cbrock1592

I had my surgery on August 1st. I just got home today (August 6th). Surgery went OK. I did have some pain in my chest - but not shoulders. I thought it was the gas - but it was the Water not going down. My band was tight and with swelling - nothing was going down for me. I had to wait out the next 2 days (with a lovely tube down my nose) and try again. Tried again - and no luck. You can imagine how I'm feeling at this point. Finally yesterday - the pain did subside and as they were ready to re-band me with a bigger band, water started going down and staying down. Overall - it wasn't a bad experience and the surgeon did say that it was a very rare occurance that this happens. I wasn't expecting it. But i'm home and seem to be advancing through the stages ok at this point. Hope everyone else has a great experience. Even with my complications - it still wasn't bad. The port pain does hurt. They put the port in the front of my stomach - not the side (wierd) - but it gets better daily. I am just grateful I got to recover in the hospital - but I am not behind a few days on my stages =)

Thanks for all the positive vibes. I really need it as I wait to go to sleep only to wake up and go to the hospital in the AM. Will check in when I'm home on Thursday. Good luck to all the Crazy Ates!

Yes - I did alot of it on my own through diet and exercise. I actually started the exercise first - then the diet came later. It came off very quickly at first and then I got stuck in a rut after having a baby in 2003. I originally applied for surgery in 2005 and got denied. I applied again in May 2007 when I got all the requirements done and I got my act together again and had recently lost weight and then I got approved. Go figure! My doctor and I still agree for long term success to follow through with the band. Tomorrow it is. I'll let you know how it goes!

At this point - you have nothing to lose. Aetna will tell you why they are denying you. At that point - you have to make sure to give them what they require. Good luck in your journey! =)

I was skeptical at first as well. He did say to keep my heart rate under 140 - (I was at around 155-160 prior). The first week - I lost 4 lbs doing it. I have still seen a decrease in weight loss as well. But I still make sure that I keep my time longer than what I was doing before. So I work out for 45-60 minutes at a time. I also find that I am not as tired and worn out. But he did say to try and incorporate 1-2 days of interval training which pushes the heart rate way into the cardio zone (like 170). This way I will still be getting some cardio affects and it will break up the monotony. But in keeping under 140 - I still sweat. If I was doing 119 - I would feel the same as you - no sweat and no effect. Hope this helps!

Here is Aetna's policy bulletin on their website: Obesity Surgery This may help.

I too have Aetna. I tried in 2005 to get approved, but got denied. They do require 6 months dr approved diet and exercise. I did it through my Dr's office with a nutritionist. She would track my weight weekly during this period. I found out afterward that the surgeon's office started having a monthly meeting to do this. My dr and nutrionist also submitted letters on my behalf stating that I was a good candidate for the surgery and what would happen if I did not have it. I also submitted my weight watcher records from 1998-present which I had many logged weights to show my weight goes up and down like a roller coaster. The nutrionist and pychologist appts I did through the surgeon's office. They have people that work with you on this requirement. I was approved 3 days after paperwork was submitted. Good Luck!

I recently changed the way I was working out. My dietican informed me to go and work in the "Fat Burning Zone" so that when I do exercise - I am mainly burning fat. That is what he was trying to explain to you as well. It was explained to me that the Cardio Zone mostly burns carbohydrates and not a large percentage of fat. It was tough changing my workout - but I now exercise at around 140 beats per minute like he suggested. Its your choice!

According to my instructions - I can begin exercising after one week. I have to wait 3 weeks for strength training. But I'm sure I will just start out slow.

Cbrock1592 - August 1st

Cbrock1592 -

Hello All - This is my first post - but I too will join the August Bandster gang. As of right now - I am scheduled for August 1st - providing that all of the pre-surgery stuff gets accomplished by then. I'm of course getting nervous as the days go on. But no Protein shakes for me until after the surgery. The only pre-op diet was a 1000 calorie meal plan for 2 weeks prior to shrink the liver I believe. Good Luck Everyone!! Christine