If you are considering having LAP-BAND surgery, one of the things you may be concerned about is the cost of the surgery. Fortunately, many insurance companies now recognize that obesity can contribute to the development of serious health conditions and cover the costs of the LAP-BAND procedure.

However, getting approval from your insurance company for the procedure can sometimes be a complex and lengthy process. Good advice can make it a lot easier. You may want to get some help from a leader in the industry.  A good place to start is by visiting the NewHope Bariatrics® website (www.newhopetoday.com). The staff at NewHope are experienced with helping clients navigate through the approval process, and can help support you through each step along the way.

And, here are some preliminary steps you can take on your own to make the process easier:

• First, review your insurance policy. Check the “What is Covered” (or “Covered Expenses”) and “What is Not Covered” sections to see if it mentions weight-loss surgery.

 

• Obtain documents that show that LAP-BAND® surgery can be classified as a medical necessity. Get copies of your medical records from your doctor or any other health care professional that may have treated your obesity and other health complications such as heart or respiratory conditions, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. You should also have documents that show your weight (100 pounds higher than your ideal weight, or a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35 to 40; and the number of years you have been overweight (5 or more).

 

• Ask your doctor for a letter referring you to a weight loss surgeon. It should contain specifics about your current height, weight, and BMI as well as any health conditions related to your obesity and any medications or treatments you may be receiving. Also, you’ll need to fill out a consent form allowing your doctor’s office to release information to your insurance company.

 

• If you’ve used commercial weight loss programs, have been to a weight-loss center, or undergone a medically supervised weight loss program, gather your receipts that show you’ve attempted other methods to deal with your obesity that were not successful.

 

If your insurance company denies your request, you may be able to appeal the decision. Again, the staff at NewHope Bariatrics® can offer you valuable advice in the appeals process and even recommend attorneys who can help you in your appeal.

Are you thinking about how to start a weight-loss plan? Well, one of the best ways to do it is by finding out exactly how many calories you take in during an average week. And, the best way to do it is by keeping a diary, a journal, or a log of everything you eat and drink over the course of a week, and the amount of calories you’ve consumed.

In a past blog, I wrote about how to read the nutrition information labels on food packaging. By law, almost every packaged food has to carry this information, and it can be found on the side or back of most packaging, or sometimes on the front label for meats, poultry, fish, or other foods that are shrink-wrapped. Also, every nutritional information label will have a “serving size” that will tell you the amount of calories in an average serving. If you’re buying fresh produce or fruits, or fresh meats or fish, you can go online and use a search engine (Google, Yahoo, Ask.com, etc.) to find out calories. Just type in “calories from tomatoes,” or “calories from grapes, “ and you’ll get a handy guide or chart that will tell you the amount of calories per serving.

The next thing to do is to get some type of pad or notebook to keep track of what you’ve eaten and how many calories you’ve consumed. It doesn’t matter what you call it – a diary, a journal, a log, or even just a list – the important thing is to start keeping one.

Next, you have to be totally honest. Don’t worry if you don’t write the calorie count down right away. Just make sure you write down everything you eat and drink, and make sure that it’s everything.  No cheating. Remember, only you will see this, and the only purpose is to give yourself a realistic idea of exactly how many calories you take in.

At first it may seem like a pain, but it’s only for one week. At the end of the week, tally up all your calories. You might be very surprised. Once you know how many calories you’ve consumed, you can go on the Internet, or click here to get a chart of the recommended daily caloric intake (insert link to chart). Are you way over? Well, now you’ve got one more weapon in your fight against obesity. In future blogs, I’ll tell you how you can put it to good use.

Maybe you’ve been reading some of my blogs, and have been doing some research on your own, but you’ve still got questions about LAP-BAND® System surgery. Well, there’s a great way to answer some of those questions, and it’s just a click away on your computer. You can do it without ever leaving your home, and you can invite family and friends to join you.

The staff at NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers have put together a virtual seminar on LAP-BAND® surgery. NewHope Bariatrics® is a leader in the field, and they are completely dedicated to helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. The seminar is 30 minutes long, and you can stop and start it to view it at your convenience.

Simply log onto www.newhopevideo.com, and follow the registration instructions. You’ll receive a password that’s valid for 14 days. There’s no cost to view the seminar, and again, you can watch it when it’s most convenient for you. You can also write down any questions you might want to ask about the surgery.

So, if you’ve been considering LAP-BAND® surgery, you should definitely look into taking your own personal seminar brought to you by the people at NewHope Bariatrics®. And, while you’re at it, explore the rest of their site (www.newhopetoday.com). It’s a comprehensive guide to LAP-BAND® surgery that covers everything from what to expect before, during and after the procedure; comparisons of your surgical options; financing; and their extensive support network.

In one of my past blogs, I promised to break down some of the costs of obesity into actual dollars and cents, so you can see for yourself how high it can be over just a year’s time. These figures have been compiled by NewHope Bariatrics®, an industry leader in LAP-BAND® System surgery, and the costs may surprise you. I’ve included the sources from private and government research they used to tally the figures.  Here’s a look at the costs:

• Average medical/drug costs for someone classified as morbidly obese (described as having a Body Mass Index equal to or greater than 35 BMI):  Costs according to a study from the Health Management Research Center, University of Michigan, 2001:  $7,337

 

• Average out-of-pocket healthcare expenses as reported in 2006 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditures in 2006: $2, 684

 

• Costs for time taken out of work, or absent from work according to an article by GA Colditz, “Economic Costs of Obesity and Inactivity,” published in 1999 in the journal, Medicine & Science Sports Exercise: $1,017

 

• Fees and costs for commercial weight loss programs as reported by Marketdata Enterprises, Inc. in October of 2002: $678

 

• Prescription co-pays, if you are taking five medications at the average of $10 per co-pay: $738

 

• Average costs for food (including groceries and dining out) as reported in 2006 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditures: $6012

 

• Total estimated costs over a year: $18,446

Right before the 4th of July, I wrote about “keeping your independence” during all the cookouts and parties over the holiday weekend and avoiding overeating, or eating foods that don’t fit into your weight-loss goals. Well, if you did give into temptation, either during the festivities over the holiday, or any time this summer, it’s time to put it behind you.

Even the most determined and strong-willed people have a lapse every now and then. As I wrote in one of my first blogs, obesity is a disease, and you are battling it. If you did hit a bump in the road on your journey to a new life, don’t worry, and especially, don’t beat yourself up about it. When you began this journey, you knew it was going to take a lot of effort, but the end result is worth it. And, it’s really hard when you’re at a party or cookout with your friends who may have been used to the “old you” that never turned down the offer of food. It’s also tough when someone wants you to have a “just a bite” of their special desert or dish.

The phrase “tomorrow is a new day, “ may sound like a cliché, but it’s really true. Everything that happened the day before is in the past, and it’s much more important to look toward the future. Just say to yourself, “next time I’ll do better, because it’s what I want in life.” Keep your goals in mind – it’s a whole new life, and staying focused on that end result is what’s most important.

In past blogs, I’ve talked about some of the fundamental things to think about if you’re going to be starting an exercise regimen — tips on want to look for in a gym or fitness center, getting a partner to work out with, and how to stick to your exercise goals. This week, I want to offer some thoughts on one last option: using a personal trainer.

Maybe you’ve made the leap and have started checking out some gyms or fitness centers. If you’re female and have chosen one that caters exclusively to women with an circuit training program and onsite trainer leading every session, that’s great.

If you are going to a gym or fitness center to only use the aerobic equipment like stair steppers, stationary bikes and elliptical machines, the staff can probably show you how to use them effectively, and answer any questions you might have. But if that’s not the case and you want to try weight resistance as well as aerobics, all those other machines may still look pretty intimidating, especially if you can’t convince a friend or spouse to join you. Or, you may have started at a club and a member of the staff may have initially shown you how to use the different types of equipment. However, even the best-intentioned staff at a regular club or gym can’t necessarily be there with you every minute of your workout. Plus, who can remember what every machine does and how to use it? Is it time to abandon this plan?

Well, there’s one thing you may want to consider – using a personal trainer to help along with your exercise program, at least until you get the hang of working out. Some sessions to get you going might be far better than abandoning your goals.

Finding a gym is hard enough. How can I possibly choose a trainer?

Walk into any gym or health club, and you’ll see personal trainers working out with clients. You may see counter displays with brochures, or posters advertising the various trainers. If you look in the phone book, on the Web, or in local publications, you’ll see basically the same thing: every trainer’s brochure, poster, or ad is going to promise results. Some may have “before and after” pictures of client success stories. But here’s the thing. I’ve heard some stories from friends and personally witnessed some pretty ugly sessions that pass for a workout. I hope that I can give you some advice to make sure you avoid some of the pitfalls.  

Like anyone else who provides a personal service, there are good and bad trainers out there. In most states, gyms and heath clubs require any trainers who work in the facility, either on staff or privately, to be certified by one or more national certification agencies, including training in basic CPR and emergency first aid. But all the certifications in the world won’t help if they’re not a good fit for your needs. 

If you’re checking out gyms or fitness centers, they likely have trainers that work out of that facility. And, they may only allow trainers there who have an agreement with the club. It’s a good question to ask when you’re considering where you want to work out. You may want to choose your club based on your trainer. No matter what the policy, here are some tips I hope will help:

• The first thing to remember is that you’re going to be paying for their services. You have a right to be satisfied. Don’t be intimidated. They should listen to your needs and goals. And, don’t go for the hard sell – if they’re a good trainer they’ll suggest an initial informational meeting, not say, “ok, let’s start tomorrow at 6 o’clock.”

 

• If you have any friends who have used a trainer and had a good experience, then that’s a great start. Getting a recommendation from a friend you trust can save future frustration.

 

• If you are not limited to trainers in the gym or fitness center, call them before meeting them in a facility and tell them what you’re trying to accomplish. See how they respond. Will they come to a gym that you like, or will you have to go to their gym exclusively? Do they respect the fact that you’re a beginner? If you suffer from obesity, then any workout needs to be tailored to your specific goals, and most importantly, your physical limitations.

 

• A big factor in deciding to use a personal trainer is the cost of your sessions. Again, don’t be afraid to do some research, and see what services they offer for the cost.

 

• Ongoing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, respiratory problems, or heart disease are important considerations when starting a workout routine. Make sure they understand those limitations as well.

 

• If you’re thinking about going with a trainer from your club, or if the club limits you to trainers that have an agreement with them, then you still have choices. Again, you’ve got the upper hand because you get to see them in action. Do they sit down before the workout and discuss what they’ll be doing? Or, do they just meet the clients at the door and start the session? When they are taking their clients through the workout, do they seem genuinely interested, or just going through a routine? If the trainer dares to take one or more phone calls during the session, don’t even consider him or her. If you are going to go with a trainer from your facility, again, start with a phone call – meeting at the gym can be more intimidating. If they’re truly interested in helping you, then they’ll have no problem with a phone call.

 

• Before you start, your trainer should give you some kind of printout to give you a roadmap of where you’ll be going. It should contain the types of exercises and the equipment you’ll be using, along with the number of reps and sets. And, it should have a space where either you or your trainer can make notations to chart your progress.

 

• Once you start a routine with a trainer, see if you feel comfortable. Here’s what shouldn’t be happening: 1. He or she shouldn’t put you through multiple strenuous sets of exercise when you’re just starting out. You should begin slowly, with one or two light sets at the most. 2. If you trainer suggests a combination of aerobic and weight training, you shouldn’t be riding an exercise bike for 45 minutes after a session on the machines. 3. Even if you’ve never worked out, you shouldn’t be so sore that you can’t move the next day. After you start working out regularly, it’s normal to experience some soreness, but you shouldn’t be incapacitated. That’s fine if you’re trying out for a position on a professional football team, or in Marine boot camp, but not when you’re paying someone to help you get in shape.

 

• Don’t worry if you don’t get the hang of it right away. Make sure your trainer takes the time to show you the proper form, and how to adjust seats, handles, and weight.

 

• If you’re not comfortable with any routine, or you’re experiencing any type of pain, let the trainer know! Everyone has a different comfort level – make sure your trainer respects that! Every piece of workout equipment, whether it’s aerobic or weight resistance, has a purpose – but it’s not to hurt you. It’s important to tailor the sessions to your comfort level.

 

• Your trainer may have some nutritional and diet suggestions. Some trainers are fairly knowledgeable about nutrition, but some are not. Again, it’s more important for them to understand your diet constraints. If they offer suggestions and an explanation of those suggestions, you can discuss them with your doctor. If they tell you flat out your doctor is wrong, and they’re right, it’s time for a new trainer.

 

• Finally be sure that your trainer keeps you motivated with encouragement and support. You should be the most important person in the gym for the length of your session. If it seems like he or she is only going through the motions, having long conversations with other members, or taking the dreaded cell phone call (except in a family emergency), then it’s time to move on.

 

With the proper trainer, you should begin to see some real progress, feel more comfortable in the gym, and, most importantly, look forward to your workouts! One final note: at some point, you might feel that you can do it on your own. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and the best trainers should feel good about turning an intimidated newbie into a seasoned gym regular. It doesn’t mean you can’t have a session when you feel you need it, but if you feel comfortable, you’re ready to leave the nest.

One of the big factors in deciding whether or not to undergo weight-loss surgery is the cost of the procedure and follow-up care. However, if you’re suffering from obesity, you’re probably already aware of some of the personal and physical costs of the disease. But you may not know estimates from private and government research show that the financial burden of obesity can average over $18,000 a year! In future blogs, I’ll break down some of those costs for you.

Losing weight and keeping it off can help alleviate or even eliminate many obesity-related health conditions. Plus, it can help improve your psychological and social well-being, and your overall quality of life. If you’ve tried every type of weight-loss solution without success, weight-loss surgery might be one of the better investments you’ve ever made in yourself and your future.

The LAP-BAND® System is regarded as the most affordable weight-loss surgery option. It requires a simpler laparoscopic procedure than comparable gastric bypass surgery, and generally requires a shorter hospital stay and recovery time.

The cost of LAP-BAND surgery depends on your individual needs. It’s partly determined by your medical history and current health condition.  Many health plans, including Medicare, and, in some states, Medicaid, may cover most, if not all, of the costs of LAP-BAND® System surgery. However, each health plan will have certain criteria that must be met before you can undergo surgery. And, in some cases, your insurance plan will deny your request due to restrictions in your policy or plan.

That’s why I think it’s important to pick a surgical center that specializes in LAP-BAND procedures and has the expertise to help you through the financial process. I’d like to suggest looking into the NewHope Bariatrics® Obesity Surgery Centers and their network of surgical partners.  When you contact NewHope Bariatrics®, their staff will not only schedule a medical consultation, but a financial one as well. Once you’ve met with your physician, they’ll personalize a care program and estimate your costs. The staff at NewHope is truly committed to helping solve your obesity problem; it’s their goal to find the best ways to help you.

NewHope’s financial consultant will review your health plan or insurance policy, and estimate out-of-pocket expenses for your surgery. They’ll explain what your options are, and can help you appeal your insurance company’s decision if they deny your claim.  They have a variety of negotiated packages and discounts available to help you manage your expenses for the surgery, and can refer you to financing companies and banks who specialize in qualifying LAP-BAND patients for a variety of loans that allow you to have the surgery and pay over time. As a leader in LAP-BAND® System surgery, NewHope Bariatrics® is constantly expanding their affiliated surgical partners throughout the United States, so if there isn’t a center near you now, there may be soon. You can get a more detailed explanation of all your options by visiting their website, www.newhopetoday.com.

Late last month, I gave some tips about what to look for if you were thinking about joining a gym, fitness center, or health club. One of the biggest obstacles when you start any type of exercise regimen is it’s very easy to find excuses to procrastinate, or skip your workout altogether. A second obstacle is the dreaded intimidation factor, when you worry about facing the prospect of walking into a new gym alone.

A great way to overcome these obstacles and keep motivated is to work out with a friend or spouse. There’s strength in numbers, and having a partner means that you can both support and motivate each other when those excuses like, “I just don’t have time today,” or “the weather’s too nasty to drive to the gym” crop up. Plus, working out with a partner helps ease the intimidation that you might feel going to the gym alone.

Agree on a schedule that’s acceptable and convenient for both of you, and stick to it. When another person is relying on you to show up, it’s much harder to make an excuse not to go. If you and your spouse are planning to start together and have children that are too young to be left at home alone, see if a friend or relative could watch them while you’re away.

Once you get into a routine, it becomes easier. You’ll start feeling better and have more energy. Consider your workouts time to catch up with a friend, or as you and your spouse doing something really good for your health.  If you think of it as social time as much as exercise time, you’ll begin to look forward to your trips to the gym, rather than dreading them.

Well, one of the biggest cookout-party-overindulgence holidays of the summer, the 4th of July, is rapidly approaching. Since the 4th falls on a Friday this year, it means that you can look forward to a long weekend with one or more cookouts or parties to attend. And during each one, there’s sure to be plenty of food and drink to tempt even the most determined dieter to stray from their goals.

To help avoid the lure of a table full of food, you might want to take a look at one of my earlier blogs, “Change your philosophy, not your diet…” It might help you to keep things in perspective and say no to some of the temptations that might come your way. And, here are a few suggestions to help you through your party schedule:

• Bring some low-cal, low-fat snacks to the party like cut up veggies or fruits. Or, bring a salad with low-cal, low-fat dressing.
• Avoid drinks like soda – again, they contains high amounts of sugar, which is really empty calories
• Stay clear of any of the high-fat, high-salt snacks like chips. Move as far away as you can. Remember, even pretzels contain high amounts of sodium.
• Try to limit side dishes like potato salad, or pasta salads that may be made with mayonnaise – it contains high amounts of fat.
• If you have a choice between low-fat foods like chicken as opposed to hamburgers, pick the chicken.
• If you’re drinking alcoholic beverages, try not to overindulge. Alcohol metabolizes in your body, just like fats.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!