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You know, there are over 100 square miles of devastaion. And flooded to boot. America has never dealt with this. How are they suppose to get all the stuff to the ones that need it? Where are they going to put it, in the Water. They have to work on the outskirts of things. Don't get me wrong, of course there has been mistakes. And you know, there wasn't suppose to be that many people there, even though they knew some would stay, I just don't think they ever imagined the numbers. At first glance a few thousand, but within time people kept coming out from where they were taking shelter and it was gigantic numbers. I think the gov. just had no clue on how many people stayed behind. Everybody was told to evacuate and some given help to get out. They were told up to 4 days in advance. I think everybody was in denial and never could of imagined the impact and the levy breaking. I know it was a poor area, but all the more to stay and protect your stuff. We had a sunami warning here about 2 months ago in San Diego and I think my family, out of my whole housing track, was the only family that evacuated. There are about 100 houses here in my immediate track. They finally withdrew the warning, but we stayed gone for the hours predicted. And the Sunami over seas took days to get food and relief to them, not hours. The coast gaurd was removing dead bodies for over 3 months from the water. 3 months. Its all a process. I just think we are Americans and expect instant satisfaction. 9/11 was isolated in 4 areas and easier to deal with. My heart and prayers go out to all the victims of this devastating event. And all the mayham of the shootings, rapes, etc. did not help. One guy on the phone from one of the hosp. while stuck, said they had to form their own gov't inside. They didnt have a choice. And regarding all the violence, the stories are coming from people witnessing them. This is the perfect set up for law breakers. How are they going to get caught.? Whos going to stop them. They feel its a free for all and taking advantage. One lady said 2 children were rapped in the bathroom at the dome and one man said as his sick daughter was being flown to another hosp, he had to try to get out of the city by himself. He couldnt ride in the helicopter. As he was leaving the city, many women were getting rapped and he just had to keep going. How sad these stories are, but preditors will take advantage no matter who they are. Race or economics. I think I worry more about 2 to 3 months down the line than anything immediate. When everybody moves on with their lives and they are still in need and the donations stop rolling in I worry about a home for them, a job for them, shoes on their feet to go get a job. I think America needs to set everyone up for living for at least 6 months, because its the right thing. I think we need to focus on how to keep the help going for a long period of time. Anyways, these are my thoughts.

MaggieMay, I was just curious and wondering why you are chosing the Swedish Band? Do you have a doc over in Wa. that will work with you with that band? I also have heard through the grapevine that the TMA of Tricare has a case before them right now and is reviewing it. This is the highest place that writes the policies. Theres a good chance we will have an answer in the next month or two on whether or not Tricare is going to change their policy.

God....you look so awesome !!!!!!!

Congratulations !!!!!!

I have Tricare and was told they do the Lapband when I called. I was also told countless of times from people, nurses, etc. that the Lapband was covered. But it is not. I think they hear the Lap and ignore the word band, and automatically think you are talking about laparoscopic. Anyways, thats my take on it. I'm 5 months into my denial and appeal and when I call they still are confused. I think we would just be better off using cpt codes. Good luck, Kelly

It is a cross between stomach stapling and the band. The difference is....the band is made of mesh and it is not adjustable. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/464924_print This page has a lot of reading but its a good study on the two in comparison http://www.cstobesity.com/fobi_11(6).pdf#search='vertical%20gastric%20band' here are some pictures to help you out. Good luck.

http://www.huacuz.com/2_gastricband.htm I think he is still using the Lapband.

Wow !!!!! This is definetely a break through. I'm assuming that you have Tricare Prime which is military. Correct? So did you have your Lapband put on at the military hosp. or were you referred out to a civilian? I'm itching to find out more info. How long was your process, because I've in my appeal process for a few months still. Thanks for any info you can provide us.

I'm not sure if its true, but along with monitoring your Protein intake, I've heard zinc. Good luck.

Actually we didn't think it was sweet enough w/out the splenda. We just made it to taste I guess. Maybe you won't need to add any. Good luck trying it though.

I'm not banded yet, but when I was on Atkins I used sugar free Jello and 1/3 less fat Cream cheese. It's kind of like a Jello Cheesecake. After boiling the Water I would throw the water in the blender, add the jello mix, let it blend a bit, add some splenda, then add the softened cream cheese. Pour into a dish and refrigerate. My daughter and I loved it. I can't quarantee the calories though.

I'm in San Diego and have Tricare Prime. I was referred out to a civilian in March. Since then, I and another lady I know both have been denied for the Lapband due to it not being proven and there being a comparable procedure. Since then, the other lady has decided to go with the bypass and will be having her surgery in the next 2 weeks. I, on the other hand, have decided to stay and fight my denial. Between Inamed, myself, and my surgeons office we are trying to put up a good fight. I know they recieved my appeal 2 weeks ago and have confirmation of that, but I am still waiting for their decision. I have searched message boards, yahoo groups, and anything else I can find to see if anyone has been approved for the Lapband in 2005 but have not come across one person. Tricare was covering it in 03 and 04, but stopped. Just like they covered laproscopic, then stopped, but now is covering again. They can't make up their mind. Please feel free to email me and ask me any questions. Us Tricare people need to stick together and keep each other informed on any progress one makes. Good luck.

I just thought I'd pass on some information I have. Today at 1:30pm Eastern time they are showing a live Lapband surgery if anyone is interested in watching it. I can't wait to see it myself. Oh ya, you might want to go to the site a little early because you might have to download there video watcher thingy. http://www.or-live.com/ If you go into their archives they also have many bypass surgeries.