Bluegreen

10lbs is great. That's a noticeable amount of weight loss! Congratulations!

Welcome and I hope you have a speedy recovery. I just learned about the plication on this site a few days ago. Sounds like it could really help. I plan to ask my surgeon about it. I am still pre-op, so I appreciate the pos-op updates. Glad to hear you are tolerating the liquid diet. I am a little concerned about that.

Be prepared that this will not likely be a fast process. Most insurances have their requirements. I am in month 4 of a 6 month process dictated by my insurance company and it has been time well spent. I have to say it is somewhat frustrating because I cannot be approved until I have completed all requirements. I could potentially get to the end of the 6 months only to be denied. I sure hope that is not the case. I have seen this topic posted a lot lately. It's a big concern. So hang in there. Time goes by fast. Good luck at your appointment!

I am pre-op, but I am drinking the unjury chocolate Splendor Protein shakes in the morning. I wanted to try to find something I liked before surgery. I tried the chocolate Amplified from GNC, but thought it was terrible. I also tried the Body Fortress Super whey Shots (from Wal-mart). These were also terrible. I seem to be on the picky side when it comes to these drinks. One nice thing about Unjury is that you can order a starter kit which comes with packets of their flavors, a shaker bottle and a thermometer. They have a chicken Soup one that can be heated, but only to 130 degrees. I didn't care for it too much, but online it gets good reviews. As far as I know, you can only purchase Unjury online - www.unjury.com. My dietician recommended this brand as it is high quality. She recommended mixing the strawberry flavor with diet lemonade. I haven't tried that yet. You can mix the unflavored or fruit flavors with drinks like Crystal Light, so that gives you a few more options. I haven't tried Isopure yet, but that is one that I would like to try next. My surgery will hopefully be in October, but like you, I'm nervous about the liquid diet. Also nervous about getting insurance approval. I have done everything I'm supposed to do, but they can always find a reason to say no. I will have to do liquids two weeks before surgery, then a few weeks after, as well. That alone should induce some rapid weight loss. Congratulations on your surgery date and best of luck to you.

You have done really great. Lost so much weight. I'm sure you can take off those remaining pounds. My doctor's nurse lost 120 lbs with the lapband. She said that she occasionally goes back to liquids for a variety of reasons. She has been able to maintain her weight loss. She is at goal now. It's been close to two years since she had surgery. Maybe you are on to something. Just curious if you exercise. I joined a Water aerobics class a couple of weeks ago. It's the first time that I have found an exercise program that I do not dread. I actually look forward to it, even though it really takes a chunk out of my evening hours. I'm still pre-op, so it's helpful for me to read these posts.

This is a comforting post. I have not had surgery yet, and I hope my experience is like yours. I am glad you are doing so well. Good luck in the coming weeks/months.

We have an inexpesive one that we purchased in a department store. It works great for meat and beans, too.

I think a good place to start would be checking with FL Medicaid to see if they cover the surgery and what the requirements are. Be prepared for a 3 to 6 month process. I am 4 months into a 6 month process (ins requirement), but it's not wasted time. There is a lot to learn and habits to break before surgery. Just give yourself time to work through the process and don't beat yourself up for being where you are now.

This is good to hear. I currently drink diet coke when eating in restaurants. I really dread giving them up. I always thought as far as bad habits go, a couple of diet cokes in a week couldn't be too bad. Maybe I will lose my taste for them also. My nutritionist says no one needs caffeine or carbonated beverages. I have done pretty well. I drink decaf tea with splenda at home, but I haven't given up the diet cokes at restaurants yet. At least I don't drink them at home.

Just know that your Aetna policy could be different from others. They can provide you with the specifics of your plans coverage of bariatric surgery. It should say what types of bariatric surgery they cover and what the criteria is for gaining approval. They need to give you something more specific than just saying it must be medically necessary. For my insurance, it's a 6 month process. According to my surgeon, even if you are self pay, it's still about 3 months. I'm sure they are exceptions, but it's not a fast process. I agree with sweetpea - it's time well spent. I'm 4 months into the 6 month process for my insurance company. I'm trying to be very careful to meet all of the plan requirements, but I'm so worried I'll miss something that will result in a rejection.

My surgeon does not charge an additional fee. I can't imagine how they can justify it.

I live in Oklahoma, but have spent a lot of time in your area! I am a remote employee but my company is located in Cary. That just caught my eye in your post. Anyway, I have BCBS and I know each employers plan is different, but my plan covers a BMI of 40 with no other health issues and a BMI of 35 to 40 with health problems. I have PCOS and I'm insulin resistant. During my pre-op testing, I also found out I have sleep Apnea. So, these are reasons why the insurance company should cover the procedure. If you have high blood pressue or other weight related problems, this helps get the coverage. On my plan, it is a 6 month process. I have to see my primary care doctor and nutritionist 6 times in 6 months. That's they downside of using insurance. If I were self pay, I wouldn't have to wait so long. Best of luck to you in your decision. I'm getting close. My last PCP & nutrition visits are scheduled for Sept. If all goes well and insurance approves, I should get banded in October.

Hope you get to feeling better soon. I haven't had surgery yet. Hopefully, in October. I think my doctor said I will be on liquid for a couple of weeks after surgery. My nutritionist said a lot of people do not feel hungy at all for a few weeks after surgery. It sounds like that is not the case for you. At least you are craving something healthy.

I'll let you know. After my dietician and primary care visits in Sept, my surgeon's office will submit the request for approval. It's getting close.