Lauren87

I've recently picked up a vanilla flavored whey protein mix. The center that I'm going through recommends adding extracts to the powder and blending with 1 cup crushed ice (no added liquids). I went to the grocery store and picked up orange, peppermint, and rootbeer extracts. I will say that I haven't tried these yet, but they seem promising. =) Good luck!

maizemommy- Thanks so much! I really hope to attend a meeting too! See you there (eventually, once banded)! Lauren

Hey, no problem for the speedy response! Ok, I see where your coming from now that I can see your measurements. I can sure hide 330lbs well. Let me tell you, people never guess it. Good to hear you did attend a seminar....I didn't ask questions at mine so don't feel like your alone. It's a scary time and place! Like I said earlier, each insurance company is super picky about requirements so make sure to check on that. Good luck on your journey!

Hi Everyone! Congrats on your losses so far and your upcoming surgeries! So, technically I'm not going to be banded in Springfield but I go to school here in Springfield (MSU) so I'm here more than I am at home. I'm actually hoping to get banded in KC (in-network provider, parents are there, etc.). I'm not sure of the function of this post but this is kind of like my, "hey I'm here!" post. What's interesting about this thread is it's actually more active than the ones for KC...hmm, since I'm in Springfield so much it's nice to know you all are out there in cyberland but also in the same city. Does Dr. Edwards offer a support group for his patients after surgery? Since I won't be able to go home for support group meetings it would be nice if he did so then I would still be able to attend a support group. Ok, I feel like I'm rambling so I'll bring this to a close! Nice to know you guys are out there! Best of luck on your continued success! Lauren

Hi Jayme! Welcome to LBT! Although I am not in the -35 BMI range I might be able to give some words of advice to you. Here is goes, and don't think any of this is meant to be harsh or rude, I'm just presenting to you, at the best ability I can, the information I have. Most insurance companies want you to have a BMI of 35+ to be considered for surgery. As far as co-morbities go, these are (but are not limited to) high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, etc. If you don't have any co-morbities and have a BMI under 35 your chances for approval are very limited...but not unheard of. Each insurance company has its own set of standards and criteria so it's best to check with them about the requirements. A lot of the lapband system requires you to use a lot of self-control and discipline...it IS just a tool, not a magic fix. You can actually resist the band and gain weight. There is nothing preventing you from sucking down milkshakes or eating ice cream. So yes, you can regain weight...absolutely. I haven't had surgery but I can tell you foods that are off limits. 1) (Drink) Soda (no carbonation is allowed) 2). Most breads, they gum up and clog the band cause you to PB 3). (sometimes) Red meats, they tend to have trouble going down. Those are the big ones that I can think of but there are many, many more. It really varies person-to-person. Have you attended a seminar yet? There are really helpful in understanding the system...and they could answer a lot of the questions you just asked. I'm not going to ask your weight, but with a BMI of only 33 I have trouble understanding the need to lose 80lbs...and I think a physician would too. The lapband is typically for people who are morbidly obese (by l00 lbs. or more...and that is typically specified in the insurance paperwork, i.e. "BMI of 35 OR 100lbs over the person's ideal weight). With a BMI of only 33 you fall below the FDA BMI range...and you may have trouble finding a surgeon who will perform the surgery with a BMI that low. Good luck, where ever your journey may take you. Lauren

Hi Sue Magoo! That's what I would have thought too! The weird thing is that the program I am going through uses a team approach...same dietician, psychologist, and so on. I know that they have been up-and-running for some time so I am not sure what his hold-up is. I am sure he's seen tons of patients. I too think that I would be fine to go back to school after 2-3 weeks. I see no reason why I can't move back to school. My parents would be helping me move...so it's not like I'd be doing any lifting. Plus, I mean, how hard is it to sit in class? It doesn't take a lot of energy...at least not physical =) I feel that I can't bring this situation up to him because if I say that I won't be able to have surgery over Christmas break (because it's not 6-weeks) that he'll want to push me back to the next summer. Quite frankly, I do not want to see my date pushed back...summer 2009 would put me at 2-years since attending a seminar...huge bummer! Thanks for the imput and congratulations on your amazing loss! Woohooo!

Hi everyone! I just stumbled upon this thread and thought I'd join in. My BMI is right around 50-51...so, I suppose I should belong to this thread. Anyway, I am 20 and hoping to have surgery this summer (Bariatric Center of Kansas City--Dr. Hohen)...if I jump through enough hoops. Hoops aren't new to anyone as most of you know, I'm sure. Being a college student in Springfield (roughly 3 hrs from home, things get complicated). The latest hoop involves the time of my surgery. The psychologist I'm seeing wants me to be home for 6-weeks after surgery...and I won't be finished with my 6-month supervised diet until late June. Then, if I allow up to 30 days for insurance approval, that puts me into August...thus, the psychologist wants to push surgery back until Christmas break...the problem with that is that the break isn't 6-weeks long...so I'm not sure what is going through his mind. Anyway, I'm sure I'm rambling...so I won't bore those of you who are reading I look forward to meeting all of you in this thread and congrats to those of you who already had surgery and have lost fabulous amounts of weight! :smile2: Lauren

Hey Steve Well, if you mean approval from my insurance when you say "blue card," I can't answer that question. I've not been approved yet...originally, Coventry just wanted to see a 3 month failed diet plan. However, they've made several ammendments, thus, I'm still waiting. I am on month 2/6 for my physician supervised diet. SMMC went ahead and gave me the green light to start my other testing, that's why I've already seen Dr. Sabapathy. Basically, after they had received all of my records (5+ years!) they let me make an appointment with Dr. S. Yes, I did/have met with Dr. Sabapathy before insurance apporval--as you've already read. :wink2: I don't know if that was much help, but hopefully you've gained something from this post! haha If you're in doubt go ahead and call Shelly at the records office and "check the status of your file." Pay no attention to her message about getting back to you within 48 hrs...sometimes it takes 2 weeks...but, hey, it's worth a try! Keep us posted! Let me know if you have any more questions!

Hi John! I too am going through SMMC to get the lap-band! I too am waiting...but for a 6 month supervised diet and exercise program...go Coventry. I don't have the knowledge of the others who have posted but I'll share with you what I know. I was very apprehensive about Dr. Sabapathy to being with...I mostly took issue with him questioning my decision based on my age. However, after my third appointment that was resolved and now I couldn't be happier with him. Once we were on the same level, things went very smoothly. I will agree with the others that I have been less than happy with some of the office staff. Records is one office that I avoid unless I must go through them...grrrr. Congrats on the weight loss so far! 15 pounds is a giant step forward! Keep us posted! Lauren

AppleSmith1226: You know what's weird, my primary insurance is United! Coventry is my secondary...because my mom works for the state, she has a good policy they just tend to be a little strict. I couldn't agree with you more about the healthy/kids part. I am at risk for PCOS and hope to get this weight OFF before I develop it. Thanks for the support...it's crazy how much we are alike...long lost twin?haha 678iamgreat: Thanks! With my will and determination, I know I can lose more than 50% of my excess weight. Even losing 50ish pounds would make a world of difference. As much as people talk about this being a tool...I plan to use it as one. It's not for the psychologist to determine how much weight I will or will not lose. I see your already 54lbs. down!! Congrats! That's great! Keep working hard and thanks again! LovingWhatIs: I too had heard about the 5 year thing...it's irritating when they try to push me into bypass...when it's not something I want. I think it's great that you were so proactive about your head hunger. I think a lot of times, that is the downfall with a lot of people. I can see that you are really determined...good for you! Congrats on your loss so far! KukeChik: No, unfortunately there was not a list. The bariatric center I am going through has ties with one psychologist...he was nice but seemed to put a blanket statement over young adults--which I did not appreciate. Sorry to hear that you were denied...that's never fair. Good luck on your upcoming surgery! Keep us posted!

OK, so I had my psychological evaluation...one of three appointments. I must admit, I was prepared for the questions regarding my decision but I was not prepared to defend my decision based on my age. I am very frustrated. The conversation started off by the psychologist giving me a speech about paying "special" attention to patients under 20. What I got from that was, "your not emotionally mature enough. Just for the record, I will be twenty in 13 days. Anyway, without not knowing me on a personal level, I find it hard for the psychologist to assume I am emotionally immature. Yes, I do realize this will be a big change and it will require a determination but I am fully capable of handling the situation. I think it is crappy to put all young adults in a basket and label them as incapable of handling the surgery. The second thing that was irritating was that he (the psychologist) was pushing RnY. Because I want to lose 180 lbs. he thinks that RnY would be a better option. I am not budging on my decision. There are plenty of people (even on here) that lose 180+ lbs. I have the determination to do this---and I will. I'll just keep rolling with the punches...:clap2: Sorry to rant but I feel like those of you on here are by best form of support.

Congrats on getting your surgery date!!! Good luck on your New Year's resolution!

Hi Tracey! Good luck on your journey!

WASabubblebutt: I couldn't agree with you more! I'm glad I have someone who sees where I am coming from! Apple Smith1216: I will be twenty on the 30th, crazy huh? I'm glad that you had an easier time with the psychologist! At least one of us had some success in that department! You know what's also weird? We're about the same age? How crazy is that? I agree, I've been fat my whole life and can't agree more about the not trying thing. I would try a new doctor, I am confidant with the surgeon but am not impressed with the office staff, but my insurance only covers this surgeon. Bummer huh? I have the dream surgeon picked out...but they are not an in-network provider. Thank you both for your support!

I hear you! I am SO tired of being fat...and I'm only 19. Sometimes I feel pathetic...but I just try to take each day at a time. This site is great for support...so many people know how you feel. It's funny how people seem to know why you're fat and that you just need to get off of your behind. I've run into those people...plenty of times. The important thing to remember is that this is YOUR life and YOUR decision. At the end of the day, you're the only one who can control you...your with yourself 27/7. Surgery won't cure everything but it can sure help things. Best of luck to you! Keep us posted!

Congrats on the loss! I can tell you I'd be happy to see 21 pounds gone!

Hi, welcome! A lot will depend on your insurance. Sometimes surgeons want a letter of necessity from your PCP. As far as the length...it depends on a lot of factors. I'll give you some insight into my journey. I attended a seminar in late June. I filled out my paperwork for the surgery center in July...the waiting came with medical records. I am not going to blame anyone in particular but the two physicians had to send medical records TWICE because they weren't recieved the first time. I have confirmed that the first set of records were sent but who knows where they went? Anyway, after they got all of my medical records, mind you it took almost 6 months just to get them, I was able to make an apt. for my psych. evaluation. However, the psychiatrist was booked up for a month...so I had to wait again! Now, after I have the evaluation, I will make other apts. (cardiologist, etc.). The whole process has taken so much longer than it should have...but patience is a virtue right? haha. To sum it up, it just depends on a lot of factors. For some people, they get through the system pretty quickly, others don't! Hopefully you have a speedy journey! Good luck and I hope that helps!

I think you need to check your with your insurance. If you are not self-pay that's a starting point. I know my dad's insurance won't cover the surgery until I'm 21 but my mom's will. It will probably say clearly what/if the age requirement is. Also, if you're going through your insurance, they want you to go through an "in-network provider" for a surgeon. I hope that helps!

Welcome! Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

Aww, virtual hug! That was a really ignorant comment to make, especially having not seen you in years (sorry if I'm making an assumption and correct me if I am wrong)! I feel your pain, that's really harsh--but you'll have the last laugh. I hope the surgery went well!!

Hi Gina! Welcome to LBT!! I too am just starting. I've got the medical records sent but...I have a ton of hoops to jump through, but it's worth it! You know, the psych. evaluation, cardiologist...ect. I too am nervous that I will be turned down--I don't have too many co-morbities...YET. I'm 19. Anway, keep us posted! Good luck!

Hi Joyce (and Joyce's daughter) I definately know where your coming from...although I am 19 I still feel like the age is close enough (not that anyone else's isn't) to put my two cents in. I started looking into the bad myself last summer. Both of my parents are very supportave so there wasn't much convincing to do. I was nervous to tell them that I wanted to have the surgery done but once they gave me the "ok" I then asked my doctor. Both of my parents also went to the siminar with me and it was so great to have them there. Because they are going to be taking care of me after surgery, it's important for them to know what exactly I am having done. I have never had a boyfriend and the only dance I went to in h.s. was prom--because I felt I "had to" because if I didn't I would "regret it." Now, in retrospect, I don't know if I would regret going or not. I liked getting dressed up but it wasn't a life changing experience. That is not meant to be negative either. I've always been headstrong and felt good about myself but I have seen girls regardless of weight have a lot of issues with confidance and feeling good about themselves. I see where your daughter is coming from. Sure, there are days when I don't feel attractive but that's not the only reason I want the surgery--I want it to be health. As far as the knees go--I hear 'ya! As long as your daughter is confidant in her decision and is doing it for the right reasons, not for a dress or boys or for the looks, but for HERSELF (because that's the most important thing) then she should do it. As far as your husband (and dad) just have all of the facts ready when you talk to him about it. Show him that she (you) are mature enough for this. I am sure all he wants is for you to be happy and healthy. More than anything, I am sure he is just worried about you having surgery (and changing your body)...but give it time. Be persistant with your choice...let him know that you really want this and that it is for the best. Hopefully that helps! Good luck! :clap2:

Hi everyone! Like many others, I too have read this site for some time now. This is my first post because I've been a little apprehensive to post--but then I thought, "what the heck" and decided to introduce myself. I'm 19 (young I know) and I decided to begin my lap-band journey in June of this year. Basically, my main reason for choosing to have this surgery is because this really is a last resort. I know some of you may be thinking that I'm awfully young to have to move to a "last resort" but, hear me out. I've been overweight my whole life, seriously, my mom started watching what I ate at age two. Anway, at twelve I was diagnosed with dismetabolic syndrome with insulin resisitance. We hear about this a lot now, well type two diabetes in children now but when I was diagnosed my case was actually just surfacing. In one of the leading children's hospitals in the nation, I was the only patient with a condition like mine in the whole hospital. Anyway, sorry to go on and on. So, now at 19 I am at risk for PCOS and have normal blood pressure but it's abnormally high for my age. My mother and gradmother are also overweight--so I guess you could say it runs in the family. I am experiencing things that a fifty year old woman should be dealing with--not a nineteen year-old. I'll give a few more details about my self, just so you get the idea---I promise to make it short! :eek: I also have lower back pain and joint pain in my knees. I did tae kwon do for three years and while I was healthier, the weight never seemed to come off. Oh, I almost forgot my diet! Since about twelve I have been eating low carb but have not cut out carbs completely. And last but not least---my weight and height (for the whole world to see) I am 5'7 and about 330. OK, so now you know a little about me. Let's see, what else can I say...ah yes, surgeons. I have United Heath Care (primary) and Coventry (secondary) insurance but am having to go through conventry. My primary won't cover the surgery until I am 21 so...secondary insurance it is. As far as the surgeon...really my only option is Dr. Hohen from the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. Coventry only has Dr. Hohen in their network--at least that's anywhere close to where I live. I like in the KC metro area but go to school in Springfield, MO. While I am mentioning school--I'm an English Education major and I love literature---Go English! :biggrin1: Anway, this is getting to be a novella...so I'll end it here. I look forward to meeting all of you and have enjoyed reading the plethora of information on this site--it's amazing. Oh, and as of now, I am still in the beginning of this journey. As of Friday, my file is being referred to the person in charge of the psych. consult! Finally, after 3 months the ball begins to role!:clap2: Lauren :kiss2:

Thanks Sue Magoo! From the stats, you seem to be doing great with your band! Yay! Keep the good work up!

Hi "SVM", I too am beginning the process. I am also a little nervous but look at these boards, so many people have had great success. I don't know if I can offer any advice--because I am new to this too but if you ever need anyone--well, I'm here!