[AnneN]

I'm Anne. I am seriously considering WLS. I weigh 220 at present. The thing is WLS is not really discussed openly here in Malaysia. Seems there is still the stigma that one is obese because of poor self control. I know of only one person who has done it. Tried to look for local support group but cant find any. I have a feeling that my insurance will not cover the surgery. Am not sure if I can go through with it on my own tho.

I'm excited and motivated by all the before n after pics as well as the friendly forumers. I'm seeing the surgeon tomorrow for prelim. I'll report on the outcome. Hopefully with good news.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.

As far as I know, in Asia, no insurance in any form, whether national social medicine, or private, covers the surgery. Of course, I don't know all. Also, with some systems, there may be ways to get around it, like having to be treated for comorbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia--cholesterols, triglycerides--cardiovascular disease) and the surgery necessary to control the obesity in order to control these conditions.
Contrary to the situation in the US, sleep apnea is not yet a widely recognised condition in Asia, so, surgery to improve just that, probably will not be considered under any circumstances.

That said, there are surgeons performing bariatric surgery in various countries in Asia, but their ranks are far outnumbered by those in the Americas and Europe. There is an Asian bariatric surgeons' society, but I need to check the exact name. Something like the Asian-Pacific Bariatric Surgeon's Conference, so you should have surgeons doing the surgery in Malaysia. Be sure to check out their surgery stats, where they trained (most Asian baritaric surgeons, as far as I know, trained for at least a year or two in the US, so that's one thing to look for) and for how long they have been performing the surgery, and very much important, if they have a good support staff of co-medicals, e.g. nutritians/dietitians and also therapists, to help you deal with the changes in diet, and the mental adjustments that you are very likely to face.

One more point. The Asian surgeons set the requirements of WLS a little lower than the standard NIH recommendation, as ethinic Asians are more prone to the comorbidities of obesity at a lower weight than their European ancestry counterparts. So, the absolute BMI is set at 37, and those with comorbidities 32.

[fr1endly2]

WELCOME to the site ...
you can get alot of great information here on the boards!
THAT will help you on your journey!

MAYBE even try to buy on amazon.com WEIGHTLOSS Surgery
for DUMMIES book as its wonderful as well to read.

Do stop in after your surgeon visit and let us know how you made out. I look forward to getting to know you thru your posts!
welcome!

[AnneN]

Dear Lisa, true to your nick, you are very friendly. I read your posts and you have been giving lots of encouraging words. I will report on how my appointment with the doctor goes later this evening.

DocSanae, thanks for your input too. The published cost for a basic lap GB is around RM50K which around USD15K (if no complications). The one friend I mentioned did get hers done paid for by her company's insurance. I dont have any medical problems like diabetes or heart problems so it may be more difficult for me. My medical history has only been joint pains, heavy period, inconstinence and carpal tunnel, lately trouble sleeping. But what really worry me is that my weight ballons by 10kg this past 6 months.

[DocSanae]

The trouble sleeping sounds like the makings of sleep apnea.
Also, have you had a gynecologist check you out? As there are issues in that area that are causes of obesity.
Try to journal what you eat, when you eat, why you eat if you've never done so. This may help you control some of your eating.

[fr1endly2]

awww ANNE you have me blushing!
I love being of help and thanks for takeing
the time to notice!
and i got my fingers and toes crossed that insurance
covers you!
hugs

[bren]

Welcome Anne, I wish you all the best and good luck with the insurance compaines.. I know nothing about what they are like is Asia, but sounds like Doc gave you some good advice which is normal for her.
Please keep us updated and look forward to getting to know you..

[AnneN]

Went to see the doctor today. He told me that I may also want to consider sleeve gastractomy. (I'm taking anti inflamatory pills that may cause ulser). So now I'm trying to find out more on what sleeve is. I am more set on RnY tho'. I have 100lb to lose and I may not lose that much any other way. Whatever, he is refering me to the endocrinologist. (I made an appt to see him tomorrow) just to ensure whether its my hormones thats making me gain weight ( I am on medication for heavy periods). Next I have to see the dietician and lastly the psychologist.

Well, I'm not getting the surgery tomorrow for sure ) but at least i'm heading in the right direction.

Btw my doctor (who will perform the op) will try to explain to my insurers. I need to arrange for them to meet.

I've made up my mind to proceed and I will. Hmmmm... one thing though, I have not tell anyone . Not even my husband. I know he will try to talk me out of it. Telling me I'm OK. Its not necessary. He loves me for what I am. But the thing is...I dont love me the way I am now. Am I going about it the wrong way? Everyone here seems to be getting support from their spouses.

[DocSanae]

There's a discussion of sleeve gastrectomy here.
http://www.renewedreflections.com/fo...troplasty.html
I attended a workshop on WLS a couple of weeks ago that had surgeons from US, Chile, Brazil, and Taiwan as well as Japan giving presentations. Sleeve gastrectomy was discussed there by a US surgeon.
This is a relatively new procedure, more popular in Europe than in the US, but the number in the US is rapidly growing, and it is a good option, so I think it's worth doing the research, and hearing out what your surgeon has to say.

As for whom you will tell is up to you, but you are certain to experience a whole range of emotions while prepareing for, and afterwards as well, the surgery. It would be wise to have someone close on hand who can help you with these emotions. Since you say you have a friend who's had the surgery, of course, you can turn to her.
Do check out this thread for some additional, and maybe unexpected, yet very important info.
http://www.renewedreflections.com/fo...ies-myths.html

Good luck in everything you do.