NeNe967

Hello everyone, I am being banded on April 8th by Dr. Steinberg in Georgia. I will be the first of his patients to get the "Realize Band." Does anyone have any information they'd like to share about the realize band?

Miss Melis, I will definitely keep everyone informed. This is the beginning of my journal.

Congrats Lonestar. Guess what??? I got APPROVED. Whoo Hoo!!!!!! I don't have a surgery date yet, but I am trying to talk to the doctor's office today to see what I have to do next and then I will schedule my surgery date. I am so HAPPY

Thanks for the encouraging notes...it really does make things better having a support group. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress. Sincerely, NeNe:smile:

I'm still waiting too. I found out yesterday that Aetna had no record of my appeal that was supposedly sent in February and now they just resent it Friday, March 6. I am a little disappointed with my doctors office because this is a two-week set back for me. I know I am not the first Aetna appeal they've done so they should know the fax number to the Appeals Department. I had to provide them with a phone number. Go figure...

Whoo HOO!!!!! Go Lonestar....it must have been that little prayer I said for you. I am so happy. Please keep me posted on your progress. CONGRATS! Sincerely, Ms. NeNe

Lonestar, Thanks for such encouraging words. I just found out my stuff was faxed to the wrong number at Aetna, which means they will never find the first fax. So now I have to wait until tomorrow to see if they found it or if it needs to be re-faxed again.

dogluvr, Don't beat yourself up. You will be approved before you know it. Get up off the couch and do what you have to do to get prepared for your new life. You will be approved!!!! Praying for you, Ms. NeNe

Thanks for your response. Ms. NeNe

What company do you work for????

How does the doctor know what size band to put inside you? How does he decide?

Congrats...I can't want to be where you are.

I pray you get approved. You definitely sound like you are a good candidate. Good Luck, Ms. NeNe

Lonestar, If it is a covered procedure with your insurance...I think it's unfair that they get to have a say so regarding if you get the surgery or not. Did they say who at the company gets to decide if you get the surgery or not?

dogluvr, I have not heard anything yet. I don't even know what number to call. The last time, I received a letter in the mail. A day later, my doctor's office called me do discuss. I will just patiently and positively wait. Good luck to everyone!

I thought they had 30 days to reply.

Thanks miss meliss, I need your thoughts and prayers. I haven't heard anything yet, but I am prayerful that I will hear something this week. Sincerely, NeNe

NurseAmy, You look great! I can't wait to be where you are. Congrats on the new you. Sincerely, NeNe

CurlySue48, Do you use the powder Isopure?

Jachut, Can you tell me what your post op diet consisted of. Per my doctor I will have to be on liquids for 3 weeks and then mushies for 3 weeks then a regular diet.

Yes, it's good, but as Losing Jusme stated and bought to my attention it is high in fat...even the lite.

Try putting some ice in with the fruit to thin the drink out. I've found that to be helpful.

jrg1979, I have been trying things out so that I know what I like before I get the surgery. Try "Muscle Milk" -- you can get it at GNC. It has a pretty pleasant taste and it's smooth. I've tried banana Creme & Light chocolate Milk. Another alternative would be the NEW Low Carb Slim Fast...both Creamy Chocolate & vanilla are good. I usually blend the slimfast with ice and two strawberries. It makes the chocolate and vanilla taste good. It has 20g of protein. Also very little carbs.

Last Thursday, February 21, 2008 my paperwork was resubmitted to Aetna after doing their 3-month pre-op diet. Per the doctor's office it should take about a week to get a response. Wish me luck!!! I just think I might be devastated if they coming back saying I have to do something else to get approved. I'm thinking positive though and praying that I finally get APPROVED.:biggrin:

Thanks Circa for the info. I guess I will be appealing when I finish the 3-month pre-op diet.