got2lovedisney

I've tried the Strawberry flavor and I think it tastes like fish. I've switched to the Celebrate tangerine flavor. Much better.

My doc put a layer of fat over my staple line.

I like Panera's Lobster Bisque. I get it at Target.

Howdy neighbor! (I'm from Hialeah) Although I opted to go with the surgeon that spoke at the seminar I attended, I have a friend that had her Gastric done by Dr Gonzalez and she highly recommended him. You're in good hands! Hope your approval comes quickly!!

Yesterday I was so discouraged cuz the insurance company denied me...surgeon's office filed the appeal yesterday and today I got the call...Approved!!! I'm so excited!

I've been thinking about it and lurking probably since last March when my friend had her bypass surgery. Then in December, my GYN was running routine blood work and told me my cholesterol was too high and I had to be put on meds. That was the deciding moment. Started researching surgery types and decided on the lapband. I went to my PCP on January 12th, got 'script for Crestor and went to a seminar that evening. I hadn't really heard about VSG until then but that seminar changed my mind. VSG for me. Scheduled an appointment right then and there to meet with the surgeon and got the ball rolling. Took my time researching Surgeons but ultimately decided on the one who presented at the seminar.

I'm thinking they look at your current weight as the basis for approval. (Veterans please chime in) The fact that you gained weight "should" only strengthen the argument that you need surgery. Just a thought...I went to my PCP in January because my Gyn ran blood and found my cholesterol was high. PCP said my cholesterol was borderline so I ASKED him to put me on meds (Crestor). I have since been diagnosed with apnea also but I figured it wouldn't hurt to show my cholesterol was enough of a problem to warrant meds. I'm waiting on approval now so I know how stressful this process can be...but so worth it.

I must be the exception...my mom is PUSHING me to do the surgery! Yes, she fears for me but she fears more the risks associated with my (raising) weight. Even if she had disagreed though, I would stand firm and have the surgery...It's me that has to live in this body, me that has to carry around an extra person's worth of weight on my (creaking)bones, me that feels uncomfortable in social situations, me that has to deal with the aches and pains, me that has to worry about dropping dead at 42 of a heart attack, me that worries when (not if) I'll become diabetic, it's me that wonders if my 82 year old mom will outlive me, etc etc. It's for me that I'm doing this. Do it for you!

I had my 6th PCP visit on 6/20/11. I called my surgeon's office on 7/5 to see what(if any) paperwork they were missing and was told they've submitted to Cigna for approval! Took me by surprise as the coordinator at the Hospital said the Surgeon's office would want to go over everything with me first. I guess not. Now...waiting...

Just stopping in to say "Hi!"...love your post!

I must be an exception because my co-workers and my boss are all very supportive of my surgery choice. No need to lie/omit/cover up here. OP I do agree with what others have said...it's none of their business. In my case, told the lady in HR because I wasn't sure if our plan covered weight loss surgery (it does!) but otherwise, I probably would've told her anyways for STD purposes.

I bought mine at Wal-Mart for $377.00. I'm about 260# and it works fine for me although it's rated for 300#. Has 10 speeds, 1-10% incline and like 8 preset workouts you can do. Heart Monitor and kill switch. Check it out. My link Note: When I bought mine, Upromise was running a promo so I got 10% back instead of the normal 1%. Paid the $19.95 shipping just for the convenience of having them bring it to my job instead of me having to go home to wait for the delivery.

So far I've had 21 appointments: 1 seminar 1 surgeon 5 primary (1 more to go 6/20) 3 dietician (1 more scheduled for 6/15) 1 Gastroenterologist 1 Breathe test 1 Endoscopy 1 Pulmonologist 2 sleep studies 2 Cardiologist 1 Stress test and EKG 2 Psychologist This doesn't count pre-op appointments with the Surgeon, Chest Xray and whatever else is needed once I get surgery approval. I guess it depends on your insurance and/or Surgeon's requirements. (I have Cigna Open Access.) It's a lot of hoop jumping but worth it.

No one?

If all goes well, I'll be getting sleeved in July by Dr. Whittwell. I was thinking of having it done at Hialeah Hospital because it's closest to me but I know he does surgery out of South Miami and UM also. Has anyone had any experiences with either Dr. Whitwell and/or Hialeah Hospital? Please share your thoughts...thanks!!

OP-thanks for asking this question!! My PCP doesn't want me to lose weight as he thinks it'll give the insurance company a reason to deny me. You guys are saying you haven't had that fear with Cigna. That's reassuring! I've been trying to follow the dietician's diet as I don't want to lie to her but I haven't been trying too hard either as I didn't really want to lose but now I'm going to focus on dropping some pounds before my surgery! Yay!

Getting pedicures because they make me feel sexy, not because I can't bend over to cut my toenails. Swapping clothes with my 22 year old daughter. Wearing Crocs cuz they're fun, not because they're the only shoes that don't make my feet ache. Saying YES to more social invitations. Not feeling self-councious all the time. Having sex without worrying about the belly bumping going on. Seeing the "parts" I'm shaving...not having to ask to be shaved for that matter!! Getting on a plane and going to Disneyland!!!

This is a great idea! I went to Disney World in January and since I had already decided on WLS I found myself looking at the shirts and thinking, "Soon I'll be able to fit into that". I'm heading back to Disney World next weekend and I'm going to buy a "goal" shirt. I currently buy XXL in t-shirts...I'm going to buy myself a Medium!! Yay! I don't even have a surgery date yet, not done with my 6 month supervised diet but I'm so excited, thanks to threads like these!!!!

Could I have a copy too, please? Thanks! got2lovedisney@Netscape.com