shatay

South Jersey !!! Close enough ?? I was banded on 7/17/07 at Temple, Dr. Mehlin.

Hello !!! I am new to this site and to banding. I am 5'8 and 240 lbs. I went for my first appointment on 5/7/07 and was banded on 07/17/07. I didn't expect this all to happen so fast. I'm so happy I had this done, but I'm also scared. I'm not sure what to expect. I understand the diet and food issues, but what about life issues. How has your life changed because of the band? How about family life? I have been heavy my entire life, I don't know anything else. Any advise would be great. Thanks.

I have Amerihealth HMO. They do not have that requirement. I asked my PCP in March, had my first appointment with the surgeon in May and was banded on 7/17/07. The approval took less than three days. I had a BMI of 37 and I am diabetic. The doctors assistant told me that the insurance companies are all different in what they require. I was really lucky I guess, my employer changed from Atena to Amerihealth in January, from what I'm told Atena requires two years of supervised diets before they will approve.

Hello !! I too was banded just 3 days ago. I keep telling myself the broth and jello isn't forever, but I agree it's hard. My doctor had me on just broth and water until today, now I can have "full liquids" which include tomato soup, slim fast, protein shakes, and other liquids with some substance. How are you feeling? I was in such pain the first two days, but it's getting a little better now.