gingersnap

I'm one week post op and in addition to walking try a heating pad, I slept with mine on my shoulder for the first 5 days, it really helps! Congratulations on taking the jump! In just a few days you will be feeling great!

I was really disappointed that Tricare would not cover. In order to get my surgery I had to pick up additional insurance through my work. But it is still a huge savings as compared to self pay. Like so many others I'm just not willing to take the risk with RNY and have insurance dictate what surgery I should have to address morbid obesity issues. I wish there was a way to get this changed. Gingersnap

Just had the surgery on 7/23/07 and doctors orders were to not eat anything after midnight the day before surgery. I could have coffee, tea, apple juice, Water, etc up to two hours prior to surgery. Hope that helps...Good Luck!

Hi Everyone, I was banded today at Lahey Cinic in Burlington, MA and my experience has been teriffic. Very little pain and I've been up walking around several tmes. The only real pain I have is in my left shoulder...and it is true that walking is the best remedy. Bostonchic is in the room across from me and she is doing amazing. It is so nice to have someone to experience this with. gingersnap

Your weight loss is amazing...I'm getting banded in 10 hours and I love hearing motivating stories like yours. Please post some before and after pictures! gingersnap

I'm joining LapBand Land this Monday July 23 at 12Noon. My surgery will be following Bostonchic's at Lahey Medical Center with Dr. Nepomnayshy. Its such a weird feeling knowing that I have been working for this day for so long and now it is finally here. I'm not sure what to think...my emotions go from elated to scared to death. Tomorrow my plan is to keep myself so busy I won't have time to think about it. gingersnap

Pregnancy is such a beautiful thing and it is one of the biggest reasons I'm having the surgery. I had my first child a year ago and loved being pregnant...all except for the large roles of fat under my baby bump. I felt so huge and had a taste of what my life could be like if I kept gaining weight. My surgery is scheduled for July 23 and I'm hoping to be at goal in a year and then start trying for another little one. I want to get these food issues under control to be a better role model and mom for my little girl and have a healthy pregnancy. I would love to hear more about being pregnant with the band...I think it would be very motivating. Gingersnap

I just got the phone call today that Tricare Prime has denied my claim for the LB but that was expected. I picked up Harvard Pilgrim that began July 1 and I now have a surgery date for July 23. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Tricare to cover the surgery if you have any other options. There is too much life to live to wait! Good Luck! Gingersnap

Hi There! I attended the group tonight!! I left there feeling really energized and ready to get my pre surgery weight loss started! It was awesome meeting you all tonight and I hope that more Lahey members join the sight! I really can't wait until I'm on the “ other side”! gingersnap

My initial consultation was on 5/9/07. First, I was weighed and height measured, had my blood pressure taken and then they went over the schedule for the afternoon. First I meet with the psychologist and she went over general questions about eating habits, family history, supportive environment etc. After the psychological evaluation I met with Pam the Nurse Practitioner and she went over surgery options and asked me a bunch of medical questions and conducted a routine exam. During this exam they will want to know your medical history and screen you for sleep apnea and any thing else that may cause complications with the surgery. She did however ask about skin rashes under the “fat roles” and mentioned that if I had this problem they may help with having insurance cover reconstructive surgery (tummy tuck) later. But I’m not exactly sure what she was looking for. They have a new dietetic staff and didn’t have the schedule setup so I will have to go back and meet with the dietitian for my initial evaluation. You will most likely have everything all in one day. I would love to meet you and your daughter tonight, but if not best of wishes!

Hi Stargazer6213, Pam the NP said I would need to loose about 7-10 lbs before my final appointment with her and then lose an additional 7-10 prior to my surgery date.They ask you to lose the weight to help shrink the liver and hopefully practice some of the lifestyle changes that will occur afterward.

Will anyone be attending the Lahey, Burlington LapBand support group tomorrow (Tue)?

Hi Stargazer6213, I’ve started the process at Lahey and like you can’t wait get the surgery. I start my Skills classes in June and will be at the support meeting tomorrow (Tue). My goal is to have all the prerequisite appointments/weight loss/classes completed by July 1. After July 1 they can submit to my insurance company for surgery coverage and that will begin a new waiting game. My recommendation to you is to jump on getting any appointments that you can as soon as you can. Don’t wait on going to the two mandatory support group meetings and try to get into the skills classes as soon as you possible. Also another tip, when you go into your appointment on the June 26th that will be the weight they submit to the insurance company and use for your 10%-15% weight loss. You will need to lose a certain amount of weight before getting your surgery date. Maybe I will see you at one of the support group meetings. Best of wishes! gingersnap

A few questions that I was asked: · What is my family history? · Do I live in a supportive and safe environment? · Is my husband supportive about the surgery and willing to accept the changes? · Why I think that I'm overweight? · Questions about my eating habits. · How do I think the surgery will change my life? · My general expectations of the surgery. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi Bestarcher, Congratulations on the big day! I hope you are feeling better and the gas pains are starting to subside. I’m in the process at Lahey, Burlington and if all goes well I’m hoping for a surgery date late July. I really hope you had a good experience with them. Was there anything that you would have done differently? Did you like your surgeon? Any advice for a newbie? I would love to hear all about your experience. Best wishes for a quick recovery! gingersnap

Cheri52, Thank you for the insurance advice, I've called them several times and didn't even think to ask about a waiting period. They said there was no waiting period and they go solely off medical necessity. Lahey recommended them as one of the best for LapBand Coverage so keep your fingers crossed for me! Please keep me posted on your progress and how your first fill goes.

I got a referal with no problem however Tricare will not cover the LapBand at the request of the military. If I wanted to go with the GB not a problem. I picked up additioanl insurance from my work that has a history of working well with my doctors office on covering the band. For a year it will cost about $1,200 for the additioanl insurance. Well worth it if everything goes as planned. Good Luck to You!

Hi Cheri52, I'm so happy to hear that your surgery was successful!!! So how are you feeling? Have you had a lot a pain and were they good about giving you all the meds that you need post op? Is there anything you wish they would have done differently? I would love to hear every detail about your experience. I'm really nervous about the surgery, and if and when it will be covered by insurance. But I know that this tool has the potential to change my life and I'm looking forward to the change. Congratulations on losing 22lbs....that’s awesome! You must be feeling better already! I hope to be a loser someday soon too!

Cajun, My heart goes out to you. Both my siblings were over 400lbs when they decided to have gastric bypass and my sister has a very judgemental husband who has said some cruel things over the years. I personally think one of the best places to get started is by seeking counseling to talk thorugh all these feelings. One of the hardest things to do in this world is to make a change. I wish you all the best and please keep us posted to your progress.

Hi Bostonchic, I hope your support meeting went well last night. I'll be in the Presurgical Skill Meetings in June and I'll be going to the LapBand meeting on the last Tue in May and June. I'm really hoping to get the surgery ASAP! I'm ready to make some real changes in my life and I agraee the sooner the better. What insurance are you using? I'm signing up for Harvard Pilgrim throuh my work and it will be effective July 1. I would love to meet you at one of the sessions and compare stories. Its nice to know someone out there is going through the same process I am.

Hi BostonChic, I just had my consultation 5/10 at Lahey Burlington and thought they seemed to have a solid program. I have to go back and meet with the nutritionist and the nurse again for the same scheduling reasons you ran into but no further testing at this point. I have to lose 20 lbs before surgery so I need to get my butt moving. I'm hoping to get through the process ASAP and be banded by late July or Early August. I would love to hear more about your experience and progress!

HI Cheri52, By the date of this post it looks like you should of had your band by now. I'm from Framingham, MA and I just had by consultation at Lahey in Burlington yesterday and I've decided I'll go with it ASAP! I would love to hear all about your experience at Lahey. I hope you are doing well! God Bless!

Congrats and Get Well Soon! I hope you have a speedy recovery and your quality of life is everything you dreamed of. Please keep us posted on your recovery and experience!

Hi Eveyone, I think it would be great if you all could please post the name of your insurance company when you talk about "my insurance company" it would be helpful to know which insurance companies are more difficult to work with etc. I realize every policy and Doc are different but it gives an idea of what we should look out for with certain companies. Thanks!

Hello, I'm picking up Harvard Pilgrim in MA starting in July 1. I've called several clinics in the area and they all say that HP is the best next to Blue Cross to gain an approval. I have a close friend that had no problem at all getting approval through HP but had BMI in mid 40s. But I have had the same experience with them being rude. But I called back to ask the same questions and finally got ahold of someone teriffic. My suggestion is to call back until you find a rep that is more helpful. Good luck and please keep me posted on what you find out. gingersnap