DMDubey76

Hello friends,

I have Cigna (I live in CT, after Jan. 1, 2017 it will switch to Aetna). The shakes, scar cream and supplements were approved. The process took maybe 2 weeks because I wasn't super diligent about making sure my doc got the faxed prescription request from Insure Nutrition - then faxed the company back, signing off on it, which they did.

I'm a lapband revision to sleeve (just had the band out 11/22/16 have to wait 3 months to get the sleeve done). So right now I'm in the middle of the two surgeries. UPS confirmed that I have 4 shipments on the way scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I'm not sure how many Premier Protein come per case, but I'll keep you updated as getting our nutrition covered is a hot topic! I cannot begin to tell you how thankful I am to have this be covered. It eases my mind to know that my Protein needs will be met - delivered to my door and covered by my insurance! Now we'll see what happens after the 1st of the year and if Aetna is as generous as Cigna (fingers crossed).

Hey there kids,

Gosh it's been a while since I've posted on here. You have your surgery done and you just kinda move forward (that's what I did anyhow, and now I'm back and looking for that support I've been missing). My lap band surgery was done on 10/18/11 via a single incision through my belly button. All was well until 11/6/11 when I developed a UTI and was severely dehydrated. I had a one night stay at the ER for that and was fixed up with a course of antibiotics. I was good to go in less than a week.

Time had passed and I went to my surgeon's office every 2 weeks for adjustments. So far I've lost 45 lbs. Since my surgery my belly button had been leaking. Not a LOT, but enough to moisten the waistband of my pants daily. Fast forward to my fill appointment on 2/23/12. I reminded my surgeon that my belly button was still leaking a bit. He looked in it and he thought the tubing to the port was kinked behind my belly button and keeping it from healing. He scheduled emergency surgery for the next day to clip the exposed tubing (making it shorter to keep it from kinking). I went for my blood work right after I left the office and was in surgery the next afternoon. Fearing infection, he removed my port and the mesh holding it in place. Closed me up and sent me home later that night with antibiotic and (thankfully) pain killers. Tomorrow is my follow-up appointment. I've been changing the dressing 2-3x a day and I have to say today (4 days after surgery) the incision has been leaking the most. My stomach is VERY bloated and tender. I'm hoping these things mean that I'm healing. Once the infection clears I'll be able to have a new port put back in. He's not sure he's going to use the mesh. I just can't wait for them to put Humpty Dumpty back together. I had been feeling fine, now I feel like I've been hit by a truck.

Anyone else have port problems? Does the infection sound like it's healing or getting worse? Tomorrow isn't coming fast enough!

So the "process" is coming ot fruition! It started with an informational seminar on May 29, 2011. Now it's October 17 and tomorrow is surgery day. Through a ton of tests, pokes and prods I'm ready to go. And I really am "ready". I'm excited. I can't say I'm nervous per se. My nerves are more to do with my success vs. failure. I realize success and failure are up to me.

So, I'm at work today - because being home I would THINK to much. I'm waiting for the surgeon's office to call and tell me my surgery time. All of my ducks are in a row. Clothes are all washed, house is clean, groceries are bought...waiting.

Mmm, that sounds really wonderful! I'm just starting my second week of my pre-op liquid diet. chicken has always been a staple of mine, and right now that sounds absolutely wonderful!

I'll be sure to make it when I'm back on solids!

I have a super recipe for chicken and it's so easy to prepare. Take 2-4 oz of chicken wash and dry well. Take 3 whole wheat crackers crush them to a fine like bread crumb add to the crumbs garlic and onion powders. Dip chicken in egg whites and roll into bread crumbs. Spray into the botton of the baking pan and Bake at 350 for 40 mins or until done. Serve with veggies. Soooo good. Enjoy

Hey there!

My surgery is also set for 10/18. I start my 2 week pre-op liquid diet tomorrow (10/4). GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OF US!

I can't say I'm really nervous, isn't that crazy? I'm excited, that's for sure. More nervous about my success rather than the surgery itself.

-Deana

Being banded 10/18,nervous. Anyone banded with encouraging advice?

I have Aetna. My initial appointments started the beginning of June 2011. My claim was sent to them on September 9 and was approved on September 14. My surgery is October 18th.

Tomorrow starts my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. You'll hear something soon!

-Deana

I just finished my 3 months of dieting, nutritionist, pysch evaluation, and my surgeon office just submitted my paperwork. Anyone know approximately how long it takes for approval from Aetna? I'm hoping to have the surgery by the end of October.

Hey there,

I live in Southington, CT and go to Bristol Hospital. At the informational meeting I went to at the hospital in May (when my journey began) I met both doctors that do the surgery there. There's Dr. Gedeon and Dr. Oluwole. Both are very nice, but I took to Dr. Oluwole. He's a nut. Great sense of humor but also really explains things and is fine when I bring my little notebook with me to see him. He talks down to earth, hes not pretentious at all.

I don't know if Bristol is too far for you. My surgery is October 18, I'm not concerned at all at how the doctors will be when I go for the fills.

I hope this helps, if Bristol is too far - I do hope you find someone you click with. That's so important!

-Deana

Hello Again,

I live in the New Haven area and had a lap band placed a month ago. I am unhappy with my doctor, and looking for someone else in the area to hopefully take over my overall care, fills, etc...

I am looking for someone personable with which I can develop an easy rapport, ask questions and voice my concerns. Good patient-doctor relations are important to me, and I feel like my current doctor is a good surgeon but not approachable at all when it comes to post-op care. Every time I ask a question he frowns in disapproval and refers me to the nurses. I'm not sure what the disapproval is about, but I don't think I'm asking unusual questions... And I've been following all instructions and loosing weight.

Today I got my first fill and he barely asked me any questions about how I was feeling and handling all the diet changes and eating habits so far before doing the fill. He proceeded to do the fill without even discussing it with me (so he didn't mention the amount or the typical quantity or post fill experiences). And then once he did it he just told me to go back to liquids and then mushy food for a few days and walked out of the room. Needless to say, I'm not happy. I don't expect a surgeon to spend an hour with me each time I go, but I'd like to be more informed in advance of my care, and feel like I can ask questions without feeling intimidated.

So if you know a good, personable doctor in the New Haven or surrounding area, please let me know.

Thanks!

JoJo

Congrats girlie!

I'm still pre-op. My surgery is scheduled for 10/18/11. What AMAZING before and after pics. Initially I have been telling myself things might firm up in time after I start to lose the weight. But more and more people I read about are getting the excess skin removed. I'm HOPING I won't need a TT, but who knows. I would hate to lose the weight and still have the flappies. As far as the boobs are concerned, mine aren't very big to begin with. But they've always been on the saggy side. Just a lift would probably be good there.

Thank you again for sharing! And good luck to your healing.

-Deana

Hey all!

So, I had a TT and breast lift about 4 weeks ago. I feel GREAT! About two weeks post op, I was able to start getting out and slowly exercising a bit. Walking, etc. Last week (3 weeks post op) I started walking about 3-4 miles a day. In the last couple of days, not quite four weeks out, I'm able to go for my runs again. I've taken it slow and have only started running about 2 miles, planning on working up to my regular runs of about 4 miles over the course of the next few weeks.

Recovery was not as bad as I had thought, but definitely not easy. The first three days were the worst, but at day 5, I was able to walk to the bus stop with my boys in the morning and able to move around on my own. I was still sleeping in our recliner until about a full week out, then in bed, with the help of my husband.

All in all, definitely worth it. As you can see, I had A LOT of stretch marks and still do, albeit, definitely better, but I definitely didn't have unreal expectations that they would all just disappear. He removed about 10 inches of skin, top to bottom. CRAZY!

I have to be taped up for about another 2 weeks.

My breasts are amazing and I LOVE LOVE LOVE them, lol. He raised my nipples about 5-6 cm. They are the same size now and "normal". I have lost zero sensitivity in them, in fact, I'd say they were a bit MORE sensitive than before.

Anyways, if anybody has any questions, feel free, I'm an open book. PM if you want.

Before

Before

After

After

Oh goodness, I laughed at this post. I keep making fun that I will have a "Last Supper" with 12 of my closest friends sitting at the table with me. I too am a carb-a-vore, so this will certainly be an adjusment. I'm ready for the change though.

Good luck to everyone! I start my liquid diet on 10/4 and my surgery date is 10/18. Here's to ALL of us. May we all enjoy our "Last Supper" before our new lives begin!

-Deana

Yay, I start my liquid diet on the 4th too! Although, I have to doing it until my surgery date on 10/18!

Im suppose to start my pre-diet on Oct 4th, which is a 10-day Atkins (low carb) diet and my surgery is scheduled for Oct 14th... I am not a sweets fan and I don't really eat chocolate, so saying by to desserts won't be a big deal for me but I enjoy carbs, carbs, and more carbs... I have really indulged a bit over the last week or so. I did mexican @ Pepe's, a nice burger @ Red Robins, and all you can eat Pasta @ Olive Garden. My last stop is Saturday... going to ALL YOU CAN EAT SHRIMP @ Red Lobster... Then Im going to start my pre-diet on Sunday the 2nd (a couple of days early). I also bought myself a treadmill, so i will be starting to walk on that as well because I have heard that walking helps with before and after surgery. So that's a little of my story. Good luck everyone!!! I'm counting down the days... (16 days away). YAY!!!

Hi Everyone,

I am Kelli and I just had Lap Band on Monday. I am not feeling great today and came online to see if I can find some reassurance that what I feel is normal. I am feeling bloated with heartburn and uncomfortable. I had some cottage cheese for breakfast and felt fine after that. Then I had some mashed potatoes with my Protein powder for lunch and was fine. At 3 I had my Protein shake and my calcium chews and felt too full. I thought it would go away. They told me a couple of hours. It has been over 4 hrs and I still feel uncomfortable. My incision where the port is nearby is uncomfortable too. I was told by my doc that I would be fine in few days after surgery but I am still waiting. Is this normal? Hope you all are doing GREAT!

Hi Kelli,

Congrats to you. I'm still pre-op, I'll be starting my 2 week liquid diet on 10/4 (surgery date set for 10/18). I'm surprise to see that they have you on "food" so soon after surgery. I guess every doctor is different. As for me, I was told I would be on liquids 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. Then I would move on to pureed stuff (aka phase 3). I don't have any words of wisdom, as you're farther than me on this journey. But, I do wish you well. Maybe day 4 is just a real doozy for ya. Chin up buttercup, we're rootin' for ya!

-Deana

Best of luck to you!

I'm still pre-op, but I love me a bargain. What is this card you speak of?

Hey there,

For me I had (not in any particular order):

1 Consultation with Bariatric Coordinator

2 Visits with a dietician

1 Visit (so far) with the surgeon and nutritionist*

*There will be one more meeting this week, which I presume will start my 2 week pre-op diet (since my insurance finally approved me)

1 sleep study - to check for sleep apnea (strangest night of my life)

1 Follow-up to the sleep study

2 Visits to the Cardiologist (the first one had an EKG the second one was for an electrocardiogram)

1 Complete blood work panel

2 Attendances to a hospital sponsored support group (which I TOTALLY recommend to keep going to after surgery too)

1 Meeting with the anesthisiologist

Aetna also got a 2 year weight history from my doctor.

Almost forgot - and a psych evalution. Thankfully I've been deemed sane enough for surgery!

Hey there,

For me I had (not in any particular order):

1 Consultation with Bariatric Coordinator

2 Visits with a dietician

1 Visit (so far) with the surgeon and nutritionist*

*There will be one more meeting this week, which I presume will start my 2 week pre-op diet (since my insurance finally approved me)

1 sleep study - to check for sleep apnea (strangest night of my life)

1 Follow-up to the sleep study

2 Visits to the Cardiologist (the first one had an EKG the second one was for an electrocardiogram)

1 Complete blood work panel

2 Attendances to a hospital sponsored support group (which I TOTALLY recommend to keep going to after surgery too)

1 Meeting with the anesthisiologist

Aetna also got a 2 year weight history from my doctor.

How has loss of 100 pounds changed my life? Here are just a few off top of my head.....

• I can go out in public and not be embarrassed.
• I can wear bluejeans comfortably.
• I can fit into booths at resteraunts and movie theaters without problems.
• My legs don't rub together catching my pants on fire....:nervous
• My nieces and nephews can sit on my lap, I never had one before.
• I have more confidence in myself to get up in front of crowds now.
• I can wear a seatbelt in the vehicle now (before it would not fit)
• I don't suffer from severe depression anymore.
• I have energy to exercise and do more outdoors things with my husband.
• I can shop for clothes in my hometown instead of ordering everything from plus size catalogs.
• The JOY I get if I pass someone I know who has not seen me in a long time and they don't recognize that it is me!!! :clap2:
• My favorite...My husband tells everyong he got a new wife and did not even have to get a divorce.:kiss2:

See attached photo of how it looks.....

Wow. I read that response a few times because it makes me happy to think I'll be able to agree with everything on it (and then some). I'm still pre-op, so I need to read things like this! Thank you!

HOLY MOLY - I got a call from my surgeon's office this morning. My pre-cert nurse still said he hadn't gotten their fax with my 2 year weight history...BUT, she asked if she could give him the info over the phone and he said "yes"! So I am delighted to say I was APPROVED!!! I'm still reeling!

Next step is the last appointment with the surgeon which may be the week of Sept. 19 or 26.

Very cool to know! Thank you for sharing that find!

Just an FYI to anyone who wants a new Protein Drink. I was at the my Vitamin Shoppe yesterday and bought a new Protein drink drink called - New Whey liquin protein. It is in a 3.8 fld ounce vile and has 42 grams of protein in it. I got the Blue Raspberry ( they have about 5 or 6 flavors and it tastes really good ( I like it ). Lactose free - Gluten Free - Caffeine free - sugar free and Fat free. It costs about $3.99 a vile but I spent more then that on coffee and Snacks at work everyday. I figure I'm worth $3.99 a day and I will have a great start to my daily protein needs. Check it out at www.newwhey.com Let me know what you think of it if you try it.

Hey kids! I'm still pre-op. All of my required tests and appointments have been done for over a month now. Now it's called the waiting GAME. Don't get me wrong, I'm thankful my insurance pays 80% - but man, what a run-around.

Initially Aetna rejected the claim stating they needed a 2 year weight history. I called the surgeon's office and they gave me the name of the pre-certification nurse assigned to my claim. I called him myself (although I'm not sure I was supposed to call him directly) and asked if my gyno can fax the weight info (I go to the gyno every year but I rarely go to my primary doctor because thankfully I'm rarely sick). He had said that as long as it was a health care provider the info from her office would be acceptable. Yippee.

A few days later my primary care office called me stating that since I haven't had a physical since 2009 they could not give Aetna any info about me because they didn't have anything recent. Aetna had faxed them a pre-surgery request. I told the office I understood there was no info they could provide to Aetna, however I had been through SO many tests already - tests that they would normally do for a physical anyhow (complete blood work panel, EKG, echocardiogram, etc.), what would a physical possibly have to entail being that I had all that other stuff done already? It irked me because I'm seeing dollar signs and time wasted. I made the physical appointment for 9/16/11 to appease the doctor's office. I then called the surgeon and asked that they contact the pre-certification nurse since he said the info from the gyno would suffice. Well go figure, he was on vacation until 9/12/11.

So, today being the 14th the surgeon's office was trying to contact him again. My frustration is through the roof. Aetna has been telling the surgeon's offce that they had not gotten the fax (which the office said they faxed over more then once). It's 1:30pm Wednesday. I'm waiting on pins and needles to hear back from the surgeon's office, hopefully they'll tell me Aetna said the weight info is fine from my gyno and they don't need anything from my primary doctor. IF that's the case (and I praying it is) I will cancel that silly physical appointment!

Wish me luck guys....I think I'm gonna need it!

Congrats! I'm playing the waiting game with Aetna. The pre-certification nurse who was assigned to me has been on vacation and he'll be back Monday 9/12. Fingers crossed that I hear something soon. You must be SO excited! Good luck to you!

Congrats! Best of luck for the rest of the lbs., but I'm sure you've come a long way already!

How exciting! So happy you're feeling well! My pre-cert was sent in to Aetna late last week, so I'm waiting for a date. It is so wonderful to read your positive experience. Thank you so much for sharing!

Don't forget small pillow to cushion the seat belt on the drive home.

Robbie

Oh yes! thank you. Now that's something I probably would've forgotten!

I'm pre-surgery but have been preparing my pantry. I bought a few flavors of the GNC 100% whey Protein powder.

http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2944017&cp=3703232

BOUGHT SO FAR:

-Vanilla and chocolate (2 lb canisters) - figured it's a universal flavor that I can mix things into. Saw on bariatriceating.com there are some good sounding Torani sugar-free Syrup flavors that you would use for coffee.

-Chocolate/Caramel (1 lb pouch) - I tried it in 8 oz. of brewed (Kuerig) coffee. Not bad, but I think I need to play with it a bit (maybe those sugar-free Torani syrups)

-Mixed berry (1 lb pouch) - As of today, I have not tried this one yet.

When I went to GNC the lady recommended: Isopure (http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2134407&cp=3593187.2108294):

Low in carbs

200 calories (Nutritionist stressed the PERFECT shake is under 200 calories and has at least 20 grams of protein)

50 grams of Protein

Isopure will be the next one I'll try (because GNC offers a "Gold Card" membership where you get 20% off the first week of every month). However, bariatriceating.com has some GREAT sounding protein options. All of the products on that site have been taste approved by their employees who have had bariatric surgery. Since they carry all different brands the website isn't partial to one brand.

I'm very interested in the Protein Shake info I find because even after we start eating regular food I would like to keep one meal as a Protein Shake every day.