Cocoabean

I started with a BMI of 38, had surgery with BMI of 36. When I went on the pre-op diet, I told the doc if I lose too much weight, I won't qualify any longer. He grinned and said we'd put rocks in my pockets for the weigh in! I have had several people tell me I am not heavy enough for this surgery. I say when I started the process I was 220 with high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, knee and foot pain. That usually shuts them up or I hear, "wow, you hide it well." My weight is all over my body, so maybe I do look "thinner" than I am, but when I see me in pictures with other people I am almost always the largest one in the picture. But then, what is someone who is not your best friend going to say..."Oh good for you, you are soooo big!" or "It's about time!" ?? :rolleyes2: I have been fortunate, those closest to me know my struggles and have been nothing but supportive. I have chosen to be very open about the procedure I had done. Thus, I guess I can expect some unexpected responses.

I was initially denied for my consultation with the surgeon, I appealed it and won. After that, it was just checking the boxes: psych eval, check up, blood work, gall bladder ultrasound, yada yada (psych eval letter took 2 months to get out of the office). The surgeon's office submitted my pre-authorization in the middle of December and in mid-January I got approval. The insurance company can take 30 days to respond to the request. My PCP said most insurance he deals with will deny first requests for consult but will usually approve upon appeal. I think I went to my surgeon's information seminar in June 2007, I had my surgery Feb. 15, 2008. It is funny though, I thought the surgery would be the end of my "quest" and that I'd kick back after that and move on...but now--two weeks post-op, I cannot wait for my fills to speed up the process! I realize it is a life-long program and that this time, I will succeed at becoming healthy! Denise

Hi Sue, I was banded on 2/15. I have received conflicting information from the Hospital-who runs its own bariatric program, my surgeon, and his nurse practitioner. My docs written info says 2 weeks of clear liquids then 2-4 weeks of full liquids. I chose to mostly disregard the hospital's program, as my doctor borrows their facilities. His NP is much more conservative than my surgeon is. I was banded on a Friday (two weeks ago tomorrow), my doc said clear liquids until Monday. Monday morning I had oatmeal (yummy!). His nurse called later that morning, it sounded like she wanted to keep me on clear liquids until I told her I had switched already. When I saw the doc at 1 week, the nurse still wanted me on runny stuff. I told the doc I had eaten some well cooked peas and spinach and that they went down well and stayed down. The doc then cleared me to eat real food that is easy to chew. No corn, rice, or doughy breads. So, I have somewhere around 5 sets of instructions, all different. I keep asking my husband if I heard the doc right that I can eat "real" foods. I am eating soft stuff like oatmeal, cream of wheat, non-strained cream Soups, mashed potatoes, cooked veggies, and small portions of easy to eat meats like fish filets. I also include a Protein shake to bump up the protein levels. So far, I've had no nausea and everything had gone down well. I also haven't lost any weight since coming off clear liquids :thumbup: But, I caught a cold right after surgery and haven't been able to walk much yet. Take care, Denise

Thanks BJR and Andrea--hanging in is about all we can do, eh? My cough is nearly gone, yippee!! I am looking forward to starting on fills to get the hunger under control. I have been very hungry today, I guess I am healing from the surgery. But I still have a month before my 1st fill. I know it is worth it in the long run, and I need to focus on that, as you said Andrea. This is a long-term solution, after all! Denise

Jill, if you are on meds, then your thyroid level should be normal, if it isn't, then you need the meds adjusted. I had my thyroid radiated due to an overactive non-cancerous tumor and am now on replacement meds. I have been everything from high to low as my disease and treatment progressed. Through it all I could easily gain weight and had to struggle to lose. Now I get checked yearly and my levels are normal. If you think your levels are low, ask your doc to check them. There is no need to go around with low thyroid levels for long periods. Denise

Hey Carol, I was banded on Feb 15 as well!! Denise

Thanks Andrea, I know all you said to be true, but it is nice to hear it from someone else! After having gone through this surgery, I think I should be down 50 lbs by now! (Well, my brain knows that to not be ture, but you know what I mean!). And I know I need to get off the scale! I did finally get out for a walk at the mall today--and got myself a dress one size smaller than I am now. It felt good after fighting the respiratory infection post-op to get out! Denise

Thanks brandda and candle! Candle: enjoy your trip and vacation! I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks. Have been told I cannot gain weight before surgery...and I go on a cruise...how silly am I? I scheduled an appt with the nutritionist a week after, hopefully that will keep me sane on the trip. Denise

Hi all, I am pre-op still working on requirments before a surgery date can be set. My question is, barring any complications, how long post-op before you can do something like visit an amusement park (no wild rides)? Hubby wants to plan a Disneyland trip, so we'll do Space Mountain and Matterhorn, but that is about as wild as it gets. Is 6 or 8 weeks enough? Thanks Everyone! Denise

Hi Everyone, Thank you for the responses. I will, of course, ask my surgeon. Just looking for a few personal experiences. I appreciate it!! Denise

Thanks Claramae--I got my gallbladder ultrasound scheduled today. So, not much left to do but go to appointments and fight for the insurance coverage!! And read, read, read here to get a good idea of what to expect!! Denise

Hi all, Just want to say hello! I am in the San Diego area and applying for LapBand surgery. I am 43 years old, married, female, BMI 36. I am sure I'll have tons of ???. So far I have had my consultation, EKG, Female exams, and bloodwork. I have my psych consult scheduled, getting ultrasound scheduled. Then it is getting approval for surgery. I was able to appeal the 6 month supervised diet required by my HMO medical group. Went directly to my insurance carrier and won the appeal. Happy to be here and look forward to getting to know you!! Denise :eek:

Thanks to all for the nice welcome, I'll be updating as things go!! Denise :clap2: