Lynn B

Hi, I have BCBS MA (PPO). My surgeon submitted all of the paperwork for me - he certified it as medically necessary. The criteria for BCBS MA is very general, this is strait from their site: Obesity Surgery: We cover the following gastrointestinal surgery for obesity in patients who meet the following requirements below: Vertical-banded gastroplasty (gastric stapling)1,2,9 Gastric bypass using Roux-en-Y anastomosis short limb (150 cm or less)1,2,9, 12 (open gastric bypass procedure with increased short limb length covered, effective 1/1/05) Gastric banding consisting of an external band placed around the stomach9,10, 11 Note: The Lap-band system is contraindicated in non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age) and therefore excluded from coverage.13 Patients who are morbidly obese are eligible for obesity surgery if ALL of the following are met: morbid obesity (BMI > 40, or > 35 with co-morbid conditions)1 attempts at weight loss have failed1,2 obesity has persisted for at least 5 years2 no untreated metabolic cause for obesity, such as adrenal or thyroid disorders2 patient is an adult1 I have been overweight all of my life, my BMI is 51.5 and I was approved in one week (they have even given me 6 days in the hospital if needed). There was no fighting or constant phone calls - they were wonderful. Good luck,

BTW - I love your blog. Great title. I have bookmarked it for future reference!

Hi, we have the same date! What you have to remember about PBing is that it happens for a reason - didn't chew enough, ate to fast etc. I don't know if there is anyone out there that has never PBed but for most it doesn't happen often. Please correct me if I am wrong? It can't be more painful then developing weight related co-morbids if I don't have this done. IMO the good out weighs the bad. I hope you stick with it.

Hi, south of boston here. I will be banded on 9/12. my doc says that banding is on the rise - to me it just seems like a safer and more sensible option. I am sure it won't be long until band placement out numbers the RNY.

I have heard that Dr. Mun is excellent. I am having mine done at BIDMC by Dr. Jones - I love him. I do not have a pre op requirement for liquid diet but will be on modified or full liquids for 3 weeks post op. Not everyone get gas pains but from what I hear it is managable with meds and lots of walking.

Congrats!!! What an inspiration!

Hope you don't mind if I hijack this post for a moment but I had my gallbladder removed 10 days ago and I was wondering if anyone else had a discharge/drainage from the incision in your belly button? It doesn't look or feel infected but it has been draining a bit each day and I don't know if I should be concerned as non of the other insions are doing this (they are all smaller and kinda out in the open) Also - when do these awful steri strips finally come off? Thanks for the help,

Ok I have a couple - we have a local foot doctor whose name is Richard Hacker - Why would someone do that to a child??? Also there is a company in Coldwater, MI that goes by the name of Frost Byte owned by none other than Richard Frost - I bet he is having fun! This is great - havn't laughed this much in a long time. Thanks,

Customer service for a company that manufactures data acquisition and control boards for PC's and related software. I am amazed at the range of people/jobs/locations that we span and yet we all have something in common - a reason to be here. Nice to meet everyone!

One of the things that you want to notice when buying protien powder is if the protien is isolate or concentrate. Isolate is a better form and the one you want to purchase - some are a mixture. I am having trouble finding one that I like because I don't like the consistancy of most of them - I prefer to mix with Water but I don't want chocolate water. Carb Solutions makes one that has the right consistancy but is a bit pricy. If anyone has had a powder that is kinda thick when mixed with water please let me know. Thanks,

I just had mine out 9 days ago - it is an out patient procedure. I haven't been banded yet but it was easier than my 2 c-sections. I was in surgery at 6:30pm - in recovery by 8pm - had a percoset at 9:30p and then tylenol for a couple of days after. I had my surgery on 8/18 and returned to work on 8/22 and felt fine (no heavy lifting!) I wasn't having attacks but the stones showed up on an ultra sound in my pre-op screening for the band so out it came. Good luck - You will do fine if that is what is wrong.

Hi guys, I have been lurking just waiting for something to share and collecting a bunch of great info from everyone. Thanks! I finally got my Ins. approval - no more hurdles! I am going to be banded on 9/12/05. Just wanted to share. Thanks!