CTman

Hey Shortgal, Happy New Year, Congrats on your fill, I had an 11:30 appt. with Dr. Ehrlich. It went great, he seemed surprised that I had seen the dietician and therapist already. After I saw him because I hadn't eaten anything. (I was too nervous to eat) I went and had my bloodwork done and had my gallbladder ultrasound. The only thing left on my check list is to see my primary care physician. I'll be seeing the doc on on Tues. 1/8/08 to get my letter and EKG. Then I'm done. I spoke to one of my co - workers and Anthem took about a week to approve them so hopefully I'll be given a date for the end of Feb. Thanks for keeping in touch. ~ Chris

I met with Dr. Erhlich today. I had my blood work done at Quest and a ultrasound to make sure I don't have gall stones. Just one more visit to my primary care physiciand on 1/8/08. He will sign my letter and EKG will be completed.

Well 1/3/08 is here and I have to go and meet with Dr. Erhlich. I hope I don't have to take a million more tests. I'd like to get a late Feb. 2008. My insurance shouldn't be a problem. I just met a lady at my job that got banded recently. I was told she had no problem. Sorry to ramble. I guess I have to admit I can't wait to get this weight off of me.

Congrats on becoming a "Bander". I meet with my surgeon tomorrow morning. I hope I'll be in there at the end of Feb. I'm told if you follow the Dr's direction it will be smooth sailing. 42, 5'11", 300lbs., BMI=42 12/11/07 - Initial Seminar 12/18/07 - Dietician & Therapist 01/03/08

Congrats on becoming a "Bander". I meet with my surgeon tomorrow morning. I hope I'll be in there at the end of Feb. I'm told if you follow the Dr's direction it will be smooth sailing. 42, 5'11", 300lbs., BMI=42 12/11/07 - Initial Seminar 12/18/07

Hi Banders, I went on his (KingJes) myspace page and left a message. He responded and says he's doing well. He was a great inspiration to me and I guess he's doing so well he doesnt have time for us anymore. Bert99 -Congrats on being banded, thanks for your stories and pics... I hate the way I look and I have a beautiful wife that I believe deserves the sexy physically fit guy she married soooo, although I'm terrified of surgery I'm going through with this and will be joining the gym post/op. 12/11/07 Initial Seminar They asked about my insurance and said I should have no problem because I have Blue Cross/BS of CT and I work for the state of CT. The next morning they called me to set up appointment with the surgeon and to remind me to set up an appointment with the dietician and therapist. 12/18/07 - Dietician & Therapist Appt. 1/03/08 - Meet w/ Dr.Erhlich - Surgeon I hope to be banded the last week in Feb. 08. Happy New Year 2008 ~ The Year of New Beginnings !!!

Poodlecamper, Thanks soooo much for the insurance encouragement. I am told that the Anthem BCBS for state workers is very good and I shouldnt have any problems. I'm trying very hard not to worry about the post/op situation. Hopefully I'll have more information after I meet with Dr. Erhlich on 1/3. Best wishes with starting your diet. I'll be praying for you on the 15th. Thanks again for your support and I'll be in touch. 12/11/07 Initial Seminar 12/18/07 Therapist/ Dietician Appt. 01/03/07 Dr. Erhlick Appt.

Hi Mariln, So far things seem to be happening quickly for me and I pray they continue to stay that way. I'm anxious and ready to get this done and begin feeling better about myself and know that I'll be around longer for my children. I see the surgeon on 1/3/08 so I guess I'll have more clarity about what is coming up. Thanks and Keep In Touch, Chris

Hey Band Brothers, I'm on my way. I researched this for about 2 months before attending the initial seminar. I work for the State and have Anthem BC/BS of Connecticut. I know of a few co workers that have had the bypass but I don't know of any "banders". I HOPE IT IS NOT GOING TO BE A LONG DRAWN OUT FIGHT WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY. I have high blood pressure, High Choles.,boarderline diabetis, acid reflux and have tried a few diets. I lost weight well but, the minute I stopped the pounds came back with extra baggage. I'm hoping to be banded the last week of Feb 08 at the latest. You guys have been a great encouragement because the thought of a surgery jus scares me to be honest. I plan to go to Dr. Erhlick @ St. Vincents in Bridgeport. He is highly recommended. My cousin had him and has had no gas pain, no port problems and has lost quite a bit of weight since her surgery. Thanks again for all of your stories guys. Congratulations to all of you who have have braved the surgery and begun to reach your weight loss goals. 42, 5'11", 300lbs, BMI = 41, 12/11/07 - Initial Seminar 12/12/07 - Dr.s office called to set up and appt. w/ surgeon 12/18/07 - Dietician Visit/ Therapist Visit 01/03/08 - Dr. Erhlick appt. ?????? What's Next????????

Congrats Shortgal on reaching your goal. I know u will meet your 12/31 goal also. Thanks for the info. I will be renewing my BJ's card because I want to be sfocked up on s/f jello, s/f drinks and pop sickles when my time comes to officially join the banded family. Thanks again!!!

Hi Cantwait, Thanks for your response. Please keep in touch on how your Post/op days are going for you. That's what I'm nervous about. You'll be in my prayers. I hope I'm in there by the end of Feb.

Hey that was great, I'm putting it on the fridge!!! I need all the humor I can get. I don't like surgery but know I need this one. I have good insurance (Anthem BC/ BS) so I hope I am approved quickly. I would like to be banded by the end of February 2008. CTman - Bridgeport, Connecticut 301 lbs. 41 BMI, Male 12/11/07 - LapBand Seminar 12/18/07 - Nutitionist & Therapist Appt. 1/3/07 - Dr. Erhlich - Surgeon Appt.

Thanks Shortgal, That's very enouraging. Watch your liquid intake, diet Snapple popsicles I heard are good for the "thirsties". Where are you getting your protein drinks from? I heard that there are cheaper places than the hospital to pick up stuff from. I'm thinking of even ordering my Optifast boxes online. Its sooo much cheaper by the case. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and please keep me posted on how things are going for you.

Hey Jes, Sorry you are in so much pain.You have been too much of an inspiration to me and I'm sure so many others to give up now. I think you should contact your doctor ASAP and get that pain taken care of. There has got to be something they can do. Whenever you are in unbearable pain anywhere get treatment sooner than later so that you can let us know what we will need to do when we are having the same experinece. Keep us posted and keep your head up man. Chris

Hey Livivng th Dream, I dont have any pics yet but I will be sharing soon. I reserached for a couple months. I'm 42, 5"11", 300lbs, BMI 41. I know that my insurance covers and the team called me the day after I attended the Initial Seminar. Can't wait to loose this belly and man boobs too. 12/11/07 - Initial Seminar 12/18/07 - Dietician & Therapist Appt. 01/03/07 - Dr. Ehrlich Hopefully surgery at the end of Feb '08. Good Luck with your DEC. date. Pls. stay in touch and keep me posted about your post op developments.

Hi Tomecia, I haven't had the surgery yet but I would suggest warm prune juice. That's Big Mama's remedy for that. I'm looking forward to the surgery and hope this will be of some help to you. 5'11", 301lbs., BMI = 41 12/11/07 - Initial Seminar 12/18/07 - Dietician & Therapist Appt. 01/03/07 - Mtg. w/ Dr. Erhlich

Hi Marjorie, I'm so happy to hear that you are feeling great and have lost so much weight. Have a great time in St. Pete's and great job losing. Thanks so much for responding.

Poopie thanks for the reponse and your well wishes are appreciated too !!!

Hey Jes, It's good to see you are working out a routine. I heard the GasX strips are good too. I plan on getting a case of them with my bottled Water and Vitamin waters when it's time for my surgery. I'm praying I don't get the horrible hiccups. They sound scarey...:help: 12/11/07 Intial Meeting 5' 11", 301 lbs., BMI = 41 12/18/07 Therapist Visit/ Nutritionist Visit 01/03/07 Surgeon Visit