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Musicalmomma and all You are not taking over the site! I am glad to see that we are all keeping up with the posting! I called my billing office yesterday to ask about the cost of fills for Anthem, bcbs. She said they moved them to the office and they are covered. I would have my office copay with is $30 or less. I was pleased to hear about that. I really did not want additional bills of $500 (or close)a pop! Thanks for the infomation on the liquid diet. Maybe that is why I see the surgeon two weeks before! Do any of you have children? How are they taking your decision? I told my 18 year old son yesterday and he did not understand. I think he is worried, he is the sensative one. My older son, really had no reaction! Don't know which one is better...kids! My son's fiance said, you won't be able to eat at the wedding, which is July 7, that is fine with me! Less to worry about. I have two younger step daughters, 12 and 15, they asked some questions, but really not much negativitey which I was pleased. Why is it hard to tell people, if you were getting a boob job or something everyone would be like, "cool". But weight loss surgery is taken as a negative. Am I being to sensative?? talk to you all later. need to get to work. Janine

I called my doctor yesterday and spoke to the business office. When I began the process with the physician, I never thought about the cost of fills. she said they learned that if done in the doctor's office, Anthem will approve it. So, that made me happy. I will probably have my office copay, which is $30 or less. that is fine with me! Janine

BJ Thanks. I think if you stay over night the cost is less, which makes no sense. You only have a copay. I may be unclear about this and hope to clear it up when I go to see the doctor. I did call the business office yesterday to ask about the fill costs. The different amounts learned from here have been extensive. She told me that they learned that if the fills are done in the doctor's office, they are covered by Fed bcbs. They have changed their procedure to do that, his office is attached to the hosptial. She also tossed in the person who does the fills is very good. So, that made me feel better too. I told my 18 year old yesterday, I wanted to wait to tell him. He was not happy, asked if I could die, which made me worry if I am doing the right thing. But I told him it is like any surgery, but the risk is minimul. I keep thinking to my self, I had my tubes tied and it was laprascopic, and elected, simmilar to what I am doing. I explained to him why I am. He was so cute, "you are fine the way you are". But I told him that I don't feel fine. Then when I talked to the doctors office yesterday she made me feel excited again! this site helps too. Only bandsters can understand to the fullist! Janine

My doctor is Dr. Batista with Commonwealth Surgeons at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond. I know people who have gone there for bypass, but no band, but the feedback is all very positive. did you have to stay over night? I am thinking this would be less cost on my insurance, I have Federal bcbs.

Pam, BJ and Chimoboree( others too!) I was a bit confused with who went where! I correct myself that BJ went to Dr. Tran who is now at Potomac and Chimoboree is going there, right? The hospital does have a support group, have you gone? I missed it this month. I have been using this site as my support group for now. But we should meet there sometime. BJ it sounds like you are doing great! I read some preopt tests and one being a blood gass, wich when I had one before they could nto get an artery and I almost fainted! I hate the whole vein thing too, I don't have good ones! I probalby worry more about that then the surgery itself..lol. BJ did you stay over night? What insurance did you have? I have federal bcbs and it may be cheaper for me if I get to be inpatient? what do you think? I really don't want to have to pay a lot of pocket if I can help it. what about your fills, are they covered? I have those questions on mylist for the doctor. I don't know if you read my son is getting married on July 7, I know I will be on mushed food, but do you think I drink any wine at it?? I know not important, but it would be nice. well, good luck to Pam and Chimborie getting through the process!

musicalmomma, Did you have to go on the medifast prior to the surgery? Is this a liquid drink with a restricted diet? I read others who had to fast prior to the surgery, but I am thinking I won't have to or it would be a short lived one since I am seeing the doctor only 2 weeks prior to the surgery date. I had a heart rythem issue in November and I went through all the tests, and nothing was found. I have not had another problem since, and iIshared all this with the Nurse/Physician Assistant when I saw them in March. I worry to when I go for the physcial they may say I need other tests? They never asked for my test results when I had the problem. I hope it does not put it off either. Like you we have to trust they are doing the right steps. I did pull out my stuff today and looked at it too, that made me feel better. It seems several of us are being banded June 7! How cool. Janine

Boy I was long winded!!!

Hello June bandsters! I was excited to see the thread yesterday too, thank you KT. I am scheduled for Jone 7 like Lucy! Becky will be the day prior. KT can tell us her experience to help us prepare. I have been getting questionable about my decision, but others on the site said it is post banding gitters and normal. Are any of you feeling that way? I really am excited about the decision, but it has been a long wait. I too have been given the date about 6-8 weeks ago. My journey started with the coordinator prescreening on the phone if she thought I would be eligible, my BMI is 36. But with my health issues she thought I should move forward. I attended an orientation, a visit with a psychiatrist which was filling out many questions about myself, I had to write a letter to the doctor about my life of weight issues, how I had tried to lose it in the past, my issues, etc. I then had an appointment with a RN at the doctors office, she may have a level of ed above, not sure, but she did some pre-tests, took my weight and a picture. I have not met the surgeon in person yet. I have my appointment with him on May 21. My husband has to go too. I also had to watch a video on line that sent him an email that I saw it, it is called Emmie, I think. My husband has to watch it too. I have a physical and a support meeting to attend on the 21 and the 24 too. that is it. My insurance has already of course approved it. I am concerned with the out of pocket percent I will have to pay? It could be as much as $4000! not something I want to happen. but it is worth it at this point. Are you all excited to finally see June in site!! I can't beleive it. I have not told my sisters and brother yet, for I think I will be faced with questions and a look like I am crazy! Most people I shared with are happy for me. My husband is supportive, but always thin and does not understand the weight stress and emotional roller coaster. Have you all formed a list to buy yet? I saw that on line and I need to get shopping, it has foods, gasx, heating pad, etc. I am a planner. I am also glad to have a recliner for I hear it will come in handy! Well, I need to get to work, I am already late, I get so excited about writing I forget I have a schedule to keep. bye guys!

Gina, Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I am looking forward to meeting with the doctor and I think that will get my feelings back. it has been a long wait. When I read what you said about maintaining weight that is the same situation I am in. I have gained a bit of weight over the last two years, more than I have ever, but I ahve lost and gained weight so many times in my life, it is a crazy cycle! what is the normal time for your fist fill? Is it 60 days? it seems to be more the norm on the posts. I will be in touch, thanks for your support, you and others on this site have been very helpful!

Pam, Are you having your surgery at Washington hospital or Potomac Hospital in Woodbridge, VA? Maybe I am confused about it. I think it woudl be a long drive for you from Suitland to attend support meetings at Potomac? I am having my surgery in Richmond which is about 60 minutes from my home. Potomac is only 20 minutes. But i know 3 people who went to the same doctor in Richmond and they have been doing the surgery longer than the doctors at Potomac. The surgery center at St. Mary's Hospital has been in place for a while. But I thought since Potomac was closer, i could hit their support groups. I will be in touch. yesterday at work was so busy I forgot to look at the folder to see the day and time, it is only one day a month. I am thinking I missed it! Janine

Hello all, My surgery is scheduled for June 7! I have my appointment with the surgeon and the physician assistant on May 21 and 24. I will have to add the pain pump to my list of questions! I am getting so nervous! I have waited for months and now that is less than a month away, I am worried if I am doing the right thing? I am thinking this is normal? did any of you experience that? My son is also getting married July 7, I will be on mushies which wont' be fun, but I feel there will always be some event going on and not to let this stop me! I was told I can drink champagne! Keep me in the loop. I need to keep chatting with recent banders and seniors to learn and get support. this site is great.

Hello Suzanne, Gina and other vabanders, I am getting nervous, my surgery is approaching, June 7. I have my appointment with the surgeon on May 21 and I have my list of questions that I started from reading posts. I am starting to think more if I am doing the right thing, but deap down I know I am. I have been going through the app process for 4 months, so I think this has given me time to process, but maybe to much! what do you all think? is it just nerves? I know I wanted it yesterday. Maybe becuase I have not been seen by the doctor or been to the groups that I am to removed, but it is all I am thinking about. I guess I am reaching out for that support from other banders!! I know I will be ok, and want it! Janine

Hello Pam,Tina and others. I have been away from posting for a few days, surprised to get an email saying, " we noticed you haven't posted in a while, we miss you!". I have been busy with work. How are you all doing with your surgery approval? As I told you all earlier, I am going to Richmond, St. Mary's Hospital, Dr. Batista. I have only met him at an orientation seminar months ago. I see him on the 21st of May for my surgery June 7. I am getting nervous and I am hoping I am making the right choice. I have my list of questions for him that I started from reading posts on here. I called my insurance, Federal BCBS to try and asses what my out of pocket will be, it is sketchy. I am nervous about this. And the cost of fills that I did not think of. I think I will have less if I am inpatient, which sounds crazy! I may stay overnight due to the distance from here, my surgery is planned for 1 PM? any thoughts on this from those of you recently banded? I need to look at my materials to see when there is a support group for me to attend to get pumped again! Pam, have you been to Potomac Hospital to their support group? did I miss it for May already? Maybe we can meet there, that would be cool. do you live in Maryland? How did you select them? For those of you going through the process, I was approved for my surgery a little less than 2 mths ago, once you are approved, you may have to wait for an opening. that is what happened to me. I was a bit disappointed. I even asked if someone cancelled to bump me up..LOL, of course no one has! hope to hear from you, good luck, Janine

Pronetus, I to have BCBS Federal and have my surgery scheduled for June 7. Are you saying you have a 5,000-7,000 out of pocket expenses not paid by the insurance? When they approve you I thought that meant they covered it! I realize there may be some expenses, which I was thinking under 1K? Please confirm. I know for some who are paying out of pocket, think this is nothing, but for one that is hoping it is covered it is a different position. I may have to call my surgeon's office on Monday. Pamela, I have my surgery scheduled with Dr. Batista at Commonwealth Surgeons in Richmond, VA. I know several people who have gone to this group for BP but not band. But the feedback is great. He is a young doctor as well and the group has been a certified weight loss group for a long time. My surgery date is June 7 due to their credibility, I think many use them. the insurance process is different for everyone. As you can see in this post, I am asking for clarification and may need to explore more, for I would like to know ahead of time if I am going to be faced with that amount of a bill! Good luck on your journey and keep in touch. Janine

Tina, I guess we have to realize there will always be something on the horizon that we will have to make changes for. I was only wishing to be out of the mushies by then, but I will survive. It is only one day! I also wanted to be able to help with the planning and also concentrate on me for this time since it will be the first month. But us woman survive multi tasking for years, right! Keep me posted on your banding! I emailed my surgery coordinator and she stated it is rare that there is a cancelation but moved me to the top of the list! I will focus on June 7th. Have a good weekend, Janine

Irish Rose, Great response! Thank you, that gives me hope. With your screen name, I am assuming you are Irish too! I am 100% Irish. I just found a Wedding Reception/Chapel facility near our home, a Plantation House, that is owned by an Irish Minister, straight from Ireland. He has a strong accent. we are hoping to utilize their facilty. It would be so cool if it all works out.

Autumn, I agree with you. I have lost weight in the past, however gained it back due to behavior and emotion. I think the Band is only a tool, that will hopefully provide me with the awareness to deal with the real issues. I know I have to change choices of food etc. However, for some even surgery can not change their ability to change, but we all know how hard this is. I am praying that the surgery provides me with the finality of the decision. It is like an alcoholic who loses their job, family, home, etc and still drinks. You wonder what their cut off point is, what has to happen. It is the same with eating. For some it is more difficult to fight the desease. I also think this doctor is capitalizing to make money on these woman! Sad, Janine

Gina, Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have recieved similar responses to support that I will be just fine! I am looking forward to the surgery and don't want to put it off any further. I thought I might email my surgery coordinator and ask if there is an earlier date due to a canceled appointment and I will jump on it if the doc would let me! But I am sure folks scheduled for their surgery have gone through a similar process and are ready to go! Have a great weekend. It looks like VA will finally get some warm weather. Janine

Hello again, I posted this on another thread, however wanted to see if you all had a thought of advice for me? My son and his fiance told me this week that they plan to get married on or around July 7! Yes, this July. They have an 18 mth old daughter, which makes this decision a good one, we have been waiting for 18 mths! But my banding is scheduled for June 7, one month prior to the wedding! I have not told my son yet that I am having the surgery. I wanted to wait until the time was closer. I realize that the timing will never be perfect and making the decision to be banded has been set for months now, but I am concerned that I will most likely not be eating solids, and champagne will be out! I don't really want to put it off either! I know my answer is to just keep on with my plan! My only other thought is to try and get it sooner! I don't want to wait longer again. what do you all think? Can I do it? Janine

Hello VA Banders, Hope your support meeting went well. I plan to attend the meetings in May since I missed the April ones. I need to ask for some support. I have my band scheduled for June 7. I just was informed by my 21 year old son, father of my 18 mth old grandaughter, that he and his fiance are getting married early July of this year! One month after I am banded. I realize that life brings these things no matter what, but one month! I am worried for a couple things, one how much I can do to participate in the last minute planning when I will be recouperating and learning my new way of eating. the other is I will for sure not be eating or drinking at the wedding! what do you all think? I really wish my surgery was tomorrow, but it isn't. I also don't want to put it off much longer either. I am frustrated. Of course if it was a perfect world I would prefer the wedding to be a year from now so I can be thin for those great family wedding photo's! what do you all think? Please give me some advice. I will post this as a new post too. Janine

Hi all, I am going to ask some silly questions. I am not banded yet, scheduled for June 7. I looked on the terms list but I did not seen these and have read them many times in different posts. Maybe you can help, it is scaring me a bit: slimming and pbing? PB's? Help...please.

Thanks for all the information. I have this on my list to ask my surgeon. I guess you should never assume things. I did not even think of after care and if this was covered or not? I have my band date for June 7 and my appointment with the surgeon on May 21 and a long list of questions! I find this to be so helpful. thank you.

One of the stressed points made to me about LapBand was it was only a tool and you have to make changes to make it work like stated above. I also know that of the bypass surgery, which you can gain back weight. there was a person at my orientation that had the bypass and was there for the band. So it can go both ways. My surgeon said he would hesitate approving this for the person may not have made the committment to change her pschological aspects and that may not be ready. I think this is smart. I think the doctor on this utube thing is just trying to make money! Trying to sell his patients. How many of his bypass patients will come back saying they can't lose weight either ? I am not attacking the woman he chose, just the doctor for using them for his own agenda!

I am not sure why a person would think this site is harmful. I am not banded yet, scheduled for June 7. I was so excited to find this site. I have the option to attend monthly support groups however they are an hour away at night. I work long hours and I have had a difficult time attending. This site has saved me the travel time and has been much more. I have my appointment with my surgeon on May 21, which is so close to the surgery date. I have made a long list of questions which I learned from banders on this site. I would always consider what peers say on the site, but it is up to me to decide what I need to discuss with my doctor. I don't see children on here! I am looking forward to a new June Bandsters thread later in May! Lets keep up the GREAT work!

Sooverit, The surgeons sent me a letter prior to the orientation with all those that were interested in bypass or band. They request you look at the list if your BMI is under 40. My insurance agency states that you must have medical problems associated with obesity( which to me is most!) to be eligible if your BMI is under 40. The health issues I have are; shortness of breath, sleep apnea, asthma, thyroid,urinary incontinence, depression and heart disease. The heart disease was a bit of a stretch, for my blood pressure is fine. I had a heart rythem issue in November, actually in the mid of the night after Thanksgiving ( maybe that was the food!), I had to go tot he hospital. I was sleeping, and woke up feeling I was having a heart attack. All the tests showed nothing, which is good, but I am scared it will happen again! My surgeons also request a letter from you, stressing your life challenges related to weight ( mine sinc age 10). I beleive that letter went to the insurance agency as well. I hope this helps. I was really concerned if I would be eligible. The Nurse I saw for my evaluation and the coordinator for the process gave me all good support, so I was feeling supported by them, however as you know insurance agencies are funny! Glamourgirl, I have asked myself all those questions, and I am still a bit nervous of the finality of the choice to go forward, however I feel if I don't where will I be, heavier? I have the ability to lose the wieght if I have the right tool and motiviation, which I feel the band will give me, the problem I always have is keeping it off! I am hoping the limitations of the band will give that to me. Good Luck Hope to keep hearing from you both! Janine