xgrl

Try to think of any ailments you have migraines have actually been linked to obesity as well as mental illness (depression, anxiety, phobias) and so on. also i'm not sure of your age but having abnormal or painful periods has also been linked to obesity. I guess until I started really researching every thing that has been wrong in the past few years i've noticed alot more of my life is affected by my weight than I thought. Also you could try to submit and always appeal it if they deny you, the worst thing that could happen is that they say no and many people here have had multiple appeals and are more than willing to share their letters and stories to help you out. Keep trying don't give up!!!!

CMTURNER, I'm dancing for you! they are submitting mine today. -most people lose and gain on their diets I gained the first two months and lost the last 4 of course the total loss was 11lbs from the like 8 I gained in the first two. Most of us our here because of yo yoing weight problems I think the 6 month diet is just to prove that you have made a effort to lose that's well documented by your doctor. Make sure you pull records from every doctor that you have been to that can be anyway related to your obesity trust me good documentation is the best thing when submitting to insurance (or so i've heard from many people) GOOD LUCK!!!!

I'll add you to my Insurance God worshing dance I'm also praying to them to approve me good luck!

Hi Fab4, I kinda agree the lapband is a big life change and also a big risk for 35lbs. I would suggest the nutritionist and asking your dr about a drug called Phenterimine its meant to help people trying to lose that last little big of weight that won't go away no matter what. it's actually a stimulant and appitite suppressent thing a low dose of meth (as my brother would call it) Wishing you all the luck no matter if it's 10lbs or 300lbs it can still affect people mentally but bariatric i think is more for physical problems as well as mental. Good Luck!!!

OMG Ladies so we went mini golfing and on the way back I slipped in a large slicked mud thing *it rained last night* and fell right on my butt! the plan was to try and hold his hand on the way back but that totally wasn't going to work because my hands were caked in mud! I felt like a total idiot, and now I'm not exactly sure how the date went. I'm like walking bad luck if anything can happen it will happen to me! I had to share to let you guys know how it went....hopefully there will be another one where I won't end the date with a backside full of mud!

Oh no they denied you??? That worries me i have about 120lbs to lose and am really nervous about getting denied. I'm planning on going to Glascock and am in constant contact with his office, I'm going to call the insurance company tomorrow to make sure that they got the paperwork so hopefully I can get a letter of approval but if I'm denied I hope it does it quickly because I only have till the end of december to get the surgery after that I graduate from college and loss my insurance. :ohmy: He's hoping. I hope your meeting goes well let me know when your surgery date is I'll send good thoughts your way :blushing:

Congrads on being approved I'm from around Ames. I'm in between waiting for my approval, what kind of insurance did you have? I have BC/BS Alliance Select, the people at my dr's office said its one of the easier ones to get approved. what dr are you going to? sorry for all the questions, this website i GREAT there is so much support here and you can ask them ANYTHING and I mean ANYTHING nearly all of the embarrassing questions are already answered somewhere on here lol. do you have your surgery date yet? :thumbup:

Thank you so much for the advice. I'm gonna try to bring my friends around slowly hopefully they will understand that this decision has nothing to do with our friendship and everything to do with my health and well-being. As for the guy we're gonna try a date and see how it goes hopefully it'll go well and if not more fish in the sea right? thanks ladies its great to be able to talk to someone who is/has experianced life with the lap band. because it's like everything in your life is experianced different then someone without the band I guess i never realized how much of my life revolves around food. I.E. our date is gonna be mini-golfing and batting cages trying to set up the non-food date in anticipation that it's gonna have to be in the future pending insurance *fingers-crossed* Once again thanks!

okay so I'm waiting for insurance approval to get the lapband and I have told 2 of my friends this they are both bigger girls, when I told my friend Halley she asked me if I was going to really go thru with it? and I told her of course if the insurance approves it then she asked what if the ins. doesn't approve it and I said that I suppose I would have to stay morbidly obese and she said well me and Amy are.... I felt like she was acting like it was this horrible thing to do like I should be doing it in a back alley or something I"m not really sure how I feel about this. I try to explain that this will only make me healthier but unfortunatly I don't think they are as concerned about their health. what should I do? is there away to explain this to your friends that are overweight without sounding like you are telling them that they are fat. on to problem #2 Dating, so I'm 24 and I have been friends with this guy for years and we went on a date but I had a bad day set back in mental health and messaged him telling him we should just stay friends because honestly I felt like I'm not attractive enough to date someone like him. so after that he dated a girl for like a month or so and blah blah blah so I asked him the other day if he would consider dating again and he told me that he as been dating other people and would consider dating me as well because he hasn't commited to anyone. but I'm back to feeling like I would be put in a compitition where there are lets say prettier *I.E. skinner* girls although I know that whole whats on the inside that counts but we all know we are alittle caught up on looks when it comes to dating first off. So I gotta ask do you think it's worth it, I've heard that people that are in relationships tend to change after they have the WLS. has anyone started dating someone right before they got the surgery. that and if you are dating someone how do you bring that up... oh btw I can't eat solid food for 4 weeks because I'm having a little medical procedure. I'm so lost someone HELP!

I've heard many time on here that the dr wants you to stop taking all hormones does the depo shot count I could understand BCP but Depo is kinda hard to get out of your system it's meant to last 3 months... has anyones dr mentioned that they need to get off of it before the surgery and if so how long did you have to be off of it before you could have the surgery? Thanks!:thumbup:

Interesting Clip from MSNBC about teen's getting surgery to basically save them from problems as they get older with obesity... [ame=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/25510923#25510923]msnbc.com Video Player[/ame]

Hi everyone, I'm on 6 month of the diet and just within the past month i've noticed that i'm kinda having problems holding it and this is embarassing but i'm leaking and am always going to the bathroom when I'm at work because i'm worried. I wanna mention it to my doctor but i'm wondering if it'll look like i'm fishing for co-morbities i'm really not but it does seem weird that its hitting me now. does anyone else have this problem, did they give you meds to treat it or is it something that you just have to deal with? thanks for all your advice, it's so nice to have other people that know what your going through!!!

Hey, I wrote this list a few months ago after reading another thread alot of the stuff is a repeat of your stuff but there are some more here too. 1. Sit in a school desk without feeling like I’ve been squeezed into it 2. Not having to memorize short cuts or ways to avoid stairs in ever day life 3. Be somewhat sufficient at painting my toenails just not just trying get some colors on them 4. Not feeling like I need to avoid seeing people that saw me in skinnier days 5. Being able to play with my dogs, not just fetch actual running and playing 6. Being able to look at clothes in any store not being forced to drive to find a big girl store 7. NOT have to explain to my skinner friends that yes there are sizes bigger than 12 and I can’t fit into that shirt/skirt/pants/ etc 8. Not be sweating or out of breath or red faced when I walk from the parking lot to work 9. See myself as attractive 10. Not get chub rub from shorts and skirts 11. Throwing out my super sucker undies 12. Being able to live without heartburn 13. Not feeling like I’m being judged whenever I order food ANYWHERE! 14. Being able to cook a meal for my friends or family without killing my back 15. Be able to fit in and also get out of the backseat of a car 16. Be able to follow dress code and tuck in my shirt 17. Being able to cross my legs like a girl and not the ankle on the knee guy leg cross 18. Own and wear a swimsuit that doesn’t have a skirt on it, oh and no back fat! 19. Not wondering about weight restrictions (on basically everything) 20. Having a guy see me for me and not my size 21. Not cringing when my knees and hips pop as I go up the stairs 22. Wearing a bra that fits right that doesn’t cost extra because of strange sizes 23. S*x 24. Being able to sit in a chair without having to worry that I’m spilling over the edges 25. Not having to ask my friends when trying on clothes “does this make me look pregnant?” 26. Being able to bend over at work without swinging my leg up to balance myself out 27. Go horseback riding without having my weight determine the horse I ride. 28. Travel and feel comfortable traveling 29. Being in a car and not having the seat belt reach it’s limit and do that locking thing for car seats 30. Have cute clothing and not hiding under a sweatshirt and jeans even in 90 degree weather 31. One Word: Arm Flab GOOD LUCK TO US ALL WE'LL ALL BE RID OF THIS STUFF SOON!

hmmm it's not a bad idea to have the chiro write a letter of support anything helps. I can't really think of anything else just stay on it and keep fighting it, they'll eventually have to give in! :thumbup:

I was thinking do you have any other mediacal problems such as gerd, depression, asthma or basically anything else that you can think of that might be effected by your weight there are some studies out there that says that obesity can make migraines worse. I'm trying to think of things to add so they can see that it is medically necessary ummm planter facitis (or however you spell it) high cholestoral, gall bladder stones, arthritis, gout, skin infections or skin tags, lnfertility, stress incontinance just think of any health problems you've had over the years that you have mentioned at the doctor or been treated for...because i've figured out that alot more than I thought healthwise is realated to my obesity. Let me know how it goes....:thumbup:

I'm not sure about a appeal letter but what did you have for documents and such like 6th month diet? letters from dietition? main doctor? pshycitrist? and so on.... I heard that letters from these people can help as well as just more documentation. I haven't summited yet I'm on Month 4 of my 6 month diet. I'd be interested to know what happens keep us informed

Hi everyone! I was wondering I just had my doctor at add zoloft to my wellbutrian and i'm curious to know if this will affect my approval for the surgery? I've already passed my psych consult but now i'm worried that since he's changing my meds around if it's going to look like i'm not ready for the surgery has anyone has experiance with this? :wink2: thanks!!!

My 2 friends that know that are also bigger girls have giving me that they understand why i'm doing this but haven't really said that they support me....So I instead look to this forum, in real life you may not have people that are going thru the same thing you are...HERE you are bound to find someone that is in a very similar situation as you and here you can always count on support and advice. I would tell you friend that you would love it if they would support you but if they don't they are gonna have to deal with it when you have the surgery. I would say so far for me it's hard leading up to it because the people i've told i feel as though they don't believe that i'm actually doing it. Because the 6 month diet and everything take so long but it's a process they'll eventually come around when they see how happy and healthy you are in the future!!! thats what I keep thinking "I will be happy and healthy in the future" Good luck with your friend, maybe you could remind her of a time when you supported her in her decision.... Have fun at your Seminar! you will learn so much and get inspired! :wink2:

I'm still working on my diet I'm seeing the Dietition every week now! can you believe that, that's how often she says people come. but I don't mind if it helps me get my band or lose weight i'm all for it unfortunatly my first month I gained 4 lbs and my second month I gained 3 lbs..... It is so dissapointing but my doctor tells me to try as hard as i can and that the diet is doing what it is intended to do which is prove that conventional diets and exercise don't work. I try to go walking for the most part because my knees are so bad after I do anything that is high impact I can hardly walk.... I'm 23 and I have bad knees WTF this is so wrong. I can't wait till I'm at a healthy weight and I don't get winded walking up a flight of stairs...it's so bad i actually think of ways to avoid walking up stairs cause if i do it to much my knees hurt...Good luck with the start of your 6 month diet. Check with your insurance and see if they will pay for a dietition she's really helping me out at least mentally for the pre-band diets. my dietition is actually free through my college which is great she reports to my doctor who is also at the college and now i'm going to the shrink because of my depression but i think i'm gonna take the conversation to how my weight and body image effects my depression so he can also write to me needing the band. Where are you starting at BMI wise if you don't mind me asking?

Hi Everyone I was wondeirng if anyone was from Ames IA I'm going to Dr. Glascock for my surgery so I get to drive Ames to Waterloo for everything but I know it will all be worth it in the end. There is a Bariatric department at Mary Greenley Medical Center (the Ames hospital) But I heard good things about Dr. Glascock. On month Three of the supervised diet plan hoping that I didn't gain anything this month god that would be horrible if it happened again! but it's getting closer to summer and I'm always more active in the warm weather so theirs hope. :smile2:

I just came back from my appt, And you are right it's gonna have to be a change before hand, I'm now seeing her every week (her suggestion) I'm working on leaving some food on my plate. that's my week goal It sounds so easy why do i have the feeling it's going to be really hard! I hope your surgery goes well, your situation sounds identical to mine it's really nice to know that other people out there are going thru the same stuff I don't know what i would do if I had to go thru this alone! Thank you so much, How was your pre-op diet? was it really hard? does it get better as it goes on? I guess the mostly liquid diet kinda freaks me simply cause i'm paranoid I'm not gonna feel full....If you don't mind me asking what insurance do you have? was it an easy approval? I'm kinda nervous about that to...So many things!!! I know it's gonna be all worth it in the end but it's so much right now!

The Dietition is actually free, they have one on staff at my university and it doesn't cost anything for students to go.

Hello All, I'm meeting with the dietition tomorrow because after months on the weight watchers (which I can't keep on good terms with) because I'm always going out to eat otherwise I'd never see anyone! anyways I'm hoping this will help me pick better things and not have to have my computer with me to find out what the points values....I know WW can and do work for some people but it's just not for me I guess. I'm in my 2nd month of the 6 month diet and I GAINED 4 POUNDS!!!! I'm going crazy I do watch what I eat for the most part I'm guessing it's all the other parts that I'm missing that are skrewing me up. I'm so looking forward to having a list after the surgery that says exactly what I can and cannot eat and having a very bad thing happen besides just gaining some weight if I don't follow what they say. I know it's horrible but I feel like once this is done. I'll look at food totally differently not just a comfort or stress-relief but as something to keep me alive not to push me closer to dying at an early age. Wow.....did i get off topic, The point of this was to ask anyone if they thought that the dietition was helpful during their 6 month diet in losing weight? or what was their best help in losing weight I feel like if I go back to the Doctor next month and I gained again I will be very dissapointed in myself. Thanks All, xgrl

yeah i actually have two now a blue *4months gracie* and grey *2years Maggie* and the matriarc of the group is our 6 year old black lab Abbey they are quite the clan

Thank you to everyone for the advice it made me feel so much better that lady just totally brought me down. After about 3 hours on the phone I now have a appt with one of the doctors at student health that i had the nurse ask in person if he would be willing to help with this *thank goodness he said yes* I've decided never to go back to the other doctor ever again. She just made me feel like shit i wish there was away to warn anyone that went to her with the same idea in mind. looking forward to my appt even though the soonest i could get in was the 14th it's still okay thats still enough time to get all the insurance stuff to go though and if not who know's maybe i'll decide to go to graduate school to keep the insurance for longer haha once again THANK YOU ALL!!! if i didn't have the support of everyone online that know the frustration and what i'm going through i don't know what i would do. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! :tt1: :tongue: :wink2: :smile: :cool: