ccraig326

After six years of researching and going back and forth on whether or not this is what I want to do, I finally made the decision that this is what's best for me. That was 7 months ago. It has taken me 7 months of jumping through hoops with my insurance company (Anthem Blue Cross), but with the help of my doctor's amazing nurse, I finally got everything taken care of and will be having my surgery on February 25, 2011. That was last week that I got my appointment date - now coming this week, I have four appointments for pre-op - blood work, doctor's one on one visit, nurse's pre-op appointment, and an upper-GI. Next Monday, 2/7, is my final appointment before my surgery - it is with the cardiologist who has to read my EKG and sign off on my surgery - finally!!! It's been a logn time coming but I am so ready for this!!! After so many years of research and prayer, I can't believe it's finally happening and seems so close but still so far away and surreal. I am 5'6 (used to be 5'7) and 240 lbs at 43 years old. I am ready to begin my new life and excited for what my future holds. I am so blessed that I have a supportive husband, family, and friends who are all standing behind me ready to help me make it to the finish line - I don't think I could do this without all the major support I have! Whoo hoo!!

Mucinex and a ZPack may help alot - I hope you get better soon! Good luck!

I had my surgery last Friday, had to stay in the hospital overnight but felt great on Sunday. Went back to work yesterday at a desk job and worked the whole day - was a little tired by the end of the day but did ok. I worked today and again, a little tired at the end of the day but doing great. I didn't take any pain meds at all so didn't have any driving restrictions. I feel really good but was told no lifting anything over 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks. The hospital gave me a binder to wrap around my stomach and it has made all the difference in the world. I have been able to sleep on my side for the last two nights comfortably. I am really surprised at how good I feel. Everyone is different so your experience may be different, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was as smooth as it has been so far. The one thing that I can say as a negative is the gas bubbles - I have been burping a lot and it's a little uncomfortable at times, but I can handle it. Good luck to you!

Had my surgery two days ago - spent the night in the hospital because of my blood pressure being too high. Dry heaved pretty badly that first night and the gas pain wasn't too bad. Took a shower today and feel pretty good. Glad I had the surgery and have already lost five pounds - very happy I did this.

Congratulations! I am having my surgery on Friday, 2/25 - four days away! I'm so excited and also nervous! I have to be at the hospital at 6 am and my surgery is at 8 am - can't wait for the rest of my life to start and my weight loss journey to get started! Good luck to everyone as they begin their journey!

I have Anthem as well HMO - I went to Dr. LePort and am having my surgery on 2/25 at a center of excellence - Fountain Valley Regional Hospital - it took a lot of chasing paper and appts for the hoops I had to go through - about 4 months worth - but worth all of it - can't wait. Good luck and just stay persistent!

I'm so happy - I finally got my approval in the mail yesterday!! I have been going through this process for about three months now so I guess that's not too bad after reading how long others have had to wait! Now just waiting to hear back from the surgery scheduler! Cannot wait to get this going!!! :D

I haven't gotten my surgery date yet but I so can't wait!! I'm ready to lose this weight and start living my life again!

Hi Everyone - I'm so excited but also very nervous. I have been going through trying to get the approval process with insurance for about 6 months now. My primary doctor made me go through the dietician meeting, the psychological exam, and attempted weight loss attempts before he would submit the paperwork for just the referral to the lap band doctor. I finally got through all that and then had to start the second step of the process - consultation classes, dietician classes, doctors talks, weigh ins. Did all that and now finally just waiting for the insurance approval for the surgery!!! Couldn't be happier and I'm glad I've had to go through all this because it gave me time to really be sure this is what I want to do. Now I'm just waiting to hear that the insurance has approved the surgery - I have Anthem Blue Shield in California - HMO. I'm at a 41 BMI and am ready to do this!!! I have set my expectation that I will have this surgery by the end of January 2011 so if it happens sooner than that, I will be excited. I had always been thin until I turned 21, got pregnant, and gained 100 pounds. I never lost it and then just decided to give up and eat whatever I wanted. I went from 115 pounds at 5'7 to 248 pounds and somehow have lost an inch in height. My knees hurt when I walk - especially up stairs. My back hurts when I stand too long, and I am out of breath all the time. I want to be able to shop at "normal" clothing stores and not worry about breaking a chair when I sit in it. I cannot wait to get this procedure and start the process!!! I am aiming to get to 140 pounds but my first goal will be 199 pounds!!! Can't wait!!!

Thanks Thsisme! I need all the support I can get