Forestcat5

Hi Josette! I have worn Spanx shapewear and another brand called Lipo in a Box, and I thought they both worked really well. I don't know about losing 2 inches in my waist, but my clothing instantly fit better and smoother. And when I was losing weight,(I've been up and down the scale MANY times!) they always helped when I was between sizes - 1X pants looked dumpy and baggy, and XL was a bit too tight and uncomfortable, I would put on the Lipo in a Box and usually could then wear the XL. I was banded on Nov 1st and plan to use shapewear as I lose weight to make my clothes look better, help with sagging skin and keep the jiggles under control. I buy both brands from QVC ( a home shopping network) but I would think they have Web sites you can go to to read more about them.

Hi flashkatt! I also live in Ohio and just had my surgery on Nov 1st in Cleveland. The meeting you are going to will probably have basic information, but it will be what you need to get started. Once you decide what you want to do, the most important thing you'll need to do (unless you are self-pay) is contact your insurance company to see if they cover the surgery, AND what they require from you to qualify. I hope you have time to read as much as you can on this site, it is full of great information. You can look at the Ohio thread and see if anyone there went to the same clinic you are going to for the meeting. Best of luck to you!!! I wish I could have done this at 32 instead of 52!!!!

Hi traveler! I had surgery on Thurs Nov 1st and started feeling hungry on Sunday - my 3rd day post op. Just like you I wondered if my band had slipped or something. But I don't have any pain or vomiting, which I think I would have if my band had slipped. Today the nurse from my surgeons office called to see how I was doing and I told her that I was hungry and she didn't seem concerned. She said the swelling in my stomach must have gone down fast. So you might call your surgeons office, just for some reassurance that being hungry this fast is ok. Besides all the water everyday - I'm drinking 3-4 protein drinks, plus 2-3 cups of broth or soup, and 2 cups of SF hot chocolate. I'm hoping when I go on mushies in 8 days 10 hrs and 42 min :biggrin1: I won't be so hungry! So I plan on drinking everything on the approved list from my surgeon and try to be happy I'm such a fast healer!

I was just banded on Nov 1st, so I haven't changed clothing size yet - but in the past, during my MANY years of dieting, I found something that helped me alot. It's a "shaping" garmet from a company called Lipo in a Box. It's also a lot like the shaping garments you can get from Spanx, but I just personally prefer the Lipo in a Box. The garments come in all different types - targeting different "trouble" spots. They are a huge help in fitting into the next size down clothing, plus they smooth out any bumps or bulges we may have, and hold down any "jiggles". They are soft garments, nothing like the old fashioned "girdles"!! I buy mine from QVC (a home shopping network), but imagine you could find their website online. But since these types of undergarments are becoming more popular, I would think you could find different brands at regular dept stores. Even when I would get close to goal weight, I'd still like to wear these just because I felt they made my clothes look better. Just an idea for those who are in "Clothing Hell" aka - Between Sizes!

Hi fellow November-ites!! I had my surgery on Thurs Nov 1, and came home yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good, no major pain or problems. I'm doing eveything we're supposed to do - taking liquid pain meds, walking, sipping liquids, doing deep breathing and coughing, and resting. I had a large hiatal hernia that was a surprise (it didn't show up on any of my xrays) the surgeon repaired it along with putting in the band. Good luck to everyone who has surgery coming up!!!

Hello everyone! My surgery is tomorrow also, and I'm scheduled at 8:30am. I'm a bit nervous, but I know tomorrow I'll be VERY nervous! I have all the supplies ready for when I get home, and after these 2 weeks on Optifast I'm really looking forward to some warm, pureed, strained soup! Best of Luck to all of you!!!!

hi lookingtolose84! I also have cigna. Have you called the Customer Service number on your cigna insurance card? Once you get through to a representative they will be able to tell you if you have lapband surgery coverage, and how much you will have to pay "out of pocket". I strongly suggest you call them before you schedule any more Dr appointments or tests. If you do have coverage, ask cigna about paying for the bill you received from the surgeon. Good Luck!!!

Hello everyone! I am scheduled for surgery on Nov 5th. I got a call at work today from my surgeon's office, and my first thought was "Oh no - what's wrong?!" But to my surprise they were calling to ask if I could change my date to Nov 1st! I immediately said YES! I know it's only a few days earlier, but I've been working towards this surgery since February and I'm more than ready to go! I'm going to change my date on the list........ 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy sanderro Holiwood Longhorn Forestcat 2nd lizzie_07 lindata KristinaDawnB lindseyann2u sconie pam726 5th DLW Hungryforchange 6th Wishes4444(Ann) Diva Inside ndmom kandiceb jetti vanessav 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 shadst83 Cota129 8th anw5102 dawndannae stranger138 needto ebrow39 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy mariaxoxo4u Kristin1031 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl jen6740 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 13th CCFRA Princessannod1 14th lightenup! dream'n2bthin 15th RxTracy steph_cn Hopping to It- Danna 19th Mrs Smartypants 26th kuchiegrl1 27th 731Shawty Cherlita Julie-Ann 28th lukin puppy 29th Sassafras

Hi Miss Polly! Welcome to LBT! I can't help you with the Mexico questions, but I just wanted to say hello since I'm from Ohio also. My surgery is Nov 5th at St Vincent Hospital. Best of luck to you!

Hi ndmom - Please let us know how things go on Friday. I have been in a similar situation and can relate to feeling like you are on a roller coaster. It's good that you went for your annual exam - we all need to take care of ourselves and still go to those appointments that aren't part of pre-lapband testing. Keep positive thoughts and continue to get things ready for your lapband surgery. You are on the path to better health!

Hi Jennye! My surgery is also Nov 5th in Cleveland Ohio by Dr Ben-Meir. Is this your very first time to this site, or have you been reading posts for a while? This site has given me so many answers and information, and quite often - laughter! If this is your first time here, I hope you read everything you can. When did you start your journey? Mine started in Feb, so finally having a surgery date is very exciting!! I start a 2 week liquid pre-op diet on Monday - do you have to do one? Best of luck to you! Forestcat

I have cigna and they didn't ask for pictures....I agree with Freebird - call them again. Forestcat

hi jenjen 2675! You've come to the right place to get your questions answered. Read, read, READ everything here that you can. The first thing I suggest you do is find a Bariatric Clinic/Doctor and call them and ask for information, ask if they have a seminar you could attend, or information they could send you. Attending a seminar is an excellent place to start. Also, you need to call your insurance company and find out if Bariatric Surgery is covered. You can go to a thread here from your state and maybe find someone who lives nearby that could suggest Clinics or Doctors.. Best of Luck! Forestcat

kuchiegrl1, I agree with IndoGirl55 - try to be positive that your pcp might have seen something on your ekg, and you have time to have it checked out before the surgery. It may be nothing, or maybe it will delay your lapband surgery for a bit - but you will be even healthier in the end! Chances are your lapband surgeon may have given you an ekg in your pre-op and saw the same thing anyway. It's better that your surgeon has ALL the info going into surgery! Please keep us updated, and GOOD LUCK!! Forestcat

Road Queen - I really enjoyed reading about your life in Malawi. I love learning about other cultures. What has been the hardest thing for you to get used to? What was your biggest surprise? What is the weather like? I envy your courage to make such huge changes in your life - getting banded and moving to another country! You are doing great with your weight (sorry you were sick though) I hope you have access to the internet often so you can keep us updated. Forestcat

As strange as this sounds - CIGNA didn't say I HAD to lose any weight, they just wanted me on a 6 month Dr documented weightloss program. I went on the Atkins diet, and lost 20lbs, but made sure I didn't lose any more than that, for the same reasons you are worried about. But it's important that you find out if your insurance DOES want you to lose a certain amount of weight, or do they just want the documented paperwork. I've read where some people don't lose any weight, but because they went to their Dr once a month, got weighed, talked about weightloss, and then the Dr sent the info in a letter to the insurance co - they met the requirements and were approved. So maybe that is what you will be able to do. I am just like you - I can lose the weight, but I can't keep it off! Forestcat

Hi JackieMorris! I had to do a 6 month weightloss with my Dr, and it seemed a bit ridiculous since I've been on diets most of my life, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds. But there was no way I would get approved for the surgery unless I did it. And then, even after I did it - I was DENIED! The insurance co said I didn't have enough documentation from my Dr. Luckily my Dr called them and sent more info and I was later approved. So I strongly suggest you call your insurance co and ask exactly what they require for the documentation. Also read through the Insurance Forum on this site for more information. The 6 months went faster than I thought it would. Honest! I think the insurance companies do this to see if we are really dedicated, and hope we'll be discouraged and forget the whole thing. So use the 6 months to get all your testing done, come to this site and join in and read, read, READ - and before you know it you'll be writing to us and say "I was approved!" Best of Luck!!!!! Forestcat

Hi jamitwins! Congratulations on starting your journey!! Because of my insurance I had to do a 6 month weightloss program, and I went on the Atkins diet and lost 20lbs. Have you ever tried it? You can read about it online, or get the Atkins Diet book. (I also went on Atkins a few years ago and lost 60lbs). Just an idea, if you haven't tried it. Good luck!!!! Forestcat

Hi elizelder! If you go to the forum "Lapband Surgery FAQ's and References" listed a few below "Introductions" it has a GREAT list of things you'll need to get in the house before your surgery. I have it printed out and in my purse for my next trip to the store! Best of luck on Friday!!!! Forestcat

What Dr does Sandy work for, or write for, or whatever it is she does? I came to this site after hearing someone recommend it to someone else in the waiting room of my surgeon. I'm SO glad I didn't overhear someone recommending OH! Forestcat

#4 (permalink) hungryforchange Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Age: 40 Posts: 35 I think that we are unable to edit our posts here. So just cut the list, paste it in the message and add yourself. I added you Suebob! I put myself in for Nov 5th! 1st PattyPoo Nessa3678 brandymom1234 Mom_of_Chuy 2nd lizzie_07 5th DLW Hungryforchange Forestcat 6th ndmom 7th Goldie1109 susieq125 8th anw5102 9th Banded4Life neen7171 maccy 10th Selisejohnson omlagirl 12th jrsyshoregrl684 suebob 29th Sassafras __________________ Currently on Farewell to food Tour '07 Surgery date: November 5, 2007.

Hi everyone! My surgery is scheduled on Nov 5th - I just found out last week! I'm having it at St Vincent Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, by Dr Ben-Meir. On Oct 17 I go for a full day of pre-op testing, seeing a dietician, having informational classes and getting the Opti-fast I will need for my pre-op diet. I will be on the Opti-fast for 2 weeks. I started this journey at the beginning of this year. After my yearly physical in Jan, and seeing that my weight was the highest ever, plus having more joint pain and more fatigue - I started looking into weightloss surgery. I attended a seminar, and the very next day called my insurance (cigna) to see if lapband was covered - and it was. Through the testing I have found out I have a hernia and sleep apnea. The hernia will be repaired during the lapband surgery. And I now use a c-pap machine for the apnea, and it has made a WORLD of difference! I was denied by cigna in early Sept, but then my pcp called them and sent them more information - and then I got a letter last week saying I was approved!!! I'm like everyone else....excited and a bit nervous! As you can see - I have no Ticker or pretty stuff!:rolleyes I plan to work on that SOON. I always think about working on it, but then start reading all the different threads - and I read, and read and read...... I'm glad I found you guys!!!! I'll be back! Forestcat

Hi elainek!! I've only been on LBT for a few months, but the information I've gotten here is wonderful. I just received my surgery date this past week - it's Nov 5th, and I'm very excited! You have done GREAT with your weightloss!! Have you had any fills? Any problems getting all your protein? I plan (hope) to not get weighed very often after I am banded. When I did all the other diet/weightloss/starvation programs, I lost weight v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, and it would make me furious. ( I think that's when I developed high blood pressure! :biggrin1:) Watching my clothing size get smaller and smaller is what helped me. And even though my situation isn't the same as yours, I also have an airplane goal - fitting into an airplane seat buckle w/o an extension. I hope to visit my daughter in England next spring, and I not only want to fit in the seat buckle, but I want to feel good about the way I look, and not be in pain when we do some sight-seeing. Keep up the good work!!!! Forestcat

The plot thickens.........

Congratulations on getting banded! So glad you found this site - it is packed with information and support. It has helped me A LOT. Welcome and let us know how you're doing! (LOVE your name by the way!) Forestcat