos). My BMI is 46. I have a date for surgery with Dr Laurie’ in Pasadena
CA on April 29th.

I have a question. I’ld like to know what kind of diet your dietician has
you on. How long was it before you had solid food.

Thanks, Rebecca

Hello,
I am waiting on insurance approval, but am very nervous but yet
really excited about this journey. I am asking for support along the
way. If anyone would like to email me, I would greatly appreciate the
support.

Thanks,

Hey everybody! I have a question for those of you post-op…have you
had any problem dealing with the "head hunger"? I guess like a lot
of overweight people taking this journey, I have had to take a long
hard look at myself and for the 1st time in 19 years, I am admitting
that some, if not all my weight was caused by "Emotional Eating".
Mad at the husband - have an extra helping at dinner. Stressful day
at work - have a candy bar from the machine. Kids won’t do what I
say - have a bowl of ice cream. I guess I am worried about handling
those kind of issues. I am considering going for some counseling.
Any and all advise and comments welcome. Thanks - Sharon

I am a lurker here since the special on 20/20 (so not for very long),
I havn’t discussed this with my father or sister due to the fact that
I know waht they will have the same reaction as you, I wanted to let
you know that even though I will probably not have the support from my
family and even some friends that this surgery will help me get backa
life that I lived but never got to enjoy. I do not want to set on the
sidelines anymore I want to be out int he world (exploring) but due to
the extreme embarassment that I had in Jan 2001 (first ime on a plane
in 2 years and I was able to sit without a seat belt extension) when I
had to ask fo rthe seat belt extension (twice because of the thin
attendant "didn’t" hear me), I was mortified and since then have not
travelled or tried to plan a trip mainly due to this reason (finances
being the other)…….I hope that you do read this and feel that what
others say/do can not effect YOUR decision on your health and
enjoyment of life to the fullest.
(more…)

Can anyone tell me if they have had this surgery in Michigan by Dr.
James Sapala. He uses a Mirco Pouch 1-2cc size instead of the normal
30cc size. Is he a good Doctor for this surgery and is this type of
Roux en Y gastric Bypass a good one to go with. Any opinions
appreciated.

Ron

Maybe she doesn’t get it. I sure would like to see her do a show on it though.
I know , that until I started researching it I always thought it was the easy
way out, but now I know better. It is SOOO not the easy way out. I tend to
think and feel that there are alot of people out there that still think this
way, but, oh well. So much more goes into this.

Jaye

What I’ve heard Oprah say is that she doesn’t advocate the surgery. That’s
fine but this came on the heels of one of her guests listing a litany of
horrible side effects of the surgery including that one "smells" after the
surgery. Oprah allowed this to go out as true information on her show
without the other side being represented.

This is the only time I heard her say anything negative about WLS, but I have
a friend who also has heard her say negative things about the surgery.

I have had patients switched to liquid prozac. I’ve already spoken to my
pharmicist so that he wont be surprised when I give him a new prescription
for liquid prozac.

My dietician suggested that any meds I take should be crushed and was very
surprised to learn it came in liquid form. It’s exactly the same medication
in a liquid suspension, typically used for people with feeding tubes and
difficulty swallowing.

If you are still at a point that you require crushing your meds your doc will
probably keep you on liquid forms that are available.