RxTracy

Be really careful about handwashing and sanitation because you don't want to pick up one of the intestinal viruses that are common on cruise ships. I have always managed to dodge it on the cruises we have been on but I have seen a lot of miserable people and if you were to pick one up with a new band, it would not be fun.

Ashley I was banded on the 15th but I know my doc said that sometimes with the swelling you can be completely closed. I would call. I am drinking fluids and taking liquid meds fine. You don't want to get dehydrated and you need to get some pain management. Did they give you any suppositories or anything for nausea?

Thanks well wishers. I am still feeling good. Still just have the pain at the incision sites but it is very managable. I am ok'd to shower today and I am going to get out of the house for a few and see how that goes. Pennie, I wish you would have known about the Emend, too. I am thinking I need to make a post on the pre-op board so people know about it. I seriously considered not even having this surgery because I was sure they wouldn't be able to control the nausea. Good luck to everyone with surgery coming up!

Got my band today and am feeling really good. Went in at 8 for 9 am surgery and was on my way home about 2 pm. I have a long history of severe post-op nausea and vomiting and this time I took a drug called Emend. It is very expensive (my insurance didn't pay for it and even with my employee discount as a pharmacist it was just under $40 for one capsule but you only need one) but I am convinced that it made all the difference. I have not felt sick at all. I am sore of course but so happy that it went well and just wanted to wish the rest of the November 07 Bandsters good luck!

I have to start my pre-op on the 6th (10 days pre-op) but I may start tomorrow just to get on with it. I have to do CLEAR liquids only except for 90 grams of protein from protein drinks of any sort as long as it has less than 200 calories and 5 grams of sugar per serving. I also will be on this for 4 weeks post-op. This is a lot different than my MIL who was banded in Texas last week and is already on mushies. But I have already made up my mind that I am going to just follow what my doctor says no matter how hard it seems.

I only could get 4 days off work so I am hoping that is enough. That is how long I took off for Gall Bladder surgery and I did ok (desk job) so we will see. Fingers crossed.

I am scheduled for the 15th of this month and I threw out all my big summer clothes. I feel like why would I even be going through this if I am of the mindset that I am going to be the same size next summer. I think that you are doing the right thing. It felt so good to get rid of all of that stuff and I am excited about getting new smaller things next season. : )

Yeah, that is what I figured that my husband wouldn't know what to tell them. That is why I got one.

Good to know. I think that seems logical that they wouldn't need to NG tube you or give you anesthetic.

I thought about that too. I am a pharmacist and I thought about all the codes I have responded to at the hospitals I work and I couldn't think of one that someone's ankle's were covered. For some reason when they get to us they are usually shoeless and sockless. Maybe the paramedics take them off. I remember one that someone had on those funny toe socks in rainbow colors and that is why I remember. I just knew I would NEVER wear the others because of my jewelry issues so the ankle was my only hope.

Lee-It is one great thing about our country. That we are free to love and marry who we love, of any race or religion. I believe someday soon that will include gender.

Everyone should be sure to check. The IRS defined Obesity as a disease years ago and they approved the deduction for Obesity surgery in like 2004. Finally the IRS does something nice : )

I got an ankle bracelet because I just hate wearing any jewelry except my wedding ring, it just bugs me for some reason. I put my name on the front and it has it says ADJUSTABLE GASTRIC BAND-NO NG TUBE WITHOUT ENDOSCOPY. I put my emergency contact number on it. My doctor said you risk a perforation if they don't know and try to put a NG tube in. I don't want to risk it.

We should be able to deduct the cost on our taxes right, as long as our doctor says it is medically needed and it meets the IRS criteria of the 7.5% of your income or whatever (which should meet the criteria for most of us, and those who don't probably can afford to pay cash with no problem anyway). I am trying to add that as a positive to the cash paying side of things.

I wouldn't give up. Keep trying. Things happen for a reason. I applied several years ago with Aetna for GBP and at that time they didn't cover AGB at all. Aetna denied me on application for GBP and twice on appeal. I am self pay now for AGB and so happy that I didn't get approved for the GBP. Things happen for a reason. Get the legal help as suggested, max out the student loans, borrow against your 401K, do whatever you have to to save your life and save the mother of your kids and the wife for your husband. Good luck.

November 15th Surgery Date for me!

100lbs for sale. I am a pharmacist and I know how you feel about being overweight and in the healthcare field. I found a job that pays my student loans and there are a lot of opportunities in nursing for that too, so maybe something like that will work out for you too.

I am paying cash too. My insurance basically says right there "NOT EVEN IF YOUR ON YOUR DEATH BED!"