I just want to reach out to the Military Vet community and let you all know we are here to support you. I myself went through the frustration of going to the entire approval process 3 times. (I chickened out the first two times). It is a big decision and I have to say, I really did not feel that confident until the last one when I finally went to my civilian consult and met my surgeon and his assistant. Super patient guy who took the time to interview me, discover my family past, what my goals were and my wants. The VA seemed a bit unfamiliar with the procedure and just like being at the DMV once out of my general practitioners (She was also awesome) hands for recommendation just seemed to shove me along the line in their process.
First I needed my recommendation from my GP, that sent me the referral to the MOVE program. I would call in every couple weeks and go through the boring book read and did take some tips. Didn't really loose any weight. Oh, and if you back out after the MOVE program and don't go to the process you have to start all over again.
Second (or really maybe first) you need to have your physical aliments documented. If your blood sugar is high or maybe pre diabetic, dental issues, knee and joint pain, hernias, tried atkins, paleo all that you need to have available when they ask your story and why you think you need Bariatric with the documentation in your medical records to back it up.
So after I completed MOVE then I got a physical and screening from an MD (who also had bariatric surgery.) He told me they typically like to see % weight loss before. This is where you need to be blunt and honest with what you have tried and failed and when. I went over that and I told him if it were that easy to loose weight I wouldn't be here. Also at 6'7 near 500lbs I told him walking around the block might seem easy to him. I'm 250 over weight, let me give you a 250lb barbell set and have you walk around the block at nearly 50rs old and see if you feel safe about not having a heart attack. He instantly signed off. Sometimes you have to put it in perspective for them.
After the screening I set an appointment with my surgeon in which I had to meet with a nutritionist 3 times each before my next meeting with the surgeon which we setup just an hour later since they were across the street from each other. Being a former power lifter I probably knew more about my nutrition than they did. I put in the research and read up on forums like this one to discover the problems and how to overcome them. When it came down to surgery date I think it was 10 months from my last initiation. I had a well documented past in my medical records and this may have helped shorten the time. I think normally it takes about 12-16 months.
The first meeting with my surgeon he sat down and calmly interviewed me, my goals, my family history etc. I think they had some blood work drawn and set the next appt. At the next one they presented me with options and recommendations for which procedure. Roux en Y with duodenal switch with an extra 10mm on the bypass tube. Then they let me think on which procedure to go with if I agreed. I made my decision right then and there so the third meeting was just going over expectations and plan for the whole thing.
Then I had a date for my surgical consult just a couple weeks before surgery and it was on like Donkey Kong.
I absolutely have no regrets and wish I had not chickened out the first time. Don't let the VA scare you off. Wait until you meet your surgeon and be forth coming. Me, I told him I like good quality food to cook and I don't want to look like the after photo of weight loss where patients just look like they are waiting to die. Also with my size and the fact my brother had been banded and wound up putt weight back on after a couple years were major deciding factors for which procedure. My food diet sensitivity is low after the process and I have adapted very well.
Today I spoke to a woman over the phone when I called into the VA for bariatric scheduling when she told me she was trying to get the same thing and has been battling two years. My conversation inspired me to come back up here. So to my brothers and sisters in arms I want to tell you, this group is here for you and well all help you through this together. Don't give up and don't let the bastards wear you down. Post here if you need any help or ideas.
First I needed my recommendation from my GP, that sent me the referral to the MOVE program. I would call in every couple weeks and go through the boring book read and did take some tips. Didn't really loose any weight. Oh, and if you back out after the MOVE program and don't go to the process you have to start all over again.
Second (or really maybe first) you need to have your physical aliments documented. If your blood sugar is high or maybe pre diabetic, dental issues, knee and joint pain, hernias, tried atkins, paleo all that you need to have available when they ask your story and why you think you need Bariatric with the documentation in your medical records to back it up.
So after I completed MOVE then I got a physical and screening from an MD (who also had bariatric surgery.) He told me they typically like to see % weight loss before. This is where you need to be blunt and honest with what you have tried and failed and when. I went over that and I told him if it were that easy to loose weight I wouldn't be here. Also at 6'7 near 500lbs I told him walking around the block might seem easy to him. I'm 250 over weight, let me give you a 250lb barbell set and have you walk around the block at nearly 50rs old and see if you feel safe about not having a heart attack. He instantly signed off. Sometimes you have to put it in perspective for them.
After the screening I set an appointment with my surgeon in which I had to meet with a nutritionist 3 times each before my next meeting with the surgeon which we setup just an hour later since they were across the street from each other. Being a former power lifter I probably knew more about my nutrition than they did. I put in the research and read up on forums like this one to discover the problems and how to overcome them. When it came down to surgery date I think it was 10 months from my last initiation. I had a well documented past in my medical records and this may have helped shorten the time. I think normally it takes about 12-16 months.
The first meeting with my surgeon he sat down and calmly interviewed me, my goals, my family history etc. I think they had some blood work drawn and set the next appt. At the next one they presented me with options and recommendations for which procedure. Roux en Y with duodenal switch with an extra 10mm on the bypass tube. Then they let me think on which procedure to go with if I agreed. I made my decision right then and there so the third meeting was just going over expectations and plan for the whole thing.
Then I had a date for my surgical consult just a couple weeks before surgery and it was on like Donkey Kong.
I absolutely have no regrets and wish I had not chickened out the first time. Don't let the VA scare you off. Wait until you meet your surgeon and be forth coming. Me, I told him I like good quality food to cook and I don't want to look like the after photo of weight loss where patients just look like they are waiting to die. Also with my size and the fact my brother had been banded and wound up putt weight back on after a couple years were major deciding factors for which procedure. My food diet sensitivity is low after the process and I have adapted very well.
Today I spoke to a woman over the phone when I called into the VA for bariatric scheduling when she told me she was trying to get the same thing and has been battling two years. My conversation inspired me to come back up here. So to my brothers and sisters in arms I want to tell you, this group is here for you and well all help you through this together. Don't give up and don't let the bastards wear you down. Post here if you need any help or ideas.