Graceful One

Sultana, I just got my EOB for my first fill done in office without fluro and it was $300.

Good thoughts from Carmen. Do you have your SPD (Summary Plan Descriptions) for both of your plans? That should state clearly whether it is covered or not. I forgot to tell you that I was denied on the phone for the lap-band after my doctor authorized it. I called back to speak with a claims manager and found it was a mistake... Also, speak with your HR representative and see if they can do anything if your self-funded to get WLS removed as an exclusion!

You may also want to check if the surgeon you select has a self pay option. This is generally alot less than what would be billed to your insurance. Also ask if surgery can be done in a day surgery center as most of the cost is for the hospital facility bill. For example, my surgery for insurance was about $28,000, about $23,000 was for the hospital, $3000 for the surgeon, about $1000 for the anesthesiologist, and the rest I'm not sure...but my surgeon is going to offer day surgery for about $11,000 total. Big difference! I would also try to get approved...think of anything and everything your weight is causing you problems with...it is worth a try...plus you can always appeal!

Shelly, You should check with your HR department and make it a point that they cover treatment as you already have been banded. I think that type of change in insurance coverage only applies to people starting the banding or WLS journey. What you have now is maintanence...or a pre-existing condition persay that legally should be covered.

I know that when you chew gum you tend to swallow some air. I also have reflux so chewing gum is out for me as a get a golf ball feeling in my throat. Maybe wait until your a little more post op to try it...

Hey Carmen, Happy to report my first fill was painless and smooth sailing...going for my second on Monday the 12th so we'll see how that one goes...I go to Dr. Chua in Milwaukee...where is your doctor located?

I read an article in my Self magazine this month taking about alternatives to plain Water. They suggested fixing a tray of fruit juice ice cubes. If you're bored with bottled water and crave more flavor than you get from a lemon wedge, fix yourself a tray of fruity juice cubes. Pour 1 1/2 cups pure cran-raspberry juice into an ice-cube tray, drop 2 or 3 frozen raspberries or blueberries or a strawberry into each cube and freeze. Each fat-free cube provides at least 10% of your daily Vitamin C needs and turns water into a delicious drink all for only 13 calories. Here's to drinking our water in the New Year!

Welcome once again to a new international bandster. Please feel free to use catchy little phrases unique to your culture...I love it! I've been reading alot of books by English authors and have picked up some great alternatives to cussing...like you stupid cow! Happy New Year to you all!

I was happy to see this happening too! I'm now officially only "OBESE!" Can't wait to be just overweight...

Welcome to you as well Soo! Like I said to Audrey, I'm sure you will find this forum very informative and supportive. How cool we have an international mix on here! That excites me, perhaps I have a very dull life, but I think it is cool to hear from people in other parts of the world! Again Welcome!

Wow, 225 lbs! That is wonderful! I saw the post from Soo as well. I think it is so cool that this is an international meeting ground! At least I know if I ever have the opportunity to travel to Europe I will be able to arrange and meet you all! Invite as many bandsters as you want! The more the merrier!

Audrey, Welcome. You seem to be doing really well. Thanks for converting the stones to pounds...most Americans have no clue! I'm sure you will find this board very supportive and informational! I love hearing from the worldly bandsters...we have another on here, Bright, from Ireland and a few from Australia!

Carmen, Made the mistake with my band twin of going to Panera Bread in Mequon after our first fill...everything was good until I tried eating my foccacia...the soup was working out fine...EESH! Next time I'll just get soup!

The best place I found is to go to the Inamed website and register and they should send you doctor's names...or you can call their 800# and they should be able to give you the closest to your zip code.

Thanks Donali! I'm more interested in Fish Sandwhiches than the Fish in the sea...better yet I have my Vizsla Fischer...even better...my little man! Happy Holidays!

Carmen. What happened! NO CALL YET AFTER OUR DATE LAST SUNDAY! I don't get it...we had a nice time...EESH...guess what I'm giving up for the new year...MEN!

Hello! Great loss so far! Welcome. I'm sure you will find a supportive group of people here. Sounds like your loving your band...me too!

My first Christmas but I survived Thanksgiving... I plan on eating whatever I like in small portions... Thank goodness my family all knows...

Welcome. I'm sure you will find valuable information and experiences here. I also recommend www.spotlighthealth.com. If you select morbid obesity it will walk you through your varied options. There is also a very good support group on that site as well. Feel free to ask any questions you have of us!

Bright, You look great too! I can really tell your loss in your face...plus your new do brings out your cheek bones! I'm I the only loser that doesn't own a digital camera? My best friend is home for the holidays from Atlanta so I'm going to take some pics this week. When I get them developed you all will have to help me post. Well I'm off to work!

Shelly! Great new hair cut...brings out your face alot! I just got a trim and cut/color and am so happy...my stylist told me she could really tell I've lost some weight...especially in my face... You look great!

For any of you from yahoo! checking this out welcome. I hope that with such a user friendly format we can get some great discussions and support going on in our home state! If you have any questions on registering or using this board feel free to email me at Jayvue@aol.com

Good way of describing it Bright! I'm the same way...I went out to breakfeast yesterday morning and ordered an omelette with some hash browns...it was huge...I ate about five bites and I was full...brought the rest home and will probably be eating it for another two days... My head still wanted to eat more...I knew if I did I would get that stuck feeling...so...I had to stop... The way I have learned to look at it is this...I'll eat this amount now...stop...if I'm still hungry in a half hour I can eat some more...it's been difficult because I'm used to eating everything on my plate but it's worked thus far! Good Luck!

Sparkle, Have you been recording your measurements? It is very possible that your not losing weight but inches. Try doing that each month. I've noticed when the scale stays the same the inches are going down.

Hello, I was not diagnosed with PCOS but Insulin Resistance...same thing except I didn't have the whacked out periods. So far so good, I was on Glucophage for it and haven't taken it since my surgery six weeks ago...used to get really bad glucose swings daily and haven't had a problem since... PCOS usually resolves with a small amount of weight loss so I think you will notice good things once your banded. Good luck!