justmel1957

I KNOW!!! Don't you just love it!!!!

Huh..........I didn't have to do that. I only paid $40 total to the hospital. The only thing I had to pay xtra for was the bill from the doc who did my contrast xray for the swallowing eval the next morning. He was not a BCBS provider. It was $82. Must be in how the facility submits the bill?

My hospital overnight/surgery was a $40 co-pay. Everytime I see the doc for a visit or a fill it is $30. But, perhaps the difference is my doc does not fill me underfluroscopy. Does yours?

Check the benefit page on the on line Fed BCBS site. It depends I think on if you are being considered a 23 hour patient (which is essentially out patient) or a full admit.

It also depends on whether you have the Basic or Standard Fed BCBS option. With basic option, I only pay $30 per fill/visit co-pay. I was approved for an overnite with a $40 co-pay and rec'd a approval letter prior to surgery. (not a pre-cert number, that is only done for in-patient status (over 23 hr stay). With basic option, you just have to be sure that your provider and hospital are BCBS providers. If not, there is no coverage at all. With standard option, there is some coverage if you are out of network, but it is less). Also, the state is which you are having the surgery is the state that approves or denies. I live in Illinois, but had my surgery in Kentucky. Kentucky was the state that reviwed my submission and sent approval.

I was kinda like that too........I felt very satisfied for 5 weeks or so then slowly began to get some appetite. I think it's both a little luck and swelling...........I say we just enjoy and not question it! LOL I get my 2nd fill next week. Looking forwrd to it.

I've enjoyed it twice since banding (May 7th). My dietician said I could prob tolerate it right now, but prob not when I was more restricted. I use lo-fat PB and sugar free jelly on very toasted whole grain bread.

My dietician told me that when that happens, you aren't getting enough protein in...........

I am lifing Joan and her family up to the Father. May He heal and bless her in this time of uncertainty and fear.

My LBS had me do the breathing test before surgery. It ready my metabolism as "high" but that can't be true! I wonder if this is something that can really be measured that accurately?????

This should be an issue between the patient, their primary physician and the LB surgeon only. What the rest of the world thinks is really not important or necessary.

I too have Federal BCBS. Your federal plan does approve LBS, however, the state in which you are HAVING the surgery is the state that the approval comes from. I live in Illinois, but BC Kentucky was my approving agency. I had a BMI of 35 and was approved within about 20 days. The federal program can only hold your approval for 31 days. They are required to give an approval or denial in that time frame. At present a 6 month diet requirement is not required. But state BCBS does require it. To submit an approval request, you must do all the pre-op stuff as everyone else requires: sleep study, labs, cardiology stuff, respiratory tests, psych eval (out of pocket expense-not covered), etc. A letter from your primary, along with a personal letter. Your surgeon knows what is required and will help you along the way. Go for it!

I like the sound of that................"comfort bike" LOL

I just bought a bike this weekend. Now don't laugh, but I got the old fashioned kind. The kind I had as a kid. Brakes on the pedals, no bar across the middle (a girl bike) and a big seat with handlebars you don't hunch over. DH has to tighten the seat and air the tires and then I'm ready to try her out! Don't expect to get very far, but I think this is something I will do. Kinda looking forward to it. Won't be riding in any races but want to give this a try.

Non-scale victories!

I was also banded May 7th. At my last visit June 12th I had lost 14 lbs. (I'm a lower BMI to start). I'm only planning to weigh when I have my Dr's visits. I get too easily psyched out by the number game. Next weigh in and 2nd fill will be July 14th. I am enjoying the NSV's though. I had noticed my pants getting looser, and decided I need a new pair of capri's for something I had over the past weekend. So, I go to the store and choose a size lower than what I usually wear, but thot, just for fun, I'd also try on a pair 2 sizes smaller. Guess, what! They fit!! And very easily. I was thrilled. Bought 2 pairs. I am very carefully measuring my foods and making the best choices I can. It's a whole different thought process for me now. It's almost fun. The fill was a breeze............no numbing and didn't feel a thing. Looking forward to the next one!

I know your pain! I too had major constipation issues. I tried the stool softeners, fiber in every form, and the juices. Nothing!!! So, discussed with my lap band surgeon and primary care doc, and they both suggested Miralax. It finally took care of the problem. I've had to experiment on dosage as to not take too much, but enough to keep me regular. I have settled on a half a capful every other day. Now.......things are moving they way they should. Both docs assured me that taking it regularly will not be a long term problem. Discuss your issue with your physician and go from there.

Had my first taco on Saturday. And a few refried beans. So yummy. It went down fine, but I broke it into small pieces and ate it with a fork kinda like a taco salad. Was afraid I'd take too big of bites if I ate it normally.

They presented it to me as optional. I did have to sign a release stating I understood the risks and was opting to not have it.

No, I chose not to have the filter inserted. I am pretty active, no history of clots, never on BCP, knew I would be up and walking within a couple hrs of surgery, etc, so decided against it. However, if I had had any circulatory issues or health problems, or risk factors, I would have it done. You just have to weigh the odds and make what you feel is the right decision for you. Had my fill yesterday. It was a breeze. Didn't feel a thing. He put 1.5cc into my 4cc band. Anxious to see how it works for me. Good luck to you. Keep me posted. Mel

If you are talking about the upper endoscopy, put your mind at ease, it was a breeze. I too was freaked about it. I have a horriffic gag reflex, but the anesthetist assured me that he would be certain i was properly sedated before they started and i don't remember a thing about it at all. i was worried for no reason. good luck to you. hopefully for you it will be just as easy. but, i would make sure they know your fears and if you feel you aren't sedated enough, please let your anesthetist know.

Had my first fill yesterday. Surgery was 5/7. The fill was a breeze. Didn't feel a thing, and no "deadener" applied. I have a 4cc band and he inserted 1.5cc. Am on liquids today, then am to eat til I'm full (and keep an accurate measurement of how much that is) and report back on my next visit. He said that will help him know how much to fill next month. Doing pretty well. Have lost 13 pounds in 5 weeks. Weighing at 210 now. Can't wait to get below 200. Gotta up the exercise!!

e60: I think you will like him, altho there are a lot of new office staff that can make that side of the office kinda crazy, but hey, they are learning. I get my first fill from him today. excited about that. I have done very well, and am pleased with him.

I think you will find this differs from person to person. I think you're just gonna have to try a few and see what tastes good to you. Personally, I like a ready to go shake like Carnation Instant Breakfast or Slim Fast. But I do add a little of the unflavored unjury to both of those to up the protein a bit. I have a friend who had the LB done a year ago and she let me sample a few of her mixes so I wouldn't have to buy a large quanity and find I didnt like one. Check with your nutritionist. They may have some samples in the office to help you decide.

Well, I had my 4 week post op appt yesterday. Lost 4 more lbs, making 12 total. I'm pleased with that. Get my first fill in 2 more weeks. I'm already off the prilosec, and feeling really great! Just wish I had taken the plunge earlier! Glad to hear everyone else is doing well............. Mel