janie3867

Were you banded in 2007 or 2006? I'm trying to get an idea of how much weight I'll lose once I've had the surgery. I know each person is different, but I'd like to get a "general" idea. Also - I've read that sometimes the skin will "reform itself around your new body". I don't know if that applies to people who have not had as much weight to lose as I do - but I don't know. Also - ONE more question. Why is Rice a hard food to eat after lap-band?

I can't relate to the "can't eat" portion of your post....figures LOL :hungry:

Hi - is there a meeting for June?? I misread that post earlier and thought it said "June 19th" which is not a Saturday. I sure do know how to confuse me-self! LOL

Wow...I've been going through major anxiety and thought it MAY have something to do with my decision to have the surgery, but since I'm not even scheduled yet, I didn't think the anxiety would start so soon. The other night, I was depressed, anxious and didn't know what to do with myself...I couldn't sleep or anything. Just wanted to cry and the thought of "mourning" came to my mind. I thought it was weird, but I've had enough psychology in college to know that my mind is probably fighting what I've known all my life - being overweight. On the other hand, I feel like my decision has freed me. All these years I have "hated the beach" or "hated roller coaster" was a defense mechanism because I was embarrassed or apprehensive about going! The truth is, I can't WAIT to get on a boat, a jet ski, a tube! I can't wait to be able to go out to dinner with my family, my boyfriend and my friends and not have to "ask for a table" because I couldn't fit in a booth. There are so many emotions going thru me right now - but the main thing I have to remember is - this is not a miracle cure - it's a tool to help me. Ok - was I just rambling??? Sorry but GAWD I feel better!

I am planning on getting the Lap Band ((HOPEFULLY)) in December. I just found out that my insurance requires 6 months of physician monitored documentation of a weight loss plan before even considering to pay. UGH! :faint:Had I known that 6 months ago, I would be planning my surgery now or may have even had it. BUT....there may be a reason that the Lord has for me to wait...He always does. I'm very overweight for my height and the Gastric bypass is just not for me - it scares me to death but this is the perfect tool for me. I can't wait until I have my surgery - I have 6 months to prepare my body for my new lifestyle. I plan on starting ((SLOWLY)) to exercise and I've already started chewing ALOT more before swallowing so that I get used to it when I have the band in. I'm in Alabama and my surgeon is Dr. Schmidt. I have not even met with him yet - that's planned for July 11. :clap2: I hear that alot of post surgery patients have "mourning" periods and even turn to other addictions such as alcohol once they have the surgery - I'd love to hear from anyone that has advice for me. And where do I get one of those CUTE counters that keep up with your weight loss? Tickers??? I think .....

I have BCBS of Alabama and I'm the benifits administrator at my company and in our policy, it clearly stated "Weight loss surgery is not covered by this policy". I was planning on self pay, but I called "just in case". I found out that the policy changed in APRIL of 2007. Good thing is, they pay now!! Bad thing and not SO bad, you have to have a physician monitored, documented 6 month weight loss program in the last year before they will approve. It has to be consecutive - can't go back here and there. It was a "detour" not a block for me. I thought about just paying myself and not waiting but that wouldn't be the best way to do it - since I can use this 6 months to prepare my body and mind for the new "TOOL" that I'll have. Hope this helps anyone with questions....just CALL and check to see if there are any changes in your medical coverage. I was SHOCKED to hear that my policy had changed since they were SO against paying for it.

I am also going through the 6 month "waiting period" through BCBS of AL. Thing is, you have to have 6 consecutive months of documented, physician weight control program in the last year before approval. I was discouraged at first, but plan on taking this time to "adjust" my body and mind in preparation for the lap band. Good news is that they now pay for it - they just approved it in my policy in APRIL! Woo hoo !! I have an appointment with Dr. Schmidt on July 11 - but I call each week to see if there are any cancellations. This won't rush my surgery due to Blue Cross's rules, but I can't wait to learn all I can about it.

Hi, I recognized your screenname from AOL....I live in Bham. I didn't even know there was an ALABAM support group. I'm so excited! Please keep me up on your experience, I'm just waiting for my 6 months to pass before BCBS of AL will pay. Who's your surgeon? I'm going to MCE.

Thank u for replying! I have been with the same physician, but BCBS of AL requires that you are on a program for 6 consecutive months in the past year. Otherwise, I would soooo be approved! LOL