PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Is this normal my insurance approved on monday. Called tuesday was told I would be called later that day or the next day. Called again today. Due to ready and waiting. They said you folder needs to go through a review?? Would have someone call me tomorow with where they are.. Just worried that for some reason they dont want me :smile2:

Hello All, I was banded on Tuesday, the 23rd. I planned to come home Tuesday evening. I thought I understood what would be happening. I was wrong. In recovery I had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia. Not sure if I tried to wake up too quickly or what. The nurses seemed to be surprised I was awake so soon. And then the nausea started and never seemed to end. I spent most of the afternoon throwing up or dry heaving or whatever it is called. I felt like my chest was on fire. That continued through day 2. I spent the night in the hospital which was good beacuse I couldn't keep anything 'down' and bad because I couldn't get any sleep at all. When I finally went home [ye…

I am not approved and and not on any sort of pre-op diet. I would definitely be following a liquid pre-op and advise anyone else to, it's really important to get that liver shrunk! The problem I am having is probably mental. I am not normally an overeater. I eat until I am full, but eat frequently because I hate to feel very hungry. I have the occasional days I overeat at a favorite restaurant or family gathering. That is a behavior that I have acknowledged and will work on, especially post-band. It seems like I am overeating while I wait for approval, the last few weeks. I almost feel I might be doing it because I am preparing to completely adjust my diet. I know th…

This is mildly rant-ish... I like the center that I am with but jeez this is taking forever! They have so many hoops I have to jump through before meeting the doctor and all of the appointments are 2 weeks apart. My info session was over a month ago. I just got a call that I'm finally meeting with the doctor next Wednesday. That's great but they also told me that I have to wait another 2 weeks before they schedule surgery because he has to write up a report for me before they schedule it. And, I have to do Optifast for 4 weeks so the soonest we're looking at is the week before Thanksgiving (and my son's 2nd birthday). :crying: I may push it out until the beginning o…

I would like to know if you'd recommend them? How was your experience? What was your pre & post op diets?

I live in San Diego and I'm researching Dr. Ortiz. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me how much this will cost. I have insurance, but of course it won't cover me so I'm trying to figure out if I can afford to do this on my own?

Hello All, I hate to ask a really stupid question but... I'm going to anyway :thumbup:!!!! I have read a lot of posts where people table about food getting stuck. I'm getting banded on Tuesday. If someone could just explain how food gets stuck I'd feel a lot better.... Thanks!

Hey guys! I'm on my second week of my pre-op diet, (my surgery is on Sept. 30th..wooo!!!!!) and I can only have 4 Protein drinks a day, plus as much Water,broth,popsicles,jello,etc as I want. I went and bought sugar free jolly ranchers, and sugar free buterscotch hard candy.....I'd eaten three or four pieces when it dawned on me....maybe this isn't allowed. Even though I let it melt completley.....what if, ya know?? Can anyone help me with this?? I'd hate to screw everything up now....lol. Thanks!!:confused:

Hi! i am 6 foot 305 lbs. i am looking into getting the band surgery done. I am applying for Blue Cross Blue Shield. does anyone know if BCBS will cover the lab band surgery? Please let me know

I cannot believe it is finally here! My six month notes was sent into insurance yesterday evening and today and they have already approved me. I expected it to be next week for some news. I am now having so many feelings. Excitement and Confusion. :smile::confused: My mother is all for this but my family is not. They just keep asking me if I won't just diet and exercise with them because they are afraid of the surgery. I have to do this I have put seven months into getting ready for this and now it is here. I pray that God will keep me focused on what I have to do. Good luck to all of you on your approvals. I will probably find out in the morning when they will …

I am getting banded tomorrow at North West Weight Loss surgery! I am so scared! I have never had surgery before and i am starting to panic. If some of you could tell me your stories i might feel better! Thank you.

My surgeons office submitted my paper work to the insurance company last month and I got online today to check and see if they had decided anything and saw that they had just approved it yesterday. I called the doctors office to confirm and she said yes they had just got the approval this morning so I am looking at a surgery date of October 23rd. I can't believe the wait is over!!!

I should be getting my insurance approval this week. I am going to be starting my own self imposed two week preop diet next week. Today for dinner I had one chili dog with the bread and everything, and one hot dog with just chili no bread. I relished the hot dogs like I would never get to them again even though I know that I will, it just won't be the same when I get filled up after two bites. Sunday I will be having egg rolls as my very last meal. If all goes well (with insurance)I will be banded Oct. 13 in San Antonio,tx by Dr. Cavazos. I love this site thank you all for listening.....

Hello, I am starting to get ancy about whether I am going to be covered or not. My "things" were turned in to my insurance company on 9/15...and now I wait for their answer. Does anyone have BC/BS PPO? I don't know ANYTHING about insurances...what does the PPO stand for? My husband works for Toyota if that helps. If anyone has the same insurance, can you tell me what experience you have had with them? and how long do they make you wait? What is the longest anyone has ever waited for approval....i want this YESTERDAY! When I first started this journey...friggin 8 almost 9 months ago...I called my insurance company and they said that my policy did not require a 6-m…

Is there anyone else out there that will have to give themselves blood thinner shots while recovering for a couple of days afterwards?

I am from Maine and having the surgery at Souther Maine Medical Center. I weighed in at 270 with my dietician on the 10th of October. I started eating they way she told me to and I have lost 7 pounds in two weeks. I am affraid that if I lose too much weight my BMI and my weight won't be high enough to have the surgery approved by my insurance. Any suggestions?

Hello all! Well today is the day! My surgery is at 7:30 CST! It is 4:20 am here and I am up and getting ready to leave in an hour! I have to be there at 6am. I wish everyone well that is having surgery today! And for those newly banded I will be one of you shortly! I will email you on the other side!:rolleyes2:

I viewed my health insurance policy and the requirements are pretty basic but one states "no sustained weight loss in 2 years." I had lost 40 pounds but have gained about 15 of those back (same old story) so have lost about 25 in the last 2 years. Has anyone else had a similar loss and not been approved for surgery? I hate to intentionally gain more of it back. I had planned to attend a seminar next week, but while the physician was covered under my insurance the hospital where he operates was not (odd) so now I'm hoping to get to a seminar with different bariatric docs (who operate at a center of excellence facility - so probably a good move) in early October. Also, I…

Hello All!!! My insurance requires the 6 month diet that is regulated through a doctor (my PCP). My question is how do you avoid losing too much that you don't qualify in the end. The diet thing I have done several time and lost, its keeping it off is the issue. Beside keeping my pockets full of silver dollars when I weight in, how did this work for you???:redface:

I was called Friday morning by my surgeons office and told that my preop testing showed an abnormal EKG. It showed mild QT-T wave prolongation with minimal nonspecific ST- T Wave abnormality. Whatever that is, I have to be seen by a cardiologist on Monday and be cleared before I can have surgery on Tuesday. Has anyone else had this issue or know what the EKG meant? Went to cardiologist today and he okayed me for surgery tomorrow 9-23. Yeah. Just received a call from surgeons office and I have to be at hospital at 6 am. It is finally happening! Getting banded tomorrow.

Hello, I have seen alot of people post that the first night or two they sleep in a lounge chair in their living room (not the backyard kinds). I do not have one of these available to me and was wondering if this would be an issue. What are your thoughts on this as I only have a bed.

I am going for my three month check up tomorrow of a required four before surgery. I had a slight gain at the two month and will show another gain tomorrow. I fear as a result they may make me wait longer. I have no doubts about the surgery and I'm more than ready to take the plunge. Anyone else gain before the surgery? If so did the show go on as scheduled?

Hello fellow banders has anyone gone through this procedure and found a small hernia??? Dr is not sure if he wants to fix it.. he feels it maybe ok? Is this something that can prolong my surgery?

I am at the end of the qualification process for lap band and most recently attended a required public information session Casco Bay Surgery held here in South Portland. I was fine with all of the people I have had contact with up until now but did not like the surgeon who did the presentation. He seemed unprofessional. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has had their surgery with that center and how things went. These are the only guys in this area, so there isn't an option to call someone else at this point. Thanks

Hello All, This is my first post. I'm scheduled to be banded on Tuesday, 23 Sept. I started the pre-op liquid diet earlier this week and it is really tough! I've never been able to stick to a liquid diet in the past and now is no different. Is there any technique or strategy that might make the next eleven days a little easier? I know this is the right decision but, unlike others, my approval came pretty quickly so it's taking a while to sink in. Eating is a very social event in my life so I really need someone to tell me that it won't disappear! That it will just be a little 'different'. On a side note, I've been reading this website for a while now and really app…

OK, so I comfortably made it through the weekend and am starting day 6 of my pre-op diet. I get banded next monday and can't wait. I only had one bad pre-op diet day and now it kind of feels that I can handle the rest of the week with no problem... keeping fingers crossed. Hope you all have a great day.

Hi everyone I had my band fitted by Dr Mignon in Belgium 3 days ago and got home yesterday. First thing to say is that the surgery experience was great! Great surgeon, great English speaking co-ordinator, hospital, hotel etc. Now I'm home though I'm feeling a bit lost and feel like I'm not really understanding what's happening to my body in these early stages. I've been told liquid only for 7 days then 3 weeks on mushy food followed by a gradual return to solids, which is when my stomach pouch will form. At the moment I can't decide whether I'm hungry or not, I have a feeling like I have a brick in my belly and terrible wind! Is this normal? It would be great…

hello All.. Just found this website while browsing. My partner and I are both doing the LB. I work from home but she works retail. How long is recovery to feel like you are able to work? Im more worried about her than me as I can just go to office and get on pc to work. We are just waiting on the Insurance approval and then scheduling. I saw someones comments about prepping their bowels??? pls explain..sounds um interesting..hehe Thanks Jules

So i perhaps just want to tell someone this, but no one here will listen...so anyway... i am going to do a 7 day total body cleanse...starting tommorow 9/21 then on October 2 i start my pre op diet....3 carnation instant shakes...and two fruits. i assume i can drink anything clear though...which i will talk to the dr about. I really want to tell my parents although i don't want to get the ignorant factor of the whole thing...for instance when i told my sister her brillient mind told me..."its easy...just cut down portions" ...i felt like saying no sh**..really?? Why didn't i think of that. I love how people who are skinny can have a say on how easy it is..

:unsure:Hello everyone, My name is Angie and I live in Chesterfield, Va. I am 5'2 and I weigh 282lbs. I want the band but my main concern is the extra skin? Is there anybody out there who has used Dr. Elliott in Richmond,Va? I am AN RN so I understand the importance of following the post-op orders. I am going to a seminar on tomorrow.

I started this journey in December! I had to do the 6 month supervised diet with my Dr. She is totally against any form of WLS. June was my "6th" visit. I gave her another copy of a mock letter the surgeons office needed. "Can't do it today" she said. OK, I go in for the JULY visit (7th) and she asks how I am coming along with the surgery process. "WHAT??!!" "Doc, I can't even SUBMIT to insurance without your letter and progress notes!" "Can't do it today but here...." She handed me a SCRIPT with the 6 weights on it and a ICD9 code for morbid obesity. I told her that would not be enough for them. She proceeded to tell me again that she is against the surgery b…

Tomorrow, Monday, Sept. 22nd is my banding day. It's been almost a year since my first mandatory seminar, through 6 months of dieting and every test under the sun and two weeks on this horrible liquid only diet. But today is the bowel cleansing :embaressed_smile: which is making me very nauseated - so at least I've lost my hunger. I just hope everything goes well tomorrow. I had a hysterectomy 5 years ago - large abdominal incision, removal of a major organ, morphine IV and 6 weeks recovery. And I was up and walking the day of that surgery - so I don't anticipate this will be worse. But I am nervous. So, wish me luck. :cursing:

My insurance, Kaiser Colorado Springs, says I can see a doctor in the springs or denver. i am heading towards denver. Any thoughts? And do you have to get your fills done at the same doctor's office? Any advise would be appreiciated:) Thanks!!!:thumbup:

Does anyone have a website they have used and would recommend that offers suggested diets for pre-op. My surgeon has provided me a 20+ page hardcopy for a diet, but it is a little hard to digest (pun intended)! Just looking for a simple plan that is not overly complicated that I can use as a complement to what the Doctor has ordered... Pre-op starts in a couple of weeks!

I started seeing a new nutritionist in May and she has really been wonderful and supportive. She makes sure we schedule extra time to discuss things, all about health and food, beyond the regular appointment stuff. She has helped me figure out that I eat due to stress, which I have a lot of. She has also encouraged me to eat what I enjoy by making it a little healthier. One of the things she had me try this week, was staying away from senconds.. when something is really good its very hard for me to stop,, I love food and always have.. If life is tough I can't stop myself, until now.. She said to eat my correct portion size and then tell myself that if I really want it, th…

Hello all, I am struggling trying to quit smoking before my surgery and for life...I am on Chantix at the moment and even though my body isn't craving a cig...my mind is constantly thinking about it. Any smokers or ex-smokers out there that have had Lap-band? Did anyone have to quit smoking in order to have the surgery? I hate smoking and being a "smoker," I am sooo ready to quit...but I am mourning over it. I know I will also heal better if I am not smoking which is a great incentive! Am I alone? or is anyone out there smoking or have quit and have any advice? P.S. I am walking around like I am constantly forgetting something...and I realize it is my cig~!

Hi all...I know this thread may be offensive to some and I apologize if it is. However, trying to meet all the requirements can be near to impossible. I've read responses to people asking for quick help to meet a certain insurance qualifier and thought we might as well acknowledge the elephant in the room and it might be helpful to share our info. :wink2: 1-I've heard of people wearing clogs to weigh and loose pants so that during height measurement, you can bend your knees slightly. If you have this done at the banding office, they're not watching you too closely and they don't have prior records of your height. 2-For the psych eval, I told the truth but concentrated…

As the hour gets closer I begin to get all these crazy emotions- fear, sheer anxiousness, and complete hope for the future- I am sooo excited i can't wait to start my life- Of course I can't help to wish I could skip right over the whole surgery part of the day :thumbup:- But I'm gonna try my hardest to be brave and get through it- Can someone give me a little heads up on how I will feel right after surgery- Will I be woozy, tired, in a lot of pain? Any input would be great guys...Thanks and please keep in your thoughts on Monday:thumbup:

I need to gain weight before I get weighed tomorrow I'm only 5lbs from having a BMI of 40 and therefore insurance approval please any advice helps I've been eating a crap ton of bread today any other suggestions?

Good Morning Everyone, I tried to start my Water around 8:30ish and wow did I have bad pains in chest. Here it is 9:30 and still a problem. Also, I drink room temperature water and not cold so that should be better. I am going to switch to warm chicken broth and see how that goes. I'm just curious if anyone else has that pain early in the morning? My last drink was around 8:30ish last night so I hate to go 11 hours without fluids.

My surgery is on Wednesday. I'm really excited about it, nervous too. I have been reading these " Lapband didn't work for me" posts and those scare me, I mean granted I truly believe that if you follow the diet and you have discipline in nutrition/exercise it will work. This is a big step for me, I'm looking forward to not having to worry about future health problems and being able to go shopping!!! Although I'm already sick of my protein shakes, and it's really too hot to be working out...I'm doing it. I'm also looking forward to using this board more and more as I progress...so...I'll let you all know how it goes!

I had my seminar yesterday (8-28-08) and all went well. I am scheduled for some pre-operative tests next week and will have a date to "realize" my potential soon after that! Im getting kinda jittery and nervous already but I am wayyyyyy looking forward to getting the procedure completed. Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared2::biggrin::scared2::tt2:

I am so excited!!! My surgery is set for May 22nd. Anyone else in May?

I only have a few months to go and I will be getting a banding surgery date; I have a question. I do not lie on my back, ever, when I sleep because I choke and can't catch my breath... I sleep on my left side. But, when they do surgery I will be on my back. Did I read somewhere that I would be "tubed" with anesthesia to keep me breathing OK during surgery? If so, does this tubing take place after I am knocked out? This is worrying me to death! Thanks for helping this nervous ninny!

Yesterday I had my last appt. with the dietician and went to see anesthesia since my surgery is scheduled for 9/23. Both of them started out with confirming name, dob, etc. Then they said "you are having the gastric Roux-en-Y done on the 23rd". I corrected them and said I am having the band, not the bypass. This also happened when I had my blood work done. The anesthesiologist just kept going and explained how I would have an NG tube in, etc. I stopped him and told him again I am having the lap band, not the bypass. He looked confused and said he was not sure if they put in an NG tube for that. My concern is that everyone knows what the heck I am getting done! Su…

I'm a "lightweight" at 175 lbs., but I am only 4 feet 10 inches, struggled with weight since childhood. Lost the same 50 pounds five times... I will be a self-pay and have completed everything, and am scheduled for December 15. The self-pay price is $17,000 if I stay in the hospital overnight or $15,500 if I go home that day. What do you think???

In one of the articles I posted in my introduction post, there is an article cited that I thought was interesting: Weight Loss Surgery May Help Less Severely Obese, US News & World Report Obviously weight loss surgery has typically been recommended (and covered by insurance) only for those with BMIs above 40, or 35+ with a co-morbidity. However, I know that there are some providers here in Dallas who have been exploring the 30-35 BMI market as a more preventative, quasi-cosmetic procedure. I think we'd all agree that once BMIs get above 30, weight loss is a positive thing regardless of whatever the primary underlying reason is. But I am interested to know what …

Ok, I am on the pre-op liquid diet. I know that it can have dire consequences if I eat things that aren't allowed. What about if I am not taking it all in, do you think that can be a problem? My doc says drink 6 glucerna shakes a day. After drinking one per meal, I feel like I am swimming. I am getting my fluids in, but 6 shakes is really pushing it for me. Do you think that will be an issue, or should I force myself to do 6 shakes?

:sad:I am on the 3rd day of my pre-op diet and I am being banded on the 29th but I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hungry. I wanna cry and go to bed

I am starting my 3rd day for pre-op diet and i woke up with leg cramps in middle of night. I am assuming this is from my potassium level and is there anyone else who had/has this problem. What did you do to correct it.