Hope4Life

I just got my insurance approval today! I am hoping to be banded in September, but it may be October - we will see. Just wanted to 'celebrate' by telling someone!

Hi, I am going to be seeing Dr. Pirello for surgery - just wondering about your experience with the people in this office. Did you use Dianne Stout for your nutritionist? Please let me know how it went - I am terrified! I'm not sure how these message boards work, exactly, but you can email me at thackworth1023@yahoo.com also. I live in Kannapolis, so we are probably in the same area. We might meet at a support group meeting someday! Thanks

I am in the process - just two more appointments and I'll be ready to go for insurance authorization - and I have read a ton of posts on this website - don't know whether to be afraid or excited! I was just wondering two things: 1. What happens if you drink when eating ? 2. If you don't drink while eating or for 30 minutes before and 1 hour after, how on earth do you get enough fluids? I'm confused about the whole liquid stage, mushie stage, Protein shakes, solid food stuff. Of course, one of the two appointments I have left pre-op is with the nutritionist, so I guess she'll clear up some of it. Thanks !:nervous

I noticed that you are in Charlotte. I am in Kannapolis. I was wondering what nutritionist you use - the ones here in Kannapolis won't file insurance and want payment up front. Do the ones in Charlotte file insureance? I'd appreciate any info you might have. thanks Terry

Hi again! Thank you for the information! I have been able to determine that the surgery is covered if you meet the requirements. They won't tell me what the requirements are, only my doctor. I have a BMI of 47. I don't know what qualifies as a "Co-morbidity", but I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure or any of that, but I do have a majorly bad family history for heart disease and a brother that is diabetic. I am 44 years old - I need to do something NOW! I do have back trouble and slightly high cholesterol - 223. Thanks again!

I am scheduled to attend the seminar at this Dr.'s office on Thursday, but I would love to have some "head's up" info on him if at all possible. Good or bad, I want to know about it. Please let me know if you had surgery or explored surgery through this doctor. Thanks and happy losing!

Hi, I am looking for any info you may have on this type of insurance. What they covered/what they didn't, did you have to pay upfront fees? What about meds, and HOW MANY HOOPS DID YOU HAVE TO JUMP THROUGH ? I am exploring this lap band thing, and to be honest, it is very scary. I weigh 265 and am 5'2" tall. I need help badly. Please let me know how it's been for you! Thanks!

Hi all! I am so happy to see this thread! I too have been praying about the issue of lap banding - and so far, I have seen the Lord's workings in some of this. I truly believe that His will is that we use the tools available to us. He has never expected us to do things all on our own - He has given us numerous tools just in living a life for Him - His word, the church, our Christian family of believers, and many other things. So why wouldn't He approve our using a support method to help to better our health, our life, and our service to Him?

Thank you for your replies. I was mainly concerned that I would feel tired or fatigued by eating a lot less. I am always tired now, what with carrying about 125 extra lbs., but I guess I was looking for hope that I could feel more energetic and enthusiastic about life. It's great to hear that the system works if you commit to it. Thanks again!

Hi all, I am just beginning to consider the Lap Band and research it. I have read about PB, sliming, foaming, vomiting, post op pain and gas, hunger while doing the liquid diet stages, etc. What I would really like to know is how do you feel on down the road with the lap band. Are u starving the entire time you are losing? Do you get to a point where you eat less but don't feel gnawing insatiable hunger? Please let me know - is it really worth it?