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Thread: Just Shoot Me.

  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
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    Default Just Shoot Me.

    Oh for the love of God. I went to my LAST nutrition class today and was told how great I have done, you've lost 24 pounds, keep up the good work, blah, blah blah, then I am asked what is the biggest meal I eat per day. (Uh, biggest? The diet they put me on is only a morsel of meat; 2 oz at lunch and dinner and all the steamed veggies, lettuce greens I want. If that's considered biggest, OK). So I told her: dinner (which is 5 pm), I eat the tuna or chicken and broccoli, sometimes cottage cheese added to it.) She said something about "I told you to eat the biggest meal in the morning; lunch minuscule; and dinner, light." Say what!? I do NOT recall this conversation EVER... and this isn't even the nutritionist talking. It's the nurse I see before the NUT (and she is the surgeon's sister.) Then, she tells me she has had nothing but trouble with my insurance (and it isn't my medical health insurance.) It's that I have Medicare Part A (hospitalization only.) My insurance people, when I talked to them last week, said they spoke to her (nurse at office) and I am thinking she just doesn't get it. She tells me how she has to hang on hold forever and has spoken to 4 different people, yet tells me 'not to worry about it." WTH? I have gone through all my classes. Had blood tests/breath tests; upper GI, psych exam, the extra personal nutrtionist's one on one visit which was an additional charge; my Echo is scheduled in another week or so, and she is telling me not to worry.

    I was always under the impression that if you have Medicare Part A, that kicks in ONCE you are admitted to a hospital. (I had an emergency appendectomy 11 years ago and that's what happened.) You don't get pre-authorization for a stay. You go, and the billing department submits the charges to Medicare, then my insurance would be billed for whatever isn't covered, hospital stay-wise. I don't understand what she is trying to do because I have a great health insurance plan that is working with me.

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    What do they have you on a 500 calorie diet? What you're eating sounds so extreme!

    I'm not sure about any of the insurance stuff but the nurse shouldn't be complaining to you about it!



    Surgery Day Weight 1/11: 300
    Month 1: -34 pounds, -25 inches

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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Gah!!! I hate people like that. I would not sweat the order in which you are eating the meals. I do understand that you should eat your lightest meal at night but in all honesty, that is not going to have anything to do with the sleeve in the beginning. Maybe way down the road in maintenance. I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it all goes smoothly. She is not leaving me with a warm fuzzy feeling. Big hugs Lori! And breathe!



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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member ghost_ryder's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Some people cannot think outside of their little box. I hope you get everything straight with them.



    HW - 341 - June 1
    SW - 319 - 8/23 (-22)
    1mn - 286 - Sept 23 (-33) -total 55
    2mn - 274 - Oct 23 (-12) -total 67
    3mn - 263 - Nov 23 (-11) -total 78
    6mn - 238 - Feb 23(-25) - total 103
    9mn - 230 - May 23 (-8) - Total 111
    10mn - 226 - June 23 (-4) Total 115
    11mn - 226 - July 23 (0) Total 115

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  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Sandra3's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    It is stressful for you, the surgery is coming. The nurse is not the nutritionist and should mind her own business.
    Insurance issues can be really frustrating, but as far as your part is done, the struggle for your staff's doctor is not your problem. They are paid to take care of it. Not you.
    Now, the fact that she is the surgeon's sister is interesting. Because sibling rivalry does exist even when people are grown up, and the fact that he is "the hand" in the business might make her want to take more space in an other way. Meaning that her behavior is probably not related to you, she is just acting that way because of other issues...
    It's always good to keep a distance and think that what's happening around you is probably not because of you. Because most of the time it's not. Took me years to realize it. People have their own agenda. So don't take it personally and let it slide. Focus on your progress, you are doing great and that's the most important!

    But I'm wondering about nutrition:
    Do you know how much protein you are eating per day? it doesn't seem that with 2oz of meat you are going to reach 60gr per day.
    I did notice and also read about it, that when eating a breakfast with more protein, I'm eating less later in the day. Usually it works well if I have some eggs. For some reason my protein shake is not as good as eggs doing that job. The only problem is that usually I can only eat one egg so I have to watch my protein intake after. Plus right now we have the bird flu in Taiwan, so no more eggs for a while...
    Take care.


    HW : 150 kgs
    09/02/2014 : 142 /1st apt
    01/20/2016 : 134 /surgery
    01/30/2016 : 130 /1st post-op
    02/27/2016 : 126 /2nd
    04/23/2016 : 118 /3rd
    07/16/2016 : 109 / 4th
    10/01/2016 : 103 /5th
    01/21/2017 : 98 /1 year post-op
    February 2017 : 100 lbs lost
    07/22/2017 : 96
    10/21/2017 : 93
    12/22/2017 : 91
    01/02/2018 : 96!! regain (medication)

  10. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  11. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Lori
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Quote Originally Posted by Luna354 View Post
    What do they have you on a 500 calorie diet? What you're eating sounds so extreme!

    I'm not sure about any of the insurance stuff but the nurse shouldn't be complaining to you about it!
    1200 calories a day. And it's hard making that most days. Now she's saying I need to eat light at dinner? How much lighter can I go and hit 1200 calories. My husband told me "you're doing good, just do what you've been doing and still follow their plan." Oh, and this afternoon she called and said "I don't want you worrying about anything, that's my job. You won't be denied, it's just getting through this part." I guess she knew that I was freaked out today. At least she called.... but don't tell me how long you have to wait on hold for my insurance people.

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

  12. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Lori
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Quote Originally Posted by Christie13 View Post
    Gah!!! I hate people like that. I would not sweat the order in which you are eating the meals. I do understand that you should eat your lightest meal at night but in all honesty, that is not going to have anything to do with the sleeve in the beginning. Maybe way down the road in maintenance. I am keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that it all goes smoothly. She is not leaving me with a warm fuzzy feeling. Big hugs Lori! And breathe!
    Thanks! I need the hug!

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

  13. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Lori
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    03/24/2017
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    Dr. Teng
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Quote Originally Posted by Sandra3 View Post
    It is stressful for you, the surgery is coming. The nurse is not the nutritionist and should mind her own business.
    Insurance issues can be really frustrating, but as far as your part is done, the struggle for your staff's doctor is not your problem. They are paid to take care of it. Not you.
    Now, the fact that she is the surgeon's sister is interesting. Because sibling rivalry does exist even when people are grown up, and the fact that he is "the hand" in the business might make her want to take more space in an other way. Meaning that her behavior is probably not related to you, she is just acting that way because of other issues...
    It's always good to keep a distance and think that what's happening around you is probably not because of you. Because most of the time it's not. Took me years to realize it. People have their own agenda. So don't take it personally and let it slide. Focus on your progress, you are doing great and that's the most important!

    But I'm wondering about nutrition:
    Do you know how much protein you are eating per day? it doesn't seem that with 2oz of meat you are going to reach 60gr per day.
    I did notice and also read about it, that when eating a breakfast with more protein, I'm eating less later in the day. Usually it works well if I have some eggs. For some reason my protein shake is not as good as eggs doing that job. The only problem is that usually I can only eat one egg so I have to watch my protein intake after. Plus right now we have the bird flu in Taiwan, so no more eggs for a while...
    Take care.
    I'm learning the office is family oriented. Surgeon, his sister isn't quite a nurse, I was told she was a pharmacist and does insurance, his brother is the anesthesiologist, and his mother is at the front desk.
    My protein varies from from 60 to 75g a day. Yeah, the chicken is 11g (2 oz.); 2 eggs 12 g; tuna 11g (2 oz) ; Orowheat thin sandwich 8g; but the PREMIERE shakes are 30g and I eat a pure protein bar 20g. There's other foods in there too, (occasionally string cheese, 7 g). I recently started eating 3 oz of meat because, mama mia, I'm hungry!!!

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

  14. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member Sandra3's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Quote Originally Posted by DesrtGal View Post
    I'm learning the office is family oriented. Surgeon, his sister isn't quite a nurse, I was told she was a pharmacist and does insurance, his brother is the anesthesiologist, and his mother is at the front desk.
    My protein varies from from 60 to 75g a day. Yeah, the chicken is 11g (2 oz.); 2 eggs 12 g; tuna 11g (2 oz) ; Orowheat thin sandwich 8g; but the PREMIERE shakes are 30g and I eat a pure protein bar 20g. There's other foods in there too, (occasionally string cheese, 7 g). I recently started eating 3 oz of meat because, mama mia, I'm hungry!!!
    The sister is a pharmacist doing insurance!! no wonder she is frustrated! going through 8 years of studies to do a job that requires one year training...for sure they have other issues here, just don't worry and let it slide!!
    At least she called back...may be she felt guilty or realized her behavior was not appropriate?

    Your nutrition is excellent!! see nothing to worry about!

    Surgery is coming, it's normal to be stressful. I was sleepless for day. Just try to relax and look at all the good and positive you accomplished so far. You are doing great and since you can follow your nutrition plan, I'm sure you will do great for the sleeve as well. It's all very good!! have a great week end!


    HW : 150 kgs
    09/02/2014 : 142 /1st apt
    01/20/2016 : 134 /surgery
    01/30/2016 : 130 /1st post-op
    02/27/2016 : 126 /2nd
    04/23/2016 : 118 /3rd
    07/16/2016 : 109 / 4th
    10/01/2016 : 103 /5th
    01/21/2017 : 98 /1 year post-op
    February 2017 : 100 lbs lost
    07/22/2017 : 96
    10/21/2017 : 93
    12/22/2017 : 91
    01/02/2018 : 96!! regain (medication)

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  16. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member ghost_ryder's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    That sounds like a confusing mess of an office. I could never do that. How do you fire/reprimand your sister, brother, or mother for not doing their job correctly?



    HW - 341 - June 1
    SW - 319 - 8/23 (-22)
    1mn - 286 - Sept 23 (-33) -total 55
    2mn - 274 - Oct 23 (-12) -total 67
    3mn - 263 - Nov 23 (-11) -total 78
    6mn - 238 - Feb 23(-25) - total 103
    9mn - 230 - May 23 (-8) - Total 111
    10mn - 226 - June 23 (-4) Total 115
    11mn - 226 - July 23 (0) Total 115

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  18. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Sandra3's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    Quote Originally Posted by ghost_ryder View Post
    That sounds like a confusing mess of an office. I could never do that. How do you fire/reprimand your sister, brother, or mother for not doing their job correctly?
    You can't reprimand your sister! or after she will tell the patients that "she had to hang forever on the phone" and make them feel bad!


    HW : 150 kgs
    09/02/2014 : 142 /1st apt
    01/20/2016 : 134 /surgery
    01/30/2016 : 130 /1st post-op
    02/27/2016 : 126 /2nd
    04/23/2016 : 118 /3rd
    07/16/2016 : 109 / 4th
    10/01/2016 : 103 /5th
    01/21/2017 : 98 /1 year post-op
    February 2017 : 100 lbs lost
    07/22/2017 : 96
    10/21/2017 : 93
    12/22/2017 : 91
    01/02/2018 : 96!! regain (medication)

  19. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    That's a very weird surgical / medical set-up. That means greatly reduced likelihood of accountability, process improvements, quality controls, etc.

    Truly weird.

    If you're determined to stay with this practice, just tell 'em what you think they want to hear and do what you need to do to get your surgery.

    But it ain't ideal.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

  20. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member DesertGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Lori
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    This surgeon is highly recommended here, has done close to 2,000 gastric surgeries (also a general surgeon as well, a lot of breast cancer surgeries), is the director of the bariatric department at the hospital, but it's the office part I'm wondering about. I would think the gal doing the insurance - submitting everything/getting prior approval- knows the ropes. Fingers crossed when I go in Monday I have good news.

    Height: 5'8"
    Highest Weight: 270 BMI 40.3
    Day of Surgery Weight: 223 / Pre-Op nutrition diet: LOST 47 pounds
    1 Month Weight: 202 (-21 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 64 pounds
    2 Month: Weight: 188 (-14 lbs.) TOTAL LOST: 78 pounds
    6 Month Weight: 169 (-2) BMI: 25.7 TOTAL LOST: 97 pounds
    "If you can't laugh at yourself, life's going to seem a whole lot longer."

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  22. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member ghost_ryder's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
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    Greg
    Surgery date
    08/23/2016
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    Dr Doyle
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    My problem with it is that the surgeon while important is only part of it. If they are there solely through nepotism then they are risking helping you to your full potential. I'm not saying that's what will happen. Likely, they are very good at their jobs and have never seen an insurance setup like yours. My doc was dumbfounded when I came back to the ER with an Ileus. After all her surgeries, she had never had a gastric patient have that happen but I trusted her to find the answers. Fortunately, the worst that will happen with the sister is you get a bill for $20,000 that you have to get straight with the insurance companies.

    Ions ago, I had knee surgery (Dec 30, 1987) and about two years later I got a bill from the doctor because Worker's Comp denied the claim. When I went through the bill, they had dated my surgery as Dec 30, 1988. I told then to correct the date and resubmit. Two more years later, I got a call from a bill collector asking for payment. I said to the jerk, "do want to make the easiest money you have made all day?" "yes". "Fine, change the date to Dec 30, 1987 and resubmit. I did not work for that company on Dec 30, 1988 so naturally it was denied. I told the doctors office to do that two years ago." Never heard from anyone again.



    HW - 341 - June 1
    SW - 319 - 8/23 (-22)
    1mn - 286 - Sept 23 (-33) -total 55
    2mn - 274 - Oct 23 (-12) -total 67
    3mn - 263 - Nov 23 (-11) -total 78
    6mn - 238 - Feb 23(-25) - total 103
    9mn - 230 - May 23 (-8) - Total 111
    10mn - 226 - June 23 (-4) Total 115
    11mn - 226 - July 23 (0) Total 115

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  24. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member
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    Default Re: Just Shoot Me.

    I went into the program expecting experts on obesity, nutrition, and weight loss and discovered a few of them to be complete idiots with no people skills. They scared the crap out of me way more then the surgery. I couldn't believe someone put them in charge of anything. Thankfully I loved my surgeon, he just needed a new office team. I jumped through their hoops, smiled a lot with my mouth shut and got through. It would have been nice to have a different experience but I didn't. they were terrible. Hang in there.


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