depressed_bandster

Shouldn't make a difference.....if PS is going to be covered by insurance it is for medical necessity....period. If it is medically necessary, it IS medically necessary. Medically necessary = rashes for excessive abdominal skin; neck, back, shoulder pain and/or rashes for breast reduction/lift. Make sure you have any of these symptoms documented, even by current insurance and get those records. See your primary doc for any aches & pains caused by your breasts & have them documented as causing continuing problems. See your primary doc for ANY skin rashes caused by excessive skin, even if it can be treated with over-the-counter products. This will make it MUCH easier. Also, make sure you get any medical records showing your weight loss. If you have all these records in your possession, it won't be a hassle when requested to prove medical necessity. Good luck!!!

Luckily, the problems are serious, so the doc says, just look bad....and thankfully they don't hurt. I can't believe how long its taking me to get my energy back!!! I don't know how to post pics on here, or else I'd post some pics of my problems and my scars

Just like getting the band, all our docs are so different! My PS told me I could start light cardio at 4 weeks.....4 more days, I can't wait!!! BUT he said start back light as I feel comfortable, don't over-exert myself, stop if I feel any discomfort, and don't use my arms for anything (because of my breast reduction/lift). SP1587....you might want to look into seeing if insurance will cover any of it. Because of my weight loss & excessive hanging skin, my insurance covered the breast reduction/lift and the panniculectomy (abd skin removal), I got my port changed to a low profile port at the same time, so all I had to pay was for the difference of the panni & TT.

Hi FLORIDAYS, I am one day behind you, surgery on Dec 19....TT/BR/BL (no implants). I didn't read through ALL the posts here, but I am glad you're doing better. I haven't had any problems like yours, but have had a couple problems with my breasts (not quite resolved yet). How is your energy? I am SO tired all the time. I have gone back to work, but I work from home and haven't worked very much & have been working at my own (slow) pace. I am just so tired, no matter how little I do. This recovery is much harder and much longer than I anticipated.

I'm in CA, my PS takes Anthem Blue Cross and my insurance paid for mine.

I'm finally on my way to my surgery. I thought this day was never going to come. I'm not nervous but very emotional for some reason. Can't wait to get this started!!!

My band was covered due to my sleep apnea & BMI :-) I have Anthem Blue Cross My breast reduction/lift was covered but they would NOT pay for it if I had elected to have augmentation (implants). I teetered back & forth with paying for the augmentation so I'd have that upper fullness that looks so nice but after praying about it & the more & more I thought about it, seemed weird to get a reduction & then get falsies put in....my point of wanting it is to be smaller & I didn't want to have revisions & more surgeries later. So far I'm happy with my results & a good push up bra should give me plenty upper fullness....I'm still a D (from a G).

I have Anthem Blue Cross & they just paid for my abdominal skin removal (panniculectomy) and my breast reduction/lift after losing 70 pounds. If you have had any rashes (under abdominal fold or under breasts) or skin irritation go to your primary doc & have it medically documented...this will help A LOT, As will complaints of back/neck/shoulder pain from hanging and/or oversized breasts.

Sent hubby out to an adventure at Walmart on Christmas Eve for some milk of magnesia.....so thankful he's been so helpful!!! YUCK!!! Cherry was gross! Hope this works!!!! I REALLY need some relief!

I woke from surgery with mine on. I couldn't imagine not having one! As annoying as it is, I am very uncomfortable with it off and can't wait to put it back on!

Well crap! I typed up a long detailed postop update & my phone deleted it! I'll type it again later. I'm doing good.

I am doing good....would be MUCH better if I would/could have a BM! Sorry TMI... First couple days was worse than expected but each day has been better than the last. I'm more miserable with my bowel issues than the surgery at this point. I had a really hard time with the anesthesia this time...waking up was horrid & apparently, according to my mom & daughter, I was mean. Day 2 was ok, I slept a lot & was only in real pain when I had to get in/out of bed. Left the aftercare facility & went to the hotel where that evening (Thursday, postop day1) my wonderful doc came to see me at the hotel, checked my bandages & fixed my CG, making me much more comfortable. Day 3 I was getting around better, could walk by myself but needed help to get in&out of bed....couldn't wait to get home to the lift recliner I had rented. My hubby has been a much better & more compassionate nurse than I had expected. I'm getting a little stir crazy having to ask for help for most everything I need. I've tried doing too much on my own & pay with pain and/or fatigue. My drain ports are more uncomfortable today too. Hoping tomorrow is better & hoping I'm up to going to see family for a short time tomorrow afternoon.....WISH ME LUCK!!

I don't see why not....the port goes on top of the muscles, between the muscles and skin. LapBand is a big surgery to have, having a foreign object place in you, for 50 pounds. I'd ask your dr about other appetite suppressants or other methods before going through the recovery of a LapBand. However, I will say the my band was the best decision I've ever made for my life!!

Ok, I was confused.....that thread is on a different site. Can't figure out how to delete this topic......SORRY!

Am I blind? Where did that thread go?

JoMi....did you have a TT when you had your port changed? My TT is the 19th & I will be getting a low profile port and they will be moving it to down near my BB, which seems to me like it would be more obvious there after a TT. FAMOUS1...did you end up having to get your Fluid removed? Glad to see (on the other thread) you are recovering well.

I have heard Isopure protein shakes are horrible, but that is what my surgeon's office has recommended for protein the first 2-3 days. Does anyone have any alternative ideas for clear liquid proten drinks?

I'm so sorry for you...that is just heartbreaking Have your doctor's office appeal for you. I read on her about a lot of people who have had to submit, appeal, re-submit and finally get approved on the 2nd & 3rd try. I don't understand it, but apparently its more common to have to appeal before approval than approval the first time. Your doctor's office should be familiar with how to do this. Stay on top of your doctor's office AND your insurance. With a BMI of 41, you shouldn't have to have a co-morbidity and that in itself is a medical necessity. What state are you in? I have Anthem BC in CA.

I was sondering to about the blisters...where and why? I know I'm gonna get blasted for this, but if your doc says soda is ok, go for it. My doc says its ok to sip on, better if you let it sit for a few minutes. I drink soda (diet) almost daily, I let it sit in a cup for 10-15 minutes prior to drinking and have had NO problems for a year. I don't gulp it and I do consciously pay attention and make sure I don't feel a bloated type feeling. I know several people who do the same & have had no problems with carbonated drinks. Follow your docs instructions though...if he says yes, then enjoy....if he says no, stay away!!

Honk.....I do not do ANYTHING without asking my doc first!!! I'm paranoid and probably his most annoying patient. I have his cell # & text him for every little question, anytime, anywhere I am....just to be sure!! I don't want to have any problems, so I ask him about everything! I would absolutely eat and drink popcorn in front of him...as I stated before, little portions of popcorn and when I'm eating and drinking at the movies, its even soda!!! Okayed by my doc!

Good luck with your journey....it's an exciting journey and a wonderful life change!!! If you ever need any extra support or encouragement, feel free to contact me anytime. YAY you!!! You CAN do this!!!

BTW: Protein ideas....egg salad, tuna, salmon (I don't like fishy taste, so I douse it with lemon pepper seasoning), chicken breast (I shred it sometimes with taco seasoning & sour cream), shrimp scampi, (3) turkey meatballs with marinara sauce & mozzarella cheese. I get a lot of recipes from a book called 'Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery' GREAT helpful book!

Congrats on your weight loss!! Where are you having your TT; what state do you live in?

Surgery in Tarzana on 11/3/11....Good luck to you all!!! LOVE my band!!!

Like line-dancer, I too will "splurge" and drink & eat popcorn at the occasional movie....that's the only time I do this. I don't have a problem with it when I do it; just did it yesterday in fact! It is, however, easier to over-eat at the movies, so be mindful of how much you are eating (especially if you're drinking too). I pre-measure out my popcorn in my tray before the movie starts & limit myself to only what I pour into my tray, otherwise I would keep eating and eating through the whole movie and OVER-EAT!! I even have a couple red vines during the movie too.