tlm1120

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I don't eat red meat and have now dipped below the 40+ BMI threshold. Maybe this has something to do with it... I will continue to follow his instructions.

I feel terrible posting this when so many of you are struggling with the pre op diet. However, I am starting to feel like I am alone in the fact that my doctor does not require a pre op diet! Anyone else NOT required to do it?

Good luck!!

So, I saw your post yesterday and discussed it with my nutritionist yesterday afternoon. She said that pre-op diets are generally not necessary and that yours (with the extention) was pure torture. She suggested you discussing it with your doctor again...it just isn't realistic.

It's a shame that your "team" is not all on the same page. My dietitian is awesome and ALWAYS defers to the doctors. She offers her opinion, but will always preface it with, "If this is a contridiction to what to the doctor tells you, call me and we'll work out another plan." I don't like "know it alls"--in any field!

Jumped through my last hoop for my insurance today--pre-op nutrition class--and my doctor will be submitting it to BCBS tomorrow! I should know something next week. Fingers crossed...

Congrats!! Your enthusiasm will be contagious!!

I went to my 3 hour nutrition class today and I feel so much better! This is doable!! I was really beginning to feel like it was going to be so cumbersome. Nancy Lum, the nutritionist, gave us so many great ideas and really broke it down into a manageable "formula" for day to day living. I can do this!!

So inspiring!! Going through the pre-op process and this is just what I needed to keep me motivated!! Thanks for sharing your successes.

I just had my first appointment with my surgeon last week! It was fairly uneventful. I had done tons of research, so I knew what I wanted already. I was weighed, asked how tall I am, and then I asked the surgeon a few questions. It was pretty quick! He told me the next steps...nutritionist, insurance approval, pre-op stuff, etc... Let me know if you have specific questions about the appointment! Good luck to you!!

Thank you so much guys!! I have been really worried about it!

Thank you!!

I'm in the process of submitting all my stuff for insurance approval. I've met with my surgeon, done the psych eval, and now my surgeon is waiting on one last file from my primary care physician. I just qualify with a BMI of 40 and no comorbidities. I tend to lose a significant amount of weight when I start a new diet...I've done it tons of times. What if I lose so much weight on the pre-op diet the I no longer meet the minimum weight requirement? Is that possible? Or is that once I'm approved, it doesn't matter?

So glad to hear that the WW was accepted. That's a huge relief! I am seeing Dr. Averbach in Catsonville on Thursday, but I'm hoping to go to Maple Lawn for follow up appointments. The Catsonville office had the first "new patient" appointment available. I'd rather drive a bit than wait any longer! I'm glad to hear that you felt comfortable with the practice! Thanks for the "review"!!

No co-morbidities...never thought I'd be bummed about saying that! lol! The 6 month diet is a concern for me. I've done weight watchers for 6 months and have receipts and before that I did 8 months of Medifast with Health Coach and I have documentation. I am hoping they will accept all of this so I don't have to wait for another 6 month diet. I've been dieting for over a year and have lost and gained more pounds than I care to remember. I'm going to be a wreck waiting to hear for the decision. 7 day, huh? I hope that they just tell me...like ripping off a band aid!

Wow! 4 days! You must be over the moon. Good luck!

Suzi--I am going to the same practice! I noticed your surgeon's name...I'm seeing Dr. Averbach on Thursday. Were you happy with the practice?

Thank you, Suzi! Roxygirl...what a great idea!

Hooray for you!

Thanks, Roxygirl! How long did it take to get your approval?

Hello, everyone! I am a 39 (almost 40) year old wife and mom of two awesome boys. I decided a few months ago that lap band surgery was the way to go. I have lost and gained and lost and gained for the last 10 years and I'm over it. I have Carefirst BlueCrossBlueShield and I feel like I've met all of the requirements, but I am afraid to get my hopes up. I go back and forth between a BMI of 39 and 40...of course the 40 is required. I plan to have a big lunch on Thursday before I meet with with the surgeon. I feel like my future is in the hands of someone who doesn't even know me. It is such and uncomfortable feeling.