Lana24

Lisa & Candle, Congrats on such a huge loss...keep up the good work it inspires us !

Sunshine, It really depends on the name, type and ingrediates of the painkiller. You can ask your docs ofice not the nutritionist. Hope this helps, Lana

Welcome Cynthis McC, Congrats on your decision, I am waiting as well. Best wishes Lana

Hi Everyone, Believe it or not this one one of the first questions I asked someone when I came to the forum, because I have been 60,70,80 now 90 pounds overweight I know how this feels. Its sick and painful but very familiar, I know what to expect I get the same complements from everyone "you have such a pretty face" blah, blah, blah... But on this journey I don't know what is waiting, I don't know how other people will react and I do not know how I will react. Yes being thin scares me, because I know even though I am the same, the rest of the world WILL treat me differently. But in the end I have to remember this is about my journey, this is about me, about my health. I can't control other people but I can look good while I stare (lol) Lana

Hi Tina, My name is Lana and I am also at the beginning of my journey. If you already did your preop workup the only thing you can do is wait...there is a lot of raeding to be done here on the forum I suggest you start at the beginning and continue reading until all your questions are answered. There is some really good stuff on here, there is also a lot of experience. Best wishes Lana

wow congrats!

Congrats Dave, Your physical change is sooo amazing. I just have one question : Is sex better now? LOL Best Wishes Lana

Mum, What a great attitude!

Florida, Congrats on ypur new tool! Keep us posted

Feebs, You look like a movie star!

this does not make me happy... but thanks for the info

I know fortworth ins and cost of living is cheaper than california...I think dr machado is worth it, I am just worried about the long run. And if none of her other patients are paying it neither am I!!!!!

Does anyone know where the support meeting for dr machado are? and at what time?

Hi againuni, There is no one set of rules, this is a journey. A journey toward something that could be wonderful or horrifying (from what I have read). This is a journey of self, of recovery and a destination to live life to its fullest. I wish only the best for you, educate yourself this forum is just FULL of great and valuable information. Share your story because it will be as unique as your journey... Lana

All of these stories are so signifigant, touching and just heart wrenching...seriously I am teary...Love Lana

Wasa, I just wanna cry...OMG

:faint: :angry

the more I learn the more it hurts...

Ok who paid and how much did you pay? Mine is 2850...here is california

faith, most insurance forms are filed through the internet now...electronic claim forms...already has cpt codes/ scan supporting docs/transmit....all worth 2850 ???????

ok lets recap the fees 2850 program fee 200 psy eval (through her office) 1500 my 10% of surgery 250 my ins ded 100 5 ofc copays 500 time off work ________________ 5,400 Grand total This is why I pay $350 per month for health insurance??

Hey faithmd, This another one of my points...I don't mind paying a "program fee" that is reasonable but $2850...that seems like a lot of "program"...and if or when I move out of the area then what? Money down the damn drain. I can also understand administrative costs as well, maybe $1000 (per patient) above and beyond, but I wonder where this number came from. And I have still yet to speak to one of her patients that have PAID this fee or even know about it. I just want to be sure that this is not just some unscrupulous employee trying to get "gas money" out of Dr Machado's patients... (seen it happen)

Did you call? I am really curious....

enjoylife, We all have to jump through hoops, some more than others. And it depends on your insurance and what they require. The clearances are required by any "good" doctor to make sure your body can withstand the surgery as a whole. Good luck

I decided to get the band about 4 or 5 weeks ago, I am currently waiting but in this process of waiting, my denial is melting and I am realizing that I really need to lose about 80 or 90 pounds. I bought my son a weight (100lbs)set for Christmas that mind you I can't even MOVE... so my brain is making that connection to where I want to be, why I am not there and why the hell I have been in so much F***ing PAIN. It just saddens me terribly. Can YOU lift 100lbs????