poodlecamper

Just checking my signature--I am so bad at this!!

i've put myself in on 1/15 and hope I did it correctly

Hi---I got my insurance approval (Cigna) in 6 days (!!!!!) and am scheduled for January 15. I have a few questions for those of you who have already gone through surgery and weight loss: For those "older" people (I'm 56) how bad is the skin after a loss of 100+ lbs? I ask because my mother (ever the optimist) said when I told her I was approved,"Then you'll have all that saggy skin". I mean really, is it THAT bad? And I have no bikini or beauty pageant aspirations, so..... Did your wrists get smaller? Did your shoe size/width decrease? Tea with sweet and low and 1/2&1/2 is my beverage of choice. Can I drink this right after surgery without bad effect? (I do know the tea has to be decaf) Thanks--Carol in CT

Jan 1- HAPPY NEW YEARS! Starting the year off right! Jan 2 Jan 3-WOWOX7 Jan 4- KUgirl Jan 5 Jan 6 Jan 7- CallmeJim, comepickmeup Jan 8 Jan 9 – Redtulips3, FLMan Jan 10- luvsrocks, Hilary Jan 11 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 14- CoreynVA, acalpn Jan 15-poodlecamper Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18- RuthE? Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan 21- Chrisann Jan 22 Jan 23- min Jan 24 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 28 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 31 __________________ Got approved yesterday!! My date is Jan 15, will be on a 2 week Optifast diet pre-op, plus (I think) 2 days of Clear liquids at the end. Carol in CT

Hey---I'm 56, H315 C309----and waiting for my surgery date---actuallywaiting for insurance approval----congratulations on getting a date, and I'll be following your progress!! Do you have a strict preop diet to follow? My surgeon's is pretty restrictive. Best wishes! Carol in CT

Thanks for your responses---I'm going to call today to see where my Cigna paperwork is at---I had hoped for a pre 2008 surgery date, due to deductibles already beeing covered for this year, but I guess there's no sense in stressing about it. Lots of docs take time off during the holidays, so surgical dates may be at a premium. The waiting begins.

I haven't posted much, but here goes: In May, I started the 6 month MD supervised diet my insurance (Cigna) requires. This Tuesday is the 6 month visit, and my MD will fax his notes to my bariatric surgeon that day. I've had : endoscopy, sleep apnea, cardiac stress test, ultrasound to both legs to rule out blood clots, psyche and nutrition eval--been through it all!!! Due to gallstones, I had my gallbladdere out on 10/23, done by my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Craig Floch of Fairfiels Bariatrics. I have lost NO weight, but Doc feels I will be approved due to my BMI of 51 and co-morbidities. So now, it depends on how long Cigna takes to ok me. I'm hoping to have the lap band done before 12/31, due to $$$$$$$--I've already met my insurance deductibles for this year. On Monday I will be a 3 year survivor of stage 3 ovarian and peritoneal cancer--I am also on Soc Sec disability because I have wicked arthritis all over my body. Hoping the weight loss will help diminish the pain to my back, knees, ankles, feet. I've already had a shoulder replacement. So that's my story---can anyone contribute experience with Cigna? I know they can be a drag,:whoo: although I have no complaints as far as my cancer and arthritis treatments. With an 85% recurrence rate, my oncologist and I want me to be pain free and be able to do more of what I'd like and believe weight loss will open that door for me. I am a stubborn and determined person, but have just never been able to be successful at permanent significant weight loss. Well-----that was long, hope not too much information!!! Carol in CT

I haven't been banded yet, but this is on the checklist I was given by my doctor: "To use papaya enzyme to relieve blocked food, try either of these remedies: chewable papya enzyme tablets,available at health food stores directions: Use 1-2 tablets. Chew well unflavored Adolph's meat Tenderizer powder also contains papya enzyme. Find it in the herb and spice section of most supermarkets. directions: Mix 1/2 teaspoon AMT, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 4 oz tap Water. Sip slowly over one hour." I hope this helps---if not this time (if you're ok now) then in the future! Carol

Thanks for your posts, no idea and faithmd. I went out today and bought some of the protein drinks, and powder, to begin trying to find some I can live with. My doc and nutritionist have a very detailed, mult-stage diet plan that must be followed pre and post-op. And definitely there are "mind" issues that have to be dealt with. No more corn on the cob?? AUGGHHH!!!! I am a corn on the cob maniac. Maybe I can chew it and spit it out? Just kidding ;>)

Hi--I'm also in the pre-approval process and my insurance (Cigna) requires a "six month Dr. supervised diet". No one (surgeon, nutritionist) has been able to tell me the rationale behind this. But the nutritionist told me many of her patients were afraid to lose any weight, fearing the insurance co would use that as "proof" that surgery wasn't needed. Frankly, after 40+ years of weight issues I don't get what this "diet" is supposed to prove and it worries me too. I have a BMI of 51 and co-morbidities. Anyone ever figure this out? what's the insurance co's point?

Hi--I'm just beginning all this, and wondered, how does one decide on a goal weight? From a "chart" based on height, or as a mutually agreed upon number with the surgeon? Or do you just pick a number yourself? Just curious as I look at all the "tickers" and wonder what my goal would be. Thanks for all responses!! Carol

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not banded yet, but looking at some of the other wls forums, it seemed like some people were eating 700-800 calories and I know at that level that I'd have low blood sugar episodes. I haven't met the nutritionist yet, but am getting informed so I ask the right questions. 1200 calories sounds very reasonable!!

Hi---I'm concerned that with the very few calories consumed, that I'll feel shaky or weak. I understand feeling full physically, but how does your body manage to keep you going on so few calories? Does the extra fat get metabolized and converted for use by the body?

Hi--I'm new here, and just starting the process. My insurance requires a 6 month doctor supervised diet. My surgeon will (hopefully) be Dr. Craig Floch of Fairfield Bariatrics. (St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, CT) So far, I've attended the informational seminar, had a visit with the surgeon, and today had the psyche consult done. Still a bunch of stuff to do. I'm curious about the reasons people choose lap band, and also the pace of their weight loss. Also, can anyone suggest an exercise DVD that would be good for someone with BAAAD :phanvan arthritis but who needs to increase their physical activity? Thanks for all replies! Carol in CT