rklewis2

1st Fill today! Doing fine! Interested in sharing food-ideas for gluten intolerant and those with Celiacs! Started 247 down 226. Was BMI 35 at the get go..barely. Surgery Dothan, Alabama. Post surgery learned I was diabetic; had high liver enzymes; kidneys were bleeding some. Wow; that was even more of a confirmation that I did the right thing. But shocking. I never realized how blood pressure problems seemed to significantly effect those areas! Now; I am learning to eat slowly-be aware of what i am doing and how; I love feeling full sooner and being in 'control' of the desire to eat healthy and know its going to help. I do still; Hate the gas and gurgles-my GI system doesn't seem to sleep. Never did that before! Anyone in Alabama? Love to hear your story! Or advice!!!? Its all still brand new!

Pre. Op Realize Lap band; Health history Apnea-Asthma-Hypertension Gluten Intolerance(s) Positive Celiac Spur (x3 years). Retired Military Nurse;Volunteer. Soda Pop lover-breaking the addiction now! stopping all (diet) type foods;(bad for you processed) etc... and trying to meet insurance requirements; Medicare primary and Tricare; BMI 37. Getting Assistance from: Flowers Hospital Dothan, Alabama choice-of-surgeon (?) unsure but like the facility; Have attended Seminar-Support Group x2 -3 diet appointments (non-required) but did so with my PCP; and twice with the facilities weight loss center;I have been Looking for others-in-the area that have DONE or are DOING the Realize Lap Band with ANY like issues to share-experiences -diet suggestions with regards to gluten problems-protein issues-etc.!!! I have been told nurses make the worst patients-and probably this is right-as i am stressing out probably without cause! I have not had the Gluten problems addressed very well-with anyone;looking for MOST healthy & budget conscious-way too make or buy the post op-high protein -drink(s) and / or food choices.... Not a Big fan of red meat or meats in general. But do love eggs-nuts-avocados-and fish and I can tolerate (meat) but prefer Organic and not every day... One week into 45 carb. or less; diet changes-as per the facility; a solid - History of weight-Lost 80+lbs twice on Atkins (with healthy fat to protein ratios) and (re gained when attempting to eat-right) off it over a decade struggles with-the weight not moving off as fast the past 3 years - tired of Carbs-and high processed foods that are suppose to be gluten free-had "really-packed on the pounds" and i felt diminished my quality of Health -drastically. Though the gut-healed fast and my immune system settled down -even joint pain improved; the weight issues created a horrible health issue beyond belief!.... So, addressing all that and the weight; turned to lap band as a means to offer increased discipline/and focus and - concurrently I Desire to DO these Health-and Life-changes (in full) BIG concern isn't Just the loosing parts -but the REGAINING my body size and HEALTH (and wanting to do so on Organic -Low or as few-processed nutritionally sound foods as possible; even it it means using my blender-juicer-freezing portions and so on! I have been researching diets like raw-gerson-eat right for your type-dr oz web site-and behavior modification(s) like the weight-down diet; checking out addicted to food-lifetime series/etc. ... have been doing a-lot of self-work; and research over the past year as I plan this to be a life-change not just a weight loss program for me. Looking to hear from others that maybe like minded or directed like this!!!!!!!!!! Thanks in Advance!!!

A bit confusing! I have Medicare & Tricare; went to Support group November! Loved the Center!!! Went to Seminar!!!! Made Appointment with Metabolic & Weight Loss Center; went today! Submitted general paper work (Insurance) & (Apnea-HTN-Severe Asthma)..had more -they stopped there! BMI 37 As i understood it-MEDICARE does NOT pre authorize ; and though it is my Primary (they may not pay); however they "expect" Tri-care to Pre authorize (? even aware of the fact that Medicare is Primary)-is that to be expected? How Many KNOW prior to surgery-that their Insurance will pay (and) What amount it will pay? Kinda nervous about getting hit with a big bill after! Thanks! I have had already: sleep apnea (repeated study) since I have a 5 yr history of-Recent EKG-In PT currently with Degenerative Disc disease/Osteoarthritis-(what will I need to get from PT -since I am already a patient thought-i-would ask??????) and have Internist and General Doctor; both whom will write letters/request approval for me. HELP! Full of MANY QUESTIONS!!!! Its a Maze and any direction sense appreciated -as I want to be INVOLVED and DO whatever I can to HELP press in the first time! (I lost 80 + lbs twice since 1999-and regained plus 130 each time)pretty well documented with Phentermine and Atkins (but not sure how to prove the last one))))

Hello! I have been thinking and researching Lap Band for a year now. I went to (a second seminar) recently near my home. The hospital is a "excellence" one my insurance(s) require. However, I have medicare -as primary and secondary Tricare. I was told Tricare would accept me sooner/faster. But at the seminar they are requiring a higher BMI 40 and 3 months of diet-exercise-nutritional behavior modification. I am 39.9 BMI with 4 severe problems-Asthma/Apnea/Osteoarthritis/High Blood pressure. (all over 5 years); lost weight twice with Atkins (regained 80+back within a year of each)effort. Can I make a appointment and (discuss this privately) with the hospital; or should i go with the flow? My main support person is out of state-a adult daughter/we are each others-support person(s) and really had hope to do this privately-with-one-another. Any ideas appreciated!