Weight Loss Surgery Questions

My Weight Loss
Surgery Questions

51-60

51. Does my having diabetes affect the recovering/healing process?

We haven't seen a big problem with wound healing in our diabetic patients, probably because open cases are rare, and the small incisions left behind from laparoscopic surgery are easy to manage. I haven't seen a difference in recovery between patients based on diabetic history.

52. I don’t have receipts for my previous weight loss attempts. My medical record should show all the info from the ‘major’ loss, Optifast. Should that be enough ‘proof’ for the insurance to approve the surgery?

Records of weight loss attempts I believe are required if patients do not meet the National Institutes of Health criteria for WLS, but don't quote me on this.

53. I’ve heard that insurance requires you to have failed at a ‘medically supervised weight loss plan.’ Does Optifast qualify for that requirement?

Once again, insurances are so individual in what they consider adequate. Obviously they felt you were a good candidate for surgery.

54. Do you know if my insurance requires a psychiatric evaluation before approving the surgery?

I spoke to my insurance and found that they DO require a psych evaluation before approval. I was given a reference to a psychologist in Denver by another WLS patient and had the evaluation done on 9/9/02.

55. If so, do you recommend a psychiatrist/psychologist for me to see?

We can recommend someone if you like.

56. What area at NCMC are patients put after surgery?

Patients go to "Three North Central" from the recovery room. Open cases go to the ICU for 24 hours.

57. Are there nurses at NCMC who have special training and understanding to care for patients after this surgery?

The nurses on 3NC are well-trained on post-op care of the bariatric patient. We usually get great reviews about our hospital nurses.

58. Probably one of my biggest concerns about this is how I will handle certain events in my work after surgery. I am involved in quite a few business lunches with consultants, insurance companies, etc., as well as going to workshops and conferences where meals are served. I want to minimize my weight and/or surgery becoming the topic of conversation at these events. How will I be able to handle that sort of thing without drawing a lot of attention to the fact that I’m not eating very much, plus not having anything to drink during the meal?

WHAT you eat does not draw attention to yourself, because you will be eating most foods everyone else can eat. What tends to "look funny" is the quantity that you eat. If you do not order a smaller meal such as an appetizer or salad, you will be leaving a substantial amount on your plate (especially with the mega-portions served at most restaurants these days). With finesse and tact, you can pull it off. You CAN drink with your meal but that will minimize the portion you can eat from the plate even more.

59. What about caffeine? Is that an ‘okay’ thing after this surgery? If not, why not?

I don't have a big problem with caffeine in healthy relatively young patients (under 60) in moderation. Patients that have palpitations, or other heart arrhythmias best not have caffeine.

60. As much as my right foot hurts and swells, walking is not a good exercise choice for me right now. I like our recumbent bike. How soon after surgery would I be able to ride it? I KNOW lifetime exercise is very important to make the weight stay off long term.

You may start on your recumbent bike the day you get home from the hospital. You will likely add walking soon thereafter...if you are like most patients, because the incessant swelling they have in their legs, ankles, and feet, tends to be one of the first things to subside post-op.

1-10 11-20 21-30 31-40

41-50 51-60 61-70

mossman2@attbi.com
Last updated on 11/1/02