CatLady0626

I actually gained weight after the six months. I started taking birth control and an antidepressant during that time, so I think those contributed. But I had no trouble getting approved for surgery.

Thanks for your input, everyone! I'm just trying to eat "smart" for now and stay hydrated. My surgeon is a seasoned one, so I trust he will get the job done. If he was worried, he'd have put me on a liquid pre-op diet, right?

I know what you mean! I will be 27 on Monday and I feel like I should have already had a baby. My mother had me when she was 21 and I liked having a young mom growing up. However... For me even a year makes a big difference in my maturity level, my patience, etc. my husband and I have been married for almost two years now but I like the idea of waiting a little longer to focus on us. I'm hoping that by 30 we start trying for kids. Hell, I have so much I want to do after I lose this weight and I don't want kids to stop me lol so I say wait, enjoy your husband, and enjoy yourself as you lose weight and get healthy

Congrats ladies! Love hearing stories like these and picturing myself in a "normal" store buying "normal" sizes. Also can't wait to not be so afraid of getting clothes as Christmas presents... Keep up the good work and keep the happy tales coming!

I've told my boss and my best work friend. That's it as far as work for me. My surgery is jan 17 and i will be out until the 28th. I will probably tell the rest of them about my surgery if and when they ask about my weight loss. I just don't want to add to the stress and anxiety beforehand.

I was pretty nervous too! Turns out there was nothing for me to fear. I basically sat on a comfy couch and talked to a nice lady about why I want surgery, what I think will change afterward, and who my support system consists of. She was great! Not judgmental or anything like that. Good experience overall.

Lol, I "only" have 4. All former feral barn cats. I would have more if the hubby would let me! You can never have too many precious kitties in my opinion

I had no pain. Everything maddysgram said about her experience was the same as mine. It took longer than I expected, as far as waiting around, but that's just because my surgeon was running late. No pain at all and i was only under anesthesia for about fifteen minutes. Nothing to worry about :-)

Thanks for the early birthday wishes! It is always a little scary to go under the knife but these guys and gals know what they're doing. And we are ready for a new, healthier lifestyle! Best wishes!

I actually gained a good deal during my 6 month pre op diet. I still had no problem getting insurance approval, but I am worried that my surgery will be more difficult. Just hang in there! There is a reason we are gettin this surgery: we need help!

January 17 is my date! I have to get an EKG and some blood work done prior to my date, but that's it. My surgeon doesn't require a pre-op liquid diet either. On one hand I'm glad because my birthday is a few days before surgery (who doesn't love a good meal and some cake on their birthday?!) but I worry that I will gain during a celebratory final goodbye to gluttony and alcohol, thereby making my liver a big hot mess for surgery :-/ Best of luck to all of us in "Band-uary 2013"!!!

Absolutely! I've kinda been riding this high for the last few days. It gives me so much hope for the future.

Congrats!!! I also received word of my approval yesterday! Best of luck!

Thank you!!!

After 9 months of consultations, meetings, nutrition appointments... I finally had my info submitted to Highmark about a week ago and now am waiting (impatiently!) to hear back! How long does this insurance waiting game take? Anyone else have highmark?

I knew what you meant We didn't really set a goal weight loss for the six month diet. They actually told me at the beginning my bmi was just barely qualifying so if I lost too much weight I would be denied. I wasn't concerned with that because the way I saw it, if I was able to lose weight during the diet visits, maybe I didn't need surgery after all. So I tried. And yo-yoed like I always have. I think a big part of my struggle is that my PCP started me on Paxil for anxiety and depression about five months ago. A major side effect from that is weight gain, so I'm hoping my insurance company sees it like that.

I'm so sorry to hear that, I'm sure it's disheartening. What is your insurance company? You could always try to appeal. Best wishes, hang in there.

Congrats and great work on losing 20 lbs during your six months! I have my final diet visit tomorrow. I however have gained weight during my six months keep us posted and best wishes for a speedy approval!

Congrats and good work! Hope to be there myself some day. It's very encouraging to read posts like this, so thank you :-) congrats again!

I'm about to have my final of six monthly nutritionist meetings and I've been worried because I've gained weight since the first meeting. Since I started six months ago my work hours have changed, I had a death in the family and I started taking Paxil for anxiety and depression. I'm not trying to make excuses, I have been trying, but it's been especially difficult to even maintain most months. How will gaining weight over the six months affect my chances of getting approved by insurance? I have BCBS. Anyone have any stories to relate? The reason I'm trying to get the band is because I obviously need help so im really hoping I don't get denied because of this!

Thanks for your responses! I've been stressing out so badly the past two months that it's been even harder.

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and I have so many questions about banding, I don't even know where to begin! First off, I am a 24 year old, 5'8", 250 lb woman who has been overweight her entire life. I have always been self-conscious and have allowed my self-esteem issues to interfere with my life in many ways. I am happily married to a great, supportive man, but I still feel like something is missing: my self-confidence and confidence in my future health! I have gained and lost, gained and lost with many different diets, calorie counting, and exercise programs and after each attempt I usually end up heavier than when I started. This year alone I yo-yoed from 240 up and down several times and here I am around 250. Basically, I don't have any other major health problems (YET), but I am 100lbs over my "ideal" weight (even though BMI is 38). My major question is: do I currently qualify for lap-band surgery? Does anyone have a similar story? What is the first step I should take in order to pursue this? I have done a lot of research about this surgery, and I do understand the commitment involved, and that is really why I feel this would be good for me: it is a commitment that I can't just give up on. Anyway, any input would be greatly appreciated! Congrats to everyone who is meeting their goals with this surgery -CatLady