Apples2

We've all been there where we were not totally understanding of others and what they were going through. I am sure most people who respond negatively to others do not mean to do so. I just feel that close friends and family should at least educate themselves somewhat so THEN they can assess our situation and decide if they want to support our decision or not. I have been supportive of every one of my friends in one way or the other over the years and now I feel like I am sitting on an island with no one that understands except for my immediate family (I have no family members other than DH and sons). Good friends need to know (just listen) what their friend is going through. I will just wait and see how this all pans out. I might be surprised at which of my friends end up being supportive.

Hi Karen, from another Karen. Sounds like you've done your research and made your decision. This lap band process is ALL YOURS. You can invite only the people that you feel will be supportive in on your process. The others with negative opinions might just have to sit this one out. I, too, have heard all the negatives. And, as said by others above, most people are just concerned. I have told only a few good friends, my sons and, of course, my husband. I tend to have a short reply for my friends that suggest I really don't need to do the lap because I have lost close to 40lbs on my pre-op diet. It is just a matter of them not understanding the process. My answer is "I have done the research, feel it is a non-evasive procedure and it is going to provide me with a lifetime tool for weight maintenance". I then give them my surgeon's internet site so they can look into it further. I plan on living and loving this band for what it will help me achieve. My friends (that call me their very best friend in the whole world...I wonder) that cannot understand or don't take the time to find out a little bit about what I am going through and will go through with this band, might have to sit by the wayside while I am on this journey. This is a lot of work and I don't have time for negativity. I thank God for my very supportive husband and my adult sons that will be there for me no matter what. I am doing this for all the right reasons and I will not let another person doubt what I am doing. Hang in there, Karen. Try to have a quick response to negative our doubtful friends and co-workers. Just know in your heart what you are doing is the right thing for you. Take care.

Congratulations, Ronwifey. I have a couple of months left b/4 papers get sent back in again for approval. (My dr. thought he could get me through in 3mo. but ins. co. requires 6). I am diligently trying to lose more pre-op weight. Was a little disappointed when I was denied after 3 mo. but dr.'s nurse assured me it was only a time thing. I bet you are relieved and anticipating your next steps. I am looking forward to being at the step. Take care and good luck.

Hi Amber, I'm from MN. Sounds like you came through surgery just fine. I wish you continued luck. Take care of yourself and wishing you health and happiness

A lot of us are in the same boat, Aqua....waiting for that insurance approval. Hang in there. Stay positive. Appeal if you have to. I am doing the six month BCBS pre-op requirement. It's really not that difficult. I keep focused on the positive way in which the lap band will eventually change things for me. 95% of my friend do not understand that if I can lose 36lbs b/4 having surgery...then why do I need the band if I can lose weight. Dah! If I didn't have this lap band in my future, I know I would get discouraged and just gain it all back. When you want something so badly, it's worth working towards that goal. Be patient. Rely on this forum when you are feeling anxious. It's gotten me through a couple of "bummer" days. There's always someone at the stage you are at, or someone who has more experience to bring you around to positive thinking. Hang in there and shoot for what you believe in. I wish you luck.

The only thing that I worry about in the entire lap band process is the fact that I most likely will want to have a tummy tuck after I reach my goal weight. I already have hanging skin. I want to reach my goal and look and feel the best that I can and think the only way to do that is with a tummy tuck. I have heard and seen so many horror stories about tummy tucks. I do realize that going to an accredited surgeon is the most important thing. I do know I am being silly even letting those horror stories stick in my head. Anybody out there that can calm my fears?

Way too funny. I am sure at the time you were mortified but love the fact that you could laugh at yourself in the end. I am a very clumsy person. Always have been. Graceful and I have never met. I can stumble without anything to trip me up. I am at the point where when it happens and someone notices, I would like to say "Hey, this is me being normal". Good luck and hope everything "falls" into place for you on your Lap Band "trip"

Vessa, thank you for the support. Just going to plug away at these next three months and be happy for the opportunity to even have this surgery. Thank God for the Lap Band inventor!

Mike, Good luck from fellow Minnesotan. I have yet to be banded but on my way. A couple of months remaining. So happy for you and for your daughters and wife. You will be able to do things with them that you never dreamed you could. God Bless

Bummer...all prepared for surgery and no where to go. Again, good luck on your surgery and take good care of yourself after. Hope it all falls into place next week.

Said my prayer for you and good luck, Maya. Just think, when you awake from your surgery, you will be on your way to the best thing you could do for yourself. Be proud and be strong. Take care and keep us updated. God Bless

I should clarify...I was denied only because my insurance company requires the 6 mo. pre-op preparation period. My surgeon said that insurance companies will accept with a 40 BMI when a person can prove they are serious about committing to that six months prep time.

Take that first step with the informational meeting. You will get some suggestions and things will fall into place. Like Jax said, you need the time to get your head around the entire process and how this will change your life. Think of the end result. My surgeon was so sure that I would be approved after three months in the program. I had lost 33 lbs during that three months and he said that he was sure it was a go. Well, all my paperwork went in for approval. Got a call last Friday that I was denied. I had a BMI of just 40, minimal co-morbidities. I cried for about 30 seconds after the call. Picked myself up and decided that another three months is not so bad. I actually have enjoyed challenging myself on this diet and feel sooooo good about the fact that I was actually able to do this ALL ON MY OWN. I know that it will all prepare me for what is ahead once I get my band. And you know what? If I am not approved I will go to Plan II and go for the self-pay. I want it that much. I hope that you can get into the mind set where you get excited about the process and set your mind to know that there will be hurdles throughout this process. Your surgeon and your insurance company will want to see that you are serious about this and that you are willing to work at it. I wish you luck and hope that you can get your necessary appointments set up so that you can start you lap band journey.

Best of luck, playball! Take it day by day. Hope your journey is a good one!

Hey Movin On, I cannot say I completely understand what you are going through since I am yet to be banded. I am three months into my pre-op prep. I am totally keeping myself off of anything that's a no-no so I can lose b/4 my surgery. Today I made a tuna hotdish, chili and a hamburger/tomato casserole for my son's freezer (he doesn't cook and momma makes it easy for him to just go to his home after work and have a meal to nuke). It's tough when everything smells so good and everyone else is enjoying a good meal and I'm sitting there eating spinach and broth. But, there's a bright side to this. I am going to be healthy and thin and get my life back. Another thing....it's -17 degrees where I live. Forget about the peach cobbler...enjoy the sun! Good luck and hang in there.

I'm from MN. Anyone have Dr. Fortier for their surgeon. Have seen him a number of times for pre-op visits and have had a favorable impression. How about anyone else?

Oops...I am sure you don't find my reply interesting enough to post it twice!!!!!!!!

:thumbup:Welcome Joann, I am in the pre-op stage. Started 10/07 and have three months left. Have done my psch visit, nutritionist, have seen my surgeon a number of times and have attended support group meetings. I am definitely looking forward to after the surgery so I can get on the road to the rest of my healthy life. I have lost 33lbs since starting and feel soooo much better. More mobile and just all around happier with myself. I can answer some pre-op questions. But, there is so much info from people at this site. There are people that are in the medical profession who have had the lap band. They are full of great info. Good luck on your journey.

Welcome Joann, I am in the pre-op stage. Started 10/07 and have three months left. Have done my psch visit, nutritionist, have seen my surgeon a number of times and have attended support group meetings. I am definitely looking forward to after the surgery so I can get on the road to the rest of my healthy life. I have lost 33lbs since starting and feel soooo much better. More mobile and just all around happier with myself. I can answer some pre-op questions. But, there is so much info from people at this site. There are people that are in the medical profession who have had the lap band. They are full of great info. Good luck on your journey.

Thanks for the greeting, Ky. My girls are from Sydney and Canberra. Know their families from Queensland and one of the moms lives at The Entrance. How about you?

I had the feeling when you talked this morning about BCBS requiring 6 mo., that I would need to follow that guideline also. Not a big deal. Will just do it and smile while doing it. I also dug up everything I could but was really short info in my files. Mr. dr. just didn't document when I would come in with weight concerns. He would document that I had joint pain but would not refer to my weight. He would document my acid reflux but would not refer to my weight. He would document that I was increasingly getting more tired everyday but did not document anything to do with my weight. Just frustrating. I am willing to do anything I need to at this point to get the approval. I am really going to hit it hard, lose more weight each month and go for the approval again. Good luck with yours...hope you are approved on the first try.

Hi Aussie girls...good luck to you both. Have been to your lovely country a number of times. Had two exchange students live with us ten years back and keep in contact with them and their families almost daily. I miss them terribly and hope to get back to your country next Feb. Both my husband and I feel that Australians have to be the friendliest people God put on this earth. Got a little off the subject. Kygie...hope your healing process is a short one. Aussiechik...hope to be hearing soon that your surgery is over and you are on the mend. AUSSIES ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lizalee...forgot to add...good luck with your approval. Please do not become at all discouraged by my denial. It will happen for me. It's just going to take a little more time than expected. Please keep us informed. I'm pulling for you. Every situation is different.

Hey Lizalee, Well, waited all day and could hardly take it any longer. Emailed my Dr.'s office manager to see if I was going to hear anything today. Denied. Denied on the basis that BCBS would like to see me do the whole 6 months instead of just the three. Now I need to continue on and my paperwork will be turned in again in three months. The nurse did state that they did not turn me down because of any other factor...just tht they want me to do the entire 6 months. My dr. was so sure on Tuesday when I saw him that I would have no trouble getting approved after the three months. As far as I know, most of his patients to get approval in that time period. I am not sure if I will have to see the nutritionist, psych, etc. all over again. I am supposed to be getting a letter from my ins. co. shortly (never know when that will be). I was upset for a bit when I found out but just emailed the nurse back saying I was ready to continue with the next three months. I am in this for the lifetime benefits so what is three more months? I just hope that I can continue to lose and be proud of how I am doing. I know that I am going to try as hard as I did the previous three months. I am not going to get discouraged. I actually am surprised at how at peace I am with their decision. I appreciate you checking....I guess that's what we are all here for. I have relied on this sight the last week to get me through some things and I have certainly appreciated everyone that I was able to talk with. :thumbup:

I am actually considering not going at all. Our trip is to a casino and they are filled with smoke and I don't want to get caught with nicotine in my system just because of second hand smoke. My friend is great. I know she would keep her distance with her smoking.