Sooverit!

I'm so happy for you Mica...I believe in life unfolding the way it is meant to. For what ever reason now was your time for this second chance. I bet you extended your life quite a bit also! Can I ask you if you ever had a time when you missed not being able to eat like you used to? I really love food obviously but I am so done ....I know eating like this is toxic at this age. I'm a big snacker and I know I will go through some food withdrawal?

Just have to report that after two years of extensive research and over a year of battling my insurance company, being denied 3x after being set up for surgery... there is finally light at the end of this long tunnel....there always is. I found a obesity center specializing in fills for 8 years and I have been invited to partake in a low BMI study (BMIs between 35 - 39 ). The cost is affordable, with a terrific experienced surgeon in a Westchester hospital on an outpatient basis. Going on Monday to set up an appointment and start the tests again. I am still in disbelief this will all be over soon! Also told my daughter finally....whew...:rolleyes2:

I have to tell you Mica your amazing success has given me the confidence to go through with this! 50lbs !! Good for you! You must feel great. I will be 50 in a month or two and I am so afraid that at this age I won't be able to lose too much weight because it's so difficult at this age. Thanks for sharing your great success! m

Good idea LTBT ...I think I'm going to think of it like when I was on the ATkins diets for years...just eat the best part of the pizza (in my opinion). Sounds like a great day! I can't wait till I can help others like you do. thanks forsharing

It is definitely tricky...it's like we are those who fall between the cracks. It could be a matter of only 10-20lbs and we will not be covered. It's foolish but it is how our medical system works. Only the sick get care and are covered. To get the lap band for you and me (I am developing the same foot problems as you) would be a preventive medical option but that just isn't how it works unfortunately. I was surprised yesterday when I called a weight loss center in my area that specializes that there is a study being conducted for those 35 BMI and under and the cost for the LB is lower ...much lower. I am seeing them today and will tell you how it goes. All insurance companies are different also. I have CIGNA they are ridiculously cheep when it comes to paying up for Lap Band surgery. They change the rules everytime they are forced to pay. It can't hurt to try...good luck m

I will still research Dr. Aceves Denise. I like that he picks you up in San Diago. I live on the east coast so I'm worried about a long flight back to NY also and I'm not getting any younger. I only started feeling like I wasn't wonder woman and could do anything about 3 years ago

Hi...just thought I'd update if anyone gave a toot I've decided I'm going to pay out of pocket for the LB and have it done out patient at NYU. No hospital stay, but it's more affordable but still 7,000 dollars move than going to Mexico. This does include fills however. . I'm getting a bonus in February so it will be then but I can't stop thinkg how much I could do with that 7 grand! :thumbup:

I feel your pain Tamara I"ve been beaten down by CIGNA also. What i've heard in this past year is not to give up. They have changed the criteria on their web site that you have to have a 40 BMI for the past two years now...used to be 12months. They drive the people at obesitylaw crazy too. The positive side to this all is that it is getting cheeper and easier to get the band out of pocket. My surgeon now offers an out patient procedure which is $17,000 with fills for two years = this is in NYC .tho. ..Ihave to check that today tho may only be one year. But at any rate it is $7,000 less to get the surgery in Mexico (Dr. Rumbaurt) which I'm sure is safe and good care but still flying to MX and being on a plane all that just doesn't seem the healthiest choice. I'm not as young as I used to be turning 50 next year and don't feel as invincible as I once was. PLus it takes time you stay overnight and 2 days in the hotel plus travel time. I think I have to think of it this way: If I knew that $17,000 could safe and extend my life plus give me more energy and be more marketable regardless of what it was ....would I come up with the money for it? Somehow we would. I have to get it out of my head that this is a cosmetic proceedure ....every day I am truly believe it is a health issue. I like to exercise, walk, jog, and yoga but lately my joints and muscles and feet are always in pain. I no longer have to convince a insurance company I have to convince my self that I am worth $17,000! thanks for letting me ramble. I need to get this clear in my mind too. You've got the space here if you want to just think it through in your head too. We are lucky we have this great (safe) very well behaved site. It truly is a miracle like the Lap band. Any other BB is filled with rife. You never know what can happen my primary care doctor just started studying to be a Fill Doc and told me many of her patients get reimbursed by their insurance companies after they pay out of pocket and give up on them paying...who knows. You'll find an answer if this is meant to be. best to you, m

Not yet....I'm agonizing over the decision to go to Mexico or not. I live on the North Shore now btw...and I do love it but try to get into the city as much as possible. There's no place as beautiful as central park to me. Best to you on your journey! Keep me posted!

Hey and welcome..I grew up around that area actually in Glendale and used to go to that mall all the time. That was a lifetime ago tho I'm sorry to say and I now live on Long Island but miss Queens!

I'm just getting concerned here..becuase I've searched lapbandtalk.com site there for the past 1/2 hour and can not find one post from her?? She wrote a great article on things to research if you are getting banded in Mexico? Hopefully it's just too early and I can't find her do to my error>? Hope all is well with her.

Its good to do your research, but dont overcomplicate things. Dear Flowers: You are a smart cookie and you have me pegged without even meeting me! I do overcomplicate decisions and am way too hard on self. I don't even want to tell you how long it took me to buy this house I'm in! I'm thrilled with my decisions though but I have to trust myself more. Thanks for pointing this out. Thank you! M

Whooo hooo...I'm so happy for you guys! :thumbup::lol::biggrin::wink2::thumbup:

Hey Tama: The fact that you have Type II diabetes should definitely get you covered by Cigna. They are notorious for holding back on covering lap band candidates, but they can't deny you as this is a "co-mobidity" that regardless of your BMI being under 40 (as long as it's over 35) they state they cover. Have you looked on Cignasqueakywheels.com yet? Don't give up!

April:"Luckily my doctor and staff appealed the insurance decison and I am now approved for surgery.....hopefully for early January. Keep fighting!!!! Remember the squeaky wheel gets the oil! Hey April: CONGRATULATIONS!!! You got approved! wahoo I am happy for you. I am also 5'8". Thank you so much for all your great advice and encouragement! There is actually a web site called Cignasqueakywheel.com ! I guess I have to do more work on this...just tired of it all right now. Good luck on your upcoming surg. Labby! Yes Mexico might be what I do and if I go it will be in March for my 50th birthday. Misty: You are right I don't need a loan hanging over me! I have to remember this. I could get another job especially if I lose the weight but who need to be in debt, it is the pits almost as bad as being unhealthily overweight.

Thanks CMTurner....I saw this...they only recently changed the BMI criteria to being over 40 for 24 months instead of 12...sneaky people they are!

Dear Becky: You are a blessing to me this morning as your kind words helped lift me a bit from this mood I'm in this morning. I can see why you have so many loved ones who are willing to prove their love. Congratulations on your excellent progress so far! I love where you live too and your age ...close to mine! You're right, I do have to do more research about complications and being out of the country, etc. Also the trusted pro and con list I haven't even done yet! I think I have to focus on one choice at a time. I keep changing my mind...I finally stopped changing it about getting the lap band. One day I'd wake up saying to myself what r u nuts? Next day I'd catch a bad reflection of me in a mirror and say why I'm nuts not to do it. I'm doing it mainly for health reasons as I lost my twin sister to a heart attach only a few years ago. She was much heavier than me but I still am afraid of the same fate as I still have a little girl to take care of (she's 11:smile:) Well thanks again and congratulations to you:thumbup:

Hhello I've been extensively researching the Lap Band now for almost 2 years. I am a 37 BMI and 20 or so lbs. away from being a 40 BMI. I've gone through all the supervised diets and psych test, etc. you know the drill. Like many people unfortunate to have this insurance company when they are seeking lap band coverage I've been turned down by CIGNA 3 times and now ignored by Obestitylaw.com...they just can't do anything more with my insurance because they are saying that the Lap Band is an "experimental" treatment and they don't cover it! Being 245 pounds when most of my life I was 145 is destroying my self esteem and health. Here's my dilemma and I am looking for opinions because I just don't have anyone to ask about this: Should I: (My primary care doctor is training to be a Fill Doctor with Fill USA) 1. Go to Mexico ..I like Dr. Rumbaut and did extensive research. Cost is only $9,000 total with everything flight, etc. (I have that $ and won't need a loan) Problem: Deep down I'm really afraid as I will be going alone. What if something happens and I'm there by myself? 2. Take out a loan for $17,000 that is the cost for an out-patient Lap Band surgery at NYU Med center. Problem: With the economy the way it is...I'm 49 do I want to have a loan like this? Not working at the present time. Do I want to go into debt again...will I even get the loan? 3. Go to Colorado...there is a doctor there who does it for $10,000 on an out patient basis and is experienced. I need to drag someone with me though as they don't allow you to leave on your own. 4. Continue to pursue and harass my insurance company when really I think they just won't cover me because I don't have the co mobidities they like. 5. Change insurance companies, wear 10 lb weights and do the 6 month supervised diet again. I know I'm driving myself crazy...can anyone give me any advice? thanks m __________________[/color][/size]

Hey Audri: Wow you skinny chick you rock! What an inspiring post...good for you. I wish I was a nurse...I always wanted to go into that field but I know you have to be one strong woman to do that...and now you are one strong skinny great woman. I liked what you said about the hamburger analogy.....Lucky you for doing this at age 30! Thanks for sharing.

Hello Lower BMIers: I've been extensively researching the Lap Band now for almost 2 years. I am a 37 BMI and 20 or so lbs. away from being a 40 BMI. I've gone through all the supervised diets and psych test, etc. you know the drill however: I've been turned down by CIGNA 3 times and now ignored by Obestitylaw.com...they just can't do anything more with my insurance because they are saying that the Lap Band is an "experimental" treatment and they don't cover it! Being 245 pounds when most of my life I was 145 is destroying my self esteem and health. Here's my dilemma and I am looking for opinions because I just don't have anyone to ask about this: Should I: (My primary care doctor is training to be a Fill Doctor with Fill USA) 1. Go to Mexico ..I like Dr. Rumbaut and did extensive research. Cost is only $9,000 total with everything flight, etc. (I have that $ and won't need a loan) Problem: Deep down I'm really afraid as I will be going alone. What if something happens and I'm there by myself? 2. Take out a loan for $17,000 that is the cost for an out-patient Lap Band surgery at NYU Med center. Problem: With the economy the way it is...I'm 49 do I want to have a loan like this? Not working at the present time. Do I want to go into debt again...will I even get the loan? 3. Go to Colorado...there is a doctor there who does it for $10,000 on an out patient basis and is experienced. I need to drag someone with me though as they don't allow you to leave on your own. 4. Continue to pursue and harass my insurance company when really I think they just won't cover me because I don't have the co mobidities they like. 5. Change insurance companies, wear 10 lb weights and do the 6 month supervised diet again. :tongue_smilie: I know I'm driving myself crazy...can anyone give me any advice? thanks m

I have one fear that's always on my mind about getting banded and I was wondering if you had this experience or know of others who have? It is this: I see clearly that I use food to alleviate boredom (especially lately since I am not working), anxiety, sadness, tiredness, illness, frustration, etc. you get the picture. It is rare that I eat just for hunger but when I am full and not hungry I do it far less often. My biggest fear is the withdrawal symptoms of no longer being able to use food as a drug. I've been using this "drug" for almost 40 years....My question is does the band help with the 'head hunger"? Will suddenly not being able to eat like I'm used to bring on psychological issues or intense frustration? If it does how long does it last? Or (and I am hoping this is the case) does that constant craving decrease when you physically feel full and you have the band which is heading you in the direction of eating less and getting healthy? I know the Band is not a magic bullet and I am willing to do what ever it takes but I'm just afraid of the food withdrawal? Any comments?

Thanks for the headsup Chrisann as I am not banded yet but I know that feeling of being in a meeting for help as a new person and people are already very settled in. Hope you have the support you needed in those few months after surgery!

Hi Tally, one more question herer regarding Dr. K in colorado. In an e-mail they stated that I can not leave after surgery on my own and I would need to be supervised for the 24 hours after anethesia. Have I got this wrong I am assuming that the surgery is done and price included an overnight hospital stay? thanks

i'm responding to make you all feel better here ...in NY where I live surgury costs 17,500 WITHOUT hospital (outpatient) and starting at 21,600 for 1 nights stay at NYU Medical Center.

Hi Denise: Sorry to be snooping but I am not yet banded and still have many questions. My question to you is; Was your pill on the large side? Sometimes I have to take a sleeping pill which isn't as large as a vitamin but about half a thumbnail wide. Would this cause a problem like this as well. It does sound frightening to have water come up in your throat when your sleeping!! Any input would be appreciated thank you!