nanaviv

Hi rainbow, Great news 20 lbs!!! I got some paperwork in the mail today. Along with my appt. for blood work etc., there is an appt. for Dr. H., so I am moving along. That feels good. Nanaviv

Hi SherryW, You sound so up, it makes me feel that way. Keep it up and thanks. The rest of you are doing so well, you keep me feeling positive, too. I was a little worried last week when Dr. Jones said not everyone at that meeting would make it. I quit smoking for this!!! I better make it. That is how much I want it!!!!!! Nanaviv

Hi SherriW, Thanks for being so informative. How far do you live? I live on Cape Cod. It is about a 2 hr. drive. For a while I have to bother my husband to take me until I feel comfortable doing it. That is why I am counting visits. It seems crazy in Boston to me. I don't know if I can get used to it!!!!! But, I'm glad to be started. Thanks again for your info. Nanaviv

Hi all, Good luck with fill rainbow. Everyone says the fill should take care of the hunger. I took everyone's advice and called today for an appointment. I got one for later in Sept. and I plan on going to the meeting again on Sept. 14th, so I guess I am moving along. Do we just go to 2 meetings before surgery? And the rest is meetings with individuals? At last I feel I am doing something. Nanaviv

Hi SherryW, Yes, I sent in my survey application. At first they weren't going to accept me because I am borderline BMI, but then because I have sleep apnea, they accepted me. Now, I went to my first meeting last Thursday. I met Dr. Jones and liked him very much. Not much else has been said except the office gave me two phone numbers to use. I guess why I am confused is one number is 401 area code, one is 617 - this one is to get blood work, etc. in the am. the 401 # is 401-497-3536. Sound familiar to anyone? Is that for a Dr.'s appt.? I just thought everything would be 617. If I am still confused Monday, I will just call the office where I sent the survey and ask questions. Thanks everyone. Nanaviv

Hi deezadoo, The office gave me a 401 # which surprized me. Is that the appt. you mean. I will call for that one on Mon. if I should get a head start on it. Thanks. Nanaviv

Hi All, For instance I didn't know there were two meetings like last night until last night, and then what is next. I know there are medical tests and a psych test before we get to see the doctor and we don't know if we are accepted until we see him and he then contacts our insurance. But when he said last night not all of you will make it, I really got scared because my BMI is borderline and I was only accepted because of sleep apnea and a couple of other health problems. And I am sooo ready. I am just trying to see how many times I will be going into Boston, it sounds like 4 or 5 before surgery. I want to learn the way myself so I don't have to depend on anyone but after last night - I don't know! I wish I was further along. Thanks for your help. Nanaviv

Hi All - deezadoo and rainbow, you are doing wonderful. And chrispygal, 6 wks. to go -great. I went to my 1st meeting. It is a zoo getting in there! I live on the Cape. But, it was great. It was given by Dr. Jones. He was so informative. The discouraging part is he said some of the people there won't make it. I only have 75 lbs. to lose and I'm on the low side, but I have sleep apnea or I don't think they would have taken me, so I keep my fingers crossed. I am so ready, I would be so upset if refused either by them or insurance at this point. But anyway, there is one more meeting, right. Where do you get info on the steps? I didn't know how many meetings until last night. Thanks for any info. Nanaviv

Hi rainbow, Thanks a lot. Nanaviv

Hi Girls, You all sound like you are doing so well. I have been keeping an "eye" on the updates and your progress. I am going to my first meeting on Thursday. Is it in the Beth Israel Hospital itself or another building? Can't wait to get started. Thanks for all the info, especially the psyciatric. Nanaviv

Rainbow, You sound like you are doing great!! Keep up the good work!! Keep us posted. Nanaviv

Hi rainbow, Sounds like you are doing well. Keep up the good work, and keep us informed. Nanaviv

Hi rainbow, I wish I was at the point you are at. I plan on having the lapband done at Beth Israel. I am going to my first meeting Aug. 24. I will be interested to hear your progress. Nanaviv

Thanks for all your help dezadoo. I will come on again after my first meeting, Aug 24th. Unless someone has any other advise. Nanaviv

Wow, that is quick. I noticed you are much younger than me. That helps. Also, I will be traveling from Cape Cod. A long drive after surgery. But, I am way ahead of myself. I wish it was going to be tomorrow. I dread going back and forth to Boston. Where do you live? Are you on liquids? How long before you try soft foods? Thanks, Nanaviv

Hi, I am glad to hear from someone who went to Beth Israel. I am going to my first meeting Aug. 24th. How long did you stay in the hospital? How long was it from your first meeting to your surgery? How are you feeling? Thanks for responding. Nanaviv

Hi, I agree for the reasons listed by lianna above that you should go for it. I had chin lipo quite a while ago (I have since gained more weight, and now want lapband) and it wasn't that painful). I had some other work done, and it was like the chin wasn't even noticable. But do what you feel comfortable with. Nanaviv

Hi, I am nanaviv. I haven't been on in a long time because I didn't think I would get insurance coverage. But I just found out I have sleep apnea which I think will help. I have medicare and a supplement. Medicare said that for sleep apnea they will pay for bariatric surgery and probably lapband. Any people out there with experience with this. I am just starting the paperwork with Beth Israel also. Excited and nervous.

Congrats! I just saw my primary and got permission for a sleep apnea test. I think if I have it that will help with insurance later on. I wish I was as far along as you are. Good luck. Nanaviv

Hi again, Thanks for the info. What is considered the obesity part? How many pounds overweight? I know I am asking for a lot of information but if at least some of the surgery isn't covered, I don't know if I should start. Thanks again, Nanaviv

Hi tomorrow's dream, I am happy to hear from you too. I will be 65 at the end of this year and will go on medicare then. I don't have as serious a problem as you do but I am starting to have trouble breathing and really bad acid reflux> I am hoping losing weight would help these problems. I cannot walk 30 feet without losing my breath but I don't know if these things are serious enough for an ins. co. or medicare. I am trying to give up smoking too. Every time I do, on go the lbs. I was worried that a doctor would not do the surgery at this age, or that medicare would not pay. Thanks for writing. Nanaviv

Lucky you. I am so nervous about starting. I wish I was at your stage. Good luck. Nanaviv

Hi tztmama, Good to hear from you. You didn't say where you are from. I will be looking for a doctor in the Boston area. Let us know how you are doing.

I just signed in yesterday. All is so new to me. I signed in to see what you girls thought of your doctors and hosp.. But fills I had never heard of. How often does this take place? And how long over time? It sounds like a lot of maintenance. I live 50-60 miles from Boston where it looks like I would have to go. HELP!!

Thank you so much for answering. So far you are the only one that has. I have so many questions. Was recovery difficult? What is a fill? If insurance doesn't pay, how much would it cost? Where did you have yours? Is is working well? I don't know where to begin, and what doctor to choose. Also, I am 64. Everyone else is so much younger. Thanks for any help. Nanaviv