Considering a Weight Loss Surgery Program?

Thursday, November 12, 2009 by Lisa Buckalew
When searching for a weight loss program, the first place to start is by asking your family physician for a recommendation. Your doctor should be able to provide you with several options for programs that other patients have found to be successful.

Ideally, you should do a lot of research, ask a lot of questions, and find a weight loss program that you are comfortable with (even excited about participating in!)

Here are the basic things you should consider when researching weight loss programs:
  • How much weight do you wish to lose? Your program should encourage you to set realistic and attainable goals.
  • How much support will you receive from the program? Find a program that offers support in ways that suit your lifestyle (online classes, personal counseling, support groups, etc.)
  • Can the program be customized to meet your lifestyle? The program you choose should fit the way you live. If they simply make you eat things you don't like, it will be hard to stick with it.
  • What kind of maintenance program is provided? The best programs include a maintenance regime that focuses on helping you change your eating and exercise patterns.

If you would like to learn more tips about searching for a program, please click here.
0 Comments »

Have you submitted a photo?

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Sarah Muntel
Each year, Clarian Bariatrics likes to give thanks to our community physician partners for the resources they provide us in giving patients a new life. In the past this has been a holiday greeting card, but we wanted to take a different approach this year and highlight some of our success stories in a Thanksgiving card. This is where you come in!

As one of our patient successes, we are asking that you please submit a photo (or two) that features you doing something you never thought possible. This could be participating in a competitive race, modeling the latest fashions or spending quality time with friends and family – anything at all! We will need about 150 images to create the card, and can think of no better way to give our thanks than to “show off” how amazing our patients are.

We are asking that the photos please be submitted electronically. Unfortunately, we will not be able to scan photos as the resolution is not high enough for printing. Please send your photo(s) or questions directly to Andy Pollen at apollen@clariannorth.com by October 2. If you submit a photo and do not get a verification e-mail that it was received, please send it to clarianbariatricscb@gmail.com. Sometimes our spam filters block out attachments from non-Clarian e-mail addresses!

We thank you in advance for you help!
0 Comments »

Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Andy Pollen
This week we have had two great news stories, which feature Clarian Bariatrics staff members! Below you will find an interview with Dr. Samer Mattar, Indianapolis Bariatric Surgeon and Medical Director of our weight loss surgery program, and Erin Light, Fitness and Health Specialist.

Researchers using pig tissue to help heal human wounds
WNDU-TV - South Bend,IN,USA
"Pigs have been a very popular or common animal to use," says Dr. Samer Mattar, bariatric surgeon at Clarian Bariatrics in Indianapolis. "Believe it or not, ...


Chair squat
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Erin Light, fitness coach for Clarian Bariatrics and a certified personal trainer, ... Light trains people taking part in Clarian Bariatrics' supervised ...

Are you a fan of Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook? If not, what are you waiting for? We post a variety of photos, news articles and event reminders on there weekly. It's your "instant" news spot!


Clarian Bariatrics on Facebook
0 Comments »

Staff qualifications when searching for a bariatric surgery clinic, Part II

Monday, August 17, 2009 by Tina Carmichael
This is part two of several on the questions that should be considered when looking into a weight loss program. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney lists the following questions they feel you should ask as you search for a weight loss program.

What are the staff qualifications?
Because Clarian Bariatrics is a surgical weight loss program, this is not as big an issue as it would be in a weight loss clinic.  You can be sure here that you are followed by qualified, board certified medical doctors and nurses who are well trained and have a great deal of experience in surgical weigh loss.   

Who supervises the program?
Terri Hohlt, MSN, RN, is the Program Administrator. Terri has 30 years of nursing experience with Clarian Health.  Her role is to keep an overview of the whole program.  She hires the staff, keeps the program on budget, makes sure the physicians and staff have what they need provide top of the line care to our Indiana bariatric patients.  Terri continually monitors all aspects of the program to assure we provide the quality care each person deserves.

The medical director of the program is Samer Mattar, MD, who is board certified surgeon.  Dr. Mattar has received special training in advanced laparoscopy surgery at Emory University Hospital.  He is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, and several other professional organizations.  The medical director's role is to ensure that all patients receive the highest quality medical care available.

In addition to the above, the Clarian Bariatrics surgery program provides a “complete package” program with weight loss support provided by a full staff of highly trained, licensed, board certified Dietitians who specialize in weight loss and the health problems caused by obesity.  We also have a Bariatrics Behavioral Medicine department headed up by Clinical Psychologist William Hilgendorf, PhD, HSPP.  His staff helps to support your surgical weight loss effort with a variety of group sessions geared specifically to bariatric patients.

What type of weight-management training, experience, education, and certifications does the staff have?
You can see from the list above that this program is serious about providing you top of the line quality care.  In addition to the above highly trained staff, other members of the team are patients of this bariatric surgery center with the deepest understanding of the program, and patients concerns, and struggles.  They have insights that only someone who has been there can provide, that adds to their qualifications for the position they have at this Indianapolis Weight loss clinic.

Want to learn more? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. Dates can be found by clicking on the image at the right of this post.

0 Comments »

Kids Dart. Drive Smart.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Although this does not relate directly to weight loss surgery, as a Clarian Health entity, we wanted to take a minute to let everyone know about our annual Kids Dart. Drive Smart campaign led by Riley Hospital for Children.

Pedestrian injury remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages five to 14. According to the National Centers for Injury Prevention and Control, approximately 42,000 children were injured as pedestrians in 2007, and from 1999-2006, there were 4,789 pedestrian fatalities among children 17 and younger in the United States. Indiana children accounted for 87 of these deaths. Additionally, more than 36 percent of these injuries occurred during the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Because any child hurt is one too many Riley Hospital for Children and Riley Hospital for Children at Clarian North initiated Kids Dart. Drive Smart., a grassroots, child safety campaign designed to reduce driving speeds during the summer and back-to-school months - a time of year when traffic patterns change and more children are injured while playing and bicycling.

During the inaugural campaign in 2007, more than 5,000 yard signs were distributed throughout the Indianapolis area, with demand exceeding supply. Due to the success of the 2007 campaign, Riley engaged hospital partners in eight Indiana cities, neighborhood coalitions and physician offices to expand the 2008 Kids Dart. Drive Smart. campaign across the state. In 2008, almost 19,000 yard signs were distributed statewide. The dedication of the local community to support pedestrian safety was unparalleled.

According to AAA, every two seconds a driver’s eyes are off the road, a motorist is twice as likely to be involved in a crash. To date, more than 20 states have banned, or partially banned texting while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that 78 percent of crashes involved a driver distracted within three seconds before an accident.

This year’s campaign will officially launch at Family Day at the Indiana State Fair on Monday, August 10.  After that date, more than 5,000 signs will be distributed by Riley Hospital for Children at Clarian North, and thousands more will be made available to Hoosiers throughout the state at various Clarian hospitals and affiliates and area AAA locations. Information on the Kids Dart campaign will be available at www.kidsdart.org. This Web site will indicate locations to obtain a yard sign and numerous safety tips for kids and adults.

0 Comments »

Clarian Bariatrics in the news!

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Clarian Bariatrics was in the news several times last week! Click on the links below to view our recent news articles.

Single-incision procedure is easier on the patient
Indianapolis Star - Indianapolis,IN,USA
Dr. Don Selzer is a physician at Clarian Bariatrics and associate professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine. ...

Business Line
Muncie Star Press - Muncie,IN,USA
The Bariatric Center, 2901 W. Jackson St., is now named Clarian Bariatrics at Ball Memorial Hospital. Officials said the goal of the partnership is to ...

Cook Medical product used in bariatric surgery - WTHR | Indianapolis
Source: www.wthr.com
In bariatric surgery, excess skin can be a problem. A skin substitute is being added to the procedure to improve outcomes.

Have a question about any of the information listed above? Then join us at a FREE informational seminar. At the seminar you can listen to Indianapolis bariatric surgeons and staff discuss the many aspects of weight loss surgery. Click the image at the top right of this page to get started!


0 Comments »

Patient Feedback

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Paula Haffley
I see post bariatric surgery patients several times a week at Clarian Bariatrics as a physician assistant to Dr. Samer Mattar, and Dr. Don Selzer.  During my visits, I have the privilege of hearing how we have changed our patients’ lives.  I wanted to share with you a few of the things I hear from our weight loss patients all the time!

The most frequently made comment is about the increase in energy that almost all of our patients have.  Prior to obesity surgery the majority of our patients’, complain about how fatigued they are.  They have no energy to get through day-to-day life.  Cooking, cleaning, chasing children all of it is more exhausting than their energy allows.

Post surgical patients are amazed, thrilled, and grateful for the change in their energy levels.  Not only are they now able to do all the day-to-day chores of life but since they have had their bariatric surgery they have an abundance of energy for all of the fun and entertaining things they missed out on before. 

Are you ready to reclaim your life with weight loss surgery? Then join us at a FREE informational session where you can learn about Indianapolis bariatric treatment options and meet with Indiana surgeons. Click on the image at the right of this post for more information.

0 Comments »

News article: Childhood obesity-related hospitalizations almost doubled, study says

Monday, July 20, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
I found this article on the Advisory Board Web site and found the statistics very startling. Unfortunately, I cannot link you to the full article, but the highlights are below. Please feel free to leave me a comment if you have any questions about medically supervised weight loss for your and your family.

The number of hospitalizations among children between the ages of 2 and 19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of obesity nearly doubled from 21,743 in 1999 to 42,429 in 2005, even though obesity prevalence held relatively steady across that timeframe, according to a study published on the Health Affairs website.

...Moreover, the data showed a statistically significant increase in the number of obesity-related hospitalizations for a number of conditions, among them asthma, diabetes, pneumonia, appendicitis, and skin and subcutaneous tissue infections. Examining the economic consequence of childhood obesity, the researchers found that total costs for children with obesity-related hospitalizations rose to $237.6 million in 2005—up from $125.9 million in 2001, measured in 2005 dollars.

...Commenting on their findings, the researchers advise interpreting the results “with caution,” given that the analysis relied on physician and provider diagnoses of obesity—which are “a product of clinical judgment and reimbursement by hospital payers and [are] subject to inaccuracy”—rather than a fixed definition of obesity.

In addition, they speculate that some of the increase in the number of hospitalizations involving a childhood obesity diagnosis could stem from increased recognition of the condition, rather than acceleration in obesity’s contribution to other medical conditions. Regardless, the authors write, the study “suggests that obesity has a much more immediate impact on the health of children, especially adolescents, than previously understood.” Saying that the findings reinforce the importance of obesity prevention efforts, the researchers call for additional federal support of anti-obesity programs to reduce the condition and its social and economic costs.

0 Comments »

Weight Loss Surgery Insurance Approval: What You Need to Know

Saturday, July 11, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Insurance approval is often a lengthy and complicated process. The staff at the Clarian Bariatrics will assist you in obtaining insurance approval. However, they cannot act on your behalf since you are the policyholder. Therefore, you will need to work with our staff and remain active in the process.

Below are some steps you can take to ensure you have the best chance of obtaining coverage:
  • Read your insurance booklet and/or speak to the insurance company prior to making any appointment for surgery. The insurance company is required by law to provide you with this information.
  • Look at the section called "Exclusions."
  • It must say "surgery," not just "weight loss," for it to be eliminated as an option.
  • If you are required to obtain a referral prior to speaking with a specialist, contact your primary care physician and request a referral prior to attending your first appointment. It is always a good idea to consult with your primary care physician anyway, as his or her support is very helpful in the process.
  • Locate your past medical records. Many companies require proof that you have tried other methods of weight loss prior to seeking surgery.
  • If you keep good records, including receipts, bring those to your appointment. They can be used as verification of your attempts.
  • A complete record of your health history must be sent to the insurance company, and your physician must also review that history to make the appropriate decision regarding your case. Therefore, be sure to complete all paperwork and answer all questions as completely as possible.
  • A full description of all your health conditions, including records of treatment, medications taken and documentation of the effects these conditions have had on your everyday life is necessary
  • A detailed description of the limitations your excess weight places on your daily activities, such as walking, tying shoes or maintaining personal hygiene is helpful.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Clarian Bariatrics specialists at 317-275-7010.
0 Comments »

Clarian Bariatrics Performs First Single Incision Lap-Band Procedure in Indiana

Thursday, July 9, 2009 by Andy Pollen
Don Selzer, MD, a physician with Clarian Bariatrics, is the first in Indiana to perform a single incision LAP-BAND® System surgery, which results in reduced scarring, less post-operative pain and a recovery time three to four days less than standard adjustable gastric banding procedures. 

This procedure utilizes single incision laparoscopy, a minimally invasive approach in which the surgeon operates through a single entry point, typically the patient's belly button. All of the instruments needed for the procedure are used through this single incision and, after surgery, the scar is almost completely hidden inside the belly button making the procedure virtually scarless.

Since the first procedure on March 3 at Clarian North Medical Center, Selzer has completed two additional procedures and joins an elite group of physicians from Missouri, New York, Texas, Michigan and Florida where similar surgeries have been performed. Selzer will now begin performing this type of surgery on a weekly basis.

“Since the first gastric banding procedure in 1992, weight loss surgery has come incredibly far,” Selzer, an Assistant Professor of Surgery with the Indiana University School of Medicine, said. “The single port procedure is just another example of how surgeons are constantly looking at innovative ways to improve patient outcomes and recovery times.”

The LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System, manufactured by Allergan Inc., is a silicone band that is surgically placed to reduce the amount of food a patient can hold in his or her stomach. The band helps patients control food intake and supports long term, sustainable weight loss. Although this procedure is performed laparoscopically, it typically requires at least five abdominal incisions.

The single port option helps meet the growing demand of individuals wishing to experience sustainable weight loss through the use of bariatric surgery but who desire a quick recovery. The number of weight-loss surgery procedures performed annually has surged over the last several years. According to a report released in 2007 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the number of bariatric surgeries has grown from 16,000 procedures performed in 1992 to 220,000 now performed annually.

Clarian Bariatrics, a designated Center of Excellence by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, offers patients three types of weight loss surgery through its innovative program. Last year, Clarian Bariatrics surgeons completed nearly 400 procedures and the comprehensive program boasts some of the best clinical outcomes of any other bariatric surgery program in the United States.

The recommended surgical technique differs by patient and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a team of medical professionals. Clarian Bariatrics is experienced in all major forms of weight loss surgery, which are performed at Clarian North Medical Center, and selects the ideal procedure based on patient needs, goals and the results of a thorough health assessment.

Learn more about weight loss surgery at a FREE informational seminar. Click on the image at the right of this post to find out more.


2 Comments »

Is weight loss surgery really for you?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 by Traci Baker
I’ve been posed with the question about my decision to have weight loss surgery and what I would tell someone considering this option.  First and foremost this is a life changing Traci Baker nearly two years after weight loss surgery. decision, which is a huge step!  Bariatric surgery is a major lifestyle change and the one thing you truly need to give yourself is TIME.   

You need to have a clear understanding of what you are doing and what the outcome of that action will be. My advice as a patient is research, talk to your primary care  physician, ask questions, talk to people who’ve had surgery, attend a FREE informational weight loss seminar, make a list of the pro’s and con’s, attend support groups and hear the good, the bad and the ugly! 

Make an informed decision with a strong understanding of what a life long lifestyle change truly means. 
  • Are you ready to make a commitment? 
  • Can you change your eating behavior/habits today, tomorrow and the rest of your life? 
  • Do you have a good support system? 
  • Will you follow the program guidelines? 
  • Are you willing to come to support group? 
  • Are you dedicated to following up with your surgeon for life? 
  • Prepared to take vitamins for the rest of your life? 

If you were going to build a house how much time and consideration would you put into the plans? Once a home is built we make every effort of maintaining/protecting the structure and all the contents of our home.  Are you ready to take the same approach with yourself?

In the end bariatric surgery is a personal choice. Is this the right path for you?

Please visit our Web site for any upcoming FREE informational weight loss seminars and support groups at www.ACallToChange.org or call 317-275-7010 toll free at 877-275-2555.

0 Comments »

News article: Obesity surgery thins bones, but enough to break?

Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Andy Pollen
A very important article for all post-operative patients and those individuals considering weight loss surgery. At Clarian Bariatrics our team of expert dieticians and Indianapolis bariatric surgeons will work closely with you to monitor your progress and ensure that you are getting all the necessary nutrients.

However, the most important part of this article is the last sentence:  "Don't skip checkups, where doctors monitor bone health, and aggressively treat nutrient deficiencies."

The few few paragraphs are below and full text of this weight loss surgery related article from the Associated Press can be found by clicking on the link.

It isn't just the thunder thighs that shrink after obesity surgery. Melting fat somehow thins bones, too.

Doctors don't yet know how likely patients' bones are to thin enough to break in the years after surgery. But one of the first attempts to tell suggests they might have twice the average person's risk, and be even more likely to break a hand or foot.

The Mayo Clinic's finding is surprising, and further research is under way to see if the link is real. But with bariatric surgery booming and even teenagers in their key bone-building years increasingly trying it, specialists say uncovering long-term side effects and how to counter them takes on new urgency.



0 Comments »

News article: Bariatric surgery challenges the perception of Type 2 diabetes as a chronic condition

Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Andy Pollen
This article from Endocrine Today, highlights one of the ongoing discussions about how bariatric surgery has been proven to cure Type 2 diabetes. We've discussed this topic on the blog before and I would encourage anyone with the disease to talk with your physician about how weight loss surgery may help your condition. The first few paragraphs are below and full text can be found here.

A surgeon argued today that the criteria for bariatric surgery should be changed, allowing more overweight people to undergo the procedure.

Even though there is a 92% reduction in diabetes-specific mortality risk after gastric bypass, only a small percentage of patients who could benefit are eligible to undergo the procedure, Francesco A. Rubino, MD, said. Those with a BMI greater than 40 are eligible for the procedure; those with a BMI greater than 35 are eligible only if comorbidities are present. “These criteria should change,” he said.

Rubino, chief of gastrointestinal metabolic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College and head of the Diabetes Surgery Center at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical College, also argued that the success of gastric bypass surgery “challenges the idea that diabetes is chronic and irreversible.”

The outcomes of the surgical procedure suggest an intestinal contribution to diabetes pathophysiology. Diabetes may be a “dysfunction of the bowel,” he said.

0 Comments »

Are you a candidate for weight loss surgery?

Friday, June 19, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
The following factors will be considered in determining if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery:
  • You have tried to lose weight by changing your eating habits and exercise and are still severely obese.
  • You are unable to perform routine daily activities without being seriously affected.
  • You understand the procedure and the lifestyle changes you will need to make after bariatric surgery.
  • You are motivated to make a lifelong behavioral commitment that includes well-balanced meals and physical exercise.
  • You understand that this surgery won't solve all your problems, but can make you healthier -- and probably much happier.
Before patients undergo surgery for morbid obesity, they must qualify for our bariatrics program. Our basic program guidelines are:
  • Being 100 pounds or more over your "ideal body weight," according to the established weight charts.
  • Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 with no co-morbidities or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities.
  • Being able and willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
Learn more by attending a FREE informational session. Sessions are held at Clarian Bariatrics' Indianapolis location and include discussions with surgeons and weight loss specialists about the types of bariatric surgery - including Lap Band and Gastric Bypass - and the costs associated with surgery. Visit our Web site for more information and for dates and times.
0 Comments »

Getting Family On Board, Part II

Saturday, June 13, 2009 by Traci Baker
Be prepared for your family to ask questions about bariatric weight loss and be ready/willing to answer them.  Know that you may not receive the reaction you thought might occur.  Make sure you are ready for negative and positive comments.

Prepare yourself mentally for what may happen and have a plan of how you will handle those situations.  The more prepared you are, the less anxiety you will feel which will help give you a sense of calmness.  Understand that your family may need some time to let the information soak in.   Remember that you didn’t make the decision to have surgery overnight.  Give your family the opportunity to absorb the information, think about it and come back to you with questions.

Clarian Bariatrics is here to help you.  Encourage a family member to attend a FREE informational weight loss seminar or support group with you.  At the seminar they can learn about Indianapolis Bariatric Physicians, causes of obesity and the lifestyle changes that this life-altering procedure can bring. Visit our Web site at www.ACallToChange.org for all upcoming event dates times and locations or click on the "Free Surgical Weight Loss Seminar" photo on the right side of this page.
0 Comments »

What to Expect During the Process

Friday, May 29, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
From their very first visit at Clarian Bariatrics, all patients receive extensive education about the incidence of obesity, the presumed causes of the epidemic rise in obesity, the medical, psychological, social and economic consequences of obesity, and the keys to maintained successful weight loss. These educational sessions are conducted by physicians, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists and other experts.

The sessions are also attended by former patients who provide a personal perspective of their experience and describe the challenges they faced after weight loss. Attendees are also provided with a tour of the facility and are given numerous references for further research.

At about two weeks prior to surgery, patients attend a "preoperative visit," during which the major technical aspects of the operation are discussed, in addition to the required preparation at home, the details of the hospital stay and tips on how to optimize recovery at home.

The educational process continues through into the postoperative period. At each postoperative encounter, patients are seen by a physician and a nutritionist. These meetings are valuable opportunities for continued reinforcement of feeding and lifestyle guidelines. We adhere to the principle that all our efforts are essentially a form of behavior modification, and we understand that success is only gained through repetition and progressive cultivation and strengthening of our relationships with each individual patient.
0 Comments »

Did you know?

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
Clarian Bariatrics is composed of staff and surgeons who specialize in the advanced surgical treatment of clinically severe obesity, a condition recognized by medical authorities as a major health problem in the United States today. In fact, obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States, surpassed only by cigarette smoking.

The surgeons of Clarian Bariatrics are highly skilled, experienced professionals backed by the vast network of Clarian specialists, affording you the latest in proven medical techniques. These include laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, resulting in shorter hospital stays; advanced pain management techniques; and long-term support and follow-up. Patients can and do achieve major weight loss, a healthful and vigorous body and long-term weight control.

Want to learn more? Then join us at an upcoming FREE informational seminar. Click here to learn about upcoming seminar dates.

0 Comments »

Who is in your pit crew? Part II

Monday, May 11, 2009 by Terri Hohlt
“The support of family, friends and medical professionals is crucial to the success of patients,” Samer Mattar, MD, FACS, Medical Director for Clarian Bariatrics, said. “It is important that these individuals understand that morbid obesity is a disease and they can be part of the treatment through positive thinking before and after the procedure.”

The comparisons between car racing and bariatric surgery are plenty. Think of the patient as a car in disrepair. A surgeon – or mechanic – can come in and fix the inside to improve function, but without dieticians – or fuel specialists - to provide proper education the work would be for naught.  Additionally, exercise consultants and psychologists need to be available to help the patient adjust to a new life and habits, just as the tire changer rotates wheels for optimal performance.

Similar to race car drivers, patients are members of a team, which includes other post-surgical patients. It is essential that individuals regularly participate in team building exercises, like support groups and cooking classes, as a way to share struggles and success stories. They can also rely on their friends and family as their cheering section.

Mattar suggests that patients should attend at least four support group sessions each year post surgery, meet with a family physician regularly and visit with his or her weight loss surgeon at least once a year depending on how long the person has been post-operative.

“Just as if a patient owned a race car, they should regularly visit with ‘mechanics,’ undergo maintenance checks and get tune-ups if needed,” he said. “This way, potential problems are diagnosed early and any difficulties that a patient may have, whether medical, mental, social, financial, domestic or spiritual, can be addressed.”

Click on the "Victories at the Track" image at the top right to learn more about the pit crew concept.

0 Comments »

My Story: Denied

Monday, March 30, 2009 by Traci Baker
My next step was to meet with the team of professionals at Clarian Bariatrics, meet their requirements and receive their approval. I met with a surgeon, dietitian and psychologist.  I had a sleep study performed, pre-op testing and had to meet with the hospitalist to get his approval for surgery.

Once all of my tests came back I gathered the results and my five years of medical history and gave it all to the insurance department and everything was forwarded to my insurance company.  I gave it a week and contacted my insurance company.  Apparently the first round of paperwork seemed to have been misplaced.  My paperwork was re-faxed and re-mailed.  I again waited a week and contacted my insurance company and was initially told they had no record of my paperwork. 

I was HOT! After some investigation my paperwork turned up in someone’s "IN" box. I was told the paperwork would be forwarded to the correct department for review and a decision so again more waiting time for me. I waited about a week again, contacted my insurance company and was told I was DENIED.  

I was flabbergasted and didn’t know how to react.  I received the letter which stated the documentation does not support the patient has failed conservative medical management for her co-morbidities.  There is no evidence of the patient has participated in a physician-directed weight loss program for 18 consecutive months with bi-weekly weights, treatment and discussion.  WHAT? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?  I had five years of medical history, all of my tests and results and this wasn’t enough. 

Have you run into a similar problem while trying to have weight loss surgery? Then leave me a comment below and I'll see how I can help out!

2 Comments »

News article: Attention-deficit disorder linked to obesity

Tuesday, March 24, 2009 by Andy Pollen

An interesting article that came across my Google news alert today. Below are the first few paragraphs:

Paige Gilmore used to be so large she couldn't buckle up a seat belt in a car, or go on a roller-coaster ride with her son. No chair was big enough to hold her 420-pound, 5-foot-7-inch frame.

Dieting had never helped Ms. Gilmore, who has been overweight since the age of 9. "Once you get past 350 pounds, you can't even be weighed on a regular scale," she said. "I was desperate. I was hiding food and eating it for comfort. It was like a tic."

Then her doctor made an astonishing discovery - one that is revolutionizing the way morbidly obese people are treated, and viewed by society.He diagnosed her with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neuro-developmental irregularity that causes people to behave impulsively and seek constant stimulation. They nibble to counter feelings of restlessness, explains her physician, Lance Levy, a Toronto specialist in nutritional medicine.

What do you think? Have you ever felt like Paige? If you would like to learn more about weight loss surgery, then consider joining us at FREE informational seminar. There, you can learn about our Indiana Weight Loss Doctors, and Indianapolis Surgical Weight Loss options including gastric bypass and the Lap-Band. Click on the image at the top right of this page for more information.

2 Comments »